No, Rag & Bone is not considered a fast fashion brand. Its focus on timeless designs, premium pricing, quality craftsmanship, and slower, seasonal collection releases separates it from the high-volume, trend-driven model of fast fashion.
While the brand's ethical and sustainability practices are better than those of typical fast fashion companies, they are moderate at best and lack the transparency and verifiable commitments seen from industry leaders in sustainable fashion. Here’s a detailed breakdown of Rag & Bone's practices.
Rag & Bone's business model is built on quality and longevity, directly contrasting with the fast fashion principles of disposability and speed.
Rag & Bone's ethical performance is moderate, benefiting from its production locations but suffering from a significant lack of transparency and third-party validation.
Rag & Bone produces a large portion of its clothing in the US and Italy, which suggests better labor standards and wages than in many other countries. However, 'better' doesn't automatically mean ethical. For example, some US garment workers in key production cities still earn between $12-$20 per hour, which often falls below a living wage. The brand does not publish a supplier list or provide evidence of third-party audits, making it impossible to independently verify factory conditions or confirm that workers earn a living wage.
Transparency is a major weak point. Rag & Bone does not hold any major social responsibility certifications like Fair Trade, SA8000, or the Ethical Trading Initiative. Without detailed disclosures on its factories, wages, or auditing processes, consumers must take the company's claims about fair labor at face value.
The brand uses animal-derived materials like leather, wool, and down but does not appear to use fur or exotic skins. It provides very little information about the sourcing of these materials. There are no mentions of certifications like the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) or Leather Working Group (LWG) on its website, leaving animal welfare standards unverified.
Rag & Bone's sustainability efforts are present but lack depth, concrete data, and ambitious goals, placing it far behind leading sustainable brands.
The brand uses high-quality materials, including some sustainable options like organic cotton and recycled denim. However, it does not disclose what percentage of its collection is made from these more sustainable materials. Conventional synthetics like polyester and nylon are still used, and without data, it's impossible to know if their sustainable material usage is a meaningful part of their strategy or a minor marketing point.
Manufacturing in the US and Italy likely means adherence to stricter environmental regulations regarding water and chemical usage. However, Rag & Bone does not publish any data about its carbon footprint, water consumption, or chemical management policies. It has not set any science-based targets or meaningful emissions reduction goals.
The brand's primary contribution to sustainability comes from creating durable, long-lasting products, which slows the consumption cycle. Beyond this, its efforts in circularity are nonexistent. Rag & Bone does not have any publicly stated take-back, recycling, or repair programs to manage its products at the end of their life.
Rag & Bone stands significantly apart from fast fashion, but its commitment to positive impact falls short of its premium price tag. Its practices are based on a foundation of quality, but this isn't supported by the transparency and verification needed for a truly responsible brand.
Rag & Bone earns a B- for producing primarily in countries with stronger labor laws and for its lack of major labor controversies. However, this grade is held back significantly by a severe lack of transparency. Without publishing a supplier list, providing audit results, or securing third-party certifications, its ethical claims remain unverified and its commitment to paying a living wage is unknown.
The brand gets a C+ for its focus on product durability, which is an important aspect of sustainability, and its use of some sustainable materials. It scores low because this potential is undermined by a complete lack of published environmental data, quantifiable targets, and circular economy initiatives. Its approach feels more like a passive consequence of being a quality brand rather than an active, forward-thinking sustainability strategy.
If you're looking for brands with a similar aesthetic but a stronger, verifiable commitment to ethics and sustainability, consider these alternatives.
Offering an aesthetic of modern essentials similar to Rag & Bone, Everlane is built on "radical transparency," publishing details about its factories and production costs. The brand is Climate Neutral Certified and uses a high percentage of sustainable materials like certified organic cotton and recycled fabrics.
Shop now at everlane.com
Reformation offers trendy yet timeless pieces with a deep commitment to sustainability. They are a certified B Corp, Climate Neutral Certified, track the environmental footprint of every product, and use materials like regenerative cotton, recycled fabrics, and TENCEL™ Lyocell.
Shop now at thereformation.com
While known for outdoor gear, Patagonia's commitment to quality and durability makes it a great choice for long-lasting wardrobe staples. As a B Corp and 1% for the Planet member, they use a high percentage of recycled materials, guarantee Fair Trade Certified sewing, and offer an industry-leading repair and take-back program.
Shop now at patagonia.com
For a luxury alternative, Stella McCartney has been a pioneer in sustainable and cruelty-free fashion since its inception. The brand is fully vegetarian, avoids leather, fur, and feathers, and invests heavily in material innovation, using materials like regenerative cotton and mushroom-based 'leather'.
Shop now at stellamccartney.com
Rag & Bone is considered a contemporary or premium brand, sitting between high-street and high-end luxury. Its price point, focus on quality materials, and designer aesthetic place it in the affordable luxury category for many consumers.
The brand states that a significant portion of its production happens in the United States and Italy. This is a key reason it is not considered fast fashion, as these countries generally have higher manufacturing and labor standards.
The pricing reflects its use of higher-quality materials (like premium denim and leather), its commitment to craftsmanship, and the higher labor costs associated with manufacturing in the US and Italy compared to traditional fast fashion production hubs.
No, Rag & Bone does not currently hold any major sustainability or ethical certifications, such as B Corp, Fair Trade, or Climate Neutral. This lack of third-party verification is one of its most significant weaknesses.
