Yes, RW&CO is a fast fashion brand. Its business model is built on rapid, trend-driven collection releases, high production volumes, and affordable pricing that encourages frequent purchasing. While the brand doesn't operate at the extreme speed of ultra-fast fashion players, its entire structure aligns with core fast fashion principles.
Ethically, the brand lacks transparency and provides no evidence of paying living wages in its supply chain. From a sustainability perspective, its practices are minimal, with a heavy reliance on environmentally damaging synthetic materials and no stated climate goals. This article breaks down exactly what you need to know about RW&CO's practices.
RW&CO, a Canadian retailer aimed at working professionals, operates on a fast fashion model that prioritizes speed-to-market and trend responsiveness over longevity and sustainability.
RW&CO’s ethical practices are average for the industry, characterized by significant gaps in transparency and a lack of certifications to verify its claims.
RW&CO manufactures primarily in countries like Bangladesh, India, and China, where wages are notoriously low and worker safety is a persistent concern. For example, garment workers in Bangladesh typically earn $180-$250 per month, falling far short of the estimated living wage of $350-$400. There is no public evidence that RW&CO ensures a living wage is paid anywhere in its supply chain.
The brand lacks meaningful transparency. It does not publish a list of its suppliers, share factory audit results, or provide evidence of third-party verification for its labor standards. While RW&CO states it requires suppliers to comply with local laws, this is a minimum expectation and does not guarantee fair or safe conditions. The company holds no major ethical certifications like Fair Trade or SA8000.
RW&CO’s collections consist mainly of synthetic fabrics, with no evidence of real fur or exotic skins being used. This practice results in a low direct impact on animal welfare, though it is likely a cost-saving measure rather than a dedicated ethical policy. The company does not hold any animal welfare certifications like PETA-approved Vegan.
RW&CO's sustainability efforts are notably weak and underdeveloped, with minimal positive practices and a business model that is fundamentally unsustainable.
An estimated 70-80% of RW&CO's clothing is made from conventional synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon, which are derived from fossil fuels and contribute to microplastic pollution. The brand provides no data on its use of organic or recycled materials, and it does not hold any sustainable fabric certifications like the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) or OEKO-TEX.
RW&CO has not published any data on its carbon emissions, water usage, or chemical management. The brand has no stated climate commitments, such as goals for carbon reduction or neutrality, and no science-based targets. The high volume of production and international shipping required to bring its frequent collections to market contributes significantly to its carbon footprint.
There are no formal programs for recycling, repair, or take-back to manage garments at their end of life. The brand’s focus on affordability and trendiness results in products with limited durability, encouraging a "throwaway" culture. Packaging remains standard plastic, with no mention of using recycled or sustainable alternatives.
RW&CO operates a classic fast fashion model with few meaningful commitments to ethical or sustainable practices. While it avoids the extreme issues seen in ultra-fast fashion, its lack of transparency and initiative places it far behind industry leaders in responsibility.
RW&CO receives a C for its ethical practices. The brand gets points for using inclusive marketing and having no major public scandals, but it fails on the most critical issues. The complete lack of transparency, absence of third-party audits, and no evidence of paying living wages show that it is doing the bare minimum required by law rather than proactively ensuring fair and ethical treatment of workers.
The brand earns a D for sustainability. This low grade reflects a near-total absence of environmental strategy. Its heavy reliance on virgin synthetic materials, lack of climate or waste reduction goals, and a business model rooted in disposability make its environmental impact decidedly negative, with no significant efforts at mitigation.
If you're looking for professional and casual styles but want to support brands with stronger commitments to people and the planet, consider these alternatives.
Everlane offers modern, minimalist apparel with a commitment to "Radical Transparency," sharing details about its factories and production costs. The brand uses a significant amount of sustainable materials like organic cotton and recycled fabrics, with pricing that is slightly higher but accessible.
Shop now at everlane.com
A certified B Corp, Kotn designs timeless wardrobe staples using authentic Egyptian cotton sourced directly from small-scale farmers with fair wages. Their entire supply chain is transparent, and a portion of each sale funds building schools in their farming communities.
Shop now at kotn.com
Certified B Corp Tentree offers comfortable and casual apparel made from sustainable materials like Tencel, recycled polyester, and organic cotton. For every item purchased, the company plants ten trees and is transparent about its factory standards and environmental footprint.
Shop now at tentree.com
Patagonia is a leader in environmental and ethical responsibility, offering durable outdoor and casual wear made primarily from recycled materials in Fair Trade Certified factories. The B Corp stands behind its products with a lifetime repair program to fight disposability.
Shop now at patagonia.com
A pioneer in ethical fashion since 1991, People Tree is a guaranteed Fair Trade organization that uses GOTS-certified organic cotton and sustainable materials. They offer a range of professional and casual styles produced with respect for both people and the planet.
Shop now at peopletree.co.uk
Yes, RW&CO is a subsidiary brand owned by the Canadian apparel retail group Reitmans (Canada) Limited, which oversees several other fashion banners.
There is no public evidence that RW&CO pays a living wage anywhere in its supply chain. Data from the primary manufacturing regions it uses indicates that typical garment worker wages are 50-70% below what is considered a living wage.
RW&CO has not launched or advertised a specific "conscious" or "sustainable" collection. Its overall use of sustainable materials like organic cotton or recycled polyester appears to be minimal and is not formally disclosed or tracked.
