Is Galartsy Fast Fashion? How Ethical & Sustainable is Galartsy

Is Galartsy fast fashion? Explore its rapid production model, trend replication, and low prices. Learn about its ethics and sustainability efforts.
Written by: 
Ash Read
Last updated: 

Yes, Galartsy is a fast fashion brand. Its business model is built on rapid production cycles, trend replication, and extremely low prices that encourage a high volume of sales.

The brand's ethical claims lack transparency and third-party verification, while its environmental impact is significant due to an over-reliance on petroleum-based synthetic materials. Many experts consider Galartsy a prime example of the fast fashion industry's social and environmental problems.

What Makes Galartsy Fast Fashion?

Galartsy’s operations are a clear indicator of its fast fashion model, prioritizing speed over durability and ethical production to get trendy items to market as quickly as possible.

  • Extreme Production Speed: The brand takes an average of only 3 to 4 weeks to move a product from the design stage to store shelves. This rapid production cycle is designed to capitalize on fleeting micro-trends.
  • High Volume of New Arrivals: Galartsy releases new collections weekly or bi-weekly, featuring over 1,200 new SKUs every year. This constant churn of new products encourages frequent purchasing and disposability.
  • Trend Replication: Galartsy is known for quickly copying designs seen on runways and in streetwear, focusing on imitating popular styles rather than creating original pieces. Its entire business strategy centers on fast replication.
  • Rock-Bottom Pricing: With prices like $8-$12 for T-shirts and $20-$35 for dresses, Galartsy relies on low production costs and high sales volume. This pricing structure is only possible through the use of cheap materials and low wages in its supply chain.

Is Galartsy Ethical?

Galartsy's ethical practices are highly questionable due to a significant lack of transparency and evidence of fair labor standards in its supply chain.

Labor Practices

Galartsy primarily manufactures in countries like Bangladesh, Vietnam, and China, where low production costs are common. Garment factory workers in these regions often face low pay and poor conditions. According to the Clean Clothes Campaign, workers in Bangladesh may earn between $180–$200 per month, far below the estimated living wage of $350–$400.

Supply Chain Transparency

Galartsy does not publish a list of its suppliers or detailed factory audit results. While the brand claims its factories are verified by third-party auditors like SGS, the absence of public reports or certifications (like SA8000 or Fair Trade) makes it impossible to verify these claims. This lack of transparency means there is no accountability for potential labor abuses.

Animal Welfare

Galartsy’s product line uses almost no animal-derived materials, which minimizes animal welfare concerns. However, the brand does not hold any official certifications like PETA-Approved Vegan or Leaping Bunny, which would verify its policies on animal testing or materials sourcing.

Where Galartsy Falls Short Ethically

  • No Evidence of Living Wages: The brand offers no proof that it pays living wages to its factory workers. The extremely low prices of its products strongly suggest that worker pay is kept at or near the legal minimum, which is well below a living wage.
  • Lack of Transparency: Hiding its supplier list and audit results prevents consumers and watchdog groups from assessing the actual working conditions within its supply chain. Vague claims of "verified factories" are meaningless without proof.
  • Absence of Worker Protections: There is no available information about worker benefits, safety protocols, or the right to unionize for the garment workers producing Galartsy's clothing. This is a major red flag for ethical production.

Is Galartsy Sustainable?

Galartsy’s sustainability efforts are practically non-existent. The company's business model is inherently unsustainable, relying on cheap, polluting materials and a disposability mindset.

Materials & Sourcing

The vast majority of Galartsy’s clothing - an estimated 85-90% of its total output - is made from conventional polyester and other petroleum-based synthetic fabrics. Sustainable materials like organic cotton or recycled polyester make up less than 5% of their total fabric usage. They hold no certifications like the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) or OEKO-TEX.

Environmental Impact

Galartsy has released no comprehensive data on its carbon footprint, water usage, or chemical management. The production of polyester is energy-intensive and releases microplastics when washed. Furthermore, the brand has no stated goals for reducing its emissions or pollution, and frequent air freight for shipping further increases carbon emissions.

Circularity & Waste

The company has no take-back, repair, or recycling programs to manage its products at the end of their life cycle. Customer complaints frequently mention poor garment quality and low durability, confirming that products are designed for short-term wear. Unsold inventory is likely incinerated or sent to landfills.

Sustainability Goals & Progress

Galartsy has made only vague statements about "sustainable growth" with no specific, measurable targets or deadlines for improvement. The brand is not certified by reputable bodies like B Corp or Climate Neutral, and its claims remain unsubstantiated and appear to be a form of greenwashing.

Where Galartsy Falls Short on Sustainability

  • Overwhelming Use of Virgin Synthetics: The brand relies almost entirely on virgin, non-biodegradable polyester and synthetics, which contribute to plastic pollution and climate change.
  • No Circularity or Waste Management: Galartsy follows a linear "take-make-waste" model, contributing directly to the millions of tons of textile waste generated annually. Products are not built to last, and there is no system to manage discarded clothing.
  • Lack of Goals and Reporting: Without any public commitments or reporting, the brand's sustainability claims seem hollow. Galartsy displays no genuine effort to address or even acknowledge its environmental impact.

Our Verdict: Galartsy's Ethical & Sustainability Grades

Together with verified information, customer testimony, and product quality, a good warranty can demonstrate a brand's true commitment to its values. However, any missing component in a brand's story and mission is cause for concern. The brand’s operations prioritize speed and profit over human rights and environmental health, placing it far behind industry best practices.

Ethical Practices: D

Galartsy earns a D due to its complete lack of supply chain transparency, failure to provide evidence of living wages, and reliance on manufacturing hubs known for exploitative labor practices. Vague claims about factory audits without public reports do not meet even the minimum standards of accountability.

Sustainability: F

An F grade is warranted for Galartsy’s severe environmental impact. The brand's dependence on virgin polyester (85-90%), lack of emissions or waste reduction targets, and absence of any circularity strategy demonstrate a complete disregard for environmental sustainability. Their business model directly fuels overconsumption and textile waste.

Ethical & Sustainable Alternatives to Galartsy

There needs to be more transparency laws so consumers can know which companies to trust. Fortunately, some brands take sustainability seriously, and your spending decisions can support a better future. Here are alternatives to consider:

Patagonia

Patagonia is a B Corp and a 1% for the Planet member. They donate a portion of all profits to environmental causes and use over 80% organic or recycled materials. Their “Don't Buy This Jacket” campaign actively fights consumption culture.

Everlane

Everlane offers minimalist designs with transparency about factories and costs. The brand is Climate Neutral Certified and uses over 90% sustainable materials, including recycled fabrics. You can shop their collections online.

Tentree

Tentree is a sustainable brand that plants 10 trees for every item purchased. They’ve planted millions of trees worldwide and use eco-conscious materials. Visit their website to learn more.

Veja

Veja focuses on sustainable manufacturing and transparent practices. They use organic cotton and wild rubber from the Amazon. Their commitment to transparency is a model for the industry.