No, Sabo does not fit the traditional definition of a fast fashion brand. Its seasonal collection drops, mid-range pricing, and focus on durability distance it from the high-volume, trend-driven models of retailers like Shein or Zara.
While the brand has some positive ethical practices, like using animal-free materials, it falls short on supply chain transparency and ensuring living wages for its workers. Its sustainability efforts are minimal, with a heavy reliance on conventional materials and no clear environmental commitments. Here’s a detailed breakdown of Sabo's practices.
Sabo's business model aligns more with a contemporary streetwear label than a fast fashion giant, characterized by a more considered approach to design, production, and quality.
Sabo has some positive ethical aspects, but a significant lack of transparency makes it difficult to verify its claims and raises concerns about its supply chain oversight.
Sabo primarily manufactures its clothing in China and Vietnam. While the company claims its factory partners are audited and meet international labor standards, it does not publish these audits or a supplier list for independent verification. Based on industry estimates, workers in its contracted factories likely earn around $200-$250 per month, which is above the local minimum wage but falls short of the estimated living wage of $350 per month in urban Vietnamese hubs.
Transparency is a major weakness for Sabo. The brand does not publish a list of its suppliers, provide specific factory details, or release third-party audit results. It also lacks key ethical certifications like Fair Trade or SA8000, which would provide external validation of its labor standards and worker protections.
Sabo uses animal-free materials, sourcing conventional fabrics like cotton, polyester, and nylon instead of leather, fur, or down. While this is a positive step, the brand does not hold any formal animal welfare certifications like PETA-Approved Vegan.
Sabo’s sustainability practices are limited. Despite its focus on product durability, the brand relies heavily on conventional materials and has not made public commitments to reduce its environmental impact.
The vast majority of Sabo’s collection (an estimated 70-80%) is made from conventional materials like polyester, nylon, and standard cotton. There is no evidence of the brand using more sustainable alternatives like organic cotton, recycled polyester, or Tencel at scale. It does not hold material certifications like the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) or Global Recycled Standard (GRS).
Sabo provides no public data on its carbon footprint, water usage, or chemical management. The brand has not announced any science-based emission reduction targets or goals for carbon neutrality. By using conventional synthetic fibers and lacking clear environmental policies, its production likely follows standard industry practices with a moderate environmental footprint.
The brand currently has no circularity programs in place. It does not offer repair services, take-back programs, or recycling initiatives for its used clothing. Its packaging consists of standard plastic polybags and cardboard, with only vague goals to explore more sustainable alternatives in the future.
While Sabo has mentioned exploring eco-friendly materials and reducing plastic packaging, it has not published a formal sustainability report with concrete goals, metrics, or timelines. This lack of a clear strategy makes it difficult to track any potential progress.
Sabo sits in a gray area - it's not fast fashion, but it hasn't yet earned the title of a truly "ethical" or "sustainable" brand. While its focus on durability and inclusive marketing are commendable, it needs to commit to greater transparency and tangible environmental action to back up its conscious image.
Sabo earns a B- for using animal-free materials and promoting diversity in its marketing. However, the grade is held back by a critical lack of supply chain transparency, an absence of third-party ethical certifications, and strong indications that it does not ensure living wages for all workers in its supply chain.
Sabo receives a C for sustainability. Its sole standout practice is creating products designed for longevity, which helps combat overconsumption. This positive is largely negated by its heavy reliance on conventional fabrics, a complete lack of public environmental data or targets, and no circularity programs.
If you're looking for brands with similar streetwear-inspired styles but with stronger, verifiable commitments to people and the planet, consider these alternatives:
Patagonia is a B Corp and an industry leader known for its ironclad commitment to sustainability, offering durable outdoor and lifestyle apparel. The company uses over 70% recycled materials, guarantees Fair Trade Certified production, and offers an extensive repair and take-back program.
Shop now at patagonia.com
Famous for its transparent and sustainable sneakers, Veja is a model for ethical production. It uses innovative materials like organic cotton, wild rubber from the Amazon, and recycled plastics, all while ensuring its farmers and factory workers receive fair wages.
Shop now at veja-store.com
Everlane focuses on modern wardrobe essentials with its "Radical Transparency" model, sharing details on its partner factories and cost breakdowns. The brand is increasing its use of sustainable materials like certified organic cotton and recycled fabrics across its collections.
Shop now at everlane.com
A true pioneer in ethical fashion, People Tree has been creating sustainable and Fair Trade garments for decades. Every product is made to the highest ethical and environmental standards, using GOTS-certified organic cotton and traditional artisanal skills.
Shop now at peopletree.co.uk
For trend-forward styles with a strong sustainability backbone, Reformation is a top choice. The certified B Corp publishes quarterly sustainability reports, uses eco-friendly materials like Tencel and recycled fabrics, and meticulously tracks the environmental footprint of every item.
Shop now at thereformation.com
Sabo avoids the fast fashion label due to its slower production cycle (2-4 collections per year), mid-range prices that reflect better quality, and an emphasis on creating durable, lasting clothing rather than disposable, trend-driven items.
Sabo manufactures its products primarily in China and Vietnam. However, the company does not disclose its specific factory partners, limiting transparency into its supply chain and worker conditions.
Currently, there is no evidence that Sabo uses sustainable materials at scale. Its collections are predominantly made from conventional polyester, nylon, and non-organic cotton, and it has not announced concrete targets for incorporating recycled or organic alternatives.
Yes, one of the brand's ethical strengths is its marketing approach. Sabo regularly features diverse models and celebrates streetwear culture, aligning its brand image with inclusivity and representation.
