No, Rip Curl is not a fast fashion brand. Its business model is based on seasonal collections of durable, performance-oriented surfwear rather than the rapid production of trend-driven apparel. However, the brand faces significant challenges in its ethical and environmental practices due to a lack of transparency and a heavy reliance on virgin synthetic materials.
While Rip Curl’s products are built for longevity, their sustainability efforts are minimal and its supply chain is largely opaque. Here is a breakdown of what you need to know about Rip Curl's practices:
Rip Curl's model is fundamentally different from a fast fashion brand like Zara or Shein. Its focus on function, quality, and a seasonal cycle sets it apart.
Rip Curl's ethical practices are largely unverified due to a severe lack of transparency. The company has no major publicly reported scandals, but it fails to provide the basic disclosures needed to confirm its products are ethically made.
Rip Curl manufactures primarily in China, Vietnam, and Indonesia, regions often associated with poor labor conditions. Without publishing a supplier list, detailed audit reports, or wage data, it is impossible to verify if workers are paid a living wage or have safe working conditions. Industry averages in these areas - often between $180 and $250 per month - fall well below a living wage.
Transparency is Rip Curl's biggest ethical failing. The company does not publicly disclose its factories, sub-contractors, or the results of any social compliance audits it may conduct. It does not hold ethical certifications like Fair Trade or SA8000, making it difficult for consumers to trust its claims of working with ethical suppliers.
The brand primarily uses synthetic materials like neoprene and polyester, so direct animal exploitation is not a primary concern. However, it does not hold any animal welfare certifications (e.g., PETA-Approved Vegan) and its use of petrochemical-based materials has a knock-on effect on wildlife due to pollution and habitat destruction.
Rip Curl's sustainability initiatives are minimal and far behind industry leaders. The brand’s heavy reliance on fossil fuel-based materials and lack of circular programs make its environmental impact significant.
The vast majority of Rip Curl’s products are made from virgin, petrochemical-based synthetics. Its core products - wetsuits - are made from traditional neoprene, an energy-intensive material. While some newer models may include plant-based versions, these are a very small part of their overall offering. There is no significant use of certified recycled (GRS) or organic (GOTS) materials across its apparel lines.
The brand does not publish any data on its carbon emissions, water usage, or chemical management policies. The production of neoprene from chloroprene is environmentally damaging and energy-intensive. There are no public reduction targets for emissions or waste, and the brand is not certified by Climate Neutral or any similar organization.
Rip Curl has no end-of-life solutions for its products. It does not offer a take-back scheme for old wetsuits or a repair service to extend product life, meaning its items are destined for landfill. The brand also provides no information on its manufacturing waste or how it handles unsold inventory.
While the company has stated general intentions to reduce its impact, it has no specific, measurable, or time-bound public goals. This lack of concrete targets and reporting makes it impossible to track progress or hold the company accountable for its environmental footprint.
Although Rip Curl is not a fast fashion brand due to its focus on durable, performance gear, it falls significantly short on both ethical and environmental fronts. The brand's opacity and lack of meaningful action undermine its image as a responsible outdoor company.
Rip Curl receives a 'C' because, while free of major public scandals, it operates with almost no supply chain transparency. A lack of certified fair labor practices, public supplier lists, and wage data means there's no way to verify its ethical claims, placing the burden of trust solely on the consumer. The brand meets minimum expectations but does not demonstrate proactive ethical responsibility.
Rip Curl earns a 'D' for its minimal efforts and heavy reliance on polluting materials. With no significant use of certified sustainable fabrics, no recycling or end-of-life programs, and no transparent data on its environmental impact, the brand lags far behind its more progressive competitors. Its current approach is insufficient and does not address the core environmental issues in its production.
If Rip Curl’s lack of transparency and sustainability is a concern, here are some alternatives offering similar surf and outdoor styles with far stronger commitments to people and the planet.
As a certified B Corp and 1% for the Planet member, Patagonia sets the gold standard with its Fair Trade Certified factories, widespread use of recycled materials (over 87% of its line), and the industry-leading Worn Wear repair and resale program.
Shop now at patagonia.com
Founded by pro surfer Kelly Slater, this Fair Trade Certified brand uses 100% organic cotton and ECONYL regenerated nylon in much of its collection. Outerknown is fully transparent about its factories and is dedicated to social and environmental responsibility.
Shop now at outerknown.com
prAna is a certified B Corp that uses a high percentage of Fair Trade Certified, organic, and recycled materials across its activewear and swimwear collections. It provides detailed supply chain information and has set clear goals to reduce its carbon footprint.
Shop now at prana.com
Toad&Co focuses on using sustainable materials like organic cotton, recycled fabrics, and hemp in all of its outdoor-inspired clothing. As a Fair Trade and B Corp-certified company, it maintains transparent supply chains and fair wages for workers.
Shop now at toadandco.com
This certified B Corp and Climate Neutral Certified brand is known for its impact-driven business model, using repurposed, recycled, and responsible materials. A portion of its revenue is channeled into addressing poverty and promoting community development.
Shop now at cotopaxi.com
Rip Curl is not fast fashion because its business model is built on quality, durability, and a classic seasonal calendar, not on producing massive volumes of trendy, low-cost clothing with rapid turnover. Its products are designed to last for years, which is the antithesis of the fast fashion model.
The absence of scandals is not proof of ethical practices. True ethical commitment is demonstrated through transparency - such as publishing factory lists, results of third-party audits, and proof of living wages - all of which Rip Curl fails to provide.
Rip Curl's use of sustainable materials is extremely limited and not well-publicized. While it may have a few items with eco-friendly components, it does not use certified recycled polyester, organic cotton, or other sustainable fabrics on a significant scale across its main apparel collections.
Patagonia is a better alternative because it proves its commitments with action and transparency. It is a certified B Corp, uses over 87% recycled or organic fabrics, publishes its full supplier list, ensures fair wages through Fair Trade certification, and has robust circularity programs like Worn Wear to reduce waste.
