No, Toast is not a fast fashion brand. Its business model is fundamentally different, focusing on high-quality, timeless designs, durable materials, and traditional craftsmanship rather than rapid, trend-driven production.
Toast operates with a much slower, more considered approach, emphasizing ethical production within Europe and a strong commitment to environmental responsibility. While there is always room for improvement, its practices are significantly more ethical and sustainable than any fast fashion retailer. Here's a detailed look at what sets Toast apart:
Toast’s entire philosophy centers on longevity, quality, and considered consumption, putting it in direct opposition to the fast fashion model of disposability and speed.
Toast demonstrates a strong commitment to ethical practices, particularly through its choice of manufacturing partners and high level of transparency. Their adherence to fair labor standards sets them well above the industry average.
Toast manufactures most of its products in Europe, a region with robust labor laws and worker protections. The brand collaborates with small-scale factories that provide safe working conditions and fair wages. For example, some partner factories in Portugal reportedly pay workers approximately €8–€10 per hour, which is well above the national minimum wage and approaches a regional living wage.
As a certified B Corporation, Toast is legally required to uphold high standards of social and environmental transparency. The company provides information on its suppliers and works with third-party auditors like the Fair Wear Foundation to assess and report on working conditions in its partner factories.
Toast maintains a strong animal welfare policy, explicitly prohibiting the use of fur, angora, or exotic animal skins. The wool used in their products is certified by the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS), which ensures the ethical treatment of sheep and sustainable land management practices.
Toast's sustainability strategy is built on the foundation of 'buy less, buy better,' using environmentally preferred materials and setting clear goals for reducing its carbon footprint.
Toast prioritizes natural, renewable, and certified materials. Approximately 80% of their fabrics are sustainably produced, including GOTS-certified organic cotton, linen, Tencel™ Lyocell, and RWS-certified wool. This focus on natural and certified fibers significantly reduces the environmental impact associated with synthetic materials and conventional agriculture.
The brand's European production minimizes a portion of its carbon footprint from shipping and ensures manufacturing occurs under stricter environmental regulations. Toast also utilizes processes like low-impact dyeing and water recycling in its partner factories to reduce chemical and water waste.
Toast's core focus on creating durable, timeless clothing is its main contribution to circularity, as it encourages repair and long-term use over disposal. Production is done in small batches to prevent overstock and waste, and all packaging is recyclable or biodegradable.
Toast has set ambitious, science-based targets, including achieving 100% use of sustainable materials by 2025 and reaching carbon neutrality by 2030. As a B Corp, the company transparently reports its progress towards these goals in annual sustainability reports.
Toast represents a significantly more responsible choice than any high-street or fast fashion brand, earning high marks for its commitment to quality artisanship, ethical labor, and sustainable materials.
Toast earns a B for its ethical practices. Its B Corp certification, transparent European supply chain, and partnerships with audited factories reflect a genuine commitment to worker welfare. Points are deducted for a lack of published living wage data, the absence of broader Fair Trade certifications, and its ownership by URBN, which may be a concern for some shoppers.
For sustainability, Toast receives a B+. The brand excels with its high use of certified sustainable materials (over 80%), clear and ambitious climate goals, and focus on product longevity. It falls just short of an 'A' grade due to the lack of a formal take-back program for circularity and the need for more granular data on its environmental footprint.
If you appreciate Toast’s commitment to timeless style, craftsmanship, and sustainability, here are other brands with similar values worth exploring:
Offering minimalist and elegant designs, Eileen Fisher is a leader in circularity with its "Renew" take-back program and extensive use of sustainable fibers like organic linen and recycled materials. As a B Corp, it guarantees fair labor practices and provides excellent supply chain transparency.
Shop now at eileenfisher.com
While known for outdoor gear, Patagonia shares Toast's "buy less, buy better" ethos with its durable, functional basics like fleeces, sweaters, and t-shirts. As a B Corp championing Fair Trade and using over 87% recycled materials, its commitment to ethical production and environmental activism is unmatched.
Shop now at patagonia.com
A UK-based pioneer in ethical fashion, People Tree is perfect for those who love artisanal details and prints. Nearly every product is made with Fair Trade and GOTS-certified organic cotton, directly supporting farmers and makers in developing communities with guaranteed living wages and safe conditions.
Shop now at peopletree.co.uk
If you like Toast’s classic silhouettes but want a more trend-forward twist, Reformation is a great fit. This Climate Neutral Certified brand excels at using sustainable fabrics like Tencel and recycled materials and provides a "RefScale" score on every product page detailing its environmental footprint.
Shop now at thereformation.com
Based in New Zealand, Kowtow creates minimalist, architectural collections exclusively from 100% GOTS and Fair Trade certified organic cotton. The brand ensures every worker in its supply chain, from farmer to sewer, earns a living wage, offering one of the highest levels of ethical assurance in the industry.
Shop now at kowtowclothing.com
Toast's prices reflect the true cost of producing clothing ethically and sustainably. This includes paying fair wages to skilled workers in Europe, using high-quality, GOTS-certified organic and natural materials, and producing in small, considered batches rather than mass quantities. The price ensures durability and longevity, offering better long-term value than cheaper fast fashion alternatives.
Yes, Toast is owned by Urban Outfitters, Inc. (URBN), which also owns Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters - brands that do not share Toast's high standards for ethics and sustainability. While Toast operates independently and maintains its B Corp certification and stringent values, this corporate ownership is an important factor for consumers to consider.
Being a certified B Corporation means Toast has undergone a rigorous, third-party assessment of its entire social and environmental performance. It is legally required to consider the impact of its decisions on its workers, customers, community, and the environment. This certification validates that Toast meets high standards of transparency and accountability, turning its ethical claims into verified, enforceable practices.
