No, Simons is not considered a fast fashion brand. The Canadian retailer operates on a more traditional seasonal collection model with longer production lead times and a focus on quality over rapid, high-volume trend replication.
While Simons has made meaningful sustainability commitments, including achieving B Corp status, its ethical practices have notable gaps, particularly concerning wage transparency and factory conditions. Here’s a detailed breakdown of its practices.
Simons avoids the hyper-accelerated production model that defines fast fashion. Its approach is more measured, prioritizing seasonal relevance and product quality over the disposable, trend-chasing ethos of brands like Shein or Zara.
Simons demonstrates a moderate commitment to ethical sourcing, with a supplier code of conduct and some third-party audits, but it lacks the deep transparency and wage guarantees of leading ethical brands.
Simons requires suppliers to follow its code of conduct, which aligns with international labor standards, and conducts annual audits in high-risk countries like Bangladesh and China. However, wage data is limited. Publicly available reports suggest workers in some supplier factories earn between $180–$250 per month, which falls significantly short of the estimated living wage of around $350 per month for the region.
While the company publishes a supplier list and works with third-party auditors like Sedex, it does not disclose detailed audit results or a comprehensive list of all factory locations. This lack of full transparency makes it difficult for consumers and watchdogs to independently verify working conditions and wage claims across its entire supply chain.
Simons has a policy against using fur and exotic skins, and it claims to source materials like wool and leather responsibly. However, the brand does not hold any third-party animal welfare certifications like PETA-Approved Vegan or the Responsible Wool Standard, making its claims difficult to verify.
Simons is making credible progress on sustainability, underscored by its B Corp certification and clear environmental targets. However, the company still relies heavily on conventional materials and needs to improve its data reporting.
Approximately 30% of Simons' collection is made with more sustainable materials, including 15% GOTS-certified organic cotton, 10% GRS-certified recycled polyester, and 5% TENCEL™ Lyocell. The remaining 70% of its products use conventional materials like non-organic cotton and virgin synthetic fibers, which have a higher environmental impact.
The brand has committed to reducing its carbon emissions by 20% by 2025 and aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, but progress metrics have not been publicly shared. They have also implemented more efficient dyeing processes to reduce water consumption in selected factories.
Simons has an in-store recycling program for used clothing, though its scope and impact are limited. They manage unsold inventory through outlet sales and donations and have experimented with using deadstock fabric in some collections. However, a comprehensive repair or take-back program is not yet in place.
Simons holds B Corp certification since 2020, a rigorous certification that validates its commitment to social and environmental performance. Its goals include reaching 50% sustainable materials by 2030 and reducing waste to landfill by 2025.
Simons' efforts towards ethics and sustainability are commendable but not yet consistent throughout its operations. The B Corp certification is an excellent step, but there is room for improvement in transparency and commitment.
