Cider is a fast-fashion brand founded in 2020 by two friends, Stephanie Phair and Lauren Herstik. The brand has gained popularity for its affordable, trendy clothing and accessories.
However, Cider has been criticized for its use of low-quality materials and its fast-fashion practices, which have been linked to environmental and ethical problems. In 2020, Cider was ranked as one of the worst fashion brands for sustainability by the Good On You organization.
Cider claims to be different from the other fast fashion brands by adopting a sustainable approach and portraying itself as a conscious company. However, it is yet another example of greenwashing, or deceptive environmental marketing.
If you are looking for ways to reduce your impact on the environment and support ethical labor practices, choose ethical clothing brands that share your worldview. That’s why we curated a stellar list of ethical alternatives to Cider to support instead.
What Makes a Fashion Brand Ethical?
Choosing to wear ethical fashion is a great way to make a difference for the planet, the workers, and the animals. By supporting ethical fashion brands, you can help to create a more sustainable and ethical fashion industry.
But what makes a fashion brand ethical? Here are the basic criteria you should consider.
Sustainability: The brand uses sustainable practices throughout its supply chain, from the materials it uses to the way it disposes of waste. For example, it uses organic cotton or recycled materials, and it minimizes its water and energy use.
Fair labor practices: The brand ensures that its workers are treated fairly and paid a living wage. It also prohibits child labor and forced labor. For example, it audits its factories to ensure that they meet its standards, and it works with unions and other organizations to improve working conditions.
Animal welfare: The brand does not use any animal products or by-products in its products, and it does not test its products on animals. For example, it uses vegan materials like Tencel and bamboo, and it partners with Leaping Bunny-certified labs for its animal testing.
Transparency: The brand is transparent about its supply chain and its ethical practices. It publishes information about where its products are made, who makes them, and how they are made. For example, it lists the names and locations of its factories on its website, and it shares its code of conduct with the public.
Many sustainable alternatives to Cider exist and they do not require you to spend a lot of money. These ethical clothing brands make it easier for you to find great fashion items and buy clothes without contributing to waste culture.
Why Cider is Not Considered Ethical?
Cider is a fashion brand that is not considered ethical by some people because of its labor practices and environmental impact.
Here are some of the reasons why Cider is not considered ethical:
Materials: Cider’s clothing does not use sustainable fabrics; instead, most of its range is made from petroleum-based synthetic materials, with polyester being heavily featured. If you want sustainable alternatives to Cider, you can start by looking for fashion brands that don’t use synthetic materials.
Low wages and poor working conditions: Cider’s clothes are made in factories in developing countries, where workers often earn low wages and work long hours in poor conditions. For example, a 2019 report by Fashion Revolution found that workers in Cider’s factories in Bangladesh were paid as little as $2.75 per day.
Child labor: There have been reports of child labor being used in Cider’s supply chain. For example, a 2018 report by the International Labour Organization found that children as young as 11 years old were working in factories that supply Cider.
Environmental impact: Cider’s clothes are made using a lot of water and energy, which contributes to climate change. For example, a 2017 study by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation found that the fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
In addition to these concerns, Cider has also been criticized for its lack of transparency. The company does not disclose where its clothes are made or who makes them, making it difficult to assess the working conditions and environmental impact of its supply chain.
10 Ethical Alternatives to Cider
When choosing an ethical brand, it is important to consider your own values and priorities. Some things to think about include the brand’s commitment to sustainability, the brand’s labor practices, the brand’s animal welfare practices, and the brand’s transparency. If you’re wondering where to shop instead, here are some sustainable alternatives to Cider that you’ll feel good wearing and even better supporting.
We’ve listed a few of our favorite alternatives to greenwashing brands that are truly committed to sustainability right through their supply chain. These brands respect the planet, people, and animals while creating on-trend styles.
1. Everlane
Everlane was founded in 2010 by Michael Preysman, a former investment banker. The company was initially focused on selling basics like t-shirts and jeans, but it has since expanded its offerings to include a wider variety of clothing, accessories, and home goods.
One of the best ethical alternatives to Cider, Everlane is known for its transparency and ethical practices. The company publishes detailed information about its supply chain, including the names and locations of its factories. It also uses sustainable materials and practices, such as organic cotton and recycled polyester.
In 2016, Everlane became a certified B Corporation, which means that it meets rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.
2. Allbirds
Allbirds was founded in 2016 by Tim Brown and Joey Zwillinger, two former professional athletes. The company was initially focused on selling wool sneakers, but it has since expanded its offerings to include a wider variety of footwear, apparel, and accessories.
Allbirds is a certified B Corporation known for its use of sustainable materials, such as merino wool and eucalyptus fiber. It also uses recycled materials whenever possible, making this brand one of the leading sustainable alternatives to Cider.
3. Tentree
Tentree was founded in 2010 by Drew Green, a Canadian entrepreneur who was inspired to start a business that would make a positive impact on the environment. The company’s name is a reference to the fact that it plants 10 trees for every item of clothing sold.
One of the most popular sustainable alternatives to Cider, Tentree’s mission is to “plant trees to clean the air, protect the water, and create jobs.” The company has planted over 50 million trees in over 12 countries.
In addition to planting trees, ultra fast fashion alternatives like Tentree also uses sustainable materials in its clothing, such as organic cotton and recycled polyester. The company also has a focus on ethical practices, such as paying its workers a living wage and ensuring that its supply chain is free of child labor.
4. Patagonia
Fourth on out list of best ethical alternatives to Cider: Patagonia.
Patagonia is an American outdoor clothing company founded in 1973 by Yvon Chouinard. The company is known for its high-quality, durable outdoor clothing and gear. Patagonia is also known for its commitment to environmentalism and social responsibility.
Patagonia’s mission is to “build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis.” The company is committed to using sustainable materials and practices in its products. Patagonia also donates a portion of its profits to environmental organizations.
Organique is a clothing brand founded in 2013 by two friends, Anya Barouh and Julia Bucci. The company is based in Los Angeles and is known for its organic and sustainable clothing.
Organique’s mission is to “create beautiful, comfortable, and sustainable clothing that makes people feel good.” Organique is one of the best sustainable alternatives to Cider as the company uses organic cotton, recycled materials, and low-impact dyes in its clothing. The company also has a focus on ethical practices, such as paying its workers a living wage and ensuring that its supply chain is free of child labor.
The company is a member of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, which is a group of brands and organizations working to make the apparel industry more sustainable. Additionally, Organique has a “Fair Trade” certification, which means that the company meets certain standards for social and environmental responsibility.
6. People Tree
People Tree is a clothing brand founded in 1991 by Safia Minney. The company is based in London and is known for its fair trade and sustainable clothing. The name is a reference to the phrase “people tree,” which is a term used in some cultures to describe a tree that is believed to have special powers.
People Tree’s mission is to “create beautiful, ethical clothing that makes a difference to people and the planet.” The company works with small-scale producers in developing countries to create clothing that is fair trade, sustainable, and stylish.
People Tree is a leading sustainable clothing brand that is making a positive impact on the world. The company is committed to working with small-scale producers, using sustainable materials, and paying its workers a fair wage. If you are looking for ethical alternatives to Cider, People Tree is a great option.
7. Cuyana
Making the cut on our list of ethical alternatives to Cider: Cuyana.
Cuyana is a clothing brand founded in 2011 by Karla Gallardo and Mariana Ibáñez. The company is based in San Francisco and is known for its high-quality, sustainable leather goods.
Cuyana’s mission is to “create timeless, essential pieces that are made to last.” The company uses high-quality materials, such as full-grain leather, and makes its products in small batches to ensure quality.
8. Amour Vert
Amour Vert is a clothing brand founded in 2012 by Sarah Ahmed. The company is based in New York City and is known for its sustainable and vegan clothing. Their name in French means “green love” so it’s no wonder that they’re one of our favorite sustainable alternatives to Cider.
Amour Vert’s mission is to “create beautiful, sustainable, and vegan clothing that makes people feel good.” The company uses sustainable materials, such as organic cotton, recycled materials, and Tencel, and makes its products in ethical factories. Amour Vert also has a focus on reducing waste, and all of its packaging is recyclable or compostable.
9. Naadam
Naadam is a cashmere brand founded in 2013 by Arié Goldman and Max Hustoft. The company is based in New York City and is known for its cashmere products. This socially conscious brand will bring you cashmere straight from the Mongolian Gobi Desert, making it one of our top picks for sustainable alternatives to Cider.
Naadam’s mission is to “make cashmere more accessible and sustainable.” The company sources its cashmere from Mongolia, where the goats are raised in a sustainable way. Naadam also has a focus on transparency, and the company publishes information about its supply chain on its website.
10. Kotn
One of the standout sustainable alternatives to Cider is Kotn, and it’s certainly not to be overlooked.
Kotn is a clothing brand founded in 2015 by Benjamin Sehl, Mackenzie Yeates, and Rami Helali. The company is based in Montreal, Canada, and is known for its sustainable cotton products.
Kotn’s mission is to “reinvent the cotton industry.” The company sources its cotton from farmers in Egypt, where the cotton is grown in a sustainable way. Kotn also has a focus on transparency, and the company publishes information about its supply chain on its website, making it one of the best ethical alternatives to Cider.
Tips for Buying Ethical Fashion
Many ultra fast fashion alternatives exist to help consumers shop ethically and contribute to combating environmental degradation. Here are some of the best tips for buying ethical fashion:
Do your research: Before you buy anything, take some time to research the brand. Look for brands that are transparent about their supply chain and their ethical practices.
Ask questions: If you’re not sure about a brand’s ethical practices, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Most brands are happy to answer questions about their commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
Support sustainable materials: Choose clothes made from sustainable materials, such as organic cotton, recycled polyester, or Tencel. These materials are better for the environment and often come from ethical sources.
Buy less, buy better: It’s better to buy fewer clothes that you love and will last a long time than to buy a lot of cheap clothes that you’ll only wear a few times.
Buy secondhand: Buying secondhand clothes is one of the best ultra fast fashion alternatives. Shopping secondhand is a great way to find ethical fashion without breaking the bank. You can find secondhand clothes at thrift stores, consignment shops, and online marketplaces.
Take care of your clothes: The longer you can make your clothes last, the better for the environment. Wash them less often, mend them when they’re damaged, and donate them when you’re done with them.
Look for brands that are certified: Choose fashion that is certified by a reputable organization, such as Fair Trade USA or GOTS. These organizations have standards that ensure that the brands they certify meet certain ethical criteria.
Support brands that are transparent: Ethical fashion brands are transparent about their supply chain. This means that the brand can tell you where their clothes are made and who makes them.
Buy from reputable brands: Try to purchase your needs from brands that have a good track record of sustainability and social responsibility. Look for brands that are committed to reducing their environmental impact and improving the lives of their workers.
How to Find Ethical Fashion Brands?
Here are some ways to find ethical fashion brands and ultra fast fashion alternatives:
Do your research: There are many resources available to help you research ethical alternatives to Cider. You can find lists of ethical brands online, or you can read articles and reviews about different brands.
Use a fashion search engine: There are a number of fashion search engines that allow you to filter results by ethical criteria. This can be a great way to find ethical brands that sell the type of clothing you’re looking for.
Ask your friends and family: If you know someone who is interested in ethical fashion, ask them for recommendations. They may be able to give you some great tips on where to find ethical brands.
Support ethical fashion organizations: There are a number of organizations that are working to promote ethical fashion. You can support these organizations by donating money, volunteering your time, or spreading the word about ethical fashion.
Key Takeaways
Wave goodbye to fast fashion and welcome these sustainable alternatives to Cider and other fast fashion brands that you will surely love!
The fashion industry is a major contributor to environmental pollution and unethical labor practices. By choosing to shop from ethical brands and ultra fast fashion alternatives, you can help to reduce the environmental impact of the fashion industry.
Before you buy clothes, do some research to learn about the brands you are considering. Look for brands that are transparent about their supply chain and that are committed to ethical labor practices.
If you know Cider, chances are you’ve also come across Halara—the trendy new activewear brand that has made it big on social media and is becoming the new face of fast fashion in activewear. Curious about its ethical standing? Learn more about Halara here.
We’d love to see Cider make some big changes – but in the meantime, there are so many other ethical alternatives to Cider that are more transparent and sustainable.
Allow me to introduce myself, Savannah Bailey, a pivotal content writer at EthicalSustainableClothing.com. My initial fascination with fashion's creative realm soon gave way to mounting concerns about its environmental and ethical implications, propelling me toward a fulfilling career in sustainable fashion. Armed with a degree in fashion design, I now utilize my words to educate and inspire, with the goal of sparking transformative change.
My collaborations with ethical fashion brands, coupled with an unwavering love for the great outdoors, have deepened my commitment to sustainability. I employ my exceptional writing skills as a driving force behind a broader movement towards intentional fashion choices, striving to bridge the gap between style and ethics.
Within my role at EthicalSustainableClothing.com, my fervor for sustainable fashion and my advocacy seamlessly blend, propelling our mission forward. I invite you to join me in embracing a more conscious and stylish world, where each decision contributes to a brighter future.