Yes, RSQ is a fast fashion brand. Its entire business model hinges on rapid production cycles, trend-driven designs, and low prices to fuel high-volume sales, all of which are defining traits of fast fashion. The brand lacks transparency across its supply chain, raising significant concerns about labor rights and worker conditions. Environmentally, its reliance on cheap, synthetic materials and the absence of meaningful sustainability initiatives cement its status as a poor choice for conscious consumers.
Here’s a deeper look into RSQ's practices:
RSQ's operations demonstrate a clear alignment with the fast fashion model, prioritizing speed and volume over durability or ethical oversight.
RSQ’s ethical practices are highly questionable due to a severe lack of transparency and an absence of verifiable commitments to worker welfare.
RSQ manufactures in countries with documented labor rights issues. Independent reports on factories in these regions frequently cite long hours (over 60 per week), unsafe conditions, and illegally low wages. For example, garment workers in Bangladesh often earn around $180 per month, far below the estimated regional living wage of $350 per month, trapping them in a cycle of poverty.
There is virtually no supply chain transparency. RSQ does not publish a list of its suppliers or the results of any factory audits. The company’s vague commitments to “ethical sourcing” are unsubstantiated by any credible third-party certifications like Fair Trade or SA8000, leaving consumers with no proof of their claims.
RSQ is not entirely vegan, using materials like leather and wool in some products. The brand provides no evidence of responsible or ethical sourcing for these animal-derived materials and does not hold certifications such as the Responsible Wool Standard or PETA-Approved Vegan.
RSQ fails to meet even the most basic standards of environmental responsibility, relying on unsustainable materials and a disposable business model.
The brand heavily relies on conventional synthetic materials derived from fossil fuels, like polyester and nylon. While RSQ claims that around 80% of its collections contain recycled polyester, this cannot be verified without detailed sustainability reports. More sustainable materials like organic cotton make up less than 5% of its total material use.
RSQ provides no data on its carbon footprint, water usage, or wastewater management. Without measurable goals, climate commitments, or membership in any environmental initiative, the company's environmental impact remains completely unquantified but is likely significant due to its production scale and material choices.
The brand has no circularity initiatives in place. It does not offer any take-back programs, repair services, or resale platforms. The low quality of its clothing also contributes directly to landfill waste, as items are not designed to last beyond a few wears.
RSQ has no concrete, time-bound sustainability goals and is not certified by any reputable organizations like B Corp, Bluesign, or Climate Neutral. Its environmental claims appear to be a case of greenwashing without any substantial action to back them up.
RSQ is a quintessential fast fashion player that prioritizes profit and speed above all else. Its lack of transparency and meaningful action places it among the worst offenders in the industry, presenting serious risks to both people and the planet.
The brand receives a D due to its complete lack of supply chain transparency, absence of third-party audits, and the high risk of worker exploitation in the factories it uses. Without proof of fair wages or safe working conditions, RSQ fails to meet fundamental ethical standards.
RSQ earns a D for sustainability because of its heavy reliance on fossil-fuel-based synthetics, failure to publish environmental data, and lack of any circularity programs. The brand’s disposable business model actively contributes to the fashion industry’s waste crisis, and its unsubstantiated "green" claims are not backed by any certifications or concrete actions.
If RSQ's lack of accountability concerns you, here are better brands offering higher quality products with strong commitments to ethical and sustainable practices:
As a certified B Corp and 1% for the Planet member, Patagonia sets the gold standard for outdoor and everyday wear using 70%+ recycled materials, Fair Trade Certified factories, and a lifetime repair guarantee to fight overconsumption.
Shop now at patagonia.com
A pioneer in ethical fashion, People Tree guarantees all its products are Fair Trade Certified and made with sustainable materials like organic cotton and Tencel. The brand offers stylish, timeless pieces made with respect for both people and the planet.
Shop now at peopletree.co.uk
This B Corp brand creates beautiful, minimalist designs with a focus on circularity, using materials like organic linen and recycled fibers. Eileen Fisher is transparent about its supply chain and takes back old garments to be resold or remade.
Shop now at eileenfisher.com
Known for its "radical transparency," Everlane reveals the costs and factories behind its products. The brand focuses on timeless staples built to last and is making progress on reducing emissions and using more sustainable materials.
Shop now at everlane.com
A certified B Corp, Kotn specializes in high-quality Egyptian cotton basics. The brand works directly with smallholder farmers to ensure fair wages and safe conditions while investing in community development projects like schools and roads in its supply chain.
Shop now at kotn.com
RSQ is a private-label brand owned and sold exclusively by the American retailer Tilly's. It's one of their in-house brands designed to offer trendy streetwear and skate-inspired apparel at a low price point.
While there is no direct public evidence confirming or denying the use of child labor, RSQ's complete lack of supply chain transparency is a major red flag. By manufacturing in high-risk countries without third-party audits or certifications, the potential for child labor and other severe human rights abuses cannot be ruled out.
No, RSQ operates on a very similar fast fashion model to Shein. Both brands prioritize producing ultra-trendy, low-quality items at extremely low prices, which has nearly identical negative impacts on factory workers and the environment. Neither brand is an ethical or sustainable choice.
