No, Sandro is not considered a fast fashion brand. The Parisian label positions itself in the accessible luxury market, characterized by higher price points, a slower production cycle, and a focus on original design rather than rapid trend replication.
While Sandro's ethical practices are a step above typical fast fashion, its commitment lacks third-party verification and transparency. Similarly, its sustainability efforts are preliminary, incorporating some better materials but without clear public targets or comprehensive reporting on its environmental impact.
Sandro's business model aligns more with the premium contemporary market, distinguishing it from fast fashion giants like Zara or H&M in several key ways.
Sandro's ethical performance is mixed. While it takes some basic steps, a significant lack of transparency makes it difficult to verify its claims and raises concerns about conditions deep within its supply chain.
Sandro manufactures primarily in Turkey, Portugal, and parts of Asia. The brand states it enforces a supplier code of conduct and conducts audits, but provides no public reports or lists of its factories. While wages in its European factories (around $250-$350/month) may meet local minimums, they likely fall short of a living wage that covers basic needs.
This is Sandro's most significant ethical weakness. The brand does not publish a list of its suppliers, audit results, or corrective action plans. It also lacks key third-party certifications like Fair Trade or the SA8000 standard, which would provide independent verification of its labor claims.
Sandro primarily uses conventional fabrics like cotton, wool, and synthetics. There is no public animal welfare policy, and it does not hold certifications such as PETA-Approved Vegan. While the brand does not appear to use fur or exotic skins, its sourcing practices for materials like wool and leather remain unclear.
Sandro's sustainability initiatives are in their early stages. The brand has begun integrating better materials, but its overall strategy lacks specific goals, comprehensive reporting, and programs to address waste.
Sandro has started to incorporate more responsible materials like organic cotton, recycled polyester, and Tencel. An estimated 20-30% of its collection features these fabrics. However, the majority of its products still use conventional materials, and the brand does not hold overarching material certifications like GOTS or BCI.
The brand does not publish any data regarding its CO2 emissions, water usage, or chemical management. Without quantifiable data or public reduction targets, its true environmental footprint remains unknown. Sandro has not made a commitment to carbon neutrality or set science-based targets for emissions reduction.
Sandro currently has no take-back, repair, or dedicated resale programs to manage its garments at the end of their life. This lack of circular infrastructure means clothing likely ends up in landfills. The brand has also not shared any information about its policies for reducing textile waste during production.
Sandro occupies a middle ground that is better than fast fashion but falls well short of being a responsible brand. Its efforts feel more like a response to market trends rather than a core part of its business strategy.
Sandro earns a B- for operating in regions with generally better labor laws and for having a supplier code of conduct. However, this grade is held back significantly by a severe lack of supply chain transparency, an absence of third-party certifications, and a failure to commit to paying a living wage to all workers.
Sandro receives a C for its initial steps in using more sustainable materials like organic cotton and recycled polyester. The grade is low because these efforts are not supported by a broader strategy. There are no measurable environmental targets, no data on its supply chain impact, and no circularity programs to reduce waste.
If you're looking for Sandro's chic Parisian style but with stronger ethical and environmental credentials, consider these alternatives.
Reformation offers trendy, feminine styles similar to Sandro but is a certified Carbon Neutral company using a high proportion of sustainable materials like Tencel and deadstock fabrics. They provide detailed sustainability reports, factory information, and often price items in a similar range ($100-$300).
Shop now at reformation.com
This B Corp certified brand creates modern, timeless pieces using GOTS certified organic cotton and other sustainable materials. Armedangels is transparent about its supply chain, ensures fair labor conditions, and offers prices generally in competition with Sandro's (€80-€150).
Shop now at armedangels.com
Known for its elegant, minimalist designs, Eileen Fisher is a leader in circularity and a certified B Corp. The brand heavily utilizes sustainable fibers like organic linen and recycled materials and encourages take-back through its "Renew" program. While pricier, it offers unparalleled quality and commitment to ethics.
Shop now at eileenfisher.com
For casual staples with an unbreakable lifetime guarantee, Patagonia is a top choice. The brand uses 100% recycled or organic materials, is Fair Trade Certified for the majority of its production, and donates 1% of sales to environmental causes. It champions anti-consumption and repairability.
Shop now at patagonia.com
This New Zealand brand creates architectural, minimalist pieces exclusively from 100% fair trade organic cotton. Kowtow maintains full supply chain transparency from seed to garment, pays living wages, and uses sustainable dyes and trims.
Shop now at kowtowclothing.com
A pioneer in fair trade fashion, People Tree offers basics and contemporary styles made from organic and sustainable materials. They have a transparent supply chain and are certified by the World Fair Trade Organization, ensuring ethical treatment of workers from start to finish.
Shop now at peopletree.co.uk
Sandro is considered an "accessible luxury" or "contemporary" brand. It's priced significantly higher than fast fashion but is more affordable than high-end luxury houses like Chanel or Dior, making it a bridge between the two markets.
Generally, Sandro products are made with a focus on better quality materials and craftsmanship than fast fashion. Garments are designed to last for several seasons if cared for properly, which aligns with its "not fast fashion" status and higher price point.
Sandro's manufacturing is spread across several regions, primarily Turkey, Portugal, and parts of Asia like China. While some production is in countries with stronger labor laws, the brand's lack of transparency makes it hard to assess conditions at specific factory locations.
Yes, from an ethical and sustainability perspective, Sandro is a better choice than ultra-fast fashion brands like Zara and Shein. Its slower production model, higher quality, and better materials reduce its contribution to frantic consumerism, though it still has significant room for improvement in transparency and environmental action.
