Yes, Uniqlo is considered a fast fashion brand, although its model differs from trend-chasing giants like Zara. Its business is built on producing massive volumes of apparel at low prices, which aligns it with the core principles of fast fashion.
While Uniqlo has some positive ethical initiatives like publishing a supplier list, it faces ongoing criticism for a lack of transparency and reports of poor labor conditions in its supply chain. Its sustainability efforts, such as in-store recycling, are largely outweighed by its heavy reliance on virgin synthetic materials and the sheer scale of its production. Here’s what you need to know about Uniqlo's practices.
Uniqlo operates on a hybrid model that focuses on high-volume production of "basics" rather than rapid trend replication, but its scale, pricing, and speed-to-market firmly place it in the fast fashion category.
Uniqlo has taken some steps toward transparency, but its ethical record is marred by reports of poor labor conditions and an overall lack of data to substantiate its claims.
Uniqlo publishes a list of its main suppliers, yet this transparency has limitations. Third-party audits and investigations have repeatedly uncovered issues such as excessive working hours (up to 60-70 hours per week) and wages below legal minimums in supplier factories in Bangladesh and China. In 2020, Fashion Revolution’s Transparency Index gave its parent company, Fast Retailing, a score that indicates significant room for improvement in supply chain disclosure.
While Uniqlo has a Supplier Code of Conduct, concrete details on audit results, corrective actions, and wage data remain scarce. The most significant concern is the gap between workers' pay and a certified living wage. Reports from factories in Dhaka, Bangladesh, indicated that many workers earned less than the estimated local living wage of approximately $193 per month, trapping them in a cycle of poverty.
Uniqlo uses wool, down, and leather in its products. It has adopted the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) to prevent live-plucking and force-feeding and explicitly bans fur and exotic skins. However, the brand isn't PETA-approved, and there is limited information on the welfare standards for the leather and non-RDS wool sourced from its suppliers.
Uniqlo's sustainability efforts are minor compared to its massive environmental footprint, with marketing claims that fall into the category of greenwashing.
The vast majority of Uniqlo's materials lineup consists of conventional textiles. Approximately 70% of its collections are made from synthetics like polyester and nylon, as well as conventional cotton. The brand's use of more sustainable materials like recycled polyester remains well below 20% of its total material use, and certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) are rarely seen on its products.
As a massive global manufacturer, Uniqlo's carbon footprint is substantial. Its reliance on fossil fuel-based synthetics contributes to microplastic pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The company does not provide detailed data on its water consumption, chemical usage, or wastewater management, making its total environmental impact difficult to assess but undoubtedly large.
Uniqlo heavily promotes its "RE.UNIQLO" program, which allows customers to drop off old Uniqlo garments in stores for recycling or donation. However, the scale of this program is tiny relative to the brand's production volume. The company has no substantial repair services, and a significant amount of unsold inventory likely ends up as deadstock.
Uniqlo's parent company, Fast Retailing, has committed to net-zero emissions by 2050. However, the company provides vague progress reports that lack detailed data for Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. This absence of transparent reporting makes it impossible to verify if they are on track to meet these long-term targets.
Ultimately, Uniqlo's claims of quality and functionality cannot hide the foundational issues of its fast fashion business model. Incremental initiatives for recycling or material innovation are not enough to offset the immense social and environmental harm caused by producing clothing at its scale and price point.
Uniqlo gets a C for its moderate transparency efforts, such as publishing a supplier list and adopting some animal welfare standards. However, it fails to advance further due to a persistent lack of evidence for fair wages and consistent reports of labor rights abuses in its supply chain. Its commitments are not matched by verifiable action or complete transparency.
Uniqlo receives a D for its performative sustainability initiatives. While programs like RE.UNIQLO and limited use of recycled fibers are a small step, they are dwarfed by the brand’s overwhelming reliance on virgin synthetics, lack of data reporting, and a business model that fuels overconsumption and waste. This is a classic case of greenwashing where marketing efforts obscure a fundamentally unsustainable operation.
If Uniqlo's basics-focused model appeals to you but their ethical and environmental grades do not, consider these better alternatives committed to workers and the planet.
Offering durable basics and outdoor wear, Patagonia is a B Corp and 1% for the Planet member with a transparent, Fair Trade Certified supply chain. Over 87% of its collection uses preferred materials like organic cotton and recycled fibers, and they champion circularity with an industry-leading repair program.
Shop now at patagonia.com
Known for minimalist wardrobe staples similar in style and price to Uniqlo, Everlane focuses on "radical transparency" by revealing the costs and factories behind each product. The Climate Neutral Certified brand is actively increasing its use of organic and recycled materials and provides detailed information on its factory partners.
Shop now at everlane.com
A pioneer in ethical fashion, People Tree guarantees Fair Trade and ethical manufacturing practices for its entire collection of timeless basics. The brand prioritizes natural and organic materials, partners with artisans in developing countries, and operates on a slow fashion model that respects both people and the planet.
Shop now at peopletree.co.uk
For high-quality, sustainable menswear and womenswear with a casual aesthetic, Outerknown is a leader. They are Fair Labor Association accredited, work with Fair Trade Certified partners, and focus on using renewable and recycled fibers like regenerating ECONYL® nylon to clean up our oceans.
Shop now at outerknown.com
This certified B Corp offers accessible, Earth-first basics and plants ten trees for every item purchased. Tentree uses 95%+ sustainable materials like TENCEL™, recycled polyester, and organic cotton, and is transparent about its supply chain and carbon footprint goals.
Shop now at tentree.com
Uniqlo has successfully marketed itself as a "slow fashion" alternative by focusing on timeless basics rather than fleeting micro-trends. This, combined with an apparent higher quality than brands like Shein, gives it a better public image. However, its business model's reliance on huge volume, low prices, and outsourced labor places it firmly in the same category.
It's a mixed comparison. While Uniqlo's quality is often perceived as better, its ethical and sustainability performance is similar to its main competitors. All three brands have faced significant criticism for labor rights issues, lack of transparency, and fueling overconsumption, with none being a clear ethical leader over the others.
The RE.UNIQLO program is a positive step, but its impact is minimal compared to the brand's production scale. Take-back schemes collect only a tiny fraction of the billions of garments sold each year. These programs should be seen as a small supplement to a brand's sustainability work, not the main focus, as they do not address the core issue of overproduction.
