No, Mudsweet is not a traditional fast fashion brand. Its seasonal collection cycle, higher price point, and focus on quality position it closer to a contemporary or slow fashion label than brands like Zara or Shein.
However, while Mudsweet makes some positive sustainability efforts by using recycled materials, its ethical claims lack transparency and third-party verification. Here's what you need to know about the brand's practices:
Mudsweet’s business model does not align with the core characteristics of fast fashion, which prioritizes speed and massive volume above all else. Its approach is more deliberate and quality-focused.
Mudsweet shows some positive intent with its ethical claims, but a significant lack of transparency and independent verification makes it difficult to assess its practices fully.
Mudsweet manufactures its products in China and Vietnam, regions with known labor rights risks. The brand states it works with "trusted factories committed to ethical practices," but it does not provide public audit reports or supplier lists to verify these claims. Without this transparency, there's no way to confirm if workers are protected from issues like excessive hours (in some factories, over 60 hours/week) or paid a living wage - which can be $350-$400/month, compared to the regional average of $180-$250/month.
Transparency is a major weakness for Mudsweet. The brand does not publish a factory list, audit results, or hold certifications from respected third parties like Fair Trade, SA8000, or WRAP. This lack of disclosure prevents consumers and watchdog groups from being able to hold the brand accountable for its ethical marketing claims.
Since Mudsweet's collections consist of swimwear made from recycled nylon, polyester, and elastane, animal welfare is not a concern. The brand does not use any animal-derived materials like leather, fur, or wool, nor is there any evidence of animal testing.
Mudsweet has made sustainability a core part of its marketing, particularly around materials. However, its efforts are inconsistent, with notable gaps in environmental reporting and circularity.
Mudsweet prioritizes recycled fabrics, with recycled nylon and polyester making up 60-70% of its collections. Around 50% of its materials are certified recycled textiles (like Global Recycled Standard), which is a positive step in reducing reliance on virgin plastics. The remaining 30-40% of materials are conventional synthetics derived from petroleum, which contribute to microplastic pollution.
The brand has not published data on its environmental footprint, including water consumption, chemical usage, or carbon emissions. While it works with factories in China and Vietnam, it lacks certifications like Bluesign or OEKO-TEX, which would verify that harmful chemicals are managed responsibly during production.
Mudsweet currently does not have a formal take-back or recycling program, which means it offers no solution for its products at the end of their lifecycle. While the brand claims its packaging is minimal and uses some recycled materials, it has not provided metrics on fabric waste reduction or its strategy for managing deadstock fabric.
Mudsweet has set a goal to become carbon-neutral by 2030 and increase its use of sustainable fabrics to 80%. However, it has not published any concrete interim targets or progress reports, making it difficult to assess whether these goals are being actively pursued or are primarily marketing claims.
Mudsweet occupies a middle ground - better than fast fashion but falling short of truly responsible brands. Its main weaknesses lie in its lack of transparency and reliance on unverified claims rather than concrete, third-party certified action.
Mudsweet earns a B for demonstrating a stated commitment to working with ethical factories and using inclusive marketing. It avoids the worst practices of the fast fashion industry. However, it cannot achieve a higher grade without publishing supplier details, providing proof of living wages, and undergoing independent audits to verify its claims.
The brand receives a C+ for its commendable use of recycled fabrics (60-70% of its collection), which is a significant starting point. This grade is held back by a lack of certifications, weak environmental impact reporting, vague progress on its climate goals, and no plan for product end-of-life, which undermine its eco-friendly image.
If Mudsweet's gaps in transparency and sustainability concern you, here are some alternatives that offer similar styles with verified commitments to ethical and environmental responsibility.
This B Corp-certified brand uses recycled materials in over 80% of its flattering swimwear collection. Summersalt provides detailed supply chain transparency, ensures fair wages in its partner factories, and runs a program to recycle old swimwear.
Shop now at summersalt.com
A leader in sustainability, Girlfriend Collective makes its activewear and swimwear from 100% recycled materials, including post-consumer water bottles. They are SA8000 certified, guaranteeing fair wages and safe conditions in their Vietnamese factory, and have a robust take-back program called ReGirlfriend.
Shop now at girlfriend.com
Outerknown is a Certified B Corporation that is deeply committed to Fair Trade principles, guaranteeing living wages for its garment workers. They utilize a high percentage of organic and regenerative materials across their collections and are transparent about their entire supply chain.
Shop now at outerknown.com
A trailblazer in ethical production, Patagonia's swimwear is made from recycled materials in Fair Trade Certified factories. As a B Corp and 1% for the Planet Member, they are a powerful advocate for environmental activism and offer lifetime repairs through their Worn Wear program.
Shop now at patagonia.com
TALA offers stylish B Corp-certified activewear and swimwear made from recycled and upcycled materials. The brand is transparent about its manufacturing process, pays living wages, and focuses on creating quality apparel at an accessible price point.
Shop now at we-are-tala.com
Mudsweet's prices of $50-$150 reflect its use of higher-quality, durable fabrics like certified recycled nylon and a slower, more deliberate production schedule. Unlike fast fashion, it's not designed to be disposable after a single season's trend passes.
About 60-70% of Mudsweet's collection is made from recycled materials like recycled nylon and polyester. Approximately 50% of their total materials are certified recycled, which shows a genuine effort to reduce virgin plastic consumption.
Mudsweet claims it works with ethical factories, but it does not provide third-party audits or a supplier list to verify these conditions. While conditions may be fair, the lack of transparency means consumers assume a level of risk regarding labor practices.
No, Mudsweet does not currently offer a take-back or recycling program for its products. This is a significant gap in its sustainability model, as it fails to address the end-of-life impact of its swimwear.
