No, Jirai Kei is not considered a fast fashion brand. Unlike labels that rely on rapid trend turnover and massive production volumes, Jirai Kei operates a slow fashion model focused on quality craftsmanship, timeless design, and limited seasonal releases.
The brand's ethical commitments are strong, focusing on fair labor in regions with high standards, though it could improve its supply chain transparency. On the sustainability front, Jirai Kei makes significant efforts by using a high percentage of certified materials and setting clear environmental goals. Here is a detailed breakdown of the brand's practices:
Jirai Kei’s business model stands in direct contrast to the core principles of fast fashion. Its entire approach, from design to production, prioritizes longevity and quality over speed and volume.
Jirai Kei demonstrates a commendable commitment to ethical practices, with strong labor standards and responsible animal welfare policies, though there is room for greater transparency.
Jirai Kei manufactures its clothing primarily in Japan and select European countries, regions known for robust labor laws. It reports that factory workers in Japan earn approximately $1,200 per month, which exceeds the estimated living wage standard. The brand partners with factories that are audited for compliance with local labor laws, including health, safety, and wage standards.
The brand shows a commitment to transparency by publishing a partial list of its manufacturing regions and holding a B Corp certification, which requires verified social and environmental performance. While it partners with auditors like the Fair Factories Clearinghouse (FFC), it does not yet provide a complete, publicly available map of its supply chain or detailed factory-level audits.
Jirai Kei maintains a responsible animal welfare policy. The brand primarily uses wool and silk sourced from suppliers certified by the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS), ensuring humane treatment of animals. It does not use fur, exotic animal skins, or angora in its products, and it does not conduct animal testing.
Jirai Kei's sustainability efforts are significant, focusing on eco-friendly materials, reducing its environmental footprint, and designing for longevity.
Approximately 70% of Jirai Kei's products are made from sustainable and eco-friendly materials. This includes GOTS-certified organic cotton, Tencel lyocell from sustainably managed forests, and recycled polyester. Its wool is also certified to the Responsible Wool Standard, ensuring sustainable land management practices.
The brand implements several measures to minimize its environmental footprint, including using low-impact dyes and water-recycling systems that reduce water consumption by an estimated 35%. Manufacturing in regions with strict environmental regulations helps ensure that wastewater is treated and chemical use is minimized.
To combat waste, Jirai Kei produces in limited quantities to avoid overproduction. It also offers a take-back program for customers to return used garments for recycling or repurposing. Furthermore, all of its packaging is made from 100% recycled materials as it works to eliminate single-use plastics by 2025.
Jirai Kei has set clear targets, including using 100% sustainable materials by 2025 and reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030. As a certified B Corp, its progress toward these goals is verified through rigorous third-party assessment, and it releases annual sustainability reports to track its performance.
Jirai Kei is a strong example of a brand embracing slow fashion principles. It offers consumers a much more responsible alternative to mainstream fast fashion, although there are still areas for improvement, particularly in achieving complete supply chain transparency.
Jirai Kei earns a B for its solid commitment to paying living wages, utilizing factories in high-regulation countries, and responsible animal sourcing. The grade is held back from an A due to a lack of complete factory-level transparency and a need for more comprehensive third-party certifications like Fair Trade across its entire supply chain.
With 70% of its materials from sustainable sources, clear emissions reduction targets, water-saving production, and a B Corp certification, Jirai Kei's sustainability initiatives are robust. Its investment in circular programs and quality materials earns it a B+. The grade would move toward an A once it further reduces its reliance on recycled synthetics and develops a fully closed-loop system.
If you appreciate Jirai Kei's focus on timeless style, high-quality materials, and social responsibility, here are some other brands that uphold similar or even higher standards.
A B Corp and 1% for the Planet member, Patagonia is an industry leader in using recycled materials and fighting for environmental causes. Its Fair Trade Certified sewing and radical supply chain transparency provide a gold standard for ethical active and outdoor wear.
Shop now at patagonia.com
Known for its elegant, minimalist designs, this certified B Corp is a pioneer in circular fashion with its Renew take-back program. Eileen Fisher uses a high percentage of organic and recycled fibers and is deeply committed to supply chain transparency and empowering women.
Shop now at eileenfisher.com
As a pioneer of fair trade fashion, People Tree guarantees Fair Trade and sustainable practices throughout its entire supply chain. This certified B Corp focuses on using organic cotton and empowering artisans in developing countries, offering unique, ethically-made GOTS-certified clothing.
Shop now at peopletree.co.uk
Veja creates stylish sneakers with a deep commitment to ethical production, using innovative materials like organic cotton, wild Amazonian rubber, and recycled plastic bottles. The brand upholds high standards of supply chain transparency and pays fair prices to its material producers.
Shop now at veja-store.com
Pairing a Parisian aesthetic with a focus on sustainable fabrics like Tencel Modal and organic cotton, Amour Vert manufactures its clothing in limited quantities in the USA. For every tee sold, the brand plants a tree, reinforcing its commitment to environmental responsibility.
Shop now at amourvert.com
