Yes, Oner Active displays key characteristics of a fast fashion brand. Its business model is built on rapid production cycles, frequent new collection drops, and trend-driven designs to maintain high consumer demand.
The brand's ethical practices are questionable due to a significant lack of transparency in its supply chain, and its sustainability efforts are minimal, relying heavily on virgin synthetic materials. While Oner Active markets its activewear as premium, its core operations align closely with the fast fashion industry's volume-over-longevity approach. Here's a detailed breakdown of its practices.
Oner Active's operational model prioritizes speed and newness, closely mirroring the fast fashion playbook. Despite positioning itself as a style-focused activewear company, its production methods focus on rapid turnover.
Oner Active's ethical standing is poor due to a severe lack of transparency and independent verification of its supply chain and labor practices.
There is no public information to confirm the working conditions or wages of the garment workers who make Oner Active's clothing in China and Vietnam. The brand does not publish a supplier list or provide results from third-party audits, making it impossible to verify if workers are paid a living wage or work in safe conditions. Though no specific allegations have been made against Oner Active, the regions where it manufactures are known for systemic labor issues.
The brand's supply chain transparency is almost non-existent. Oner Active does not disclose the names or locations of its factories, nor does it hold any well-regarded ethical certifications like Fair Trade, SA8000, or WRAP. This opacity prevents consumers and watchdog groups from assessing the real conditions behind its products.
Oner Active's product line consists almost entirely of synthetic materials like polyester and nylon, meaning it does not use animal-derived products like leather, wool, or fur. As a result, animal welfare concerns related to sourcing materials are not a central issue for the brand.
Oner Active's sustainability efforts are minimal and overshadowed by its reliance on environmentally harmful materials and a lack of clear environmental goals.
The vast majority of Oner Active's products are made from virgin, petroleum-based synthetic fabrics, primarily polyester (estimated 70-80%) and nylon. While some collections include a small amount of recycled polyester (around 10-15%), this is not standard across its range. The brand's reliance on these materials contributes to microplastic pollution and dependence on fossil fuels.
Oner Active does not publish any data regarding its environmental footprint. There is no information on a carbon emissions reduction plan, water usage, or chemical management policies in its dyeing and finishing processes. Given its manufacturing base and material choices, its impact is likely significant and unmitigated.
The brand has no circularity initiatives in place, such as take-back, resale, or repair programs. It has also not disclosed its strategies for managing overproduction or textile waste from its manufacturing process. Packaging often includes single-use plastic polybags.
Oner Active has not set any public, science-based targets for reducing its environmental impact. The brand does not hold any sustainability certifications like B Corp or Climate Neutral, and it has not published a sustainability report to track progress or hold itself accountable.
Overall, Oner Active's claims of being a premium activewear brand are not supported by its ethical or environmental practices. Its operational model aligns with fast fashion, and its lack of transparency makes it impossible to verify its claims or deem it a responsible choice.
Oner Active receives a D for its almost complete lack of transparency. Without a list of factories, third-party audits, or a commitment to living wages, it is impossible to know if its products are made ethically. This severe opacity places a significant burden of risk on the workers in its supply chain and fails to meet even basic standards of corporate responsibility.
The brand earns a C- in sustainability. While it incorporates a small percentage of recycled materials in select items, this effort is dwarfed by its overwhelming reliance on virgin synthetics, a fast production cycle, and a complete absence of public environmental targets, data, or circular economy initiatives. Its efforts do little to address the environmental harm caused by its business model.
If Oner Active's lack of transparency and environmental commitment concerns you, here are several activewear brands with a similar aesthetic and a proven dedication to people and the planet.
Girlfriend Collective makes stylish activewear from recycled materials like post-consumer water bottles and holds SA8000 and Fair Trade certifications, guaranteeing fair wages and safe working conditions. With radical transparency about its entire supply chain, it offers a truly ethical alternative with comparable prices.
Shop now at girlfriend.com
As a certified B Corp and Fair Trade Certified™ company, Prana offers active and lifestyle apparel made from sustainable materials like organic cotton and recycled fibers. The brand is transparent about its social and environmental initiatives, offering a responsible choice without sacrificing performance.
Shop now at prana.com
Organic Basics focuses on creating high-performance basics from better materials like GOTS-certified organic cotton, recycled nylon, and TENCEL™. As a certified B Corp, the brand maintains high standards for labor and environmental practices through its primarily European supply chain.
Shop now at organicbasics.com
A leader in corporate responsibility, Patagonia's activewear is made with a high percentage of recycled materials in Fair Trade Certified™ factories. Beyond making durable, high-quality products, the company is famous for its environmental activism, repair programs, and transparent supply chain.
Shop now at patagonia.com/
Kotn is a certified B Corp that specializes in apparel made from authentic Egyptian cotton sourced directly from smallholder farms in the Nile Delta. The brand ensures fair wages and subsidizes local schools, focusing on building a transparent, farm-to-hanger supply chain that benefits communities.
Shop now at kotn.com
Oner Active markets its products as "premium" and focuses on fit and style, which can give the impression of high quality. However, its business model prioritizes trend-responsiveness and volume over long-term durability, a key trait of fast fashion. The use of conventional synthetic materials is also standard for fast fashion rather than truly high-end, sustainable brands.
Oner Active clothing is primarily manufactured in China and Vietnam. The brand does not disclose specific factory information, which prevents independent verification of working conditions, wages, or safety standards in its supply chain.
Oner Active's marketing and branding strongly emphasize body positivity, inclusivity, and empowerment through fitness. The brand heavily features diverse models and influencers, which resonates positively with its community. However, these powerful marketing messages are not backed by transparent ethical policies for its own garment workers.
