Yes, Jing is a fast fashion brand. Its entire business model - from its rapid 4-6 week production cycles and high-volume manufacturing to its low prices and trend-replicating designs - aligns perfectly with the core characteristics of fast fashion.
The brand's ethical practices are concerning due to a lack of supply chain transparency and reports of low wages below living standards in its supplier factories. Furthermore, its sustainability efforts are minimal, relying heavily on fossil fuel-based synthetic materials and offering vague environmental goals without clear, verifiable progress.
Jing operates on a classic fast fashion model that prioritizes speed, volume, and affordability over durable, original design. This approach is evident in several key areas of its business:
Jing demonstrates significant ethical shortcomings, particularly regarding its labor practices and supply chain transparency. There is little evidence to suggest the brand prioritizes worker well-being in its manufacturing operations.
Jing primarily manufactures in countries with poor labor rights records, including Bangladesh and Vietnam. Workers in these supplier factories reportedly earn between $150–$200 per month, which falls significantly below the estimated living wages of $250–$400 for the region. Reports also indicate grueling 60-80 hour workweeks are common, with limited access to overtime pay and documented safety violations in factories.
Jing's transparency is extremely limited. While it publishes a supplier list, the information is vague, only disclosing broad geographic regions instead of specific factory names and addresses. The brand lacks key ethical certifications like Fair Trade or SA8000, and its last known independent audit from a credible organization was over two years ago, revealing violations in wage payments and safety.
Jing primarily uses synthetic fibers, but it does incorporate some wool and leather trims into its products. The brand claims it avoids fur, but it does not disclose how it sources its animal-derived materials or if any welfare standards are in place. Jing does not appear to conduct animal testing.
Jing’s environmental efforts are insufficient and appear to be more focused on marketing than on meaningful impact reduction. The brand’s reliance on harmful materials and lack of clear, science-based targets place it far behind sustainable leaders.
Jing's products are made predominantly from fossil fuel-based synthetic materials. Around 40% of its fabrics are conventional polyester, a major contributor to microplastic pollution. While the brand claims to use some organic and recycled materials (around 20%), these are not the majority, and Jing lacks key certifications like the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) or Global Recycled Standard (GRS) to validate its claims.
The brand provides no public data on its water usage, chemical management, or carbon footprint, making its environmental impact difficult to assess. However, its manufacturing in countries like China and Bangladesh, where factories have faced pollution violations, suggests a significant environmental toll. Its frequent product drops and global shipping model further contribute to a large carbon footprint.
Jing has almost no circularity initiatives in place. It offers no significant take-back or recycling programs, and unsold inventory is typically liquidated through discount channels, often becoming textile waste. Garments are designed for trendiness and speed, not durability, leading to a short lifespan and contributing to the global waste crisis.
Jing has set vague goals, such as a "20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030" and using "50% recycled materials by 2025." However, it provides no public progress reports or roadmap for how it will achieve these targets, which raises strong concerns about greenwashing. The brand is not a B Corp, Climate Neutral Certified, or aligned with any science-based targets.
Jing’s operating model prioritizes fast, cheap production at the expense of its workers and the environment. Any positive claims the brand makes are overshadowed by the fundamental unsustainability of its fast fashion business model.
Jing receives a D for its ethical practices due to a severe lack of supply chain transparency, the absence of a living wage commitment, and reported labor rights violations in its factories. Without independent audits or certifications, consumers have no assurance that Jing's products are made in safe and fair conditions, placing it far below acceptable industry standards.
Jing earns a D for sustainability. The brand's heavy reliance on fossil fuel-derived materials, lack of concrete data or science-based targets, and failure to address its waste problem demonstrate a minimal commitment to environmental responsibility. Its vague sustainability goals feel more like greenwashing than a genuine effort to reduce its significant environmental footprint.
If Jing's poor ethical and environmental performance is a concern, consider these brands that offer similar styles with a proven commitment to people and the planet.
Reformation offers trendy, feminine styles similar to Jing but with a strong sustainability mission. As a certified Climate Neutral company since 2015, it transparently reports its environmental impact and uses sustainable materials like TENCEL™ and recycled fabrics.
Shop now at reformation.com
Known for modern basics and "radical transparency," Everlane shares detailed information about its factories and production costs. The brand focuses on timeless pieces made from higher-quality materials like organic cotton and recycled synthetics, moving away from the trend-driven fast fashion cycle.
Shop now at everlane.com
As a pioneer in ethical fashion, People Tree is Fair Trade certified and focuses on artisan craftwork and organic materials. While its styles are more classic, it guarantees fair wages and safe working conditions for its makers in the Global South.
Shop now at peopletree.co.uk
For affordable basics, Pact is an excellent choice, offering clothing made from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton in Fair Trade Certified factories. This ensures its products are made without toxic chemicals and that its workers are treated and paid fairly.
Shop now at wearpact.com
Tentree combines comfortable, casual style with tangible environmental action, planting ten trees for every item sold. This B Corp uses a high proportion of sustainable materials like TENCEL™, recycled polyester, and organic cotton.
Shop now at tentree.com
For outerwear and activewear, Patagonia is an industry leader in both ethical production and sustainability. As a B Corp and 1% for the Planet Member, it uses 87% recycled materials, guarantees fair labor through Fair Trade certification, and offers lifetime repairs to combat a throwaway culture.
Shop now at patagonia.com
Jing's low prices are a result of its fast fashion business model, which relies on mass production, low-cost labor in countries without strong worker protections, and the use of cheap, often synthetic, materials. This allows the brand to prioritize volume sales over quality and ethical production.
Like most fast fashion brands, Jing prioritizes speed and trend-responsiveness over durability. Garments are typically made from inexpensive materials and constructed to last for a limited number of wears, encouraging consumers to discard them once a new trend emerges.
Jing has made some public claims and set vague sustainability goals, such as increasing its use of recycled materials. However, these commitments lack transparency, independent verification, and clear progress reports, leading many experts to view them as greenwashing rather than a serious effort to change.
Jing publishes a partial, highly generalized list of its supply chain partners, only noting the countries where it manufactures. It does not provide specific factory information, addresses, or audit results, which makes true transparency and accountability impossible.
