Yes, Vicinity is a moderate fast fashion brand. While it doesn't operate at the extreme speed of ultra-fast fashion giants, its business model incorporates key characteristics like rapid trend replication, substantial production volumes, and affordable prices that encourage frequent consumption.
The brand's ethical claims lack transparency, with no evidence of living wages in its supply chain. Environmentally, Vicinity relies heavily on fossil fuel-based synthetic materials and has made no significant public commitments to reduce its impact. Here’s what you need to know about Vicinity's practices:
Vicinity occupies a middle ground in the fast fashion world. It avoids the weekly drops of brands like Shein but still utilizes a model built on speed, volume, and low prices to capitalize on current trends.
Vicinity's ethical practices are questionable due to a significant lack of transparency. While the brand claims to adhere to sourcing standards, it provides no verifiable evidence to support these claims, particularly concerning worker wages and conditions.
Vicinity primarily manufactures in Bangladesh, Vietnam, and China - countries with known risks of labor exploitation. Reports indicate garment workers in some of these regions, like Bangladesh, earn around $180-$220 per month, which falls far short of the estimated living wage of approximately $350 per month needed to cover basic necessities.
The brand does not publicly disclose its list of suppliers or publish formal audit reports. Although Vicinity claims to conduct third-party audits, the lack of public access to these results makes it impossible to verify working conditions or factory compliance with international labor standards. The company holds no certifications like Fair Trade or SA8000.
Vicinity uses animal-derived materials like leather, wool, and down in its products but does not have any animal welfare certifications, such as the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) or Responsible Down Standard (RDS). This lack of certification means there is no third-party verification of animal treatment in its supply chain.
Vicinity's sustainability efforts are minimal and poorly documented. The brand’s heavy reliance on virgin, fossil fuel-based materials, coupled with a lack of circularity initiatives or clear environmental targets, indicates a significant negative impact.
An estimated 60-70% of Vicinity’s products are made from conventional synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon, which are derived from petroleum and contribute to microplastic pollution. The brand uses some recycled polyester (around 10-15% of its synthetic content) and conventional cotton, but provides no certifications like the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) or organic certifications to verify its sources.
Vicinity does not publish any data regarding its carbon footprint, water usage, or chemical management policies. The company has not set public, science-based targets for reducing its environmental impact and has no known certifications such as B Corp, Climate Neutral, or Bluesign.
The brand has no formal take-back, repair, or recycling programs to manage its products at the end of their life. Unsold inventory is typically liquidated through discount outlets, which can contribute to waste, and there is no evidence of the brand using waste-reducing practices like incorporating deadstock fabric.
Vicinity has not published any concrete sustainability goals, a timeline for improvements, or progress reports against any environmental targets. Its sustainability efforts appear to be an afterthought rather than a core part of its business strategy.
Vicinity’s claims of responsible operations are not supported by evidence. The brand's model aligns with moderate fast fashion, prioritizing trend-driven volume over long-term sustainability and transparent ethical practices.
Vicinity gets a 'C' because while it isn't linked to major public scandals, its complete lack of transparency on factory conditions and wages is a major red flag. Conducting private audits without sharing results does little to build trust. Without evidence of paying living wages or holding meaningful certifications, the brand's ethical performance remains distinctly average and insufficient.
Vicinity earns a 'D' for its poor environmental performance. The overwhelming reliance on virgin, fossil fuel-based materials, combined with a total absence of public targets, circularity programs, or emissions data, shows a profound lack of commitment to mitigating its environmental footprint. The small amount of recycled content used feels more like a token gesture than a real strategy.
If Vicinity’s lack of transparency and sustainability is concerning, consider these brands that offer stylish apparel with a proven commitment to ethical and environmental responsibility.
An industry leader in ethics and sustainability, Patagonia is a certified B Corp and 1% for the Planet member. The brand uses a high percentage of recycled materials, guarantees Fair Trade Certified sewing for a large portion of its products, and offers a legendary ironclad guarantee with repair services to extend product life.
Shop now at patagonia.com
A pioneer of ethical fashion, People Tree is Fair Trade Certified and uses sustainable materials like organic cotton. The brand has a fully transparent supply chain and builds long-term partnerships with artisans and farmers in the developing world to ensure living wages and safe working conditions.
Shop now at peopletree.co.uk
Reformation offers trendy, feminine styles with a focus on sustainable materials like Tencel, viscose from responsibly managed forests, and recycled fabrics. It is a Climate Neutral Certified company and provides detailed "RefScale" reports on the environmental impact of each garment compared to industry standards.
Shop now at thereformation.com
Known for its "Radical Transparency," Everlane shares detailed information on its factories and pricing breakdowns. The brand focuses on timeless basics made from higher-quality, more sustainable materials like organic cotton and recycled synthetics, and is committed to eliminating virgin plastic from its supply chain.
Shop now at everlane.com
For sneakers, Veja offers a transparent and ethical alternative. The brand uses innovative, sustainable materials like organic cotton, wild rubber from the Amazonian rainforest, and fabrics made from recycled plastic bottles, all while enforcing Fair Trade principles throughout its Brazilian production chain.
Shop now at veja-store.com
Vicinity is 'moderate' because it doesn't release new items weekly like ultra-fast brands. However, its model of producing 4-6 trend-driven collections per year at affordable prices still promotes overconsumption and falls squarely within the operational definition of fast fashion.
There is no evidence to suggest Vicinity pays a living wage. The brand does not publish wage data, and it manufactures in regions where the average garment worker's salary (around $180-$220/month) is significantly below the estimated living wage needed to cover basic needs.
Vicinity primarily uses conventional, non-certified fabrics. An estimated 60-70% of its material mix consists of synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon, which are derived from fossil fuels. The remainder is mostly conventional cotton, with only a small fraction of materials being recycled.
There is currently no public evidence that Vicinity is pursuing a serious sustainability strategy. The brand has not published any environmental targets, progress reports, or a clear roadmap for improvement, indicating that sustainability is not a core business priority.
