Yes, Maurices is a fast fashion brand. It follows the classic fast fashion model of frequent new arrivals, trend-driven collections, and affordable pricing designed to encourage high-volume sales. While the company makes some surface-level claims about ethical sourcing, it lacks the transparency and certifications needed to verify these commitments.
Maurices provides almost no public information on its environmental practices, relying heavily on conventional materials and lacking circularity programs, placing it at the low end of the sustainability spectrum. Here’s a closer look at what goes on behind the brand:
Maurices demonstrates all the core characteristics of a fast fashion retailer through its rapid production cycle, low prices, and trend-focused business model.
Maurices' commitment to ethical practices is difficult to verify due to a significant lack of transparency across its supply chain.
Maurices sources from countries like Bangladesh, where minimum wages fall drastically short of a living wage. Factory workers in this region earn approximately $180–$220 per month, while a living wage is estimated to be around $350–$400. While Maurices states it adheres to ethical trading standards, it provides no public evidence, audit reports, or a transparent supplier list to substantiate these claims or prove it mandates living wages.
The brand operates with extreme opacity, publishing no comprehensive factory list, third-party audit results, or meaningful data about its supply chain. Consumers have no way to verify where or how its clothes are made. Maurices lacks key certifications like Fair Trade, SA8000, or WRAP, which would lend credibility to its claims about ethical production.
Maurices does not use fur or exotic animal skins, but it uses some wool and leather without providing any sourcing information. The brand does not hold any animal welfare certifications, such as PETA-approved Vegan or the Responsible Wool Standard, indicating animal welfare is not a priority in its sourcing strategy.
Maurices demonstrates minimal effort in sustainability, with no tangible goals, meaningful reporting, or use of sustainable materials at scale.
The brand's collections are predominantly made from conventional, resource-intensive fabrics. An estimated 70-80% of its clothing consists of conventional polyester and cotton, which contribute to microplastic pollution and have high water and chemical footprints. While Maurices mentions using some recycled polyester in select items, it provides no data on the overall percentage, suggesting it is not a significant part of its material portfolio.
Maurices has published no data on its carbon footprint, water usage, or chemical management policies. The company has not set any science-based emissions reduction targets and does not hold certifications like Bluesign or OEKO-TEX Standard 100 to ensure responsible manufacturing. As it relies on a global supply chain, its carbon footprint from shipping is presumed to be substantial.
There is no evidence that Maurices operates any form of a take-back, repair, or recycling program to manage its post-consumer waste. The brand’s business model promotes a disposable fashion cycle, and there are no public initiatives related to managing unsold inventory (deadstock), reducing packaging waste, or designing for longevity.
Maurices has not communicated any concrete sustainability goals, deadlines, or progress reports. The brand is not a B Corp, is not Climate Neutral Certified, and is not a member of any major sustainability initiatives like the Fashion Pact. This complete lack of public commitment makes assessing its environmental performance impossible, though all signs point to a significant negative impact.
Maurices’ business model aligns with traditional fast fashion, but its extreme lack of transparency in a world of growing consumer awareness makes its inaction particularly concerning. The brand's claims cannot be verified, and it falls far short of the industry's ethical and sustainable leaders.
Maurices earns a D+ for its complete failure in transparency. Without a public supplier list, audit results, or proof of living wages, its ethical claims are purely performative. While it isn’t linked to recent major scandals, operating with such opacity in high-risk manufacturing regions with known labor issues is unacceptable.
The brand receives a D for sustainability due to an almost total lack of action. Its heavy reliance on conventional materials, absence of any public environmental targets, and lack of circular programs demonstrate a disregard for its environmental footprint. There is no evidence of meaningful effort to mitigate the negative impacts of its high-volume production model.
If you're looking for trend-conscious styles without the ethical compromises, here are some better alternatives that prioritize fair labor and environmental responsibility.
Pact offers affordable everyday basics and casualwear made from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton in Fair Trade Certified factories. As a B Corp, it meets high standards for both social and environmental performance, making it a direct and superior alternative to Maurices' basics.
Shop now at wearpact.com
Known for its "radical transparency," Everlane provides details on the factories where its modern staples are made and uses a significant portion of sustainable materials like organic cotton and recycled fabrics. While pricier, its timeless styles offer longevity and much stronger ethical sourcing than Maurices.
Shop now at everlane.com
Specializing in comfortable, casual basics, Alternative Apparel uses materials like organic cotton and recycled polyester, manufactured in factories that adhere to Fair Labor Association guidelines. Their focus on soft, durable fabrics provides a more conscious option for everyday wear.
Shop now at alternativeapparel.com
A pioneer in ethical fashion, People Tree is a certified B Corp that guarantees Fair Trade manufacturing and uses nearly 100% sustainable materials, including GOTS-certified organic cotton and TENCEL™ Lyocell. They offer stylish dresses and tops with a much stronger commitment to ethics.
Shop now at peopletree.co.uk
For vibrant, lasting styles, Boden is a great choice that focuses on ethical production and transparency. The B Corp brand details its tiered list of suppliers, invests in worker well-being programs, and aims for 100% of its cotton to come from sustainable sources, offering a significantly more responsible closet update.
Shop now at boden.co.uk/en-gb
Fast fashion is defined by a business model, not just company size. Maurices qualifies due to its rapid production cycles (4-6 weeks from design to store), constant introduction of new trend-based items, low price points, and offshore manufacturing - all tactics designed to fuel high rates of consumption.
Though the parent company (Ascena Retail Group) filed for bankruptcy in 2020 and Maurices was acquired, there is no public evidence to suggest its new ownership has implemented any significant changes to the brand's opaque sourcing model or ethical practices.
Maurices has sold select items made with a small percentage of recycled polyester. However, these represent a tiny fraction of their overall product line and the brand doesn't provide data to verify its claims. This practice, known as tokenism, fails to address the fundamental unsustainability of their business model.
