Last Updated on December 1, 2021
I won’t blame you if you think COS is an indie brand. Its products give off a sustainable vibe with its neutral palette and structured silhouettes. But is COS actually fast fashion?
The London-based minimalist fashion brand debuted at London Fashion Week just this year. So I’m with you when it comes to figuring out what its category is.
READ MORE: COS Showcased Its New Look at London Fashion Week (and You Can Shop it Now)
But first, I think we need to first understand what fast fashion means. It’s described as ‘inexpensive clothing produced rapidly by mass-market retailers in response to the latest trends.’
Fast fashion is considered bad because of its effects on the environment and people. This model promotes overproduction, which also promotes unjust labour practices and leads to tons of waste.
You can dive deeper and learn more about it in our guide to what is fast fashion here.
So is COS fast fashion? The quick answer is yes.
In case you’re unfamiliar, COS is part of the H&M group – and while H&M as a company has been lauded for its efforts in ensuring transparency in its production, all of its brands still follow the fast fashion model.
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READ MORE: Is COS Ethical and Sustainable?
Are COS clothes sustainable?
86% of COS clothes are sustainably sourced, according to the brand. It also uses repurposed and recycled materials in its products on top of sourcing organic materials.
Are COS stores ethical?
The H&M group scored 71-80% in the Fashion Transparency Index. This means it shares to the public where it sources its products as well as who its manufacturers are.
COS says its goal is ‘to represent the diversity [it values].’ It also says it is committed to paying its workers fairly. However, the brand doesn’t have an easily accessible report that shows proof of these.
