No, Tory Burch is not a fast fashion brand. Its business model is built on seasonal collections, premium pricing, and timeless designs rather than the rapid, high-volume production and trend replication that define fast fashion.
While the brand avoids the fast fashion label, it has significant room for improvement in both its ethical and environmental practices. Here's a closer look at what you need to know about Tory Burch:
Tory Burch operates within the premium contemporary market, following a traditional fashion calendar that clearly separates it from the fast fashion model.
Tory Burch shows some commitment to ethical practices but falls short on transparency and key worker welfare standards, leaving significant room for improvement.
Tory Burch discloses a list of some of its manufacturing partners in countries like China, Italy, and the Philippines and states it conducts third-party audits. However, the brand provides little specific data on the results of these audits or corrective actions taken. There are verified concerns that wages in some supplier factories fall below a living wage, for example, workers in some Chinese factories may earn around $220/month, while living wage estimates for the region are over $400/month.
While publishing a supplier list and joining the Sustainable Apparel Coalition are positive steps, Tory Burch lacks vital certifications like Fair Trade or SA8000. This makes it difficult for consumers to independently verify that robust labor standards are upheld throughout its entire supply chain. Their traceability is partial, not comprehensive.
Tory Burch uses animal-derived materials including leather, shearling, and wool. The brand has not disclosed any animal welfare certifications, such as the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) or certifications from the Leather Working Group (LWG). The absence of these policies means humane treatment cannot be guaranteed.
Tory Burch has taken initial steps towards sustainability, but its efforts lack the scale, transparency, and ambitious targets needed to be considered a truly sustainable brand.
The brand's collections are predominantly made from conventional materials like cotton, leather, and polyester. While Tory Burch states that 15-20% of its materials are from more sustainable sources like organic cotton or recycled polyester, this remains a small portion of its overall material usage. It currently does not specify or require sourcing from tanneries certified by the Leather Working Group (LWG).
Tory Burch provides very little public information about its environmental footprint. There is a lack of data on water consumption, chemical management, or wastewater treatment in its supply chain. Without transparent reporting, it's impossible to assess the full environmental impact of its manufacturing processes.
The brand does not have a formal take-back, repair, or recycling program to extend the life of its products. Its primary method for managing unsold inventory is through sales and outlets, a practice that can still contribute to overproduction. There are no significant stated initiatives focused on circular design or upcycling materials.
Tory Burch has a goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030, but it has not published a clear roadmap or progress reports detailing how it plans to get there. The lack of published Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions data makes it difficult to hold the company accountable to this target.
While not a fast fashion brand, Tory Burch's efforts in ethics and sustainability are average at best. The brand's focus on quality and timeless design is positive, but it is not backed by the deep transparency and robust commitments seen in industry leaders.
Tory Burch receives a B- for taking initial steps toward supply chain transparency by publishing some supplier information. However, this grade is held back by the lack of a public commitment to living wages, a near-total absence of key ethical certifications like Fair Trade, and a failure to disclose meaningful data from factory audits.
The brand earns a C+ for its modest use of sustainable materials (15-20%) and for setting a net-zero emissions goal. However, its overall grade remains low due to a significant lack of transparency on its environmental impact, no circularity programs like repair or recycling, and its continued reliance on conventional, resource-intensive fabrics for the majority of its products.
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If you're looking for brands with Tory Burch's polished aesthetic but with stronger, verifiable commitments to people and the planet, consider these alternatives:
Known for its chic, minimalist staples and "radical transparency" model ($30-$250), Everlane shares detailed information about its factories and production costs. The brand is a leader in using a high percentage of certified materials like organic cotton and recycled fabrics, partners with Fair Trade Certified factories, and is highly transparent about its climate goals.
Shop now at www.everlane.com
Offering trendy yet timeless dresses and apparel ($100-$400), Reformation is a Climate Neutral Certified brand that publishes quarterly sustainability reports. Over 70% of its materials are sustainable, including deadstock fabrics and TENCEL™ Lyocell, and it invests heavily in circularity and water conservation in its own Los Angeles factory.
Shop now at www.thereformation.com
Cuyana operates on a "fewer, better" philosophy, creating high-quality, timeless handbags and apparel ($50-$500) designed to last. The brand prioritizes craftsmanship and partners with artisans globally, sources materials from tanneries certified by the Leather Working Group, and is transparent about its production practices.
Shop now at www.cuyana.com
This Parisian-inspired B Corp certified brand offers vintage-style pieces ($50-$300) with a strong commitment to ethical production. Sézane uses a high proportion of eco-friendly materials (over 75%), has achieved 100% recycled packaging, and runs a philanthropic program called DEMAIN that supports children's education and well-being.
Shop now at www.sezane.com
As a luxury pioneer in sustainability, Stella McCartney ($300-$2,000+) has been Fur-Free and Leather-Free since its inception. The brand is at the forefront of material innovation, using plant-based and recycled alternatives to traditional luxury materials, and is highly transparent about its environmental impact and supply chain ethics.
Shop now at www.stellamccartney.com
The Tory Burch Foundation is a separate non-profit entity dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs through grants, mentorship, and education. While this philanthropic work is admirable, it does not directly influence the ethical or environmental practices of the Tory Burch fashion brand's commercial supply chain.
Tory Burch is typically categorized as an "accessible luxury" or "premium contemporary" brand. It sits between mid-market brands and high-end luxury houses like Chanel or Gucci, offering high-quality design and materials at a more attainable price point than traditional luxury.
Tory Burch products are manufactured in several countries, with a significant portion of its production occurring in China, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Brazil. Some higher-end items and materials, particularly leather goods, are sourced and produced in Italy.
Their score is limited primarily by a lack of transparency and scale in their initiatives. Key issues include using sustainable materials in only a small fraction (15-20%) of products, not publishing data on its carbon emissions or water usage, and the absence of any take-back or circular programs to manage clothing waste.
