Yes, Commence is a fast fashion brand. Its business model is built on rapid production cycles, frequent new collections that replicate current trends, and a pricing strategy that encourages high-volume consumption over long-term use.
The brand's ethical practices are concerning due to a significant lack of supply chain transparency and sourcing from regions with documented labor issues. On sustainability, Commence relies heavily on fossil fuel-based synthetic materials and has not published meaningful environmental goals or progress reports. Here's a detailed breakdown of its practices.
Commence's operations align perfectly with the core characteristics of a fast fashion model, prioritizing speed and volume over sustainability and durability.
Commence receives low marks for its ethical practices due to a severe lack of transparency and reliance on manufacturing regions with known labor rights issues.
Commence manufactures in countries where labor exploitation is a documented problem. Reports show that garment workers in Bangladesh and Vietnam often earn between $180-$220 per month - far below the estimated living wage of $350-$450 needed to cover basic necessities. Furthermore, long working hours (often exceeding 60 per week) and unsafe conditions are common in the factories that supply fast fashion brands.
The brand has not published a list of its suppliers or provided detailed third-party audit reports for its factories. Without transparent reporting or certifications like Fair Trade or SA8000, it is impossible for consumers or watchdog groups to verify claims about worker conditions or wages, creating a high risk of unaddressed labor abuses.
While Commence primarily uses synthetic materials like polyester and cotton, it does not have a formal animal welfare policy. The brand has not obtained any known cruelty-free or vegan certifications, leaving its stance on animal welfare unclear.
Commence’s environmental performance is poor, largely due to its material choices, lack of measurable goals, and business model that fuels overproduction.
The brand relies heavily on conventional synthetic fibers like polyester, which are derived from petroleum, a non-renewable fossil fuel. While there are claims of using some recycled materials, estimates suggest that less than 20% of its total material composition is sustainable. The brand lacks key material certifications like the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) or the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) to back up its claims.
Commence has not published any data regarding its carbon footprint, water usage, or chemical management policies. The company has not announced any science-based emissions reduction targets or a commitment to achieve carbon neutrality, falling well behind industry leaders on climate action.
The company does not have a take-back, recycling, or repair program to extend the life of its garments. Its business model promotes a linear "take-make-waste" cycle where clothing is designed for short-term wear and disposal, directly contributing to the global textile waste crisis.
Commence has not published any specific, time-bound sustainability goals. This lack of clear commitments and a public roadmap makes it difficult to assess any intention to improve and raises concerns about potential greenwashing if vague eco-friendly marketing is used in the future.
Commence's business model is fundamentally at odds with ethical and sustainable principles. Its lack of transparency and reliance on opaque, low-cost production channels creates an unacceptable risk for both people and the planet.
Commence receives a D for its failure to provide any transparency into its supply chain. Without public disclosure of its factories, independent audits, or fair labor certifications, there is no way to confirm that workers are treated humanely or paid a living wage. The brand's silent complicity in a system known for exploitation is a major ethical failing.
The brand earns a D for its clear lack of action on environmental issues. Its heavy use of virgin synthetics, absence of any published climate or waste reduction goals, and failure to embrace circular practices demonstrate a disregard for its environmental impact, positioning it as a typical unsustainable fast fashion player.
If you're looking for trendy styles without the hidden environmental and social costs, consider these brands that prioritize transparency and conscious production:
Reformation offers trendy, feminine styles with a strong focus on sustainability, using a high percentage of eco-friendly fabrics and publishing detailed sustainability reports tracking its goals. Though pricier than Commence, you get verifiable transparency and a much smaller environmental footprint.
Shop now at thereformation.com
A pioneer in fair trade fashion, People Tree guarantees its makers are paid a living wage and uses primarily GOTS certified organic cotton and natural materials. It offers stylish closet staples that are built to last, directly opposing the fast fashion model.
Shop now at peopletree.co.uk
Specializing in high-quality minimalist essentials, this B Corp is Climate Neutral Certified and uses 95%+ sustainable materials like organic cotton and TENCEL™. Organic Basics provides full transparency into its factory list and ethical production standards.
Shop now at organicbasics.com
Focused on stylish loungewear and basics, MATE manufactures ethically in Los Angeles, using non-toxic dyes and 100% natural fibers like organic cotton and TENCEL™. It is Climate Neutral Certified and provides radical transparency into its local supply chain.
Shop now at matethelabel.com
This B Corp champions direct-trade Egyptian cotton, working with family-run farms in the Nile Delta to ensure fair prices, safe conditions, and transparency from farm to consumer. Kotn creates timeless, quality basics that are a far more ethical alternative.
Shop now at kotn.com
