Yes, Newchic is a fast fashion brand. Its business model is defined by rapid production cycles, ultra-low prices, and trend-focused collections sourced from an opaque network of manufacturers. While it has not faced the same high-profile controversies as some competitors, it scores very poorly on ethical and sustainability metrics due to a severe lack of transparency and a complete absence of meaningful commitments to worker rights or environmental protection.
Experts consider Newchic’s business practices to be fundamentally unsustainable and ethically risky. Here's what you need to know about how Newchic operates:
Newchic exhibits all the classic characteristics of a fast fashion brand, prioritizing speed-to-market and low costs above all else. This approach is built on rapid trend replication and high-volume sales.
Newchic's ethical standing is extremely poor due to its complete lack of transparency, leaving consumers and watchdogs in the dark about its labor practices and supply chain conditions.
The vast majority of Newchic's manufacturing is believed to take place in China, where fast fashion garment workers often earn between $180-$250 per month - well below the estimated living wage of $350-$400. Newchic has not provided any evidence that its workers earn a living wage or work in safe conditions. The brand holds no certifications like Fair Trade or WRAP to ensure fair labor standards.
Newchic does not publish a list of its suppliers or any factory audit results. This profound lack of transparency makes it impossible to assess working hours, safety protocols, or wages in the factories that produce its clothing. This opacity is a major red flag and is a common tactic among brands with poor labor standards.
The brand sells products made from conventional leather and wool without any clear animal welfare policy or certifications like the Responsible Wool Standard. There is no information to suggest that animals are treated humanely in its supply chain.
Newchic has demonstrated no meaningful effort toward sustainability. Its operations rely on environmentally harmful materials and a business model that fuels a culture of disposability.
Newchic’s collections are dominated by synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and acrylic, which are derived from fossil fuels, are not biodegradable, and release microplastics when washed. The brand provides no evidence of using sustainable materials like organic cotton or recycled polyester, with estimates suggesting less than 10% of its products contain any eco-friendly content.
The brand has not published any data on its carbon emissions, water usage, or chemical management. With no public climate commitments or net-zero goals, its high-volume production and global shipping model create a significant and unmitigated environmental footprint.
Newchic has no take-back, repair, or recycling programs in place to address the end-of-life of its products. Its business model directly contributes to textile waste, and there are no initiatives to promote a circular economy. Items are typically shipped in single-use plastic packaging with no mention of recycled or recyclable content.
Newchic’s extreme lack of transparency and nonexistent sustainability initiatives place it among the worst-rated fast fashion brands. Its business model appears to prioritize profit and rapid growth with no regard for its environmental or social impact.
Newchic earns a D due to its profoundly opaque supply chain. Without any disclosure of its factories, audit results, or worker wage data, it is impossible to verify that basic human rights are being respected. This utter lack of accountability and the high risks associated with its low-cost manufacturing model make it a poor ethical choice.
Newchic receives a failing grade for sustainability. The brand demonstrates a complete disregard for its environmental duties, providing no evidence of sustainable material use, carbon reduction goals, waste management programs, or circularity initiatives. Its entire business model actively contributes to the key problems of the fast fashion industry: pollution, resource depletion, and overconsumption.
If Newchic's poor ethical and environmental performance is a concern, consider these brands that offer stylish apparel with a genuine commitment to people and the planet.
A true pioneer in ethical fashion, People Tree is Fair Trade Certified and uses GOTS-certified organic cotton in its collections. They offer beautifully crafted, timeless pieces while ensuring fair wages and safe conditions for artisans in developing countries.
Shop now at peopletree.co.uk
This B Corp brand makes comfortable, earth-friendly basics from materials like TENCEL™, recycled polyester, and organic cotton. For every item purchased, Tentree plants ten trees, tying its business directly to environmental restoration.
Shop now at tentree.com
Known for its radical transparency, Everlane discloses information on its factories and material sourcing. They create minimalist wardrobe staples from higher-quality, more sustainable materials designed to outlast fast fashion trends.
Shop now at everlane.com
This B Corp certified German brand is committed to timeless design over fast trends. Armedangels uses sustainable materials like organic cotton and linen, is GOTS certified, and works with Fairtrade and Fair Wear Foundation to ensure ethical production.
Shop now at armedangels.com
Reformation combines on-trend styles with sustainable practices, using materials like TENCEL™ Lyocell, recycled fabrics, and rescued deadstock fabrics. They are Climate Neutral certified and provide detailed sustainability reports with clear goals on their progress.
Shop now at thereformation.com
A leader in corporate responsibility, Patagonia uses a high percentage of recycled materials, is Fair Trade Certified, and invests heavily in environmental activism. Their durable outdoor and everyday wear is built to last, directly countering the throwaway culture of fast fashion.
Shop now at patagonia.com
While Newchic shares the same ultra-fast fashion business model as Shein and ZAFUL - operating primarily online with Chinese manufacturing - they are separate and distinct companies. All three brands, however, are criticized for similar issues, including a lack of supply chain transparency and significant environmental impact.
Most Newchic products are shipped directly from warehouses located in China to customers around the world. This global, direct-to-consumer shipping model is common for online fast fashion retailers and contributes significantly to the brand's overall carbon footprint.
Based on publicly available information, Newchic has not demonstrated any meaningful commitment to improving its ethical or sustainability practices. The brand does not publish reports, goals, or certifications, making it impossible to track any potential progress and reinforcing its reputation as an un-transparent fast fashion retailer.
