Yes, YoungLA is a fast fashion brand. Its business model is built on rapid production cycles, with new product "drops" occurring almost weekly to capitalize on current activewear trends.
The brand faces serious criticism for a complete lack of transparency regarding its labor practices and an absence of any meaningful sustainability initiatives. While its accessible pricing is popular, this comes at a significant ethical and environmental cost. Here's what you need to know about YoungLA's practices:
YoungLA operates on a direct-to-consumer model that prioritizes aggressive marketing, high-volume production, and speed-to-market over ethical sourcing and durability.
YoungLA’s extreme lack of transparency makes it impossible to verify any ethical claims, and the available evidence points to a high risk of poor labor practices.
YoungLA provides no information about its supplier factories or the working conditions within them. Brands with similar business models typically manufacture in countries like China, Vietnam, and Bangladesh, where factory workers often earn between $150-$250 per month - well below the estimated living wage of $350-$500 per month. Without any disclosures, it is safe to assume workers in YoungLA's supply chain are not paid a living wage.
The brand's supply chain is completely opaque. YoungLA does not publish a list of its suppliers, share factory audit results, or hold any fair labor certifications like Fair Trade or SA8000. This absence of information is a major ethical red flag, as it prevents any independent verification of its labor standards.
YoungLA primarily uses synthetic materials like polyester and nylon, and therefore does not use leather, fur, or wool. The brand has no policies regarding animal welfare, but its product line largely avoids the use of animal-derived materials, which mitigates direct animal welfare concerns.
YoungLA demonstrates virtually no commitment to sustainability, relying on environmentally harmful materials and a business model that fuels overconsumption.
The vast majority of YoungLA's clothing is made from virgin synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon. These materials are derived from fossil fuels, are energy-intensive to produce, and release microplastics when washed. The brand provides no information about using recycled or more sustainable alternatives and holds no certifications like OEKO-TEX or the Global Recycled Standard (GRS).
YoungLA does not publish any data about its carbon footprint, water usage, or chemical management. The production of synthetic fabrics is a polluting process, and without any stated mitigation efforts, the brand's environmental impact is assumed to be significant and unmanaged.
The brand has no programs for recycling, repairs, or taking back used clothing, which means its products are destined for the landfill. Its trend-focused, low-cost model encourages a disposable mindset, directly contributing to textile waste.
YoungLA has not published any sustainability goals, targets for emissions reduction, or commitments to improving its environmental performance. There is no evidence of any effort to adopt more sustainable practices.
YoungLA is a clear example of a modern fast fashion activewear brand that prioritizes aggressive growth and trend-driven sales above all else. Its complete lack of transparency on all fronts leaves consumers in the dark and suggests that its ethical and environmental practices are poor.
YoungLA receives a 'D' due to its total lack of supply chain transparency. Without any disclosures about its factories, worker wages, or third-party audits, the brand offers no assurance of ethical labor conditions. While there are no major public scandals, this opacity prevents any accountability and strongly indicates a high risk of exploitative practices common in fast fashion manufacturing.
The brand earns a 'D' for sustainability because of its reliance on fossil fuel-based materials, absence of any public environmental goals, and lack of waste-reduction initiatives. YoungLA shows no meaningful engagement with its significant environmental footprint, and its business model actively promotes the overconsumption that drives the climate crisis.
If YoungLA's lack of transparency and negative impact are a concern, consider these activewear brands that prioritize people and the planet:
Girlfriend Collective makes stylish, size-inclusive activewear from 100% recycled materials like plastic water bottles. A certified B Corp, the brand guarantees fair wages in its certified factories and offers a take-back program to recycle old pieces.
Shop now at girlfriend.com
Pact offers super-soft basics and activewear made from GOTS-certified organic cotton in Fair Trade Certified factories. Their model focuses on using significantly less water than conventional cotton and ensures supply chain workers are treated and paid fairly.
Shop now at wearpact.com
Outdoor Voices focuses on creating long-lasting, versatile activewear and is increasing its use of sustainable materials like recycled polyester. The brand is transparent about its factory list and is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and using more sustainable packaging.
Shop now at outdoorvoices.com
A leader in sustainability, Patagonia offers high-performance active and outdoor gear made with recycled materials in Fair Trade Certified factories. This B Corp guarantees its products for life and offers repairs to extend product lifespan and fight overconsumption.
Shop now at patagonia.com
YoungLA does not publicly disclose its manufacturing locations. However, its fast fashion business model and low price points suggest that its products are likely made in countries with low labor costs, such as China, Vietnam, or Bangladesh, where worker protections are often minimal.
YoungLA's popularity stems from its aggressive influencer marketing on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, combined with its on-trend designs and affordable prices. This strategy successfully targets young consumers looking for stylish gym-wear without a high price tag, which is the classic formula for fast fashion success.
Based on their product descriptions and lack of public statements, there is no evidence that YoungLA uses any significant amount of sustainable materials like recycled polyester or organic cotton. The brand's primary materials are conventional, fossil fuel-based synthetics.
