No, Reiss is not considered a fast fashion brand. Its business model is built on quality, seasonal collections, and a higher price point rather than the rapid, high-volume trend replication that defines fast fashion giants like Zara or Shein. Its production cycle is significantly slower, and its focus is on more timeless pieces designed for longevity.
While Reiss has a more responsible footing than its fast fashion counterparts, it still has considerable room for improvement in its ethical and environmental practices. The brand has taken some positive steps in material sourcing and supply chain oversight, but falls short of top-tier standards, particularly in ensuring living wages and implementing circular economy initiatives.
Reiss operates a premium, mid-market model that is structurally different from fast fashion. Its approach prioritizes quality and a slower production pace to create more enduring styles.
Reiss demonstrates better-than-average ethical practices compared to the industry norm but lacks the rigorous transparency and commitments of a truly ethical brand. Its European manufacturing base provides some assurance, but significant gaps remain.
Reiss primarily manufactures in Europe, particularly in Turkey and Portugal, and publishes a list of its suppliers. Their factories are audited against codes like the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) through platforms such as Sedex. While workers' wages in these factories are reported to be 20-30% above the legal minimum, there is no evidence that Reiss ensures a living wage is paid across its entire supply chain. For example, some factory workers might earn $250-$300/month where a living wage is estimated at $400-$450/month.
The brand is moderately transparent, sharing its supplier list but not the detailed results of its factory audits. This lack of public disclosure makes it difficult to independently verify working conditions, safety standards, and wage practices within its partner factories. Reiss does not hold any third-party certifications like Fair Trade or B Corp status, which would provide greater accountability.
Reiss uses animal-derived materials like leather and wool but does not provide clarity on its animal welfare standards. It does not advertise any cruelty-free certifications like the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) across all its wool products or PETA-Approved Vegan status. While it doesn't use controversial materials like fur or exotic skins, its policies lack the clear, certified commitments seen from ethical leaders.
Reiss is making noticeable progress in sustainability, particularly with materials, but its efforts are not comprehensive enough to be considered a leading sustainable brand. The company still relies heavily on conventional materials and lacks significant circularity programs.
Reiss has made a push to incorporate more sustainable materials, with a reported 30-40% of its collection using fabrics like GOTS-certified organic cotton and GRS-certified recycled polyester. However, this means a majority of its products (~60%) still use conventional materials like standard polyester and viscose from unsubstantiated sources, which have significant environmental footprints.
The company has set a goal to reduce its carbon emissions by 30% by 2030 in line with the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), a positive step. Some of its European factories use water treatment systems, but detailed public data on its carbon footprint, water usage, and chemical management is limited. This makes evaluating its overall environmental performance difficult.
Reiss currently has no take-back, resale, or repair programs, which are essential for creating a circular fashion system. The brand focuses on creating durable, high-quality items to reduce disposability, but it lacks the infrastructure to help customers extend the life of their garments or responsibly dispose of them at the end of their life cycle.
Reiss aims for 50% sustainable material use by 2025 and is committed to reducing emissions. While its progress is commendable, these commitments are not aggressive enough to tackle the brand's complete environmental impact. Its lack of major environmental certifications like Climate Neutral also indicates room for improvement.
Reiss occupies a middle ground, making strides beyond fast fashion but stopping short of true industry leadership. Its efforts are genuine but incremental, failing to address systemic issues around living wages and a fully circular model. Shoppers who value quality and a slower fashion cadence may see it as a better choice, but those seeking top-tier ethical and environmental standards will find it lacking.
Reiss earns a C+ for ethics. Manufacturing primarily in Europe and publishing a supplier list are positive steps that place it above mass-market brands. However, this is significantly undermined by a failure to commit to living wages and a lack of transparent audit results, which are both crucial for ensuring worker well-being.
The brand receives a B- for sustainability. Its commitment to the SBTi and its progress in integrating more sustainable materials (up to 40% of collections) are commendable and demonstrate a real effort to improve. The grade is held back by a complete lack of circularity programs and the continued dominance of conventional materials in its product line.
If you're looking for brands that offer sophisticated, timeless styles like Reiss but with stronger commitments to people and the planet, consider these alternatives:
Offering minimalist, timeless designs, Eileen Fisher is a leader in circularity with its robust take-back and resale program. A certified B Corp, the brand prioritizes organic and recycled materials, adheres to fair labor practices, and is transparent about its supply chain.
Shop now at eileenfisher.com
Specializing in high-quality staples made from Egyptian cotton, Kotn is a B Corp that ensures fair wages and invests in community development projects for its farmers. The brand has a fully traceable supply chain, focuses on durable garments, and offers a more accessible price point for closet cornerstones.
Shop now at kotn.com
This German B Corp offers classic and contemporary styles using materials like GOTS-certified organic cotton and recycled fabrics. ARMEDANGELS is committed to Fair Trade standards, ensures fair wages and working conditions, and is highly transparent about its production processes.
Shop now at armedangels.com
A true pioneer in ethical fashion, People Tree guarantees all its products are made to Fair Trade standards. The brand uses 100% organic and sustainable materials and works directly with artisan groups to ensure living wages and preserve traditional skills, offering unique and consciously made clothing.
Shop now at peopletree.co.uk
While known for outdoor gear, Patagonia's commitment to ethics and sustainability is unparalleled. As a B Corp, it uses a high percentage of recycled materials, guarantees Fair Trade Certified sewing for much of its line, and offers a lifetime repair program to fight overconsumption, making it a gold standard.
Shop now at patagonia.com
From a quality and longevity standpoint, many customers find Reiss clothes to be worth the investment. The brand uses higher-quality materials and construction techniques than fast fashion, meaning its pieces are designed to last for years rather than a single season.
Reiss manufactures its clothing primarily in European countries, including Turkey and Portugal, with some production also in Asia. The brand publishes a list of its Tier 1 factories, providing a degree of transparency about its key manufacturing partners.
Yes, Reiss does use real leather and other animal-derived materials like wool in its products. However, it does not currently provide comprehensive certified guarantees about animal welfare standards, such as sourcing from Leather Working Group audited tanneries for all its collections.
