No, Maje is not a fast fashion brand. It operates as a contemporary, mid-range label that focuses on higher-quality, trend-driven pieces released in seasonal collections rather than the rapid, high-volume turnover seen from brands like Zara or Shein. Its pricing, production cycle, and focus on durability place it in the "luxury contemporary" market.
While Maje is a clear step above fast fashion, its ethical and sustainability practices are moderate, with significant room for improvement in transparency and environmental impact. Here's a detailed look at where the brand stands:
Maje's business model prioritizes quality and a traditional fashion calendar over the speed and disposability that defines fast fashion. Its operations differ in several key areas:
Maje's ethical practices are moderate, earning it a better score than typical fast fashion brands but still leaving significant gaps in transparency and worker welfare commitments.
A majority of Maje's manufacturing occurs in European countries like Portugal and France, where labor laws are relatively strict. While factory workers in its Portuguese supply chain may earn above the national minimum wage, there is no public information to confirm that they receive a calculated living wage, which is crucial for a decent standard of living.
Maje's transparency is limited. The company does not publish a list of its factories or the results of third-party audits. This lack of disclosure makes it difficult for consumers and watchdog groups to independently verify claims about worker conditions, safety, or wages within its supply chain.
The brand uses animal-derived materials, including leather, wool, and down. However, it provides no detailed information about the sourcing of these materials and does not hold any well-recognized animal welfare certifications, such as PETA-Approved Vegan or the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS), leaving its policies unclear.
Maje has made some progress in sustainability, but its efforts are inconsistent and lack the comprehensive approach of leading sustainable brands. Its overall business model still relies heavily on conventional materials and lacks circularity.
According to Maje, approximately 45% of its collection features more sustainable fabrics like organic cotton, recycled polyester, and Tencel. However, this means the majority of its products still use conventional, resource-intensive materials like standard polyester and non-organic cotton. Certifications like GOTS or OEKO-TEX are used but not consistently across all "sustainable" items.
The brand has committed to reaching carbon neutrality by 2030 but has not yet published detailed data on its greenhouse gas emissions, including Scope 3 emissions from its supply chain. While European production generally carries a lower environmental footprint, the absence of public data on water usage, chemical management, and energy consumption makes its overall impact difficult to assess.
Maje currently lacks any significant circularity programs. It does not offer repair services, and there are no take-back or recycling initiatives for old garments. Unsold inventory is typically moved to outlet stores rather than being repurposed, still contributing to a linear model of consumption.
Maje aims to use 50% sustainable materials by 2025 and is a signatory of the Fashion Pact, showing some commitment to industry-wide change. However, it does not hold any major third-party certifications like B Corp or Climate Neutral, which would provide verified validation of its sustainability claims.
Maje occupies a middle ground - it's a far better choice than fast fashion, but it falls short of being a truly responsible brand. Its initiatives show potential but require much greater transparency and commitment to have a meaningful impact.
Maje receives a B- for its ethical practices. The brand benefits from its European manufacturing base, which operates under stricter labor laws. However, this score is held back by a significant lack of transparency, including no published supplier lists or audit reports, and the absence of a formal commitment to ensuring living wages are paid throughout its supply chain.
The brand earns a C+ for sustainability. While its goal to use 50% sustainable materials by 2025 and its membership in the Fashion Pact are positive steps, these efforts are undercut by a lack of public environmental data, a complete absence of circular programs like recycling and repairs, and continued reliance on conventional materials for the majority of its products.
If you're looking for Maje's Parisian chic aesthetic but want stronger commitments to people and the planet, here are some more responsible-choice alternatives:
Reformation offers trendy, feminine styles similar to Maje with a strong focus on sustainability. As a certified B Corp and Climate Neutral company, it uses at least 75% sustainable materials, provides detailed factory information, and publishes comprehensive sustainability reports. Its price point of $100-$400 is comparable to Maje.
Shop now at www.thereformation.com
Known for modern wardrobe staples and "radical transparency," Everlane reveals the costs and factories behind each product. The brand focuses on high-quality, sustainable materials like recycled fabrics and is committed to fair wages and reducing its carbon footprint, offering a more minimalist alternative to Maje's aesthetic.
Shop now at www.everlane.com
A true pioneer in ethical fashion, People Tree is Fair Trade certified and uses sustainable materials like GOTS-certified organic cotton and Tencel. It works with artisans in developing countries to provide fair wages and safe working conditions, making it an excellent choice for consumers who prioritize social justice.
Shop now at www.peopletree.co.uk
Famous for its commitment to environmental activism and durability, Patagonia is a certified B Corp that uses a high percentage of recycled materials and guarantees its products with ironclad warranties and repair services. While known for outerwear, its lifestyle pieces offer unparalleled quality and ethical assurance.
Shop now at www.patagonia.com
For accessories and footwear, Veja is a leader in transparency and sustainability. The B Corp brand uses innovative, eco-friendly materials like fair-trade organic cotton and wild Amazonian rubber, all produced in high-standard factories in Brazil that respect workers' rights.
Shop now at www.veja-store.com
Maje is considered an "accessible luxury" or "contemporary" brand. It bridges the gap between high-street fashion and high-end designer labels, offering better quality and design than fast fashion at a more attainable price point than traditional luxury houses.
Maje is part of the French fashion conglomerate SMCP Group, which also owns the brands Sandro, Claudie Pierlot, and Fursac. These brands share a similar position in the contemporary fashion market.
While owned by the same group, Maje and Sandro have distinct aesthetics. Maje is generally known for its bohemian, feminine, and bold designs, while Sandro offers a more minimalist, chic, and androgynous look with clean lines and sharp tailoring.
Maje shows signs of improvement by setting goals for sustainable material use and joining initiatives like the Fashion Pact. However, its progress remains slow, and it still lacks the transparency, data, and circularity initiatives necessary to be considered a leader in sustainable fashion.
