While often seen as a trendy online boutique, Dressed in Lala is a fast fashion brand. Its business model is built on rapidly releasing trendy, low-cost collections sourced from regions with minimal transparency.
The brand's ethical practices are concerning due to a complete lack of supply chain transparency, and its environmental efforts appear to be virtually non-existent. Here's a detailed breakdown of what you need to know about Dressed in Lala's practices.
Dressed in Lala's operations align perfectly with the fast fashion model of speed, volume, and low prices, even if it operates on a smaller scale than giants like Shein.
Dressed in Lala's ethical profile is poor, primarily due to extreme opacity surrounding its supply chain and a complete lack of verified labor standards.
Dressed in Lala manufactures in regions notorious for labor rights issues, yet provides no evidence that it protects workers. With no supplier list, public audits, or certifications like Fair Trade or SA8000, there is no way to verify worker conditions. Wages in these regions are often below a living wage, for example, many garment workers earn around $180-$250 per month when a living wage is estimated to be $350-$400.
The brand offers zero transparency. It does not publish a list of factories, audit reports, or a code of conduct for its suppliers. This complete lack of disclosure makes it impossible for consumers to know where or how their clothing is made, a significant red flag in the fashion industry.
Dressed in Lala primarily uses synthetic and cotton-based materials and does not appear to source animal products like leather, fur, or wool. While this means animal welfare is not a primary ethical concern for the brand, it does not hold any animal-friendly certifications like PETA-Approved Vegan.
Dressed in Lala shows no meaningful commitment to sustainability, with practices that align with the high-impact, disposable model of traditional fast fashion.
The vast majority of Dressed in Lala's products - estimated at over 80% - are made from conventional, high-impact materials like polyester, nylon, and non-organic cotton. The brand does not mention using any certified sustainable fabrics like organic cotton (GOTS) or recycled polyester (GRS), indicating that material sustainability is not a priority.
While Dressed in Lala doesn't publish any environmental data, its business model implies a significant footprint. The production of its synthetic materials is energy-intensive and releases microplastics, while the dyeing processes typical in its manufacturing regions involve high water and chemical usage.
The brand has no circular initiatives in place, such as take-back programs, repair services, or recycling systems. Its low-cost, trend-driven clothing is designed for short-term use, contributing directly to the textile waste crisis. Packaging is primarily plastic-based with no advertised use of recycled or compostable materials.
Dressed in Lala has not published any public sustainability goals, commitments to reduce its carbon footprint, or progress reports. It does not hold any environmental certifications such as B Corp, Climate Neutral, or Bluesign, indicating sustainability is not part of its corporate strategy.
Dressed in Lala's refusal to provide an ounce of transparency into its supply chain, combined with its fast fashion business model, makes it impossible to recommend for conscious consumers. Its practices fall far short of modern ethical and environmental standards.
The brand receives a D for its complete lack of transparency on labor practices. Sourcing from high-risk regions without providing any supplier information, third-party audits, or a code of conduct leaves consumers in the dark and suggests a failure to take accountability for worker welfare in its supply chain.
We give Dressed in Lala an F for sustainability. With no evidence of sustainable materials, climate goals, waste reduction programs, or environmental reporting, the brand embodies the environmentally damaging aspects of the fast fashion industry. Its entire model appears to operate without any consideration for its planetary impact.
If you're looking for trendy and fun styles but want to support brands with much higher ethical and environmental standards, consider these alternatives:
A B Corp and Fair Trade pioneer, People Tree offers timeless styles made from organic and sustainable materials. The brand guarantees living wages and safe conditions in its fully transparent supply chain. Prices are higher ($50-$150), reflecting the true cost of ethical production.
Shop now at peopletree.co.uk
This B Corp specializes in high-quality, minimalist essentials made from sustainable materials like organic cotton and recycled nylon. Organic Basics ensures fair wages and transparent production processes, with prices for functional staples ranging from $30-$80.
Shop now at organicbasics.com
As a German B Corp, Armedangels creates stylish and fair clothing using GOTS-certified organic cotton and other eco-friendly materials. They are committed to fair wages and climate-neutral production, offering fashionable pieces from $50-$150.
Shop now at armedangels.com
Known for its radical transparency on factory costs and fair labor practices, Everlane offers modern wardrobe essentials. The brand is increasingly using recycled and organic materials, aiming to eliminate virgin plastics from its supply chain, with prices from $20-$100.
Shop now at everlane.com
While focused on outdoor and casual wear, Patagonia is a leader in activism and ethical production. As a B Corp using over 85% recycled materials and guaranteeing Fair Trade production, it's an excellent choice for durable, built-to-last clothing ($50-$300+).
Shop now at patagonia.com
Both brands share the core fast fashion model of trend replication at low prices with opaque supply chains. However, Shein is a much larger "ultra-fast" fashion giant operating at a global scale that dwarfs Dressed in Lala, which functions more like a smaller online boutique.
Fast fashion is defined by a business model, not just company size. A brand's reliance on frequent new drops of trendy, low-priced clothing and a disposable consumption model are what define it as fast fashion. Dressed in Lala's approach fits this definition perfectly.
As of now, the brand has not published any detailed sustainability reports, codes of conduct, or specific ethical commitments on its website. Its marketing and public communication focus entirely on trendiness, style, and affordability rather than its environmental or social impact.
