Yes, Kooding is a fast fashion brand, though it operates at a more moderate pace than ultra-fast giants like Shein. Its business model is built on rapid trend replication, low prices, and frequent new arrivals. However, the brand demonstrates significant shortcomings in both ethical practices and environmental sustainability, with a severe lack of transparency across its entire supply chain.
Kooding offers trendy styles at very low costs, but this comes at a high price for workers and the planet. Here’s a detailed breakdown of its practices.
Kooding exhibits several key characteristics of the fast fashion model, focusing on speed and volume over durability and ethical production.
Kooding provides almost no information to suggest it operates ethically, leaving major questions about its labor practices and supply chain accountability unanswered.
Kooding manufactures its clothing in regions known for documented labor rights issues, including China, Vietnam, and Bangladesh. In Bangladesh, for instance, garment worker wages are often around $200/month, falling far short of the estimated living wage of at least $350/month. Without any transparency, there is no way to verify if Kooding's factory workers are paid a living wage or work in safe conditions.
The brand does not disclose its list of suppliers, factory locations, or any third-party audit results. This complete lack of transparency makes it impossible for consumers or watchdog groups to assess its labor standards. Kooding does not appear to hold any ethical certifications, such as Fair Trade or SA8000.
While Kooding primarily uses synthetic materials and does not appear to use fur or other controversial animal-derived products, it has no formal or public animal welfare policy. The absence of a stated commitment makes it difficult to assess its stance on this issue comprehensively.
Kooding's sustainability efforts are virtually nonexistent, as its business model relies on the environmentally damaging practices inherent to fast fashion.
The vast majority of Kooding’s products are made from cheap, petroleum-based synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and acrylic. Fewer than 10% of its offerings appear to incorporate any recycled or organic content. These virgin synthetics are energy-intensive to produce, shed microplastics when washed, and are not biodegradable.
Kooding has not published any data on its carbon emissions, water usage, or chemical management policies. The manufacturing processes for its synthetic fabrics are major contributors to pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The brand has made no commitments to reduce its environmental footprint.
The brand has no take-back, repair, or recycling programs to manage its products at the end of their life, funneling them directly toward landfills. Furthermore, there is no information about how Kooding manages textile waste or unsold inventory. Its packaging primarily consists of single-use plastic polybags.
Kooding has no public sustainability goals, targets, or progress reports. The brand is not B Corp Certified or Climate Neutral Certified and shows no ambition to adopt more sustainable practices. This silence suggests sustainability is not a priority for the company.
Kooding’s business model prioritizes trend-driven, low-cost apparel at the expense of ethical production and environmental responsibility. Its near-total lack of transparency makes it a poor choice for conscious consumers.
Kooding earns a D for its ethical practices due to a complete failure in supply chain transparency. Sourcing from high-risk countries without providing any evidence of fair wages, safe working conditions, or third-party audits is a major red flag. There is simply no verifiable information to support any ethical claims.
The brand receives an F for sustainability. Kooding's overwhelming reliance on virgin synthetic materials, combined with a stark absence of environmental targets, waste reduction programs, or transparency, demonstrates a profound disregard for its ecological impact. The company engages in no meaningful sustainability efforts.
If Kooding's poor ethical and environmental performance is a concern, consider these alternatives that offer trendy styles with a genuine commitment to people and the planet.
Patagonia makes durable outdoor and everyday wear using over 80% recycled materials and is a certified B Corp with Fair Trade Certified factories. Though pricier than Kooding (jackets $50-$150), its focus on longevity, activism, and lifetime repairs makes it a leading ethical choice.
Shop now at patagonia.com
A certified B Corp that plants ten trees for every item sold, Tentree offers casual, comfortable clothing made from sustainable materials like organic cotton and TENCEL™. Prices are accessible ($30-$70), and the brand is transparent about its ethical factories and environmental impact.
Shop now at tentree.com
Everlane is known for its "radical transparency," publishing details about its factories and cost breakdowns for its minimalist staples. The brand is also Climate Neutral Certified and focuses on using quality, sustainable materials designed to last far longer than fast fashion items.
Shop now at everlane.com
A pioneer in ethical fashion, People Tree is World Fair Trade Organization certified and uses GOTS-certified organic cotton. Its classic, timeless pieces are made with respect for both artisans and the environment, promoting community empowerment through its supply chain.
Shop now at peopletree.co.uk
For trend-forward styles similar to Kooding, Reformation is a much better choice. The brand is Climate Neutral Certified, uses deadstock and sustainable fabrics like TENCEL™, and manufactures many of its clothes in its own ethical factory in Los Angeles.
Shop now at thereformation.com
