Is Free People Fast Fashion, Ethical or Sustainable?

Is Free People ethical or just another fast fashion company? What are the sustainability efforts of Free People? Do they produce their clothing in ethical and safe factories? Here’s everything you need to know about the American fashion brand.

Is Free People fast fashion?

Yes, Free People is a fast fashion brand.

If you’re into free-spirited, boho-chic fashion, then you’ve probably come across Free People. While fast fashion brands like Shein and Romwe are mostly focused on “trendy” clothes, Free People does It a bit differently. Flowy maxi dresses that make you feel like you’re dancing through a field of wildflowers, cozy oversized sweaters perfect for snuggling up in, and lots of lace, embroidery, and fringe details that add a touch of whimsy to their pieces. You’ll find a mix of earthy tones, pastels, and vibrant prints that make you feel like you’re on a perpetual summer vacation. You get the gist. So, is Free People ethical or just another fast fashion brand? 

Free People has an interesting history that traces its roots back to the 1970s. The brand was founded by a man named Richard Hayne in 1970 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Initially, it was a single store named “Free People” that offered a mix of second-hand clothing and eclectic items. The store aimed to capture the spirit of the 1970s counterculture movement, which was all about freedom, self-expression, and bohemian style.

Today, under the umbrella of the retail powerhouse URBN, which also happens to be the creative force behind Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters’ pieces can be found in over 1,400 specialty stores across the globe. However, the brand has been a part of many controversies. While Free People has taken steps to enhance conditions for workers in its supply chain, there’s no denying that there’s a significant journey ahead. In the Fashion Transparency Index, the brand received a score ranging from 11% to 20%, indicating that there’s ample room for improvement when it comes to transparency and ethical practices within their operations.

No, Free People is not an ethical company. 

Free People’s commitment to ensuring its suppliers conduct business in accordance with the law is an important step towards ethical sourcing. They emphasize the importance of avoiding child or slave labor, and discrimination, and adhering to wage and hour requirements, health, safety, and environmental laws. However, it’s worth noting that there is no clear evidence that workers in their supply chain are being paid a living wage, which remains a significant concern in the industry.

Recently, the brand was also called out for copying the designs of an amazing sustainable brand, Tonlel. When brands like Free People copy designs from smaller, ethical brands, it not only raises ethical concerns but also contributes to a culture of disability. In essence, the act of copying designs not only harms smaller ethical brands but also undermines sustainability efforts in the fashion industry. It encourages a model based on quantity rather than quality and encourages consumers to discard clothing more frequently, which ultimately has a negative impact on the environment.

Labor conditions

Free People was unfortunately entangled in the tragic 2013 Bangladesh factory collapse, a catastrophic event that claimed the lives of over 1,000 people. This factory collapse was a devastating reminder of the dangers and ethical challenges present within the fashion industry’s supply chain. 

At that time, Free People was sourcing products from a supplier that operated within the ill-fated building, underscoring the need for greater oversight and responsibility in ensuring safe and ethical manufacturing practices in the fashion industry. This incident served as a wake-up call for the entire fashion industry to prioritize worker safety and ethical sourcing, reminding everyone why fast fashion is so bad.

Does Free People use child labor?

Free People’s commitment to ensuring its suppliers conduct business in accordance with the law is an important step towards ethical sourcing. They emphasize the importance of avoiding child or slave labor, and discrimination, and adhering to wage and hour requirements, health, safety, and environmental laws. However, it’s worth noting that there is no clear evidence that workers in their supply chain are being paid a living wage, which remains a significant concern in the industry.

Additionally, Free People’s publication of supplier policies and audit information is a step in the right direction, but they do not provide a comprehensive list of suppliers or information related to forced labor, gender equality, or freedom of association. The lack of a detailed supply chain traceability can raise questions about the brand’s ability to ensure the well-being and fair treatment of all workers throughout their supply chain.

Overall, while Free People has taken some steps towards ethical sourcing and transparency, there appears to be room for further improvement, particularly in providing more comprehensive information about their supply chain practices and demonstrating a commitment to fair wages for workers in their supply chain.

It’s encouraging to see that Free People has made strides in reducing its environmental impact, but there’s always room for improvement. Let’s not forget that fast fashion results in a disposable culture where clothes are quickly discarded, contributing to landfill waste. Free People may offer some eco-friendly options, such as organic cotton, It’s understandable that consumers would like to see a broader selection of sustainable materials in their product range.  

It’s positive to see that Free People’s parent company, URBN, has taken certain steps to reduce its carbon footprint within its portfolio. These measures, such as promoting reusable shopping bags, implementing energy-efficient LED lighting, and using renewable energy in some of its operations, demonstrate a commitment to sustainability at the corporate level.

However, there are indeed some significant gaps in their sustainability efforts, particularly within Free People itself. The lack of evidence regarding carbon emissions reduction in the supply chain is a notable concern, as the fashion industry’s environmental impact largely stems from production processes and transportation. Addressing emissions throughout the entire supply chain is crucial for a comprehensive sustainability strategy.

Also,, the absence of evidence indicating efforts to address hazardous chemicals, manage water usage, and wastewater is also a cause for concern. These aspects are fundamental to reducing the environmental and health impact of fashion production. To become more environmentally responsible, Free People may need to consider transitioning to a more sustainable and ethical business model that emphasizes quality over quantity and incorporates lower-impact materials.

Conclusion: Is Free People Ethical, Sustainable, or Fast Fashion?

So, is Free People fast fashion? Yes! Is Free People ethical and sustainable? Unfortunately, no. While the brand has made strides in certain areas, particularly in its design aesthetic and commitment to ethical standards within its supply chain, there are valid concerns that persist. Additionally, issues related to design copying and the impact on smaller ethical brands further highlight the challenges that Free People and the fashion industry as a whole face in becoming more sustainable and ethical. As consumers become increasingly aware of the environmental and ethical impacts of their clothing choices, the fashion industry, including brands like Free People, faces the imperative of aligning with more sustainable and ethical standards to meet the evolving needs and values of its audience.