While its unique made-to-order customization sets it apart, eShakti operates on a business model that aligns with many fast fashion characteristics, including rapid trend replication and affordable pricing. The brand’s ethical practices are largely unverified due to a serious lack of transparency, and its sustainability efforts are minimal at best.
eShakti’s core problem is the absence of public data or third-party certifications to back up any marketing claims, leaving consumers in the dark about its true impact. Here’s what you need to know about eShakti's practices:
eShakti's model combines customization with the speed and trend-focus of fast fashion, resulting in a system that still prioritizes quick turnover over longevity.
eShakti’s ethical standing is poor due to an almost complete lack of transparency across its supply chain and operations. Without public disclosure or third-party verification, its claims about ethical manufacturing cannot be substantiated.
Most of eShakti’s manufacturing takes place in India, Bangladesh, and China, regions with documented risks of labor rights violations. There is no publicly available data on worker wages in its supplier factories, but regional averages for garment workers are often as low as $100-$150 per month, falling far below the estimated living wage of $300-$400. The brand does not hold any certifications like Fair Trade or SA8000 to ensure fair labor standards.
This is a major area of concern. eShakti does not publish a list of its suppliers, factory locations, or the results of any third-party audits. This extreme opacity makes it impossible for consumers to verify where or how their clothes are made, preventing any independent assessment of worker conditions, safety, or pay.
eShakti primarily uses conventional fabrics like polyester, viscose, and cotton, though it also uses some wool blends. The company has no public animal welfare policy and does not hold certifications such as the Responsible Wool Standard or PETA-Approved Vegan. The sourcing of its animal-derived materials is not disclosed.
eShakti has made minimal to no public commitments to environmental sustainability. Its material choices, lack of climate goals, and focus on disposable trends contribute to a significant and unaddressed environmental footprint.
The brand relies almost exclusively on conventional, environmentally damaging materials. The majority of its garments are made from polyester (a fossil fuel-derived plastic), viscose (linked to deforestation), and conventional cotton (a water-intensive crop). eShakti does not report using any significant percentage of sustainable alternatives like organic cotton or recycled polyester and holds no certifications like GOTS or the Global Recycled Standard.
eShakti publishes no data regarding its environmental impact. There are no publicly available targets for reducing its carbon footprint, water usage, or chemical waste. Given its reliance on overseas manufacturing and materials with high environmental costs, its carbon footprint is assumed to be significant and unmitigated.
The brand does not operate any recycling, repair, or take-back programs to manage its products at the end of their life. While its made-to-order model could theoretically reduce some overproduction waste, this small benefit is negated by its use of non-recyclable materials in a trend-driven model that encourages disposal.
eShakti's made-to-order business model presents an interesting approach, but it is not enough to overcome the fundamental flaws in its ethical transparency and environmental practices. The brand operates with a concerning level of opacity that is characteristic of the worst fast fashion offenders.
eShakti earns a D for its severe lack of supply chain transparency. With no supplier lists, audit reports, or a commitment to living wages, it's impossible to verify the conditions in which its clothes are made. This opacity creates a high risk of poor labor practices and fails to meet even the most basic standards of corporate responsibility.
The brand receives a D for its sustainability efforts, which are almost nonexistent. Heavy reliance on conventional and synthetic materials, the absence of any climate or waste reduction goals, and a lack of certifications place it far behind its peers. Its business practices do not demonstrate any meaningful commitment to reducing environmental harm.
If you're looking for brands that offer trendy styles with genuine commitments to ethical production and sustainability, here are several better alternatives:
A B Corp and pioneer in ethical fashion, People Tree guarantees Fair Trade production and primarily uses GOTS-certified organic cotton and Tencel. It offers timeless dresses, tops, and basics while ensuring living wages and environmental protection throughout its transparent supply chain.
Shop now at peopletree.co.uk
This certified B Corp plants ten trees for every item sold and uses eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, recycled polyester, and TENCEL™. Tentree focuses on accessible, casual apparel and is transparent about its factory partners and progress toward its climate goals.
Shop now at tentree.com
Known for its robust environmental advocacy and durable outdoor gear, Patagonia is a leader in using recycled materials and ensuring Fair Trade Certified sewing. The company also promotes circularity through its Worn Wear program, which encourages repair and resale.
Shop now at patagonia.com
Specializing in high-quality basics made from GOTS-certified organic cotton, recycled materials, and TENCEL™, Organic Basics is dedicated to sustainability and transparency. The brand works with certified factory partners to ensure ethical production and designs items for longevity.
Shop now at organicbasics.com
While known for footwear, Veja applies its industry-leading ethical and sustainable principles to create sneakers from organic cotton, wild Amazonian rubber, and recycled plastic bottles. The brand is radically transparent about its materials, production costs, and factory conditions.
Shop now at veja-store.com
In theory, producing clothing on a made-to-order basis can reduce overproduction waste. However, this single positive aspect is heavily outweighed by eShakti's use of unsustainable synthetic materials, lack of climate action, and a business model that still promotes rapid trend cycles.
No, eShakti's clothing is not made in the USA. Its manufacturing is outsourced to partner factories primarily located in India, Bangladesh, and China. The brand does not disclose the specific names or locations of these facilities.
eShakti's slightly higher price point likely reflects the costs associated with its garment customization feature, which requires a different production process than mass-produced items. Despite the price difference, its business model shares key fast fashion traits with brands like Shein, including trend replication and speed-to-market.
