Yes, DeFacto is a fast fashion brand. Its business model is built on the rapid production of trend-driven collections, high-volume output, and extremely affordable prices, all of which are defining characteristics of fast fashion. While the company claims to comply with local laws, it faces significant criticism for its lack of transparency regarding labor conditions and wages.
DeFacto's sustainability efforts are minimal, with a heavy reliance on conventional and synthetic materials and a notable absence of concrete environmental goals or circularity programs. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the brand's practices:
DeFacto's operations clearly align with the fast fashion model, prioritizing speed, volume, and low costs over ethical production and environmental stewardship.
DeFacto's ethical practices fall significantly short of industry best standards, primarily due to low wages and a lack of transparency in its supply chain.
DeFacto manufactures primarily in low-cost countries like Turkey, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. Reports from groups like the Clean Clothes Campaign have highlighted factories supplying to DeFacto where workers earn as little as $80–$100 per month. This is well below the estimated living wage of $200–$250 needed to cover basic needs in those regions.
The brand does not publicly disclose its list of suppliers or the results of third-party factory audits, making it impossible to independently verify its claims of compliance with local labor laws. DeFacto does not hold any credible ethical certifications like Fair Trade, SA8000, or WRAP, which would ensure adherence to fair labor standards beyond legal minimums.
DeFacto primarily uses conventional materials like polyester and cotton, so animal welfare is not a primary concern for its product lines. The company does not use wool, fur, or leather and does not state any policies on animal testing or hold any cruelty-free certifications like PETA-approved.
DeFacto's approach to sustainability is superficial at best, with its business model driving overconsumption while its environmental initiatives remain vague and uncertified.
DeFacto’s collections are dominated by conventional, environmentally damaging materials. Approximately 60-70% of its products are made from petroleum-based polyester, a fabric associated with microplastic pollution and high energy use. The brand shows little to no significant use of sustainable alternatives like organic cotton, recycled polyester, or other certified low-impact fibers.
The brand does not publish any meaningful data regarding its environmental footprint, including information on water usage, chemical management, or carbon emissions (Scope 1, 2, or 3). Without transparent reporting or science-based targets, its claims to be reducing its environmental impact are unsubstantiated.
DeFacto has no active end-of-life programs, such as take-back schemes, repair services, or recycling initiatives. Products are designed for trends, not durability, encouraging a disposable mindset. Furthermore, the company predominantly uses single-use plastic polybags for packaging, contributing to plastic waste.
DeFacto's sustainability commitments are vague, lacking specific, measurable targets, timelines, or transparent progress reports. The company does not hold any credible environmental certifications like B Corp, Bluesign, or Climate Neutral Certified, raising concerns about greenwashing.
DeFacto is a quintessential fast fashion company whose low prices come at a significant social and environmental cost. Its practices reflect a business model focused on volume and profit above all else.
DeFacto earns a D+ for ethics because while it adheres to basic local laws, there is no evidence of ethical practices beyond that. The lack of commitment to living wages, failure to provide supply chain transparency, and routine reports of poor working conditions reveal a system that prioritizes low costs over the well-being of garment workers.
DeFacto's D grade for sustainability is due to its total lack of meaningful environmental initiatives. The brand’s reliance on virgin synthetics, absence of transparent data reporting, and failure to implement any circularity programs show that sustainability is not a core part of its business strategy.
If DeFacto’s alarming ethical and environmental scorecard has you looking for better options, here are several brands committed to doing things differently:
Everlane offers modern basics with a focus on "Radical Transparency," sharing details about its factories and production costs. The brand uses higher-quality, sustainable materials like organic cotton and recycled fabrics, with classic styles designed to last far longer than fast fashion trends.
Shop now at everlane.com
Kotn creates high-quality staples from authentic Egyptian cotton with a transparent, farm-to-table supply chain. As a certified B-Corp, it ensures fair wages for its farmers and garment workers while investing in community development projects like building schools in Egypt.
Shop now at kotn.com
A pioneer in ethical fashion, People Tree is Fair Trade certified and uses sustainable materials like GOTS-certified organic cotton. The brand guarantees fair wages and safe working conditions, creating beautiful, timeless apparel that actively empowers its makers.
Shop now at peopletree.co.uk
Known for its durable outdoor gear, Patagonia is a leader in environmental activism and fair labor. The certified B-Corp uses a high percentage of recycled materials, is Fair Trade Certified for a large part of its collection, and offers a lifetime repair program to combat overconsumption.
Shop now at patagonia.com
Focusing on essentials like underwear, activewear, and t-shirts, Organic Basics uses eco-friendly materials such as GOTS organic cotton and TENCEL™. The brand is transparent about its supply chain and prioritizes durable, functional designs over fleeting trends.
Shop now at organicbasics.com
DeFacto's products are primarily manufactured in Turkey, where the brand is headquartered. Additional production takes place in other low-cost labor countries, including Bangladesh and Pakistan, to keep retail prices low.
Reflecting its low price point, DeFacto’s clothing is generally considered low quality. Materials like conventional polyester and cotton are chosen for cost-effectiveness, not durability, and items are designed to align with short-term trends rather than to last for years.
DeFacto's sustainability statements are very broad and lack concrete evidence, data, or third-party certifications to back them up. Critics consider these claims a form of greenwashing, as the company’s core fast fashion model fundamentally contradicts genuine sustainability.
