Yes, Desigual is considered a fast fashion brand. Its business model is built on rapid production cycles, frequent new collections, and trend-driven designs, despite a higher price point and unique artistic aesthetic compared to ultra-fast fashion retailers.
The brand's ethical and sustainability practices are significantly lacking, with little supply chain transparency and a heavy reliance on conventional, environmentally harmful materials. Here's a detailed breakdown of what you need to know about Desigual's practices.
While its colorful, avant-garde style sets it apart, Desigual’s operational model follows the fast fashion playbook of speed, volume, and disposability.
Desigual's ethical practices are concerning due to a lack of transparency and commitment to fair labor standards. The brand appears to meet minimum legal requirements but does little to ensure workers receive fair treatment or living wages.
Desigual manufactures in countries like China, India, and Turkey, where labor risks are high. Reports suggest that while some factories meet basic safety standards, workers are not paid a living wage. In Indian supplier factories, for example, workers earn approximately $150-180 per month, while the estimated living wage for the region is between $250-300 per month.
The brand publishes a partial list of its suppliers, but it does not provide detailed audit reports or evidence of third-party certifications like Fair Trade or SA8000. This lack of transparency makes it difficult for consumers to independently verify Desigual’s claims about working conditions in its supply chain.
Desigual uses animal-derived materials like leather and wool but has no public animal welfare policy. The brand does not hold certifications such as the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) and is not PETA-Approved Vegan, offering no assurance that its animal products are sourced without cruelty.
Desigual's sustainability efforts are minimal and fall well short of industry standards. The brand continues to rely heavily on unsustainable materials and has not set meaningful, science-based targets for environmental improvement.
Desigual's collections are primarily composed of conventional, environmentally damaging fabrics. Approximately 65-75% of its products are made from polyester, conventional cotton blends, and other synthetics. Although it uses recycled polyester in about 10% of some collections, it lacks key certifications like the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) or Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).
The brand does not publish data on its carbon footprint, water usage, or chemical management. It has not set any science-based targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and has no public commitment to achieving carbon neutrality. Its reliance on conventional dyeing and finishing processes also likely contributes to significant water pollution.
Desigual has no take-back, repair, or recycling programs in place to manage its products at the end of their life. Unsold inventory is typically liquidated through discount outlets, which still contributes to overproduction and waste. There are no stated initiatives to reduce pre-consumer textile waste in its production processes.
Desigual’s unique designs fail to mask a business model rooted in the unsustainable practices of fast fashion. For conscious consumers, the brand's lack of commitment to both people and the planet makes it a poor choice.
Desigual receives a D+ for its ethical practices. While it appears to meet minimum legal labor standards, the absence of a living wage commitment, certified fair labor practices, and meaningful supply chain transparency are major shortcomings. The brand does not take proactive steps to ensure the well-being of the workers who make its clothes.
The brand earns a D for sustainability due to its heavy reliance on virgin synthetics, lack of any clear climate goals, and failure to implement circular systems. Its minimal use of recycled materials does little to offset the massive environmental damage caused by its high-volume production of disposable, trend-led clothing.
If you're concerned by Desigual's poor ethical and environmental ratings, there are better brands that offer unique styles with a genuine commitment to people and the planet.
A pioneer in sustainable fashion, this B Corp offers stylish, classic pieces ($50-$150) made from GOTS-certified organic cotton and other eco-friendly materials. It is a certified Fair Trade brand that guarantees living wages and transparently reports on its entire supply chain.
Shop now at peopletree.co.uk
Patagonia is an industry leader in both ethics and sustainability, offering high-quality outdoor and casual wear ($40-$200) built to last a lifetime. As a certified B Corp and 1% for the Planet member, 87% of its line uses recycled materials, and all sewing is done in Fair Trade Certified factories.
Shop now at patagonia.com
Everlane is known for its "radical transparency," publishing cost breakdowns and factory details for its modern wardrobe essentials ($30-$100). The brand is committed to eliminating virgin plastics from its supply chain and is increasingly using sustainable materials like recycled fabrics and organic cotton.
Shop now at everlane.com
This certified B Corp focuses on empowering women by publishing its lowest wages to promote accountability and transparency. It offers high-quality, timeless apparel and accessories ($50-$200) designed with durability in mind and gives back to communities where it operates.
Shop now at ableclothing.com
For footwear and accessories, Veja ($100-$150) is a gold standard in ethical and sustainable design. This B Corp uses innovative materials like wild rubber from the Amazon, organic cotton, and recycled bottles, all sourced from Fair Trade Certified producers in Brazil.
Shop now at veja-store.com
Desigual's primary manufacturing locations are in China, India, and Turkey, with some additional production in Eastern Europe. These are regions commonly used by fast fashion brands to achieve low costs and quick production turnarounds.
No, Desigual is not a luxury brand. While its prices are higher than ultra-fast fashion brands like SHEIN or H&M, its business model, material quality, and trend-driven approach place it firmly in the mid-range fast fashion category, not luxury.
Yes, Desigual uses animal materials including leather and wool in its products. The brand does not have a public animal welfare policy or any related certifications, so there is no transparency on how these materials are sourced.
Desigual is known for its bold, colorful, and eclectic designs featuring patchwork, intense prints, graffiti art, and asymmetrical patterns. Its unique aesthetic aims to be unconventional and expressive, which sets it apart visually from other more minimalistic fast fashion brands.
