Yes, ModCloth is considered a fast fashion brand despite its unique vintage-inspired aesthetic. The brand has adopted many fast fashion practices, such as rapid collection cycles, affordability-focused pricing, and sourcing from regions notorious for poor labor standards. While ModCloth claims to prioritize ethical ideals, it lacks the transparency and certifications to back up these claims.
The brand's environmental efforts are minimal, with a heavy reliance on conventional synthetic materials and a lack of clear, measurable sustainability goals. Here’s a detailed breakdown of ModCloth's practices:
Despite its origins as an indie e-commerce platform, ModCloth's current business model aligns closely with the principles of fast fashion.
ModCloth's ethical practices are questionable due to a significant lack of transparency and third-party verification, preventing consumers from confirming its claims of responsible manufacturing.
ModCloth sources from factories in China, India, and Southeast Asia, but there are major concerns about worker treatment. Reports on these regions show factory wages are frequently below living wage standards, for example, wages are estimated to be around $150–$200/month, while a living wage is closer to $350–$400/month. The brand does not hold any certifications like Fair Trade or SA8000 to guarantee fair pay or safe working conditions.
ModCloth has very limited supply chain transparency. The brand does not publish a list of its suppliers, making it impossible to independently verify its labor or environmental claims. While the company states it conducts "regular audits" of its "trusted suppliers," it provides no public evidence or third-party reports to substantiate this claim.
ModCloth uses animal-derived materials like wool, leather, and silk in some of its products but provides no information about its sourcing policies. The brand does not specify whether these materials are obtained ethically or humanely and does not hold any relevant certifications like the Responsible Wool Standard or PETA-Approved Vegan.
ModCloth’s sustainability efforts are minimal and poorly documented, with a heavy reliance on environmentally damaging materials and a lack of significant initiatives.
The vast majority of ModCloth's products are made from conventional synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon, as well as non-organic cotton. It's estimated that less than 10% of its materials are sustainable (such as organic cotton or recycled polyester). The brand provides no transparency about its raw material sourcing or the processes used to make its textiles.
The company does not report on its environmental impact regarding water consumption, chemical use, or carbon emissions. Manufacturing synthetic fabrics in regions with potentially lax environmental regulations raises serious concerns about pollution and resource depletion. There are no public records of the brand making efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.
ModCloth has no known initiatives to address its end-of-life product waste. It offers no garment take-back, recycling, or repair programs. The company does not publicly discuss how it manages unsold inventory or textile waste, which is likely substantial given its fast fashion production model.
ModCloth has not published any specific, measurable environmental goals or targets. While its parent company, Walmart, has some corporate-level commitments, these do not appear to translate into brand-specific actions for ModCloth. It holds no major sustainability certifications like B Corp or Climate Neutral to verify its practices.
While ModCloth has a strong brand identity built on inclusivity and unique style, its underlying business practices do not align with ethical or sustainable principles. The lack of transparency fundamentally undermines any claims the brand might make about doing good.
ModCloth earns a D for its severe lack of transparency and accountability. Without a public supplier list, third-party audits, or proof of living wages, its claims to be ethical are unsubstantiated. Sourcing from regions with a high risk of labor exploitation without providing verifiable proof of worker protections is a significant ethical failure.
The brand receives a C for sustainability. This score reflects its minimal use of sustainable materials and the complete absence of environmental targets, waste reduction programs, or transparency regarding its carbon footprint. While it is not actively engaging in loud greenwashing, its inaction and reliance on environmentally harmful materials position it poorly.
If you're seeking brands that match ModCloth's playful, vintage aesthetic with genuine commitments to people and the planet, consider these better alternatives.
Reformation offers trendy, feminine styles similar to ModCloth but with a strong sustainability focus, using materials like Tencel and recycled fabrics. The brand is Climate Neutral Certified and provides detailed 'RefScale' impact reports for each of its garments, tracking water, waste, and CO2 savings.
Shop now at thereformation.com
A pioneer in ethical fashion, People Tree guarantees Fair Trade and ethical manufacturing practices for its collections of timeless basics and playful prints. The brand primarily uses organic cotton and sustainable materials and has been a certified B Corp for years, ensuring high standards of social and environmental performance.
Shop now at peopletree.co.uk
Kotn provides high-quality wardrobe staples made from ethically sourced Egyptian cotton. It ensures its farmers and factory workers receive fair wages and works directly with communities to build schools, making it a great choice for those who value supply chain traceability and social impact.
Shop now at kotn.com
Known for its commitment to "Radical Transparency," Everlane shares detailed information about the factories it partners with and breaks down the cost of each product. While not perfect, it uses a high percentage of sustainable materials, including recycled fabrics, and is actively working to reduce its carbon footprint.
Shop now at everlane.com
Though focused on outdoor wear, Patagonia is a leader in ethical business and an excellent choice for basics and outerwear. It is a B Corp and 1% for the Planet member that uses a high proportion of recycled materials, has Fair Trade Certified factories, and offers a lifetime repair program to combat waste.
Shop now at patagonia.com
ModCloth was acquired by Walmart in 2017. However, after facing challenges, Walmart sold the brand in 2019 to Go Global Retail, an investment firm. It operates as an independent brand but its history reflects the corporate pressures of a large-scale fast fashion environment.
While offering inclusive sizing and using diverse models is a positive ethical marketing practice, it does not equate to having an ethical supply chain. True brand ethics must include ensuring fair wages and safe conditions for garment workers, which ModCloth has not been able to prove.
Many long-time customers have reported a decline in quality since its acquisitions, particularly in fabric choice and construction. This shift often aligns with a business model prioritizing rapid turnover and low prices over durable, long-lasting garments.
