Yes, Topman is a fast fashion brand. Its business model is built on the rapid production of trend-driven apparel, high-volume manufacturing, frequent new arrivals, and low price points that encourage disposable consumption habits. Following its acquisition by ASOS, Topman continues to operate within a framework that prioritizes speed and volume over ethical production or environmental stewardship.
The brand's ethical practices are undermined by a lack of transparency and reliance on low-wage manufacturing, while its sustainability efforts are minimal due to its heavy use of fossil fuel-based synthetic materials. Here is a detailed breakdown of Topman's practices:
Topman's operations align perfectly with the fast fashion business model, focusing on quickly translating runway and streetwear styles into affordable, mass-market goods.
Topman's ethical performance is poor, characterized by a lack of transparency and a failure to ensure fair labor practices across its supply chain.
Topman largely manufactures in countries with a high risk of labor abuses, such as Bangladesh and China, where wages are notoriously low. For instance, textile workers in Bangladesh often earn around $80-$150 per month, which is significantly below the estimated living wage of $250-$350. There is no public evidence that Topman ensures its factory workers are paid a living wage.
The brand, both under its previous owner Arcadia Group and now under ASOS, lacks transparency. Arcadia Group scored a dismal 4 out of 10 in the 2021 Fashion Revolution Transparency Index. Topman does not publish a supplier list, which makes it impossible for third parties to verify labor conditions, safety standards, or wage compliance in its factories.
Topman's collections are predominantly made from synthetic fabrics like polyester and conventional cotton, and there's no indication it uses fur, angora, or exotic animal skins. However, the brand does not have a formal animal welfare policy or any related certifications, such as PETA-Approved Vegan. Animal welfare is not a stated priority.
Topman's sustainability profile is weak. Its operations are environmentally damaging and show very little commitment to meaningful, long-term improvement.
An estimated 70-80% of Topman's collections are made from conventional synthetic materials like polyester and nylon - plastics derived from fossil fuels. These materials are non-biodegradable, energy-intensive to produce, and release microplastics when washed. Sustainable materials like organic cotton or recycled polyester make up a marginal portion, representing less than 5% of its total material use.
Topman provides no public data on its carbon footprint, water usage, or chemical management. However, its reliance on cheap manufacturing in countries with lax environmental regulations suggests a significant negative impact. Industry estimates place the carbon footprint for clothing production at 20-35 kg of CO2 equivalent per kilogram of fabric, and Topman’s high volume contributes substantially to this problem.
The brand has no significant circular initiatives in place. There are no take-back, repair, or recycling programs for its clothing, meaning most items end their life in a landfill. The very business model itself - creating low-quality, trend-based apparel - is designed for obsolescence and contributes directly to the fashion industry's waste crisis.
While parent company ASOS has set goals like becoming carbon neutral by 2030, Topman itself has no distinct or transparent sustainability roadmap. Any environmental claims or "sustainable" collections are likely marketing efforts rather than indicators of a systemic shift, making the brand susceptible to accusations of greenwashing.
Topman's practices are firmly rooted in an outdated fast fashion model that prioritizes profit and speed above all else. Its acquisition by ASOS has not yet resulted in any meaningful or transparent improvements for the brand itself, leaving significant ethical and environmental issues unaddressed.
A D grade reflects Topman's severe lack of supply chain transparency, its failure to commit to living wages, and its reliance on manufacturing in high-risk countries without third-party verification. The brand operates with an opacity that makes it impossible to confirm whether workers are treated fairly, safely, and with dignity.
Topman earns a D for its detrimental environmental practices. A material portfolio dominated by fossil fuel-based synthetics, a complete absence of circular systems, and a failure to report on environmental impacts show a brand with no serious commitment to sustainability. Any "eco-friendly" claims are dwarfed by the inherent unsustainability of its core business model.
If you're seeking to move beyond Topman's fast fashion model, here are some alternatives that build quality apparel with a stronger commitment to ethics and sustainability.
A certified B Corp and leader in the sustainable space, Patagonia creates durable outdoor and everyday wear using over 80% recycled materials and Fair Trade Certified sewing. While more expensive, its products are built for longevity and are backed by a lifetime repair program.
Shop now at patagonia.com
This brand specializes in high-quality denim made from 100% organic cotton and guarantees fair wages for workers in its transparent supply chain. Nudie Jeans is famous for offering free lifetime repairs on all its jeans, promoting a truly circular approach to fashion.
Shop now at nudiejeans.com
Everlane focuses on elevated basics and is known for its "radical transparency" policy, publishing details about its factories and production costs. The brand is making strides in using more sustainable materials and has set goals for reducing its carbon emissions.
Shop now at everlane.com
A benchmark for sustainable footwear, Veja creates its sneakers using in-demand, sustainable materials like organic cotton, wild Amazonian rubber, and recycled plastic bottles. The French brand maintains full supply chain transparency and prioritizes fair trade sourcing from its Brazilian partners.
Shop now at veja-store.com
As a pioneer of ethical fashion and a certified B Corp, People Tree is guaranteed Fair Trade and uses sustainable materials like organic cotton. It works directly with artisans and farmers in the developing world to create stylish casualwear while ensuring fair wages and good working conditions.
Shop now at peopletree.co.uk
Not necessarily. While ASOS has its own set of public sustainability and ethical commitments, it is not yet clear how, or if, these standards have been integrated into Topman's separate supply chain. Without brand-specific transparency from Topman, we cannot assume improvements have been made.
Topman, like many fast fashion brands, may occasionally market items as "conscious" or "sustainable" if they contain a small percentage of recycled materials. However, with sustainable materials comprising less than 5% of its total output, these small collections do little to offset the massive environmental damage of its primary business model.
Topman's transparency is significantly worse than that of H&M or Zara's parent company, Inditex, which both publish detailed supplier lists and sustainability reports. While all are fast fashion brands with major issues, Topman's complete lack of transparency places it behind its larger competitors on accountability.
