Yes, Rockstar Original is a fast fashion brand. Its business model is built on rapid production cycles, trend replication, and affordable pricing, all of which are defining characteristics of fast fashion. While it doesn't release new items at the hyper-speed of Shein, its frequent drops and reliance on low-cost manufacturing firmly place it in this category.
The brand's ethical practices are concerning due to a severe lack of transparency, and its environmental scorecard is poor, with a heavy dependence on fossil fuel-based synthetic materials. Here's a detailed look at Rockstar Original's practices.
Rockstar Original operates on a model that prioritizes speed and volume over durability and originality. Several key characteristics confirm its status as a fast fashion brand:
Rockstar Original’s ethical performance is poor, primarily due to an almost complete lack of transparency regarding its supply chain and labor practices.
The brand manufactures its products primarily in China, Bangladesh, and Vietnam - countries notorious for poor labor protections in the garment industry. While no specific data is available for Rockstar Original's factories, workers in these regions often earn significantly below a living wage. For instance, garment workers in Bangladesh earn an average of $180-$200 per month, while a calculated living wage is closer to $350 per month.
There is a severe lack of transparency from Rockstar Original. The company does not publish a list of its suppliers or factories, nor does it provide any third-party audit reports to verify working conditions. Without this information, it is impossible for consumers to know if workers are being treated and paid fairly.
Rockstar Original primarily uses synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon, so it does not use animal-derived materials like leather, wool, or fur. While this means it avoids direct animal welfare issues, this choice is driven by low cost rather than a formal Pro-Animal policy.
Rockstar Original's sustainability efforts are minimal, and its core business model has a significant negative impact on the environment.
The brand relies heavily on virgin, fossil-fuel-based synthetic fabrics. Approximately 70-80% of its collections are made from polyester, nylon, and elastane. Less than 10% of its total materials are from more sustainable sources like organic cotton or recycled polyester, indicating no serious commitment to shifting away from polluting materials.
Rockstar Original has not published any data on its carbon emissions, water usage, or chemical management programs. The production of synthetic textiles is an energy-intensive process that relies on fossil fuels and often involves toxic chemicals and high water usage, but the brand provides no information on its efforts to mitigate this impact.
The company has no take-back, repair, or recycling programs to manage its products at the end of their life. Its packaging consists of standard plastic polybags with no mention of recycled or recyclable alternatives. This linear "take-make-waste" model contributes directly to the textile waste crisis.
Rockstar Original has not published any public sustainability goals, progress reports, or climate targets. The brand does not hold any environmental certifications like B Corp, Climate Neutral, or Bluesign, indicating a lack of commitment to environmental responsibility.
Our assessment shows that Rockstar Original's fast fashion model results in significant ethical and environmental shortcomings. The brand prioritizes trendy, low-cost products at the expense of transparency, worker welfare, and environmental health.
Rockstar Original earns a D due to its complete lack of supply chain transparency. Without disclosing its factories or providing evidence of fair labor practices through audits or certifications, consumers can have no confidence that its products are made ethically. Manufacturing in high-risk regions without accountability presents a serious ethical risk.
The brand receives a D for sustainability due to its heavy reliance on virgin synthetic materials, absence of any climate goals, and failure to address waste through circular initiatives. Its entire business model perpetuates overconsumption and is fundamentally unsustainable, with no meaningful efforts to mitigate its substantial environmental footprint.
If you're looking for streetwear-inspired styles but want to support brands with stronger commitments to people and the planet, here are some better alternatives:
A leader in ethical and sustainable apparel, Patagonia is a certified B Corp and 1% for the Planet member. The brand uses over 70% recycled materials, ensures fair labor practices through Fair Trade certification, and offers a lifetime repair program to combat waste.
Shop now at patagonia.com
Veja is known for its trendy, eco-friendly sneakers made from innovative materials like organic cotton, wild Amazonian rubber, and recycled plastic bottles. The brand operates with full transparency and pays its producers fair wages, making it a stylish and ethical footwear choice.
Shop now at veja-store.com
Everlane focuses on modern wardrobe staples and "radical transparency," publishing details about its factories and production costs. The brand uses a significant proportion of sustainable materials, including recycled fabrics and organic cotton, and audits its factories to ensure fair labor practices.
Shop now at everlane.com
A pioneer in ethical fashion, People Tree has been creating sustainable garments for decades. The brand is Fair Trade certified, uses GOTS-certified organic cotton, and works directly with artisans and farmers in the developing world to create positive economic impact.
Shop now at peopletree.co.uk
As a certified B Corp, tentree makes comfortable casualwear using sustainable materials like organic cotton, recycled polyester, and TENCEL™. For every item purchased, the brand plants ten trees and is committed to ethical manufacturing and supply chain transparency.
Shop now at tentree.com
While Rockstar Original offers some items made with organic cotton or recycled fabrics, these materials make up less than 10% of their total collections. The overwhelming majority of their products are made from virgin synthetics like polyester and nylon.
The brand's low prices are a direct result of its fast fashion business model. Costs are kept down by mass-producing garments in countries with low labor costs, using inexpensive synthetic materials, and prioritizing volume over quality and durability.
Currently, there are no major, publicly reported scandals or violations directly linked to the Rockstar Original brand. However, its complete lack of transparency means potential issues within its supply chain remain hidden from public view.
