No, Subdued is not considered a fast fashion brand. It follows a more traditional fashion model with seasonal collections, a focus on higher-quality materials, and a mid-range price point that distances it from rapid-turnover brands like Zara or H&M.
While the brand makes positive strides in ethical sourcing and material selection, it lacks the third-party certifications and supply chain transparency needed to be considered a leader in sustainability. Here's what you need to know about Subdued's practices:
Subdued's business model prioritizes quality and longevity over the high-volume, trend-driven approach of fast fashion. Several key characteristics set it apart from typical fast fashion labels.
Subdued demonstrates an above-average commitment to ethical practices by selecting manufacturing partners in regions with better labor standards, but it falls short on transparency and third-party verification.
Subdued sources from factories in Portugal, Italy, and Turkey, which are known for stronger labor regulations than other common garment manufacturing countries. While the brand states it works with suppliers committed to fair wages and safe conditions, it does not publish third-party audit reports or specific wage data, particularly for Turkish factories where wages can fall below living standards.
The brand's transparency is moderate. It openly shares the countries it manufactures in but does not provide a comprehensive, publicly available list of its individual factory partners or detailed audit results. This lack of full disclosure makes it difficult for consumers to independently verify its ethical claims.
Subdued has a strong animal welfare policy. The brand does not use fur or exotic animal skins and sources materials like GOTS-certified organic cotton and Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) certified wool, ensuring traceability and ethical treatment of animals in its supply chain.
Subdued's sustainability efforts are commendable but not comprehensive. The brand has made significant progress in its use of sustainable materials but lags behind in setting ambitious climate goals and rolling out circularity programs.
Approximately 70% of Subdued's fabrics are reported to be sustainable or eco-friendly. This includes GOTS-certified organic cotton, RWS-certified wool, recycled fibers, and low-impact dyes. However, around 30% of its materials are still conventional, such as standard polyester and non-organic cotton.
Subdued has set a goal to reduce its supply chain emissions by 30% over the next five years, which is a positive step. Some of its factory partners use water-efficient dyeing techniques and wastewater treatments, but the brand does not yet publish comprehensive data on its overall carbon footprint, chemical usage, or water consumption.
Currently, Subdued does not offer any take-back, repair, or end-of-life recycling programs for its products. It does use recycled and biodegradable packaging to minimize waste, and its focus on creating durable, high-quality items is inherently a strategy against disposable fashion and textile waste.
Subdued steers clear of the fast fashion label with its focus on quality and slower production, but it has not yet achieved a leadership position in ethics or sustainability. Its efforts are genuine and positive, yet gaps in transparency and certified commitments hold it back.
Subdued earns a B for its conscious decision to manufacture in European countries with better labor standards and its use of certified animal welfare materials. The grade is held back by a lack of third-party audits, wage transparency, and a publicly available supplier list, which are necessary for full accountability.
The brand receives a C+ for its significant use of sustainable materials (70%), which is a solid achievement. However, this is balanced by modest, unverified climate goals, a complete lack of circularity programs, and the absence of key environmental certifications that would validate its progress.
If you appreciate Subdued's minimalist style but are looking for brands with stronger, verified commitments to people and the planet, here are some excellent alternatives:
Known for its radical transparency, Everlane offers minimalist essentials with a similar aesthetic and price point to Subdued. The brand shares details on every factory it works with and focuses on high-quality, long-lasting pieces made from materials like GOTS-certified organic cotton and recycled fabrics.
Shop now at everlane.com
As a certified B Corporation, Kotn specializes in timeless basics made from authentic Egyptian cotton sourced directly from smallholder farms. The brand ensures fair labor practices throughout its transparent supply chain and invests in the communities it works with by building schools.
Shop now at kotn.com
Cuyana's "fewer, better things" philosophy champions minimalist design, high-quality materials, and responsible production. The brand creates timeless bags, clothing, and accessories from sustainable materials and partners with factories holding certifications for ethical labor practices.
Shop now at cuyana.com
Founded by surfer Kelly Slater, Outerknown is committed to sustainability and is accredited by the Fair Labor Association. The brand uses over 90% preferred fibers (recycled, organic, or regenerative) and guarantees its S.E.A. JEANS for life, offering free repairs or replacement.
Shop now at outerknown.com
Pact offers affordable, minimalist basics made almost exclusively with GOTS-certified organic cotton in Fair Trade Certified factories. It's an excellent option for foundational wardrobe pieces with a verifiable guarantee of ethical and sustainable production from seed to shelf.
Shop now at wearpact.com
Subdued primarily manufactures its clothing in established factories located in Portugal, Italy, and Turkey. These regions are generally recognized for having higher labor and environmental standards compared to many fast fashion manufacturing hubs.
Subdued's style is characterized by minimalist, contemporary, and timeless design. The brand focuses on creating elevated wardrobe staples with a neutral color palette, refined tailoring, and high-quality fabrics, making it ideal for building a long-lasting capsule wardrobe.
Subdued has not pursued B Corp certification, which requires a rigorous assessment of a company's social and environmental performance. This lack of third-party certification is a key area for improvement and one reason its ethics and sustainability grades are not higher.
Based on its use of durable materials like organic cotton and responsibly sourced wool, and manufacturing in reputable European factories, Subdued's quality appears to justify its mid-to-higher price point. The brand's anti-trend ethos encourages buying fewer, better pieces that are designed to last for many seasons.
