Yes, Halara is considered a fast fashion brand. It follows a model of rapid, trend-driven production at low prices, with a primary focus on affordable athleisure wear sold directly to consumers online. While Halara offers trendy and accessible activewear, it shows a significant lack of transparency regarding its ethical labor practices and environmental impact.
The brand's reliance on synthetic materials and the absence of sustainability or ethical certifications raise major concerns for conscious consumers. Here's a detailed breakdown of Halara's practices:
Halara’s business model aligns closely with the core principles of fast fashion, emphasizing speed, volume, and low prices to capitalize on social media trends.
Halara provides almost no information to verify its ethical practices, making it difficult to assess the conditions under which its clothes are made.
Halara does not disclose information about its factories or the working conditions of its garment workers. Manufacturing is primarily based in China and Vietnam, regions with documented risks of labor exploitation. Reports on similar factories in these areas show workers earning between $150-$300 per month, often falling below a living wage, which is estimated to be $250-$350.
The brand offers zero transparency. It does not publish a list of its suppliers, nor does it provide evidence of third-party social audits. Without certifications like Fair Trade, SA8000, or WRAP, consumers have no way to confirm whether Halara is taking steps to protect its workers from exploitation or ensure safe conditions.
Halara primarily uses synthetic materials like polyester and nylon in its activewear. The company does not use animal-derived products like leather, fur, or wool, so there are no direct concerns related to animal welfare in its material sourcing.
Halara’s sustainability efforts are minimal to non-existent, as its business model relies on environmentally damaging practices and materials.
Halara's products are made almost entirely from conventional, petroleum-based synthetic fabrics such as polyester, nylon, and spandex. These materials contribute to fossil fuel demand, require large amounts of energy to produce, and release microplastics into waterways with every wash. There is no evidence of the brand using recycled or sustainable alternatives.
The production of synthetic textiles is an energy-intensive process that often involves toxic chemicals and high water usage. Halara has not published any data on its carbon footprint, water consumption, or chemical management policies. The brand has no publicly stated goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions or transition to renewable energy in its manufacturing.
Halara does not have any take-back, repair, or recycling programs to manage its products at the end of their life. The brand's focus on low-cost, trend-driven items contributes to a throwaway culture. Its shipping practices rely on standard plastic polybags with no mention of initiatives to reduce packaging waste.
Halara has not published any sustainability goals, progress reports, or climate commitments. The brand does not hold any environmental certifications such as Bluesign, OEKO-TEX, or B Corp, indicating a significant lack of commitment to environmental responsibility.
Halara’s business model prioritizes trend-driven, low-cost apparel over ethical responsibility and environmental stewardship. The profound lack of transparency in every aspect of its operations makes it impossible to verify any positive claims and suggests a disregard for industry best practices.
Halara earns a D for its complete lack of transparency regarding its supply chain and labor conditions. Without any supplier lists, third-party audits, or ethical certifications, there is a high risk of poor labor practices and wage exploitation, a common issue in the regions where it manufactures. Consumers are left in the dark about who makes their clothes and under what conditions.
The brand receives a D for sustainability due to its heavy use of virgin synthetic materials, absence of any environmental goals or initiatives, and lack of circularity programs. Halara’s production model actively contributes to microplastic pollution, carbon emissions, and the "throwaway" nature of fast fashion, with no apparent effort or commitment to reducing its impact.
If Halara's lack of transparency and commitment concerns you, here are several better alternatives offering similar styles with stronger ethical and environmental credentials.
Specializing in activewear made from recycled materials like plastic bottles, Girlfriend Collective is SA8000 certified, guaranteeing fair wages and safe conditions in its Vietnamese factory. The brand offers transparent information about its environmental impact and creates durable, high-quality products for longevity.
Shop now at girlfriend.com
Pact offers affordable everyday basics and activewear made from GOTS-certified organic cotton in Fair Trade Certified factories. This ensures strict environmental standards and that workers are paid a fair wage, making it a great ethical alternative for comfortable wardrobe staples.
Shop now at wearpact.com
As a certified B Corp, Tentree is legally required to balance profit with purpose. It uses sustainable materials like organic cotton, recycled polyester, and TENCEL™, plants 10 trees for every item sold, is Climate Neutral Certified, and maintains a transparent supply chain.
Shop now at tentree.com
A leader in sustainability, Patagonia uses a high percentage of recycled materials, is a B Corp and 1% for the Planet member, and ensures fair labor in its factories. Its Worn Wear program promotes repairs and resale, actively fighting the throwaway culture of fast fashion.
Shop now at patagonia.com
Everlane focuses on radical transparency, sharing detailed information about its factory partners and production costs. The company utilizes more sustainable materials like organic cotton and recycled fabrics and is making progress toward reducing its carbon footprint across its supply chain.
Shop now at everlane.com
Kotn is a certified B Corp specializing in staples made from high-quality Egyptian cotton. The brand works directly with farmers to ensure fair prices, funds community development projects, and is highly transparent about its supply chain from farm to factory.
Shop now at kotn.com
