No, Roxy is not a fast fashion brand. Its business model is built around seasonal lifestyle collections for surf and outdoor activities, which stands in contrast to the rapid, high-volume production cycles of brands like Shein or Zara. While Roxy has made some moves toward sustainability by incorporating recycled materials into its product lines, its ethical and environmental practices have significant room for improvement, particularly regarding supply chain transparency and labor standards.
Many of the brand's sustainability claims lack detailed data, leaving consumers with an incomplete picture of its true impact. Here’s a detailed breakdown of Roxy’s practices.
Roxy operates as a lifestyle brand, prioritizing durability and a distinct surf-culture aesthetic over the rapid replication of fleeting trends. Its production model differs from fast fashion in several key ways.
Roxy demonstrates a moderate commitment to ethics, but significant gaps in transparency and labor rights prevent it from being a leader in this area. While the brand is not linked to major scandals, it has not proven it meets high standards for worker welfare.
Roxy primarily manufactures in China, Vietnam, and Indonesia, regions with known risks of poor labor conditions. While its parent company, Boardriders Inc., has a code of conduct for its suppliers, there is a lack of public, detailed information on working conditions and wages. General industry data for these regions shows factory wages often fall below a living wage, for example, garment workers in Vietnam may earn $150-$200 per month, while the estimated living wage is closer to $300-$350.
Roxy's transparency is limited. The brand does not publish a full list of its suppliers or the results of its factory audits. While its parent company is part of the Fair Labor Association, specific actions and progress within Roxy’s supply chain are not clearly disclosed to the public, making it difficult to verify its ethical claims.
Roxy uses some animal products like wool and leather, but it does not have key animal welfare certifications such as the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) or Responsible Down Standard (RDS). Much of their swimwear is made from neoprene, a synthetic rubber whose production carries environmental concerns. The brand has not been accused of any significant animal welfare controversies.
Roxy has taken initial steps toward sustainability, but these efforts currently represent a small portion of its overall operations and material use. The brand's environmental claims often lack specific data, raising questions about greenwashing.
A mix of conventional and sustainable materials are used in Roxy's products. Approximately 15-20% of its range features recycled materials like recycled polyester from plastic bottles, primarily in its swimwear. Organic cotton appears in a small number of casual pieces, estimated at 5-10% of its collections. The majority of their products still rely on virgin synthetics, which contribute to microplastic pollution and have a high carbon footprint.
Roxy does not publicly report on its carbon footprint, water usage, or chemical management in its supply chain. Its parent company has set a goal to be carbon neutral by 2030, but there is no clear and specific roadmap detailing how Roxy will contribute to this target. Without transparent data, it is difficult to assess the brand's real environmental impact.
The brand currently lacks a comprehensive take-back, recycling, or large-scale repair program. Some limited wetsuit repair services have been offered in select locations, but there is no widespread system to address the end-of-life impact of their products. Deadstock is primarily managed through sales at outlet stores.
While Roxy is not a fast fashion brand, its efforts in ethics and sustainability are average at best. The positive steps it has taken are outweighed by a lack of transparency and a failure to address core issues in its supply chain.
Roxy earns a B- for its moderate ethical commitments. The brand adheres to some basic industry standards but falls short due to a significant lack of transparency, an absence of a confirmed living wage for its workers, and a lack of key certifications like Fair Trade. While they have avoided major controversies, their current practices are not enough to confirm that their supply chain is truly ethical.
We grade Roxy's sustainability a C+. The brand receives points for using some recycled materials in its swimwear and its parent company's commitment to future carbon neutrality. However, these initiatives are still small-scale and are undermined by a lack of transparent reporting on key metrics like carbon emissions, water use, and a complete absence of a circularity program.
If you're looking for surf, outdoor, and casual wear from brands with stronger commitments to the planet and its people, consider these more responsible alternatives:
An industry leader in sustainability, Patagonia is a certified B Corp known for its transparent supply chain, use of recycled materials (over 70% of its line), Fair Trade Certified factories, and its Worn Wear program that promotes repairs and secondhand sales. Their price point is higher, but the durability and lifetime guarantee offer excellent value.
Shop now at patagonia.com
Founded by professional surfer Kelly Slater, Outerknown is committed to Fair Labor Association standards and uses innovative sustainable materials like Econyl regenerated nylon. Their entire product line is designed with longevity in mind, and they offer full transparency on their factory partners and wage policies.
Shop now at outerknown.com
This lifestyle brand is a great alternative for yoga, climbing, travel, and everyday wear, using a majority of sustainable materials like organic cotton, hemp, and recycled polyester. prAna is Fair Trade Certified for a large number of its products, empowering workers and ensuring safe conditions and fair wages.
Shop now at prana.com
A certified B Corp, Toad & Co. focuses on creating socially and environmentally responsible outdoor and casual apparel. They use a minimum of 80% sustainable fibers in every garment, utilize reusable packaging, and partner with environmental non-profits through 1% for the Planet.
Shop now at toadandco.com
For more fashion-forward dresses and swimwear, Reformation is a certified Climate Neutral company that provides a detailed breakdown of each product's environmental footprint. They use low-impact and recycled materials, operate their own sustainable factory in Los Angeles, and provide transparency on their global tier 1 suppliers.
Shop now at thereformation.com
Yes, Roxy is the women's line of Quiksilver, which are both owned by the parent company Boardriders, Inc. Their sourcing and manufacturing networks are closely linked, so the sustainability and ethical policies of Quiksilver generally apply to Roxy as well.
Roxy uses some sustainable materials, but they make up a small part of its collection. Around 15-20% of its products contain recycled polyester, and 5-10% use organic cotton. The majority of its apparel continues to be made from virgin, conventional materials like nylon and spandex.
Yes, Roxy is generally considered better than pure fast fashion brands. Its business model is based on higher-quality, more durable products with a slower release cycle. However, when it comes to supply chain transparency and verified ethical and sustainable practices, it still lags far behind leading sustainable apparel brands.
