Yes, Minga London is a fast fashion brand based on its business model of rapid production schedules, high volume of trend-driven collections, and affordable pricing. While the brand has a distinct aesthetic popular with younger consumers, it demonstrates a severe lack of transparency regarding its ethical labor practices. Environmentally, its heavy reliance on virgin synthetic materials with no clear sustainability targets or circularity programs makes it a highly unsustainable choice.
Most experts consider its practices to align perfectly with the fast fashion model, and its ethical and sustainability efforts appear nonexistent. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you need to know about Minga London.
Minga London operates on a model that prioritizes speed and volume, releasing new trendy styles at a rapid pace to capitalize on micro-trends popular on social media.
Minga London’s ethical standing is extremely poor due to a complete lack of transparency, making it impossible to verify any positive claims about its labor practices.
There is no publicly available information about the conditions or safety standards within Minga London’s supplier factories. Brands manufacturing in China, Turkey, and India often face scrutiny for low wages, excessive hours, and poor working conditions. Without disclosure, it is reasonable to assume that standards may fall short of international labor laws, with workers potentially earning less than a living wage.
Minga London does not publish a list of its suppliers or factory locations, nor does it provide evidence of third-party audits. Certifications like Fair Trade or SA8000 are completely absent, meaning consumers have to take the brand's ethical conduct on faith, which is a major red flag in an industry where exploitation is common.
Minga London primarily uses synthetic materials like polyester and nylon, so it does not engage in animal agriculture for fashion. While this avoids direct animal cruelty issues like those associated with leather or fur, the brand holds no official vegan or cruelty-free policies.
From an environmental perspective, Minga London's practices are highly unsustainable, with no meaningful initiatives to mitigate its significant negative impact.
An estimated 80-90% of Minga London's collection is made from conventional, petroleum-based synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon. These materials are not biodegradable, shed microplastics when washed, and are energy-intensive to produce. The brand shows no significant use of sustainable alternatives like organic cotton, TENCEL™, or recycled fibers.
Minga London has not published any data regarding its carbon footprint, water usage, or chemical management strategies. The brand has no science-based targets for reducing emissions and has not made any public climate commitments, such as aiming for carbon neutrality.
The brand's business model encourages a throwaway culture. There are no take-back, repair, or recycling programs in place for when clothes reach the end of their short lifespan. Products are shipped in standard plastic packaging, with no initiatives to use recycled or biodegradable materials.
Minga London has no publicly stated sustainability goals, targets, or progress reports. Any marketing that suggests eco-friendliness would be considered greenwashing due to the complete lack of verifiable commitments or actions.
Minga London embodies the core problems of the fast fashion industry: a lack of transparency for workers and a disregard for environmental impact. While its unique style is appealing, its practices are opaque and damaging.
Minga London receives a D+ purely because there are no documented major scandals tied directly to the brand. However, its complete opaqueness regarding its supply chain and the high-risk nature of its manufacturing locations make it impossible to give a passing grade. Without transparency and third-party verification, we must assume industry-worst practices are a possibility.
The brand scores an F for sustainability. With a heavy reliance on virgin fossil-fuel-based fabrics, no climate goals, no circular systems, and a business model that actively promotes disposable fashion, Minga London makes virtually no effort toward environmental responsibility. Its practices are actively harmful to the planet.
If you love Minga London's trendy, expressive aesthetic but are concerned by its ethical and environmental failings, here are some more responsible brands to consider:
Thought creates timeless styles from sustainable materials like organic cotton, hemp, and recycled polyester. The brand is committed to a transparent supply chain, pays fair wages to its workers, and uses eco-friendly packaging.
Shop now at wearethought.com
As a pioneer of fair trade fashion, People Tree guarantees fair wages and good working conditions using GOTS-certified organic cotton and traditional artisan skills. They offer unique prints and classic silhouettes with complete supply chain transparency.
Shop now at peopletree.co.uk
For durable basics and outdoor-inspired casual wear, Patagonia is a leader in sustainability. A certified B Corp, they use a high percentage of recycled materials, ensure fair labor practices with Fair Trade certification, and offer a lifetime repair program to fight waste.
Shop now at patagonia.com
Pact offers affordable basics, hoodies, and dresses made almost entirely from GOTS-certified organic cotton in Fair Trade certified factories. It provides a great transparent alternative for everyday comfy and casual styles.
Shop now at wearpact.com
Known for colorful dungarees, bold prints, and inclusive sizing, Lucy & Yak is a great alternative for expressive style. The brand uses organic and recycled materials, discloses information about its factory in India where workers are paid a living wage, and uses biodegradable packaging.
Shop now at lucyandyak.com
Minga London's low prices are a result of its fast fashion business model. Costs are kept down by mass-producing garments using inexpensive, low-quality synthetic materials and outsourcing labor to countries where wages are notoriously low.
Both Minga London and SHEIN are considered ultra-fast fashion brands with highly opaque business practices. While SHEIN operates on a much larger and more controversial scale, both brands share the same fundamental problems: lack of transparency, questionable labor ethics, and a massive negative environmental impact. Neither is an ethical or sustainable choice.
While the company is UK-based, its clothing is not made there. Minga London outsources its manufacturing to factories in countries like China, Turkey, and India. The brand does not disclose the specific factories it partners with, shielding its supply chain from public scrutiny.
