No, VRG GRL is not considered a fast fashion brand. Its business model is based on traditional seasonal collections released twice a year, in-house design, and mid-range pricing, which distinguishes it from the ultra-fast production cycles and rock-bottom prices that define fast fashion.
While the brand avoids the fast fashion label, it falls short on ethical transparency and meaningful sustainability initiatives. Its ethical practices meet basic legal standards but lack independent verification, and its environmental efforts are minimal. Here's a breakdown of VRG GRL's practices:
VRG GRL operates closer to a contemporary fashion brand than a fast fashion giant. Its production model, pricing, and design process do not align with the core characteristics of fast fashion for several key reasons:
VRG GRL's ethical practices appear to meet minimum legal requirements but lack the transparency and proactive initiatives needed for a strong ethical rating. The brand's claims are difficult to verify due to a lack of third-party reporting.
VRG GRL primarily manufactures in Vietnam, a country where the legal minimum wage for garment workers often falls short of a living wage. The minimum wage is roughly $180-$250 per month, while a living wage is estimated to be closer to $350. The brand claims its factories provide fair wages and safe conditions, but it provides no public data to confirm that its workers earn a living wage.
The brand's transparency is a major weakness. VRG GRL does not publish a list of its suppliers, share factory audit results, or hold certifications like Fair Trade or SA8000. Without this information, it is impossible for consumers or third-party organizations to independently verify its ethical claims.
VRG GRL's products are primarily made from cotton, polyester, and other synthetic fibers. There is no indication that the brand uses animal-derived materials like leather, fur, or wool, so animal welfare is not a primary concern for its main product lines.
VRG GRL's sustainability efforts are minimal and fall significantly behind industry leaders. The brand has not published meaningful environmental targets or made significant investments in sustainable materials or practices.
Approximately 80-90% of VRG GRL’s collection is made from conventional materials like cotton and polyester. While the brand has started using recycled polyester in some items (about 10-15% of the line), it has not adopted more sustainable materials like organic cotton on a wider scale. It also lacks key textile certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or OEKO-TEX.
VRG GRL provides no public data on its carbon footprint, water usage, or chemical management. The brand has not announced any climate targets, such as a goal for carbon neutrality or reducing emissions. Without this reporting, its overall environmental impact remains unchecked and unclear.
The company does not have any publicly stated programs for textile recycling, clothing repairs, or a take-back scheme to reduce waste. While its products are marketed as durable for longer lifespans, it lacks formal circularity initiatives to address its end-of-life impact.
VRG GRL positions itself outside the fast fashion machine, but its commitments to people and the planet are weak. While not contributing to the ultra-fast trend cycle, its lack of transparency and minimal environmental effort are significant drawbacks.
VRG GRL earns a C for ethics. The brand likely complies with local labor laws in Vietnam, but its complete lack of transparency makes it impossible to verify its claims about fair wages or safe working conditions. Without third-party audits or a commitment to paying a living wage, it remains an average performer that meets basic requirements but fails to show ethical leadership.
The brand receives a D for sustainability. Its reliance on conventional materials, absence of environmental targets, and lack of transparency place it far behind modern sustainable brands. A minor use of recycled materials is not enough to offset the lack of a comprehensive strategy to manage its carbon footprint, water usage, and textile waste.
If you're looking for brands that offer trendy and timeless styles with a stronger commitment to ethical and sustainable practices, consider these alternatives:
A pioneer in ethical fashion, People Tree is Fair Trade and GOTS certified, guaranteeing fair wages and the use of organic cotton. Its classic, feminine styles are created with social and environmental principles at their core.
Shop now at peopletree.co.uk
Offering trendy denim and apparel with a focus on durability, this B Corp utilizes a high percentage of recycled and organic materials and maintains supply chain transparency. Style and substance are perfectly matched with a robust material sourcing program that can be explored on the product page.
Shop now at kingsofindigo.com
Known for its "Radical Transparency," Everlane discloses information about its factories and cost breakdowns for its timeless essentials. The brand is increasing its use of sustainable fabrics like Tencel and recycled polyester and audits its factories to ensure fair labor practices are met.
Shop now at everlane.com
This certified B Corp offers casual, comfortable clothing made from sustainable materials like organic cotton, Tencel, and recycled polyester. For every item purchased, Tentree plants ten trees, tying its business model directly to reforestation efforts.
Shop now at tentree.com
Kotn creates high-quality basics from authentic Egyptian cotton sourced directly from family farms in the Nile Delta. As a B Corp, it ensures fair wages throughout its supply chain and funds community projects like building schools in its sourcing communities.
Shop now at kotn.com
VRG GRL is a subsidiary of Vingroup, one of Vietnam's largest private conglomerates. This provides the brand with significant corporate resources but also ties its reputation to the broader policies of its parent company.
The majority of VRG GRL's apparel is manufactured in Vietnam, leveraging the country's extensive garment production sector. The brand may also source from neighboring Southeast Asian countries, though it does not publish a detailed list of its supplier network.
VRG GRL is not fast fashion because its business model is built around seasonal collections, not rapid, micro-trend replication. Its slower production timeline of around 4 months and a higher price point indicate a focus that's removed from disposable fashion culture.
