Does Free People align with ethical and sustainable practices? While exuding a carefree, boho vibe that imparts a sense of artisanal craftsmanship, the question remains.

Free People started as a small store that carried plants, records and a few clothing pieces in 1970. A year later, its name was changed to Urban Outfitters (which would eventually become its sister brand’s name under the URBN umbrella). 

In 1984, the brand name Free People was revived as its parent company’s wholesale label. Since then, it has amassed a cult following for its bohemian-inspired clothing. But will you feel as good and carefree as its models appear when you buy from the brand after learning about its practices? Let’s find out.

Interested in Free People’s ethical stance? Afterward, explore our guide featuring the sustainability practices of other fashion brands like Boden, Zara, and H&M.

Is Free People sustainable?

Free People has quite a few projects and strategies to help care for Mother Nature listed on its ‘Mother Nature’ page. The brand has a curation of items from sustainable brand partners under its Care FP line. The products, the brand said, are ‘small-batch made by 501(c)3 nonprofits who support artisanal and small businesses, both overseas and in our own backyard.’

In terms of offerings, Free People has a range of products that it says are ‘designed with at least 50% of an eco-conscious fiber.’ Among the eco-friendly fabrics it claims to use are Econyl, organic cotton, and linen. Free People’s parent company also says that the brand saved 514,000 bags from hitting landfills in 2019, thanks to its Skip a Bag Program.

In September 2021, the brand partnered with Boxed Water, along with other brands, to ‘walk-the-walk’ for coastal clean-up month in the US. The campaign includes the clean-up of two beaches in California and one in New York, as well as individual clean-ups for the participating brands’ employees.

As part of the campaign, Free People is also giving away a $500 gift card through a planet-conscious giveaway. Despite all these, Free People remains reliant on a fast-fashion model of production, according to Good On You. Fast-fashion will always run the risk of overproduction and excessive waste of resources, making it unsustainable in the long run.

Is Free People ethical?

You may have heard of the many controversies Free People was embroiled in some five years ago where they were accused several times of cultural appropriation. The brand was called out several times for trivialising and making costumes appropriating Native American culture. Prior to that, it was in hot water for releasing a dreadlock tutorial.

Free People was also accused of stealing an independent artist’s design. As well as these controversies, its parent company, URBN, scored only 11-20% in the Fashion Transparency Index. 

So while it has a published list of suppliers and an ethical policy that’s in accordance with the California Transparency in Supply Chains Act — which requires it to not use child labour and practice discrimination — there’s no report or evidence that it is following this and that it provides its employees with living wages.

Does Free People have a quality promise?

Not exactly a quality guarantee, but they do let you send back unworn, unwashed, or faulty items you bought online within 30 days for a return or exchange. If you snagged something at a store, you’ll need to return it there.

Is Free People movement ethical?

Not the clearest picture. They don’t seem to have certifications ensuring good working conditions for factory workers, and transparency about their practices could be improved based on their low Fashion Transparency Index score.

Free People’s Animal Welfare Policy

Free People became angora-free in 2016, but it still uses wool, leather, and exotic animal hair in some of its products. 

Since it’s not transparent about its supply chain, it will be difficult to know whether or not there are safety issues encountered in procuring and using these animal-derived materials.

The brand also doesn’t have a published animal welfare policy.

How would you describe Free People?

Free People is a fashion brand known for its boho-chic style, blending vintage and contemporary elements with a focus on feminine, laid-back, and edgy options.

It has an emphasis on individuality, community, and sustainability, it caters to young women in their 20s-30s who appreciate quality, unique designs, and comfort.

What is ethical sustainable fashion?

Ethical sustainable fashion minimizes the fashion industry’s negative impact on people and the planet. It involves using eco-friendly materials, ensuring fair labor conditions, and prioritizing animal welfare.

Key principles include environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and transparency. Benefits encompass reducing pollution, conserving resources, and creating a more sustainable future.

By choosing certified brands, checking materials, asking questions about production, considering second-hand options, and caring for your clothes, you make informed choices that contribute to a more ethical and sustainable fashion industry.

Cheap Luxury Handbags Opinion

Cheap Luxury Handbags  believes it’s important to highlight the negative and unjust practises taking place in the fashion industry. We believe ethics and sustainability are an important talking point to bring about change and we encourage you to contact fashion brands to demand this.

However we understand that sustainable fashion isn’t accessible for every body due to various factors, such as budget and the ability to find confidence-boosting clothes that fit. We will continue to offer you fashion inspiration and guidance to suit every body and budget, while also highlighting the unjust systems at play in the fashion industry.