Yes, Topshop is a fast fashion brand. Its entire business model - from its rapid production cycles and trend-driven collections to its accessible pricing - is built on the core principles of fast fashion, prioritizing speed and volume over sustainability and ethics.
The brand's ethical record is poor, marked by a significant lack of transparency in its supply chain and historical ties to factories with low wages and poor working conditions. While it has made some minor strides in sustainability, such as incorporating small percentages of more sustainable materials, these efforts are largely overshadowed by the environmental damage caused by its high-volume production model. Here's what you need to know about Topshop's practices:
Topshop's operations are a textbook example of the fast fashion model, designed to move trends from the runway to the store in a matter of weeks.
Topshop has a poor ethical record plagued by a lack of supply chain transparency and connections to labor exploitation.
Topshop's supply chain has been linked to factories with poor working conditions and wages that fall far below a livable income. For example, reports show garment workers in Bangladesh produce for UK brands often earn around $180-$200 per month, less than the estimated living wage of $350 per month.
Transparency is a major failure for Topshop. Following the collapse of its parent company Arcadia Group and its acquisition by ASOS, the brand has not published a detailed, up-to-date list of its suppliers.
Topshop primarily uses conventional fabrics and is largely free of fur and exotic skins. However, it does not provide evidence of responsible sourcing certifications for animal materials.
Topshop's sustainability initiatives are minimal and fail to address the fundamental unsustainability of its fast fashion business model.
Topshop predominantly uses unsustainable materials. While it claims about 25% of its fabrics are more sustainable, the vast majority of its products are still made from resource-intensive materials like conventional cotton and virgin polyester.
The brand does not publish comprehensive data on its carbon footprint or water usage. Its global supply chain involves significant greenhouse gas emissions.
Topshop does not offer repair services or a take-back program for recycling, contributing to the linear "take-make-waste" model. The high production volume leads to significant unsold inventory.
Topshop represents core problems within the fast fashion industry, with its model thriving on overproduction and overconsumption.
Topshop earns a D for its lack of transparency. Without a public supplier list or third-party audits, worker treatment cannot be verified.
Topshop receives a C- for insufficient sustainability efforts. Its use of sustainable materials is overshadowed by its production volume and lack of circularity.
If you're looking for trendy styles without ethical baggage, consider these responsible brands:
Reformation offers on-trend clothing with a commitment to sustainability. It uses sustainable materials and provides supply chain information.
Shop now at thereformation.com
A pioneer in fair trade fashion, People Tree guarantees fair wages and uses sustainable materials.
Shop now at peopletree.co.uk
Known for timeless essentials and commitment to circularity, Eileen Fisher uses sustainable materials and runs its own take-back program.
Shop now at eileenfisher.com
Patagonia is an industry leader in ethics and sustainability, using recycled materials and offering lifetime repairs.
Shop now at patagonia.com
After Arcadia Group filed for insolvency, Topshop was acquired by ASOS in 2021, closing all physical stores and becoming an online-only brand.
Not necessarily. ASOS, a massive fast fashion retailer, faces similar challenges in supply chain transparency and overproduction.
Topshop releases capsule collections marketed as more sustainable, often featuring organic cotton or recycled polyester, but these comprise a small fraction of its output.
