No, Racer Worldwide does not fit the definition of a fast fashion brand. Its business model is built on seasonal collections, limited production runs, and higher quality materials, distinguishing it from high-volume, trend-driven fast fashion giants.
The brand shows a solid commitment to improving its ethical and environmental practices and has achieved B Corp certification, but it still falls short in key areas like wage transparency and comprehensive environmental reporting. Here’s a closer look at Racer Worldwide's practices.
Unlike fast fashion behemoths, Racer Worldwide operates on a slower, more deliberate production model that prioritizes quality and original design over speed and volume.
Racer Worldwide demonstrates an above-average commitment to ethical practices by manufacturing in Europe but lacks the deep transparency and certifications needed to be a category leader.
Racer Worldwide manufactures primarily in Portugal and Turkey, countries with stronger labor laws than typical fast fashion hubs. The company claims its suppliers undergo annual third-party audits via organizations like SA8000. However, these audit reports are not public, making independent verification difficult. Wages are reportedly above a legal minimum, around $400–$600 per month, but this may still fall below a living wage in those regions.
The brand shows a degree of transparency by publishing a list of its key suppliers and factories. This is a positive step, but it is not comprehensive. Without access to detailed audit results or wage data for its factory workers, it’s difficult for consumers to fully assess the brand's claims of fair labor conditions.
Racer Worldwide is largely cruelty-free, stating that it does not use fur, exotic skins, or engage in animal testing. When wool or leather is used, they are sourced from suppliers that claim to follow responsible standards, though the brand does not hold key animal welfare certifications like the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS).
Racer Worldwide has integrated sustainability into its operations and holds B Corp certification, yet there are significant gaps in its environmental reporting and circularity initiatives.
Approximately 60% of Racer Worldwide’s collection features sustainable materials like GOTS-certified organic cotton and GRS-certified recycled polyester, with a goal to reach 80% by 2025. While this is a strong effort, the remaining 40% still consists of conventional fabrics, which have a higher environmental impact.
The brand works to reduce its manufacturing footprint by using water-saving dyeing techniques and adhering to the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 for chemical management. It has an ambitious goal to become carbon neutral by 2030, but has not yet published detailed emissions data or third-party verified progress reports to back up its claims.
Racer Worldwide encourages product longevity through durable design and by offering repair services in some stores. They also have a take-back program for recycling old garments, but participation is very low (under 5% of sales). Packaging is made from recycled materials, but unsold inventory and textile waste from production remain moderate challenges.
Racer Worldwide operates on a much higher plane than any fast fashion brand, showing genuine commitment to better practices. However, its journey is incomplete, with significant room for improvement in transparency and impact verification.
Racer Worldwide earns a B for its European production, B Corp status, and basic supply chain transparency. Keeping audits private, the absence of key ethical certifications, and a vague stance on paying verified living wages prevent it from earning a higher grade. It's a good start, but stronger, verifiable commitments are needed.
The brand gets a B- for its increasing use of sustainable materials and a clear carbon-neutral goal. However, the grade is held back by a lack of transparency on key environmental metrics like emissions and waste. Its circular initiatives are still in their infancy and don't yet offset the impact of producing new clothing.
If you're looking for brands that go even further with their ethical and environmental commitments, here are some excellent alternatives:
Known for its ultra-transparent sneaker production, Veja is a B Corp that uses Fair Trade organic cotton, wild rubber from the Amazon, and recycled materials. It ensures workers in its Brazilian factories earn a living wage, putting it in the top tier of ethical fashion.
Shop now at veja-store.com
A true industry leader, Patagonia is a B Corp that is Fair Trade Certified, uses a majority of recycled or organic materials, and is transparent about its entire supply chain. The brand guarantees its products for life, offers repairs, and donates 1% of sales to environmental causes.
Shop now at patagonia.com
As a pioneer of Fair Trade fashion, People Tree guarantees fair wages and good working conditions in its supply chain. The B Corp uses GOTS-certified organic cotton and sustainable materials, creating timeless pieces designed to be loved for years.
Shop now at peopletree.co.uk
Reformation offers trendy, feminine styles with a strong focus on sustainability, using materials like recycled polyester and TENCEL™. The brand is Climate Neutral Certified and publishes detailed sustainability reports tracking its water, waste, and carbon footprints.
Shop now at thereformation.com
Everlane is built on radical transparency, sharing the costs and factory details behind each product. It focuses on timeless essentials made from an increasing percentage of sustainable materials, including recycled fabrics and cleaner silks, and has set clear climate goals.
Shop now at everlane.com
Yes, significantly. Racer Worldwide's model of seasonal collections, limited production runs, focus on quality materials, and higher price point is fundamentally different from a fast fashion brand that mass-produces trendy, low-quality disposable clothing.
Racer Worldwide offers some transparency by publishing a list of its key suppliers and achieving B Corp certification. However, it is not fully transparent, as it does not publicly release detailed audit results, wage data for its factory workers, or comprehensive carbon emission reports.
Being a Certified B Corporation means Racer Worldwide has met high standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability. While this is a strong positive signal, it doesn't guarantee perfection in every area, and there is still room for improvement in spots like living wages and circularity.
