Is Cider Fast Fashion? The Ultimate Detailed Breakdown
The fashion industry has long been under scrutiny for its fast-paced trend of production, mass consumption, and waste accumulation. Cider, a trendy women’s clothing brand comes out constantly with new pieces and when combined with marketing tactics constantly emerging, it begs the question: Is Cider fast fashion and how harmful is it contributing to fast fashion culture? In this post, we delve deeper into the details of the cider industry and analyze whether or not it follows the same principles as fast fashion.
Introduction to Cider
Introduction: Where is Cider clothing based?
Cider is a fashion brand based in China that has gained immense popularity since its launch in late 2020. However, there is an ongoing debate on whether or not Cider is a fast fashion brand.
1. Definition of Fast Fashion:
Fast fashion is a term used to describe a business model that involves producing large quantities of clothing quickly and inexpensively to keep up with the latest trends. These clothes are often made from cheap materials and sold at a low price.
2. Business Model of Cider:
Cider functions as a direct-from-factory marketplace, producing small batches of items for specific moods and occasions every week. The brand claims that it uses data to only produce what will sell, which helps reduce production costs and unsold stock.
3. Environmental Impact:
Cider has been criticized for its negative impact on the environment. The brand uses mostly harmful fabrics like virgin polyester and spandex. Cider’s packaging and disposal methods are also questionable, using biodegradable bags that have been labeled as greenwashing.
4. Labor Ethics:
Cider has moved towards more transparency in its labor policies and suppliers. They’ve published a “Zero Tolerance Policy” guideline and states that they make routine visits to the factory to maintain the standards. However, there’s more that Cider could do to be more transparent.
5. Animal Welfare:
Cider scores a middling grade of “It’s a Start” for its animal welfare policy. The brand does not use leather, fur, or exotic animal skin in its collections, but it does not trace the sources of its wool.
6. Conclusion: Is Cider fast fashion?
So, is Cider fast fashion? Is Cider fashion ethical? Based on the facts, it is safe to say that Cider falls under the category of fast fashion. While the brand claims to be an innovator, its practices are questionable, and it is evident that the brand has a long way to go in terms of sustainability and ethical practices.
Trend Replication and Quick Production
Cider is a fashion brand that focuses on trend replication and quick production. As a digitally-native label, Cider drops hundreds of new styles every week, catering to the Instagram generation’s hunger for newness. Cider uses data to produce garments that they know will sell, reducing waste and creating a more sustainable system in theory.
Cider is part of the fast fashion industry, known for its negative environmental impact, and unethical practices. But Cider claims to be different and takes the path of sustainability, portraying itself as a conscious company. However, it is yet another example of greenwashing.
Cider takes social media marketing to new heights by collaborating with fashion influencers to promote its products. In just two years, Cider has amassed 4.1 million followers on Instagram, with most of its products priced below $20.
In conclusion, Cider may be a viral sensation on social media, but its sustainable claims and ethical practices do not hold up. As one of the fastest-growing fast fashion brands, it benefits from cheap materials and low-cost products, leading to a negative environmental impact and unethical practices.
Sustainability Claims
Cider, a Chinese fashion brand, claims to be sustainable, but is it just greenwashing? Let’s examine their sustainability tactics.
Firstly, their claim to produce less waste due to their smart fashion model is vague and confusing. It’s unclear how much less waste they produce compared to traditional fashion companies.
Secondly, their switch to d₂w biodegradable bags is also questionable, as the bags do not break down in a reasonable time frame and shed microplastics.
Thirdly, their Recycled Cider Collection made of Global Recycled Standard materials is small compared to their thousands of pieces overall and contains mainly recycled polyester, which sheds microplastics.
In terms of improving its sustainability, Cider could use more low-impact fabrics, introduce an in-house recycling program, and focus on timeless designs to reduce consumption. Ultimately, Cider’s sustainability claims may be seen as greenwashing tactics and you may want to consider ethical alternatives.
Impact on the Environment
Cider may be known for its trendy pieces and affordable prices, but its impact on the environment is quite concerning. The fashion brand receives the lowest possible score of “Very Poor” for Cider’s environmental impact.
Cider uses a few lower-impact materials, producing clothes made overwhelmingly from harmful fabrics like virgin polyester and spandex. This not only harms the environment but also contributes to the growing problem of microplastics in our oceans.
Despite being a fast-fashion brand, Cider does not appear to have taken any meaningful action to reduce or eliminate hazardous chemicals. This is a serious issue in today’s shopping landscape, and it’s worth researching before making a purchase from this brand.
Additionally, there is no evidence that Cider reduces its carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions in its supply chain.
Cider’s Supply Chain & Labor Policies
Cider has made strides to be more transparent about its labor practices and create a more ethical supply chain.
The brand published this Zero Tolerance Policy, which outlines all the environmental, human rights, safety, and integrity standards that are met by the suppliers. Additionally, they do monthly tours of their factories, and their factories are registered with SMETA and SEDEX. They also list the suppliers they use and their ethical certification.
While this is a good start, there can certainly be more Cider can provide to show to prove that they have safe labor conditions instead of just a brief policy.
Animal Welfare
Cider may not use leather, exotic animal hair, fur, down, or exotic animal skin in their collections, but they do use wool without stating their sources. This lack of transparency makes it difficult for you to assess the brand’s animal welfare policies beyond their minimal efforts.
However, there is no evidence of an animal welfare policy, nor does the brand trace any animal products even to the first stage of production. For example, implementing animal welfare policies and providing transparency in their wool sourcing and traceability could be a step in the right direction.
Final Verdict: Is Cider Fast Fashion?
Cider, the popular clothing brand, has been under scrutiny for its production practices. Many customers and critics have been debating whether or not Cider is truly ethical and sustainable. Here’s the final verdict:
Cider is considered fast fashion but we do have to recognize that they took steps towards becoming a more ethical brand. They have a Code of Conduct that outlines their commitment to responsible sourcing, fair labor practices, and environmental sustainability. They also work with third-party organizations to audit their factories and suppliers to ensure compliance.
However, there are still some concerns surrounding their sustainability practices. While they do use some sustainable materials, such as organic cotton and recycled polyester, the majority of their garments are made from conventional materials like cotton and synthetics.
In terms of Cider labor practices, they have faced criticism in the past for Cider working conditions in their factories. They have since taken steps to improve these conditions, including increasing wages and creating safer work environments. However, some critics argue that they could still do more.
Is Cider Clothing like Shein?
Cider clothing is similar to Shein, but often with more colorful designs. However, Cider lists in more detail their sustainability and labor practices in comparison to Shein.
Ethical Clothing Brands Alternatives
There are several ethical alternative to Cider fashion brands that prioritize sustainability, labor ethics, and animal welfare. These brands include used clothing, Lucy & Yak, Dazey LA, TAMGA Designs, Mayamiko, and Whimsy + Row. These brands offer stylish clothing options that are sustainable and ethical.
Overall, Cider has made progress toward becoming a more ethical and sustainable brand, but there is still room for improvement. It’s up to you whether or not to feel comfortable supporting the brand based on your own values and priorities!
For more sustainable fashion guides, check out these posts!
