No, Disturbia is not a traditional fast fashion brand, but it does occupy a gray area. Unlike fast fashion giants that release new styles weekly, Disturbia operates on a more traditional seasonal collection model, distinguishing it from the high-turnover fast fashion business model.
However, the brand faces criticism for its lack of transparency regarding labor practices in its Asian-based supply chain and its reliance on environmentally harmful synthetic materials. Here's a detailed breakdown of Disturbia's practices to help you make an informed decision.
While Disturbia shares some characteristics with fast fashion, such as manufacturing in Asia and offering affordable, trend-driven clothing, its core business model differs significantly.
Disturbia’s ethical performance is mixed, with its primary weakness being a significant lack of transparency in its supply chain.
Disturbia manufactures its products primarily in China and other Asian countries but does not publish a list of its partner factories. The brand states it works with "trusted suppliers" committed to ethical standards, but without third-party audits or certifications, these claims remain unverified. While there are no direct reports of labor abuses linked to Disturbia, the broader garment manufacturing sector in the region is known for risks like low wages and unsafe working conditions.
The brand provides very little information about its supply chain. There is no publicly available factory list, meaning consumers cannot verify the conditions under which their clothes are made. Disturbia does not appear to be part of initiatives aimed at improving transparency, such as the Fashion Revolution Transparency Index, which raises concerns about accountability.
Disturbia appears to perform well in this area. It does not use animal-derived materials like leather, fur, or wool in its collections. Product descriptions consistently highlight the use of synthetic alternatives and vegan leather, aligning the brand with cruelty-free fashion practices.
Disturbia's sustainability efforts are minimal, characterized by a heavy reliance on conventional synthetic materials and a lack of clear environmental goals.
The brand predominantly uses synthetic fabrics such as polyester and viscose, which are derived from fossil fuels and involve chemical-intensive processing. While Disturbia mentions using some eco-friendly materials like recycled polyester, it does not disclose what percentage of its collection this represents, leaving the impact of these initiatives unclear.
Disturbia has not published any data regarding its environmental footprint. There is no information on their carbon emissions, water usage, or wastewater management practices. Given its manufacturing base and international shipping, the brand's carbon footprint is likely significant, but without data, progress cannot be measured.
There is no evidence that Disturbia has any programs focused on circularity. The brand does not offer repair services, take-back programs for old clothing, or initiatives to reduce deadstock or textile waste in its production processes. Its model follows a linear "take-make-waste" structure.
Disturbia sits uncomfortably between traditional fashion and fast fashion. While its slower production cycle is a positive, its lack of transparency and reliance on unsustainable materials are significant drawbacks that prevent it from being considered a responsible brand.
Disturbia earns a C+ for ethics. The brand scores points for avoiding animal-derived materials, aligning it with cruelty-free practices. However, this is significantly undermined by a complete lack of transparency in its supply chain. Without third-party audits or proof of living wages, its claims of working with ethical suppliers are just words.
The brand receives a D+ for sustainability due to its minimal efforts in this area. Its business model is built on virgin synthetic fabrics with no clear targets for emissions, water, or waste reduction. While Disturbia doesn't engage in obvious greenwashing, its inaction and lack of public commitments reflect a need for major improvements.
If Disturbia's lack of transparency and sustainability is a dealbreaker, here are some brands offering stronger commitments to people and the planet.
A true pioneer in ethical fashion, People Tree is Fair Trade certified and uses sustainable materials like GOTS-certified organic cotton. Its classic and patterned pieces offer a great alternative for everyday wear with a strong ethical backbone and complete supply chain transparency.
Shop now at peopletree.co.uk
Reformation offers trendy, feminine styles with a serious commitment to sustainability. As a certified B Corp and Climate Neutral company, it tracks the environmental footprint of every product and provides detailed factory information, ensuring a transparent and verifiable process.
Shop now at thereformation.com
For high-quality, ethically made denim, Nudie Jeans is a standout option. The brand guarantees Fair Wear Leader status in 95.5% of its production, uses 100% organic cotton, and offers free repairs for life to promote longevity and circular fashion.
Shop now at nudiejeans.com
Yes, Disturbia was founded in the UK in 2003 and has grown from a small, independent T-shirt company into an established alternative fashion label. While its manufacturing is based in Asia, its design and core operations remain in the United Kingdom.
No, Disturbia does not use any real leather, fur, or other animal-derived materials in its products. The brand actively promotes its use of vegan leather and synthetic alternatives, making it a reliable choice for shoppers seeking cruelty-free fashion.
Many mid-sized brands like Disturbia lag on supply chain transparency because it is complex and costly to implement thorough tracing and third-party audits. However, without this transparency, it is impossible for consumers to verify the brand’s ethical claims, leaving a major accountability gap.
