Is Cider Fast Fashion? Shocking Facts Revealed

Over the past few decades, the fashion industry has been transformed by the rise of fast fashion, changing the way we consume clothing. The appeal of affordable, trendy pieces that mimic runway looks has been both empowering and accessible for shoppers. However, as conscious consumers become more aware of the environmental toll and ethical issues linked to rapid production cycles, new brands like Cider have emerged, claiming to be a sustainable alternative to traditional fast fashion.

With a strong emphasis on creating runway-inspired styles at extremely low price points, Cider has exploded in popularity. The social media-savvy brand has cultivated a powerful presence, especially among influencer communities and a loyal fan base, boasting over a million followers on Instagram. But is Cider fast fashion? Shocking facts revealed suggest that while the brand markets itself as an eco-conscious label, its actual practices raise important questions.

While the brand heavily promotes its eco-friendly marketing, some critics argue that it could be a case of greenwashing. Taking a deep dive into its history, practices, and impact will help find out whether Cider is truly making a difference or just another fast-fashion player with a sustainable label.

Cider’s Rise: From Start-Up to Fast Fashion Giant

Back in 2020, Cider was founded in Hong Kong by Michael Wang, Fenco Lin, and Yu Oppel with a mission to make runway fashion accessible to all. Frustrated by the lack of affordable options that aligned with trendy looks, they sought to transform the clothing industry by introducing an alternative to traditional retail. As Wang put it, the standard production cycles were simply too slow and costly for shoppers eager to keep up with the latest styles.

By eliminating the middleman and leveraging social media, Cider embraced influencer marketing and user-generated content to drive engagement. The brand’s powerful presence on platforms like TikTok helped it rapidly gain a fanbase, with followers eagerly awaiting each drop. Their model of launching new pieces every 1-2 weeks at extremely low price points fueled an explosion in popularity, pushing annual revenue beyond $200 million in just two years.

However, as Cider’s popularity exploded, so did the scrutiny over its ethical issues, eco-friendly marketing, and potential greenwashing. A deep dive into its history, practices, and impact is essential to find out whether it truly lives up to its self-professed sustainable smart fashion claims or if it’s simply another name in fast fashion.

Key Takeaways on Cider’s Sustainability

Aspect	Observation
Fast Fashion Model	Releases new clothing collections every 1-2 weeks.
Recycled Materials	Uses some recycled fabrics but relies heavily on non-biodegradable materials.
Transparency	Limited public information on supply chain and labor policies.
Ethical Concerns	Accusations of labor exploitation and design theft.
Marketing vs. Reality	Sustainability efforts appear more strategic than impactful.

Evaluating Cider’s Sustainability: Key Insights

Cider is a brand that has gained massive attention in the fast fashion industry, but its sustainable claims remain questionable. With rapid production cycles, it continuously introduces new trendy pieces at extremely low price points, making it an affordable choice for many shoppers. However, its reliance on non-biodegradable materials and lack of transparency in manufacturing practices have raised ethical issues. While it promotes an eco-friendly presence on social media, some critics argue that this is just greenwashing rather than a true commitment to sustainability.

• Cider follows a fast fashion model, releasing new clothing collections every 1-2 weeks.
  
• The brand uses some recycled materials, but most fabrics are harmful to the environment.
  
• There is little public information about its production cycles, labor policies, and ethical concerns.
  
• Accusations of design theft and cultural appropriation have damaged its reputation.
  
• Despite its marketing claims, its sustainability efforts appear to be more of a strategy than an actual impact.

Is Cider Truly a Sustainable Brand?

Many conscious consumers are now more aware of the environmental toll and ethical issues surrounding fast fashion, making sustainability a key concern. Cider, a brand known for its affordable, trendy pieces, has emerged with claims of being a sustainable alternative. By focusing on creating runway-inspired styles and using some recycled materials, the brand has gained a powerful presence on social media, with a strong fan base and millions of followers on Instagram.

However, its rapid production cycles and lack of full transparency raise concerns about whether its eco-friendly marketing is genuine or simply greenwashing. Taking a deep dive into its history, practices, and impact is necessary to find out if Cider truly lives up to its self-professed sustainable smart fashion claims or if it’s just another fast fashion brand with clever branding.

Breaking Down Cider’s Material Choices: Are They Eco-Friendly?

When evaluating if Cider is truly a sustainable alternative, looking at the materials it uses is key. The brand does include some recycled materials, such as recycled polyester and nylon made from plastic bottles, and even incorporates bamboo fabrics, which require less water and land than traditional cotton. Additionally, it has introduced Tencel modal and lyocell, both derived from renewable wood sources.

These elements contribute to a greener approach, but the reality is that they make up only a small fraction of its overall material selection. The majority of Cider’s clothing is still made from conventional textiles that contribute to serious environmental tolls. Its reliance on virgin polyester, a material made from petroleum plastic, raises concerns about sustainability. Similarly, its use of nylon, which emits nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide, adds to its ecological footprint. T

he brand also heavily relies on non-biodegradable fabrics like elastane, acrylic, and spandex, along with conventional cotton, which demands large amounts of pesticides and water to produce. Despite marketing itself as eco-friendly, Cider fails to provide full transparency about where it sources these materials and the conditions under which they are produced.

In contrast, leading ethical brands such as Girlfriend Collective, Outerknown, and Pact focus on using certified sustainable fabrics while maintaining rigid transparency. They clearly disclose their material origins, dye processes, and supplier partnerships, ensuring minimal environmental impact. While Cider deserves credit for integrating some eco-conscious components, it lacks the depth of sustainability seen in industry pioneers who emphasize innovative fabrics, certifications, and ethical supply chains.

• Cider incorporates some recycled materials, but only in limited amounts.
  
• The brand uses bamboo fabrics and Tencel modal, but not extensively.
  
• Most of its clothing relies on synthetic, non-biodegradable fabrics.
  
• Virgin polyester and nylon contribute to pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
  
• The brand lacks full transparency about its material sources.
  
• Ethical brands like Girlfriend Collective prioritize certified sustainable textiles.
  
• Cider’s eco-friendly marketing may not fully match its practices, raising greenwashing concerns.

Material	Sustainability Impact
Recycled Polyester & Nylon	Made from plastic bottles but still non-biodegradable.
Bamboo Fabrics	Requires less water but not widely used by Cider.
Tencel Modal & Lyocell	Renewable wood-based fabrics with lower impact.
Virgin Polyester & Nylon	Made from fossil fuels, contributing to pollution.
Elastane, Acrylic & Spandex	Synthetic, non-biodegradable, and harmful to the environment.

“Sustainability is more than a trend; it’s a responsibility.” — Anonymous

The Fast Fashion Footprint: Cider’s Environmental Impact

Cider’s rapid rise in the fashion industry is driven by social media marketing and influencer collaborations, making it a strong player in fast fashion. The brand focuses on producing trendy clothing at low price points, but this rapid production cycle comes with an environmental toll.

While Cider incorporates some recycled materials, a large portion of its clothing is made from synthetic fabrics like polyester, which contribute to water pollution, emissions, and microplastic pollution during washing. This raises concerns about whether Cider’s eco-friendly marketing is genuine or just greenwashing.

Environmental Concern	Impact of Cider
Water Pollution	Textile dyeing contaminates clean water sources.
Carbon Emissions	Global transportation increases carbon footprint.
Textile Waste	Encourages disposable fashion culture.
Packaging	Claims biodegradability, but lacks third-party verification cation

“Fast fashion isn’t free. Someone, somewhere is paying the price.” — Lucy Siegle

Cider’s Biodegradable Packaging: A Genuine Effort or Greenwashing?

Cider’s fast fashion model thrives on rapid production cycles, but this comes at a high environmental cost. The brand’s clothing is mostly made from synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon, which are derived from fossil fuels and take centuries to break down. This reliance on non-biodegradable materials worsens the textile waste crisis, as millions of tons of clothing waste end up in landfills each year.

The fashion industry’s impact on the environment is massive, and Cider’s business practices contribute to this problem:

• Increased water pollution from textile dyeing, which is the second-largest polluter of clean water resources.
  
• High carbon emissions from transporting clothing worldwide to keep up with demand.
  
• Fast-moving inventory encourages shoppers to buy and discard more often, increasing waste.
  
• Minimal transparency on whether the brand’s wastewater treatment methods actually reduce chemical pollution.
  
• Packaging claims of being biodegradable are unverified, with no third-party assessments available.
  
• Projected environmental damage, with the fashion industry set to consume one-fourth of the world’s carbon budget by 2030.
  

While Cider markets itself as a sustainable alternative, the brand’s practices tell a different story. The lack of transparency and heavy reliance on synthetic materials suggest that its eco-friendly claims could be more about greenwashing than true sustainability.

Ethical Dilemmas in Cider’s Supply Chain and Labor Practices

Cider promotes its biodegradable shipping bags as an environmentally responsible choice, but scientific analysis from the European Union found no solid proof that these bags break down faster than regular plastic. Without clear evidence, these claims may be more about marketing than real sustainability. This is similar to the brand’s vague approach to material sourcing, where details are scarce, making it difficult for consumers to verify its environmental efforts.

Sustainable fashion brands that genuinely care about the environment follow strict third-party audits and comply with Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) and bluesign® standards. They also embrace circularity, meaning they offer product take-back programs and recycling initiatives to reduce waste instead of just producing more.

At its core, Cider’s fast fashion business model relies on constant new releases at low prices, which contradicts true sustainability. Without greater transparency and actual changes in production, the brand’s environmental impact remains a significant concern.

“Greenwashing is the new deception of the 21st century.” — Anonymous

Beyond Sustainability: The Ethical Concerns of Fast Fashion

Cider’s lack of transparency in its supply chain and labor policies raises serious ethical concerns. The fast fashion industry is known for exploitative labor practices, and without clear verification, it’s difficult to trust the brand’s claims of ethical sourcing. Many fashion brands cut costs by using factories that underpay workers, enforce long working hours, or, in extreme cases, engage in child labor.

Cider has stated that it only sources from three factories in China, but it does not provide third-party audits, worker interviews, or detailed reports to confirm that these facilities follow ethical practices. Given the fast-paced production and low prices of its clothing, the likelihood of fair wages and safe working conditions is questionable.

The International Labor Organization reports that 170 million children are involved in child labor worldwide, with many working in garment factories. Additionally, 98% of textile workers earn wages too low to cover basic family needs. Without full transparency, there’s no way to verify if Cider upholds ethical labor standards or if it contributes to the exploitative cycle of fast fashion.

Key Issues in Fast Fashion Labor Practices

• Poverty wages that keep workers in financial struggle
  
• Excessive overtime with little or no extra pay
  
• Child labor in some of the worst cases
  
• Unsafe working conditions in many factories
  
• Lack of union representation for garment workers
  
• No public third-party audits verifying ethical sourcing
  
• Minimal supply chain transparency, making it hard to verify claims

Ethical Issue	Industry Standard vs. Cider
Poverty Wages	Many garment workers earn below living wages.
Excessive Overtime	Common in fast fashion factories.
Child Labor Risks	Industry-wide concern; Cider lacks transparency.
Workplace Safety	No independent audits to confirm safe conditions.

“Fair trade is not charity. It is an investment in people.” — Anonymous

What Truly Sustainable Fashion Brands Do Differently

Cider’s lack of transparency raises serious ethical concerns beyond just sustainability. The fast fashion industry is often linked to poor working conditions, low wages, and unsafe environments for garment workers. Without clear details on where and how its products are made, there’s no way to confirm if Cider ensures fair labor practices.

A 2022 report by Greenpeace Germany found that 15% of Shein and Cider clothing contained toxic chemical levels exceeding EU safety limits. This raises health concerns for both workers and consumers, suggesting potential safety risks in the brand’s production process.

How Genuine Sustainable Fashion Brands Function

Unlike fast fashion, authentic sustainable fashion brands take serious steps to ensure ethical and eco-friendly production. These brands prioritize transparency, fair wages, and worker safety, proving that fashion can be both stylish and responsible.

Leading sustainable brands follow strict guidelines, including:

• Routine third-party audits to monitor workplace conditions
  
• Worker hotlines for grievances and whistleblowing
  
• Public disclosure of suppliers and their ethical certifications
  
• Fair wages aligned with FairTrade and other ethical standards
  
• Unannounced inspections by internal teams to prevent labor abuse
  
• Long-term partnerships based on shared values and sustainability
  

Brands like Prana, Reformation, Eileen Fisher, and Tentree set high standards with verified ethical practices. Meanwhile, Cider’s decision to manufacture in China raises concerns, given the country’s human rights violations and labor exploitation. Without full transparency, including supplier audits and worker protection details, Cider cannot be considered truly ethical.

Design Appropriation in Fast Fashion: A Growing Concern

Fashion is not just about style—it’s also about respecting creativity and culture. Unfortunately, Cider has been accused of appropriating designs from independent artists without permission. Many designers have seen their unique work copied by fast fashion brands, raising concerns about ethical fashion and intellectual property rights.

In 2022, UK-based designer Lydia Bolton claimed that Cider copied her “apple pumpkin” jacket without giving credit. This was not an isolated incident, as others have also accused the brand of “design twinning.” The key concerns include:

• No acknowledgment or payment for the original designers
  
• Cultural symbols being used without authenticity
  
• Potential copyright and intellectual property violations
  

The fashion industry has a long history of cultural appropriation, with brands replicating indigenous clothing, traditional patterns, and sacred symbols for profit. If Cider truly values empowerment and self-expression, it must address these concerns rather than following a trend-chasing fast fashion model.

Ethical Breaches in the Fashion Industry	Example
Design Theft	Accusations from independent designers.
Cultural Appropriation	Use of cultural symbols without authenticity.
Lack of Credit	No acknowledgment or payment for original work.

True Creativity Requires Courage—Theft Requires None

Ethical and Sustainable Fashion Brands

Sustainable fashion brands take a more responsible approach by ensuring that creativity is both ethical and respectful. Unlike fast fashion companies, they work to protect original designs and support cultural authenticity. Their practices include:

• Collaborating with artisans and cultural communities for genuine creations
  
• Paying fair compensation to designers for their unique contributions
  
• Educating consumers on the cultural significance of specific designs
  
• Implementing diversity initiatives to avoid cultural insensitivity
  
• Setting clear guidelines on what is ethical versus exploitative inspiration
  

While fashion thrives on inspiration, responsible brands ensure their designs honor traditions rather than exploit them. Accusations against Cider suggest a lack of awareness in this area, raising concerns about its commitment to ethical fashion.

Evaluating Cider’s Sustainability: Where It Fails

Despite branding itself as eco-friendly, Cider struggles to meet the standards of authentic sustainability. The brand’s fast fashion model relies on mass production, making it difficult to balance affordability with ethical and environmental responsibility. A deeper look into its practices reveals several gaps in its sustainability claims.

Key reasons why Cider does not fully qualify as a sustainable brand include:

• Heavy use of synthetic fabrics derived from petroleum, which contribute to pollution
  
• Fast fashion business model that promotes overconsumption and short-lived clothing trends
  
• Lack of transparency regarding factory conditions and worker treatment
  
• Repeated accusations of design appropriation without crediting original creators
  
• Sustainability claims lacking third-party verification, raising concerns about greenwashing
  
• Absence of key certifications expected from truly eco-conscious brands
  

While Cider has taken small steps, like offering biodegradable packaging, its core business practices remain inconsistent with sustainability leadership. To truly earn the label of an eco-conscious brand, it must rethink its material choices, improve supply chain transparency, and commit to genuine ethical reforms.

Ethically and Environmentally Conscious Fashion Alternatives to Cider

If you care about sustainable fashion and ethical shopping, Cider may not be the best choice. The brand lacks full transparency in its supply chain and continues to follow a fast fashion model that encourages waste. Thankfully, there are many brands committed to ethical production and eco-friendly materials, offering better alternatives for conscious consumers.

For shoppers looking for truly sustainable fashion, several brands stand out for their commitment to ethical practices and eco-friendly materials. Organic Basics ensures transparency by using GOTS-certified organic cotton and recycled nylon, while Outerknown repurposes plastic waste into ECONYL fibers. Meanwhile, Pact, a Certified B Corporation, offsets carbon emissions for every order and follows strict Fair Trade standards.

Other great alternatives include Girlfriend Collective, which turns plastic bottles and fishing nets into stylish activewear, and Cuyana, known for timeless designs made from recycled cashmere and sustainable silk. Brands like Whimsy + Row further push ethical fashion forward by embracing inclusive, eco-conscious production.

These companies prove that responsible clothing can be both stylish and accessible—pressuring fast fashion brands like Cider to improve their practices.

Embrace Minimalism with a Capsule Wardrobe

A capsule wardrobe helps reduce fashion waste by focusing on versatile essentials instead of impulse buys. By choosing high-quality, timeless pieces, consumers can minimize the need for constant replacements and reduce their overall impact.

Opt for Second-Hand Fashion and Circular Economy Practices

Shopping second-hand through thrifting, consignment stores, or clothing rental services keeps clothes in circulation for longer. Platforms like ThredUp make it easy to buy and sell used apparel, extending the life of garments that might otherwise end up in landfills.

Choose Quality Over Fast Fashion for Lasting Impact

Fast fashion produces low-cost, disposable clothing that doesn’t last. Investing in well-made garments from natural or recycled materials ensures longevity and reduces waste. Though the upfront cost may be higher, the value per wear is far greater.

Reduce Washing Frequency & Embrace Air Drying

Frequent washing breaks down fabrics faster, especially synthetic ones that release microplastics into water systems. Air drying instead of machine drying also saves energy, helping to lessen the environmental impact of daily laundry habits.

Extend Clothing Life with Basic Mending & Alterations

Basic skills like hemming, patching, and tailoring can extend the life of clothes, making them last for years instead of months. This reduces waste and slows down the demand for new clothing production, an essential step toward sustainability.

Participate in Clothing Recycling & Takeback Initiatives

Instead of throwing away old clothes, consider recycling textiles through programs like Garage Grown Gear or participating in garment takeback initiatives from brands like Patagonia. These efforts help divert clothing from landfills and promote circular fashion.

Promote Awareness for a Sustainable Fashion Culture

Encouraging friends and family to embrace sustainable fashion can create a positive ripple effect. Promoting ethical brands, second-hand shopping, and conscious consumption helps challenge the idea that clothes are disposable and should be replaced constantly.

Treat Clothing as a Long-Term Investment

Every garment requires labor, resources, and energy to create. Treating clothing as valuable rather than disposable shifts mindsets and encourages mindful purchasing. This simple habit can drastically reduce fashion overconsumption.

How Consumers Can Drive Ethical Fashion Change

While fast fashion brands like Cider continue to face criticism, the responsibility also lies with consumers to adopt more sustainable habits. By making thoughtful choices, shoppers can help shape the future of ethical fashion and push the industry toward greater accountability.

Summary of Cider’s Sustainability Issues

Cider markets itself as an eco-friendly brand, but a closer look reveals major sustainability concerns. While it has taken small steps toward ethical production, its fast fashion model still raises doubts. Here are the key issues:

• Heavy reliance on petroleum-based fabrics and synthetic materials that harm the environment.
  
• Fast fashion approach encourages disposable clothing, leading to more waste.
  
• Lack of supply chain transparency raises concerns about worker treatment and factory conditions.
  
• Cultural appropriation accusations damage the brand’s reputation in ethical fashion discussions.
  
• Greenwashing tactics make sustainability claims without clear proof or certifications.
  
• Missing key third-party audits and sustainability certifications expected from truly eco-conscious brands.
  

While Cider has made efforts toward sustainable practices, its current operations still fall short of true environmental responsibility.

Can Cider Transform into a Truly Sustainable Brand?

Cider has the potential to improve, but its profit-driven model currently prevents it from being a truly ethical fashion brand. To gain consumer trust, it must move beyond greenwashing tactics and adopt real sustainability commitments. As shoppers demand more eco-friendly choices, brands like Cider will need to prove they prioritize both environmental impact and worker rights—or risk losing a generation of conscious consumers.

More Specific Data on Production Transparency

• While you mention that Cider does not provide clear details on its supply chain, you could investigate if there are any existing reports, employee testimonials, or leaked factory conditions that give insight into its labor practices.
  
• Comparisons with other fast fashion brands (like Shein, H&M, or Zara) that have provided at least some transparency might highlight where Cider falls short.

The Longevity & Quality of Cider’s Clothing

• Fast fashion is often criticized for making clothing that wears out quickly.
  
• Have there been consumer complaints about Cider’s clothing quality?
  
• How does the durability of its materials compare to truly sustainable brands?

Third-Party Investigations or Reports

• Have there been external sustainability or ethics watchdogs that have examined Cider’s operations?
  
• Organizations like Good On You rate brands based on transparency, labor conditions, and environmental impact. Checking their assessment of Cider (if available) could add credibility.

Waste Management & Circular Fashion Initiatives

• Some fast fashion brands have attempted to introduce clothing recycling programs, repair services, or second-hand marketplaces.
  
• Does Cider have any initiatives that attempt to address the problem of textile waste beyond just using some recycled materials?
  
• How does it compare to brands genuinely working towards a circular economy?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cider considered a fast fashion brand?

Yes, Cider follows a fast fashion model, releasing new collections every 1-2 weeks at low prices, which contributes to overconsumption and environmental concerns.

Does Cider use sustainable materials?

Cider incorporates some recycled fabrics, such as polyester and nylon, but most of its clothing relies on synthetic, non-biodegradable materials that harm the environment.

Is Cider truly an eco-friendly brand?

While Cider markets itself as sustainable, its rapid production cycle, lack of transparency, and reliance on synthetic materials raise concerns about greenwashing rather than genuine sustainability.

Does Cider provide ethical working conditions?

Cider lacks transparency regarding its supply chain and labor policies, making it difficult to verify if factory workers receive fair wages and safe working conditions.

Does Cider’s packaging align with its sustainability claims?

Cider promotes biodegradable packaging, but without third-party verification, there’s no clear proof that it fully breaks down or significantly reduces environmental impact.

Has Cider been accused of copying designs?

Yes, independent designers have accused Cider of replicating their original designs without permission or credit, raising ethical concerns about intellectual property rights.

Why is transparency important in sustainable fashion?

Transparency ensures consumers can verify ethical practices, fair wages, and eco-friendly materials, helping brands remain accountable for their environmental and social impact.

How does Cider compare to truly sustainable brands?

Unlike ethical brands that use certified eco-friendly fabrics and fair labor practices, Cider lacks transparency, third-party audits, and long-term sustainability commitments.

What are better sustainable alternatives to Cider?

Brands like Reformation, Patagonia, and Girlfriend Collective focus on ethical production, fair wages, and eco-friendly materials, making them better choices for conscious consumers.

How can consumers support ethical fashion?

Choosing sustainable brands, buying second-hand, investing in quality over quantity, and supporting fair labor practices can help reduce fashion’s environmental and ethical impact.

Conclusion 

Cider’s rise in the fast fashion industry highlights the ongoing challenges of balancing affordability, trendiness, and sustainability. While the brand markets itself as an eco-conscious alternative, its heavy reliance on synthetic materials, rapid production cycles, and lack of transparency raise concerns about its true commitment to sustainability. Critics argue that its greenwashing tactics overshadow any genuine environmental efforts, making it more of a traditional fast fashion player with clever branding.

As consumers become more conscious of their purchasing decisions, the demand for greater transparency and ethical responsibility will only grow. Ultimately, for Cider to truly earn its place as a sustainable brand, it must take concrete steps toward ethical sourcing, environmentally friendly materials, and greater accountability in its supply chain.

“Buy less, choose well, make it last.” — Vivienne Westwood