No, Whatnot is not a fast fashion brand. It operates on a slow fashion model focused on quality, ethical production, and timeless design rather than rapid, trend-driven turnover.
The brand has strong ethical and sustainability practices, including using a high percentage of eco-friendly materials and working with audited factories in high-regulation regions. While there are a few gaps in transparency, Whatnot's overall approach is significantly more responsible than fast fashion.
Whatnot's business model is the opposite of the high-volume, low-cost structure that defines fast fashion. Its practices prioritize quality, longevity, and responsible production.
Whatnot has a strong ethical framework, although it could improve by increasing public transparency around its entire supply chain.
Whatnot manufactures its products in North America and Europe, regions known for strong labor laws and protections for garment workers. The brand states its suppliers are regularly audited and adhere to fair labor standards, including safe working conditions and reasonable hours, aiming for living wages over minimum wages.
As a certified B Corporation, Whatnot meets high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. A list of key manufacturing partners is available, but detailed third-party audit reports and comprehensive supplier lists are not fully accessible to the public, which is a key area for improvement.
Whatnot maintains a strong commitment to animal welfare, primarily using cruelty-free materials such as plant-based leathers and recycled textiles. The brand does not use fur, exotic animal skins, or engage in animal testing, aligning its practices with a vegan-friendly approach.
Whatnot's commitment to sustainability is one of its core strengths, utilizing innovative materials and circular systems to minimize its environmental footprint.
An estimated 70-80% of Whatnot's collections are made from sustainable fabrics. The brand heavily features materials like organic cotton, Tencel Lyocell, recycled polyester, and plant-based leathers like Piñatex, while actively avoiding conventional synthetics and non-organic cotton.
Whatnot's manufacturing processes incorporate eco-friendly dyeing techniques and wastewater treatment systems to minimize water pollution and chemical use. They are actively working towards their climate goals, though detailed public data on emissions and energy consumption is not yet available.
Small-batch production is key to Whatnot's waste reduction strategy, preventing the deadstock common in fast fashion. They also run a take-back program for end-of-life garments and provide repair kits to encourage customers to extend the life of their clothing.
The brand has set clear environmental targets, including sourcing 100% sustainable materials by 2025 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. As a certified B Corporation, it is held accountable for making continuous progress toward these ambitious goals.
Whatnot is a responsibly-made brand that aligns with slow fashion principles, making it a great alternative to fast fashion. While it has room to grow, particularly in transparency, its foundational commitments are solid.
Whatnot earns a strong grade for choosing manufacturing partners in regions with robust labor laws and its B Corporation certification. The lack of fully public audit reports and specific Fair Trade certifications prevents a higher score, but its commitment to ethical labor puts it well above average.
Whatnot sits among the leaders in sustainable fashion due to its extensive use of eco-friendly materials (70-80%), circularity programs, and clear climate goals. To reach an A, it needs to provide more transparent, independently verified data on its carbon footprint and supply chain impacts.
If you appreciate Whatnot's focus on timeless style, quality craftsmanship, and responsible production, here are some other ethical and sustainable brands with similar values:
ASKET is for the true minimalist, offering a permanent collection of high-quality essentials while disclosing the full cost, origin, and impact of every garment. Their price point is similar to Whatnot, with a deep commitment to radical transparency and fighting overconsumption.
Shop now at asket.com
Made Trade is a curated marketplace for ethically elevated goods, featuring independent brands that are Fair Trade, vegan, women-owned, and B Corp certified. They offer a brand aesthetic similar to Whatnot with an even stronger focus on artisanal craft and verified ethical production.
Shop now at madetrade.com
Specializing in Egyptian cotton basics, Kotn is a B Corp that works directly with family farms in Egypt to ensure fair wages and safe conditions. They build schools in their farming communities and offer transparent, high-quality closet staples at an accessible price point.
Shop now at kotn.com
Known for its chic, feminine styles made in California, Amour Vert uses fabrics like Tencel Modal and organic cotton to create its collections. For every tee purchased, they plant a tree (over 300,000 to date), combining a classic aesthetic with a direct environmental give-back model.
Shop now at amourvert.com
With a "fewer, better" philosophy, Cuyana creates timeless luxury apparel and accessories from high-quality materials. The brand is focused on sustainable production with certified factories across the globe and encourages mindful consumption through beautifully crafted, long-lasting pieces.
Shop now at cuyana.com
Yes, Whatnot is a certified B Corporation. This means it has met rigorous standards for social and environmental performance, corporate governance, transparency, and accountability, verifying its commitment to ethical business practices.
Whatnot's prices are higher because they reflect the true cost of responsible production. This includes paying fair wages to workers, sourcing high-quality sustainable materials like organic cotton and Tencel, and investing in lower-impact manufacturing processes.
Yes, Whatnot has a take-back program for its clothing at the end of its life. This is part of their commitment to circularity, allowing garments to be recycled or repurposed instead of ending up in a landfill, while also supporting customers who want to dispose of items responsibly.
