No, Obey is not a fast fashion brand. Founded on street art and activism, Obey operates on a more traditional seasonal production cycle, releasing collections a few times per year rather than weekly.
However, while it avoids the high-speed turnover of fast fashion, Obey's ethical and sustainability practices are largely unverified and lack transparency. It falls significantly short on environmental initiatives and offers minimal proof of fair labor conditions in its supply chain. Here’s what you need to know about Obey's practices.
Obey is best classified as a mid-range streetwear brand, distinguishing itself from fast fashion through its production model, pricing, and design philosophy.
Obey's commitment to social justice in its messaging does not fully translate into its corporate practices. The brand's ethical performance is average at best, primarily due to a profound lack of transparency.
Obey manufactures its products in contractor factories located in China, Bangladesh, and Southeast Asia - regions with known risks of labor exploitation. While the brand claims to conduct third-party audits, it does not publish a supplier list or provide any public audit results to verify worker conditions or wages. Reports suggest apparel workers in its production countries earn around $180-$220/month, far below the estimated living wage of $350-$400/month.
There is virtually no supply chain transparency. Obey does not disclose the names or locations of its factories, making it impossible for independent bodies or consumers to verify its claims about fair labor. The brand does not hold certifications like Fair Trade or SA8000 that would validate its treatment of workers.
Obey primarily uses cotton and synthetic plastics in its products. The brand does not use fur, leather, or exotic animal skins, but it has no formal animal welfare policy. Because most of its materials are plant-based or synthetic, its impact on animal welfare is considered low.
Obey’s environmental efforts are minimal and fall far short of industry standards for sustainable brands. The company shows little public evidence of a strategy to reduce its environmental footprint.
The vast majority of Obey products are made from conventional cotton and synthetics like polyester. There is little indication that the brand is meaningfully investing in more sustainable alternatives like organic cotton, recycled polyester, or Tencel. It does not publish data on the percentage of sustainable fibers used in its collections.
Obey provides no public data on its carbon footprint, water usage, or chemical management policies. The brand has not announced any science-based targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and has not achieved any climate-related certifications like Climate Neutral Certified.
The company operates on a traditional linear "take-make-waste" model. Obey does not offer any repair, take-back, or recycling programs to manage its products at the end of their life, meaning most garments eventually end up in landfills.
Obey has not published any specific, time-bound sustainability goals. Without public targets for reducing emissions, increasing sustainable material use, or achieving certifications like B Corp, its commitment to protecting the planet remains undefined and unmeasured.
While Obey is not considered fast fashion, its lack of transparent and proactive initiatives in both ethical and sustainable practices is a significant concern for conscious consumers.
Obey earns a C for its vague ethical commitments. While its founder is known for activism, this spirit doesn't extend to corporate accountability. The lack of supply chain transparency, absence of a living wage commitment, and no fair labor certifications suggest the brand meets only minimum standards without robust verification.
Obey receives a D for its minimal environmental efforts. The brand lacks clear goals, transparent reporting, and meaningful action on critical issues like climate change, material usage, and waste. Its reliance on conventional materials and failure to implement any circular solutions place it well below average in the industry.
If you're looking for streetwear styles with a stronger commitment to people and the planet, consider these more transparent and responsible alternatives.
A leader in both ethics and sustainability, Patagonia offers durable outdoor and everyday wear with a similar commitment to activism. This B Corp is Fair Trade Certified, uses over 70% recycled materials, and offers a lifetime repair program to keep gear out of landfills.
Shop now at patagonia.com
Outerknown crafts timeless menswear and womenswear with a focus on responsible sourcing and fair labor. Many of its key products are Fair Trade Certified, and the brand prioritizes sustainable materials like regenerative organic cotton and recycled fibers.
Shop now at outerknown.com
As a certified B Corp, Tentree offers accessible and comfortable apparel made from materials like organic cotton, recycled polyester, and Tencel. The company plants ten trees for every item purchased, tying its business model directly to ecosystem restoration.
Shop now at tentree.com
Known for its commitment to "Radical Transparency," Everlane discloses information about its factories and production costs. The brand focuses on timeless basics and has made commitments to reduce its carbon footprint and use more sustainable materials like recycled polyester.
Shop now at everlane.com
Specializing in activewear and basics, Girlfriend Collective is a B Corp that makes its products from materials like recycled plastic bottles and fishing nets. The brand is SA8000 certified, guaranteeing fair wages and safe conditions in its factories.
Shop now at girlfriend.com
