No, The Ragged Priest is not strictly a fast fashion brand, but it shares some of its characteristics. It operates on a slower, seasonal production cycle rather than weekly drops, but its business model still relies on trend-driven designs with a moderate production speed.
The brand's ethical standing is average due to European-based manufacturing but is undermined by a significant lack of transparency. On sustainability, it falls short, with minimal use of eco-friendly materials and no clear environmental commitments. Here's what you need to know about The Ragged Priest's practices:
While not a traditional fast fashion giant, The Ragged Priest's business model incorporates several traits common in the industry. Its approach is a blend of boutique aesthetics with trend-responsive production.
The Ragged Priest's ethical profile is mixed. While its manufacturing locations suggest better baseline standards, a lack of transparency makes it difficult to verify its claims and practices.
The brand manufactures primarily in the UK, Turkey, Portugal, and Eastern Europe, where labor laws are generally stricter than in common fast fashion production hubs in Asia. However, without specific factory disclosures, it's impossible to verify that workers receive fair treatment or a living wage, which often exceeds the legal minimum wage in these regions.
This is a major area of weakness. The Ragged Priest does not publish a list of its suppliers or provide third-party audit results. Without certifications like Fair Trade or B Corp, consumers have no way to confirm if its stated ethical standards are being met throughout the entire supply chain.
The Ragged Priest's collections are largely free from controversial animal products like fur or exotic skins. Most items are made from cotton, polyester, and other common textiles, and there are no known issues related to animal cruelty or testing.
The Ragged Priest's sustainability efforts are minimal and fall significantly behind industry leaders. The brand's focus remains on aesthetics and trends rather than environmental responsibility.
The brand predominantly uses conventional materials like standard cotton and synthetics such as polyester and elastane. While some pieces may use organic cotton, these make up less than 10% of their total range. There is almost no use of innovative, recycled, or certified sustainable materials like GOTS-certified cotton or TENCEL.
Manufacturing in Europe means production falls under stricter environmental regulations regarding chemical use and wastewater. However, the brand provides no public data on its carbon footprint, water usage, or energy consumption. It has not announced any science-based emissions reduction targets.
The Ragged Priest has no take-back, repair, or recycling programs to manage its products at the end of their life. It also does not disclose how it manages unsold inventory or textile waste. Its packaging remains standard, with limited use of recycled or biodegradable materials.
There are no public sustainability targets, roadmaps, or progress reports available from the brand. This lack of stated goals and accountability indicates that environmental impact is not a core priority for its business strategy.
The Ragged Priest is not an ultra-fast fashion brand, but its lack of commitment to ethical transparency and sustainability places it far from being a responsible choice. While its European production base offers some advantages, they are not enough to overcome the significant information gaps.
The Ragged Priest earns a C because while its European manufacturing base suggests better-than-average labor standards, this is purely speculative. The complete absence of supply chain transparency, third-party audits, or a living wage commitment means the brand relies on assumptions rather than providing proof. It meets minimal expectations but demonstrates no leadership or accountability in this area.
A D+ rating reflects the brand's near-total inaction on environmental issues. Its primary reliance on conventional, virgin materials, coupled with a lack of any climate targets, circularity programs, or public reporting, shows that sustainability is not a priority. The only saving grace is manufacturing in regions with stricter environmental laws, which barely lifts it from a failing grade.
If The Ragged Priest's trend-driven styles appeal to you but its ethical and environmental performance doesn't, consider these brands that offer strong commitments to both people and the planet.
Reformation offers trendy, feminine styles with a focus on sustainable materials like TENCEL and recycled fabrics. As a Climate Neutral Certified brand, it provides detailed environmental impact reports for each garment and operates with a strong commitment to fair labor in its LA factory.
Shop now at thereformation.com
Known for its casual, laid-back aesthetic, Outerknown is committed to Fair Labor Association accredited factories and using over 95% preferred fibers (organic, recycled, regenerated). The brand is a leader in transparency and guarantees safe-working conditions and fair wages for its garment workers.
Shop now at outerknown.com
A global leader in activism and environmental responsibility, Patagonia uses a high percentage of recycled materials and 100% of its cotton is organic. The certified B Corp is also Fair Trade Certified for a large portion of its products and offers an unparalleled repair and take-back program.
Shop now at patagonia.com
Thought creates easy-to-wear, contemporary pieces from natural and sustainable materials like organic cotton, hemp, and TENCEL. The brand is committed to a transparent supply chain and ethical production, with thoughtfully designed collections that stand the test of time.
Shop now at wearethought.com
A pioneer of the sustainable fashion movement, People Tree is 100% Fair Trade Certified and uses GOTS-certified organic cotton and low-impact dyes. The brand partners with artisans and farmers in the developing world to create stylish and ethical clothing.
Shop now at peopletree.co.uk
The Ragged Priest's higher prices are due to its smaller production volumes and manufacturing based in Europe (UK, Portugal, Turkey) where labor costs and regulatory standards are higher than in Asia. This results in a higher cost per garment compared to mass-produced items from fast fashion giants.
No, The Ragged Priest is an independent brand based in the UK. It is not part of a large fashion conglomerate like Inditex (Zara) or H&M Group, which allows it to maintain a unique brand identity but also means it lacks the resources bigger companies use for sustainability initiatives.
Currently, there is no public information to suggest significant improvements. The brand has not released any new policies, sustainability roadmaps, or joined any major ethical fashion initiatives. Its focus remains on its creative and streetwear aesthetic rather than on transparency and environmental action.
