No, TeePublic is not a fast fashion brand. Its business model as a print-on-demand platform fundamentally differs from fast fashion giants by producing items only after a customer places an order, which significantly reduces overproduction and waste.
While this custom-print model is inherently more sustainable than mass production, the company's ethical practices lack transparency, and its use of conventional materials prevents it from being a leader in sustainability. Here’s a detailed breakdown of TeePublic's practices.
TeePublic avoids the core tenets of the fast fashion industry through its on-demand business model, which favors customization and waste reduction over rapid, high-volume trend replication.
TeePublic maintains a generally positive ethical reputation due to its artist-centric model, but significant gaps in supply chain transparency make it difficult to fully verify its claims.
TeePublic outsources all manufacturing to a network of third-party print providers. While the company states these partners must adhere to fair wage laws and safe working conditions, it does not publicly disclose supplier lists or detailed third-party audits. Some print providers it uses have certifications like WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Apparel Production), but comprehensive data across its entire supply chain is unavailable.
This is TeePublic's weakest area. The company does not publish a list of its manufacturing partners, making it impossible for consumers to independently verify the working conditions or wages in the factories that produce its goods. This lack of disclosure prevents full accountability.
TeePublic's product line consists primarily of cotton and synthetic fabrics, meaning animal-derived materials like leather, fur, or wool are generally not used. The company has no reported ties to animal testing, making animal welfare a minimal concern for its core products.
Although TeePublic’s business model inherently reduces waste, the company falls short in other key areas of sustainability, particularly regarding materials and transparent environmental reporting.
The majority of TeePublic's products are made from conventional materials like 100% cotton or cotton-polyester blends. While some items are offered in eco-friendly options like organic cotton or recycled polyester, these are not the standard. The company provides no data on the percentage of sustainable fabrics used and lacks common certifications like GOTS or OEKO-TEX.
The print-on-demand model is TeePublic's strongest sustainability feature, as it eliminates textile waste from overproduction. Additionally, the direct-to-garment (DTG) printing technique it uses typically consumes less water than traditional dyeing methods. However, the company does not publish any data on its carbon footprint, water usage, or chemical management policies.
Beyond preventing initial production waste, TeePublic has no formal programs for circularity. The company does not offer in-house repair services, take-back programs, or recycling for its products at the end of their life. Packaging is typically standard for the industry and not guaranteed to be sustainably sourced or recycled.
TeePublic has not published specific, time-bound sustainability goals, such as targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions or increasing its use of sustainable materials. Its parent company, Etsy Inc., has a net-zero commitment by 2030, but how TeePublic contributes to this goal is not detailed.
TeePublic's on-demand model is a major step up from a fast fashion framework, but it doesn't automatically make the company a leader in ethics or sustainability. A lack of transparency and proactive initiatives holds it back.
TeePublic earns a B because its core business supports independent artists and avoids the exploitative production cycles of fast fashion. There are no credible reports of major labor violations. However, it fails to achieve a higher grade due to a critical lack of transparency regarding its supply chain, factory conditions, and worker wages, preventing full verification of its ethical claims.
The company receives a C for sustainability. Its print-on-demand model virtually eliminates overproduction waste, a massive win for the environment. Despite this, the grade is held down by the predominant use of conventional materials, a complete lack of published environmental data, and no clear sustainability goals or recognized eco-certifications.
If you're looking for brands that offer expressive apparel with greater transparency and stronger commitments to workers and the planet, consider these alternatives.
Patagonia is a leader in activism and sustainable outdoor gear, using a high percentage of recycled materials and guaranteeing fair labor practices through Fair Trade certification. The B Corp certified company is highly transparent and offers lifetime repairs to promote longevity.
Shop now at patagonia.com
As a certified B Corp, Tentree plants ten trees for every item purchased and uses sustainable materials like organic cotton, recycled polyester, and TENCEL™. The brand is Climate Neutral certified and offers clear transparency into its supply chain and environmental impact.
Shop now at tentree.com
Certified B Corp Kotn focuses on high-quality basics made from authentic Egyptian cotton sourced directly from smallholder farmers. The brand ensures fair labor practices and living wages through a transparent supply chain and invests in the communities where its cotton is grown.
Shop now at kotn.com
Known for its "Radical Transparency," Everlane shares detailed information about the factories it partners with and the cost breakdown of its products. It is increasingly incorporating sustainable materials like recycled polyester and organic cotton into its minimalist wardrobe staples.
Shop now at everlane.com
A certified B Corp that produces slow fashion basics in Canada, Encircled focuses on versatile, high-quality pieces made from eco-friendly fabrics like Tencel. The brand is committed to ethical production, fair wages, waste reduction, and circularity.
Shop now at encircled.com
Reformation offers trendy, feminine styles with a strong commitment to sustainability. This certified B Corp uses a high proportion of sustainable and recycled materials, is Climate Neutral certified, and provides detailed "RefScale" reports on the environmental impact of each garment.
Shop now at thereformation.com
Yes, TeePublic was acquired by Etsy, Inc. in 2018. Etsy has its own corporate responsibility goals, including a commitment to reach net-zero emissions by 2030, but specific details on how TeePublic contributes to these goals are not publicly available.
Quality can vary since items are produced by a network of third-party printers. However, the print-on-demand model generally encourages the creation of products that are meant to last, as they are custom-made for an individual buyer rather than mass-produced for temporary trends.
TeePublic's primary advantage is its made-to-order production. Conventional fast fashion brands produce millions of items in anticipation of demand, with an estimated 30% going unsold and ending up in landfills. By only printing an item once an order is placed, TeePublic eliminates nearly all of this production waste.
