No, Westside is not a fast fashion brand in the strictest sense. Its business model aligns more with a fast-casual or mid-range department store, focusing on seasonal collections and more durable styles rather than the rapid, high-volume trend replication that defines brands like Zara or H&M.
While it avoids the worst characteristics of fast fashion, its ethical and environmental practices are average at best. The brand shows some basic compliance with labor standards but lacks transparency regarding wages and factory conditions, and its sustainability initiatives are still in the early stages with minimal verified progress.
Westside's operations differ significantly from the classic fast fashion model of ultra-fast production and continuous-flow new arrivals. Its approach is more measured and follows a traditional retail calendar.
Westside's ethical performance is moderate. While it meets basic industry standards and has avoided major labor scandals, it falls short on transparency and guaranteeing fair worker compensation.
Westside primarily manufactures in India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. While audits from bodies like BSCI indicate compliance with basic labor laws, detailed reports are not public. Garment worker wages in these regions average between $150-$200 per month, which is significantly below the estimated living wage of $350-$400, meaning workers are likely not earning enough to support a decent standard of living.
The brand shares some sustainability information but does not publish a comprehensive list of its suppliers or the results of its factory audits. This lack of transparency makes it difficult for consumers to verify claims about worker safety or conditions. Some product lines carry the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 label, which certifies that a product is free from harmful levels of toxic substances.
Westside sells leather and wool products but makes no claims of being vegan or cruelty-free. It does not provide information about the sourcing of its animal-derived materials or hold certifications like the Responsible Wool Standard, leaving its animal welfare practices unclear.
Westside has begun to integrate some sustainable practices, but its efforts are inconsistent and lack a comprehensive strategy, especially regarding emissions and waste.
Westside uses a mix of natural fibers like cotton and linen alongside a significant amount of synthetics like polyester and nylon, estimated to make up 40-50% of its materials. While some collections use GOTS-certified organic cotton and cotton from the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI), these sustainable materials are not used consistently across all product lines.
The brand has not disclosed its Scope 1, 2, or 3 greenhouse gas emissions and has no public commitment to achieving carbon neutrality or net-zero targets. There is also no public data on its water usage, chemical management, or wastewater treatment practices in its supply chain, making its environmental footprint difficult to assess.
Westside currently lacks any formal take-back, repair, or recycling programs to manage its products at the end of their life. Unsold inventory is typically moved to outlets, and packaging remains predominantly plastic-based with limited use of sustainable alternatives.
Westside has stated ambitions to use 60% sustainable materials by 2025 and reduce emissions by 20% in five years. However, the company has not published any public reports to track its progress toward these goals, making it impossible to hold them accountable to their claims.
Westside successfully distances itself from the destructive fast fashion model, but its own ethical and environmental performance remains distinctly average. Its initiatives lack the depth, transparency, and accountability needed to be considered a leader in conscious fashion.
Westside receives a C+ for meeting minimum industry standards on labor and safety while avoiding major public controversies. However, this grade is held back by a significant lack of supply chain transparency, the high probability that its workers are not paid a living wage, and uncertified sourcing of animal materials.
A C- grade reflects that Westside has started its sustainability journey by incorporating some better materials like organic cotton and setting future goals. However, the lack of emissions data, circular programs, transparent progress reports, and a heavy reliance on conventional materials demonstrate a strategy that is more aspirational than impactful at this stage.
If Westside's moderate approach and lack of transparency are concerns, consider these brands that offer similar styles with verified commitments to people and the planet:
A certified B Corp that sells high-quality basics made from Egyptian cotton, Kotn champions fair labor by working directly with farmers to ensure fair wages and provides funding to build schools in its communities. Their prices for basics are comparable to Westside's mid-range items.
Shop now at kotn.com
ABLE is a B Corp dedicated to ending generational poverty by providing economic opportunities for women. The brand offers timeless apparel, denim, leather goods, and jewelry, and is radically transparent, publishing its lowest wages to hold itself accountable.
Shop now at ableclothing.com
Known for its radical transparency on pricing and factories, Everlane focuses on minimalist, modern essentials designed to last. It is Climate Neutral Certified and uses over 90% recycled or certified natural fibers in its apparel collections.
Shop now at everlane.com
Fair Indigo uses premium fair-trade, GOTS-certified organic Pima cotton to create durable basics and forever-in-style garments. The brand is deeply committed to ethical production, paying fair wages and benefits to workers in Peru.
Shop now at fairindigo.com
If you're looking for affordable basics, Pact is a GOTS and Fair Trade Certified brand that uses 100% organic cotton for its clothing, bedding, and bath goods. Their focus on comfort parallels many of Westside's leisure and casualwear lines but with much stronger credentials.
Shop now at wearpact.com
Westside operates on a seasonal calendar, releasing collections 4-6 times per year with a longer production cycle of 3-4 months. This is much slower than fast fashion's weekly drops and 2-6 week turnarounds, and its products are generally designed for more longevity.
Westside is part of Trent Ltd, a subsidiary of India's respected Tata Group. While the Tata Group has a strong reputation for corporate social responsibility, that high-level reputation has not yet translated into full transparency for Westside's specific garment supply chain.
While Westside has set public goals, such as using 60% sustainable materials by 2025, it has not published any verifiable data or progress reports. This makes it impossible for consumers to know if the brand is on track to meet its commitments or if the goals are simply marketing claims.
No, there is no evidence to suggest a difference. Brands like Utsa, Nuon, LOV, and Zudio are all in-house brands of Westside, meaning they are produced within the same supply chain. They are subject to the same moderate ethical and sustainability standards as Westside's main label.
