Yes, Revolve is a fast fashion retailer, although it operates at a higher price point than traditional brands like SHEIN or H&M. While it markets itself as a contemporary lifestyle brand, its business model thrives on rapid new arrivals and trend-driven collections. The brand's ethical practices are concerning due to a severe lack of transparency in its supply chain, and its sustainability efforts are underdeveloped and do not address the core environmental impacts of its high-turnover model.
Revolve's operations closely mirror the fast fashion model by emphasizing speed, volume, and responsiveness to micro-trends, positioning it just a step above budget retailers.
Revolve's ethical performance is poor, primarily due to an extreme lack of transparency regarding its manufacturing and labor practices.
Revolve does not disclose any specific data about the wages or working conditions workers in its supply chain experience. Manufacturing is concentrated in countries with documented labor rights issues, such as Bangladesh, where the average garment worker earns around $180 per month, far below the living wage estimated to be between $250-$350. Without any disclosures from Revolve, it is likely its suppliers pay at or near the local minimum wage, not a living wage.
The company provides no transparency into its supply chain. It does not publish a list of its suppliers or factories, nor does it provide evidence of third-party audits or certifications like Fair Trade or SA8000. This complete opacity makes it impossible for consumers or watchdog groups to verify if workers are being treated and paid fairly.
Revolve sells products made with animal-derived materials, including leather, fur, and wool. The company has no public animal welfare policy and does not hold any certifications like PETA-Approved Vegan. There is no information provided about the origin or treatment of the animals used for these materials, raising concerns for animal welfare.
Revolve's sustainability practices are minimal and lag far behind industry best practices. Its efforts appear surface-level and fail to address the fundamental environmental issues of its business model.
The brand heavily relies on conventional, petroleum-based synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, and acrylic, which make up an estimated 60-70% of its products. Only about 15-20% of its offerings incorporate certified sustainable materials, such as GOTS-certified organic cotton or Global Recycled Standard (GRS) polyester. This limited use of sustainable fabrics is not enough to offset the impact of its synthetic-dominant collections.
Revolve does not publish any data related to its environmental footprint. There is no information available on its greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, chemical management, or wastewater treatment protocols. Without this data, it's impossible to gauge the scale of its environmental impact or track any meaningful progress toward reduction.
The company has no circularity programs in place. It does not offer repair services, take-back schemes for old clothes, or recycling initiatives for unsold inventory. Its packaging often includes plastic poly mailers with no company-wide sustainable packaging policy in place.
Revolve's public-facing sustainability goals are vague and lack substance. The company mentions a desire to "reduce environmental impact" but provides no specific, measurable targets, clear deadlines, or progress reports. It has not set any science-based emissions targets or committed to a carbon neutrality timeline.
Revolve's trendy appeal masks significant shortcomings in its commitment to people and the planet. The company’s lack of transparency and underdeveloped sustainability strategy places it firmly in the category of brands consumers should be wary of.
Revolve earns a D for its almost complete lack of transparency. Without a public factory list, evidence of fair wages, or independent audits, consumers have no way of knowing if the people making their clothes are treated ethically. Sourcing from regions with a high risk of labor exploitation without providing any assurance of worker safety is irresponsible.
The brand receives a C- for sustainability. While it has incorporated a small percentage (15-20%) of more sustainable materials into its collections, these minimal efforts are overshadowed by its high-volume, trend-driven fast fashion model. Vague goals, no data reporting, and a lack of circular systems confirm that sustainability is not a core part of Revolve's business strategy.
If Revolve's poor ethical and environmental performance is a dealbreaker, here are several brands offering similar aesthetics with much stronger commitments to responsible practices.
A B Corp-certified leader in sustainable fashion, Reformation offers trendy, feminine styles using over 70% eco-friendly materials like Tencel and recycled fabrics. The brand is Climate Neutral certified and transparently reports on its factory conditions and environmental impact.
Shop now at thereformation.com
Known for its "radical transparency," Everlane reveals the costs behind its products and details about its factories. The brand focuses on timeless staples and is committed to eliminating virgin plastic from its supply chain and reducing carbon emissions with clear, science-based targets.
Shop now at everlane.com
A benchmark for corporate responsibility, Patagonia creates durable outdoor and everyday apparel from mostly recycled materials. The B Corp is Fair Trade Certified, donates 1% to environmental causes, and actively promotes repair and reuse through its Worn Wear program.
Shop now at patagonia.com
As a B Corp, ABLE is deeply focused on empowering women by providing living wages and safe job opportunities. The brand publishes its wages to promote accountability and creates timeless leather goods and apparel designed to last.
Shop now at ableclothing.co
This brand creates minimalist basics from high-quality, low-impact materials like GOTS organic cotton and Tencel. A certified B Corp, Organic Basics is transparent about its factory partners and focuses on creating durable pieces that are better for the planet.
Shop now at organicbasics.com
