No, Wildfang is not considered a fast fashion brand. It sets itself apart through seasonal collections, premium pricing, and original, gender-neutral designs rather than the rapid, trend-driven model of fast fashion giants.
The brand is a certified B Corporation with a strong commitment to ethical principles and social impact, but it lacks full supply chain transparency. On the sustainability front, Wildfang uses some eco-friendly materials but has significant room to improve its environmental reporting and circularity initiatives.
Wildfang's business model is built on an ethos of empowerment and longevity, a direct contrast to the high-turnover, low-cost approach of fast fashion.
Wildfang shows a strong commitment to ethical principles through its B Corp certification and inclusive practices, but an overall lack of transparency prevents a top grade.
Wildfang states its commitment to fair wages and safe working conditions in its factories located in the U.S. and Asia. However, transparency is limited, and the brand does not publish detailed third-party audits. Reports indicate workers at some Asian partner factories earn a monthly wage of approximately $180-$250, which is often above the local minimum wage but can fall short of a calculated living wage, which ranges from $300-$400 in the region.
The brand does not publish a comprehensive supplier list or factory audit results, making it difficult for consumers to independently verify its ethical claims. It does not hold key labor certifications such as Fair Trade, SA8000, or WRAP, which would provide greater assurance about the conditions in its factories.
Wildfang’s product line demonstrates a commitment to animal welfare. The brand primarily uses materials like organic cotton, recycled polyester, and vegan leather alternatives, deliberately avoiding fur, exotic skins, and most animal-derived wool in its collections.
Wildfang is taking positive steps toward sustainability with its use of eco-friendly materials, but it falls short in terms of comprehensive reporting and circular initiatives.
Wildfang prioritizes sourcing sustainable fabrics when possible, with reports suggesting that 30-40% of its collection features materials like organic cotton and recycled polyester. However, a significant portion of its products are still made from conventional synthetic materials like standard polyester, which contributes to microplastic pollution and relies on fossil fuels.
As a B Corp, Wildfang is committed to measuring and improving its environmental performance. The company partners with some factories that adhere to ecological standards like Bluesign or use GOTS-certified organic textiles. Despite this, it has not published a carbon footprint assessment or provided specific data on its water usage, chemical management, or emissions reductions.
The brand currently has limited circularity programs. It does not operate a formal take-back or recycling initiative to manage garments' end-of-life and has no reported use of deadstock fabrics on a large scale. On the positive side, its packaging is made from recycled materials, and it offers some repair services.
Wildfang is a worthwhile alternative to fast fashion, particularly for a brand championing inclusivity and social purpose. However, its claims need to be backed by greater transparency and more concrete environmental action.
Wildfang earns a B for its B Corp certification and strong stance on inclusivity and social responsibility. Its commitment to ethical principles is clear, but the grade is held back by a significant lack of transparency. Without public supplier lists, detailed wage data, or third-party audits, consumers must take the brand’s ethical claims at face value.
The brand receives a C+ for sustainability. Initiatives like using organic cotton (30-40%) and recycled packaging show progress, but these efforts are not yet comprehensive. The lack of a published carbon footprint, limited circularity options, and reliance on conventional synthetics indicate its sustainability journey is still in its early stages.
If you're seeking brands with a similar aesthetic but with even stronger and more transparent commitments to ethics and sustainability, consider these alternatives:
A B Corp and leader in activism, Patagonia uses over 80% recycled or certified materials and offers unrivaled supply chain transparency. With guaranteed Fair Trade Certified production and its Worn Wear program promoting repairs and resale, Patagonia sets the gold standard for outdoor and everyday apparel.
Shop now at patagonia.com
Reformation offers trendy, feminine styles with rigorous sustainability credentials. The brand is Climate Neutral Certified, uses over 85% deadstock or eco-friendly materials like Tencel, and publishes detailed quarterly sustainability reports about its impact and factory conditions.
Shop now at thereformation.com
Known for "radical transparency," Everlane reveals the costs, factories, and labor practices behind each of its minimalist wardrobe staples. It has a robust commitment to reducing emissions and uses a high percentage of recycled and organic materials in its collections.
Shop now at everlane.com
A certified B Corp, Kotn specializes in high-quality Egyptian cotton basics made with transparent and ethical practices. The brand works directly with farmers, ensures fair wages, invests in local communities, and uses 100% organic cotton, creating timeless pieces built to last.
Shop now at kotn.com
As a pioneer of fair trade fashion for over 30 years, every product from People Tree is Fair Trade certified. The brand champions artisan producers, uses almost exclusively organic and natural materials, and maintains full transparency to guarantee ethical and environmental standards are met.
Shop now at peopletree.co.uk
B Corporation (or B Corp) is a third-party certification given to for-profit companies that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. It legally requires Wildfang to consider the impact of its business decisions on its workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment.
Yes, Wildfang was co-founded by queer entrepreneurs, and its mission of empowering women and challenging gender norms is deeply informed by its founders' experiences. This authentic perspective drives its inclusive advertising, product design, and steadfast support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Wildfang focuses on creating durable pieces with timeless appeal, positioning itself as a higher-quality alternative to fast fashion. Its premium pricing reflects the use of more substantial materials like organic cotton and recycled polyester, aimed at ensuring its clothing lasts longer than trend-based items from fast fashion brands.
