How Ethical Is ASOS? - Good On You (2024)

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Published: 05 Jan 2022

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British company ASOS is one of the world’s most popular online fashion destinations. But is ASOS ethical or sustainable? It’s “Not Good Enough”. This article is based on the ASOS rating published in July 2020.

The realities of fast fashion outweigh convenience

It sells over 850 different brands, and also makes its own range of affordable clothing and accessories. But how ethical is the ASOS private range, and should you be looking elsewhere for your online shopping fix?

While the prospect of cheap and cute fashion delivered to your doorstep is exciting, the low price tags often belie the true cost of fast fashion: questionable labour policies and production processes that are detrimental to the environment. So let’s take a look at the impact of ASOS on people, the planet, and animals and answer: how ethical is ASOS?

Environmental impact

We rated ASOS’s environmental impact “Not Good Enough”. The brand has made a public commitment and has set an intensity target to be a net zero emissions company by 2030, but there is no evidence it has set an absolute target. The ASOS brand uses some eco-friendly materials in its clothing, but there is no evidence it minimises textile waste when manufacturing its products. In addition to this, we found no evidence ASOS implements water reduction initiatives in most of its supply chain.

In 2010, ASOS introduced a collection called the “Responsible Edit”—a selection of clothing, accessories, and beauty products marketed for a lower environmental impact. ASOS private label clothing comprises about a quarter of this collection with pieces made in conjunction with fair labour partners in Kenya, and some lower impact fabrics like Tencel.

This is certainly not good enough for such a large company. It’s a sign that customer demand for ethical products is growing, and the company is responding. However, this collection only accounts for a small percentage of the total items made by ASOS: the rest of the range isn’t covered by strong policies that look to reduce the impact of the production stages. “Eco collections” by major brands are often signs of greenwashing.

Labour conditions

ASOS’ labour rating is also “Not Good Enough”. Almost none of its supply chain is certified by labour standards which ensure worker health and safety, living wages, or other labour rights, and it received a score of 41-50% in the Fashion Transparency Index. ASOS publishes a detailed list of suppliers in the final stage of production and some information about the second stage of production, as well as some policies to protect suppliers and workers in its supply chain from the impacts of COVID-19. The brand likely publishes information about its supplier policies, audits, and remediation processes, and may be publishing some information about forced labour, gender equality, or freedom of association. The most problematic issue, however, is that we found no evidence it ensures payment of a living wage in its supply chain when it can certainly afford it.

Animal welfare

ASOS rates “It’s a Start” for animal welfare: it has a formal animal welfare policy aligned with Five Freedoms, does not use angora, fur, down, exotic animal skin or hair, and sources wool from non-mulesed sheep. Even if ASOS has committed to eliminating some animal products by a set date, it does still use leather without specifying sources.

Overall rating: Not Good Enough

So, how ethical and sustainable is ASOS? ASOS is rated “Not Good Enough” overall. Some progress has been made by implementing measures to reduce carbon emissions; banning fur and other animal-based materials, and offering a more conscious collection. However, much more can still be done. ASOS needs to improve in all areas to achieve a higher score.

Note that Good On You ratings consider hundreds of issues, and it is not possible to list every relevant issue in a summary of the brand’s performance. For more information, see our How We Rate page and our FAQs.

See the rating.

So, our take? If you’ve got an ASOS habit that just won’t give, check out the Responsible Edit for better choices. Or even better, try ASOS stocked brands that we rate highly, such as People Tree.

Good swaps

If you’re trying to break up with fast fashion, why not have a look at these “Good” and “Great” alternatives to ASOS.

Afends

Rated: Good

How Ethical Is ASOS? - Good On You (1)

Offers

How Ethical Is ASOS? - Good On You (2)

Afends – Menswear

Up to 60% off, for a limited time only. From pants to tees and sweats, featuring a slew of new prints.Exclusive 10% off Mens Sale with code GOODEXTRA10.(Ends: 28 FEB)

Checkout code: GOODEXTRA10

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How Ethical Is ASOS? - Good On You (3)

Afends – Womenswear

Up to 60% off, for a limited time only - including dresses, basics & more.Exclusive 10% off Womens Sale with code GOODEXTRA10.(Ends: 28 FEB)

Checkout code: GOODEXTRA10

Shop now

Born in Byron Bay, Afends is a responsible brand leading the way in hemp fashion. Drawing inspiration from the environment, streetwear, and surf culture, Afends’ mission is to create more sustainable clothing through innovation, action, and positive change. As true hemp advocates, they purchased 100 acres of farmland called Sleepy Hollow to grow their own hemp crops and ignite the hemp revolution. Explore their range made from 100% eco-conscious threads.

See the rating.

Shop Afends.

MATE the Label

Rated: Good

How Ethical Is ASOS? - Good On You (4)

MATE the Label creates clean essentials made with GOTS certified organic fabrics and low-impact dyes. Its goal is to offer women everywhere a clean product that is just as beautiful as it is sustainable. It is proudly female-founded and is predominately operated by women. This US brand also manufactures locally to reduce its carbon footprint.

Find the range in inclusive sizes XS-3XL.

See the rating.

Shop MATE the Label.

Plant Faced Clothing

Rated: Good

How Ethical Is ASOS? - Good On You (5)

Streetwear without sweatshops, that's the motto of this British 100% plant-based, ethical, eco-friendly, and cruelty-free streetwear apparel brand.

Buy Plant Faced Clothing in sizes XS-2XL.

See the rating.

Shop Plant Faced Clothing.

ABLE

Rated: Good

How Ethical Is ASOS? - Good On You (6)

ABLE is a US-based clothing and accessories brand that works with communities all over the world to make a meaningful impact, producing slow fashion that pays a living wage to women who have faced extraordinary circ*mstances. It uses eco-friendly materials, and reuses water and materials to minimise waste. With thoughtful design and a level of quality that guarantees its products for life, its pieces aren't just an investment for your wardrobe, they are an investment in women around the world. Find the range in sizes 2XS-2XL.

See the rating.

Shop ABLE.

People Tree

Rated: Great

How Ethical Is ASOS? - Good On You (7)

Eco-fashion pioneer and leader People Tree is a seriously responsible brand and one of our favourites. The brand uses lower-impact materials and addresses labour risks by adopting the Fairtrade International - Small Producers Organisations Code of Conduct. Find most products in UK sizes 6-18.

See the rating.

Shop People Tree UK.

Shop People Tree EU.

Shop People Tree @ Wearwell.

In the Soulshine

Rated: Good

How Ethical Is ASOS? - Good On You (8)

In the Soulshine is a brand that loves fashion, but doesn't want to exploit people or destroy our planet in the process.

See the rating.

Shop In the Soulshine.

Editor's note

Feature image via ASOS, all other images via brands mentioned. Good On You publishes the world's most comprehensive ratings of fashion brands’ impact on people, the planet, and animals. Use the directory to search thousands of rated brands.

How Ethical Is ASOS? - Good On You (2024)

FAQs

Is ASOS good ethical? ›

Its labour rating is 'not good enough'. Almost none of its supply chain is certified by labour standards which ensure worker health and safety, living wages or other labour rights. It received a score of 41-50% in the 2021 Fashion Transparency Index .

Is ASOS ethical 2022? ›

In summary, ASOS does work closely with their stakeholders in order to work towards creating a more ethical workplace environment for their employees. However, this is where their efforts end when it comes to fair labor.

What are ASOS ethical standards? ›

Labor Ethics

ASOS a standard Code of Conduct that includes no child or forced labor, fair wages, and safe conditions. They mention factory audits, but don't state how often they're done or how their suppliers have performed in them.

What is the most ethical fashion brand? ›

Each fashion brand has made it a central part of its mission to approach garment production in an ethical and transparent way that considers both people and the planet.
...
35 Sustainable Clothing Brands Betting Against Fast Fashion
  1. Pact. ...
  2. Kotn. ...
  3. VETTA. ...
  4. Quince. ...
  5. Sézane. ...
  6. Reformation. ...
  7. ADAY. ...
  8. ABLE.
Jan 2, 2023

What threats are ASOS up against? ›

Weaknesses of ASOS
  • Reducing Market Share: ASOS is getting Intense competition from the global retail players and the e-commerce platforms like Alibaba, AllSaints etc. ...
  • Limited Presence: The brand is largely dependent on a few countries for its major revenue like the UK, the USA and Europe.
Mar 21, 2022

Where do ASOS source their clothes? ›

As of May 2021, the highest number of ASOS manufacturing factories are situated in China, with a total of 231. India and Turkey come in second and third place for the number of ASOS manufacturing factories, with 217 and 130 factories respectively.

Does ASOS use influencers? ›

Now an online conglomerate stocking over 850 fashion brands including their own label; ASOS employs a two-pronged social marketing strategy based on harnessing the power of digital influencers combined with the influence of their own customers.

What is better than ASOS? ›

7 Stores to Shop If You Can't Get Enough of ASOS
  • Elevated and Affordable: Zara. Image Source: H&M. ...
  • Something For Everyone: Boohoo. Image Source: H&M. ...
  • Sexy and Statement-Making: PrettyLittleThing. ...
  • For Great Everyday Pieces: Princess Polly. ...
  • Versatile and Cool: Mango. ...
  • Basic and Affordable: H&M. ...
  • Whimsical and Fun: Nasty Gal.
Dec 14, 2022

Who ASOS target audience? ›

Asos markets itself as the go-to fashion retailer for young consumers and primarily targets 16 to 34 year olds across a broad socio-economic demographic.

Does Shein have good ethics? ›

According to Shein's 2021 Sustainability and Social Impact Report, 66% of Shein's supplier factories and warehouses have a "mediocre" performance—meaning there are 1-3 majors risks in the workplace, and "corrective action is required." And 12% fall under the ZTV category, meaning there are major violations that require ...

What type of culture does ASOS have? ›

We exist to give people the confidence to be whoever they want to be, and that goes for our people too. At ASOS, youʼre free to be your true self without judgment, and channel your creativity into a platform used by millions.

Are ASOS jeans sustainable? ›

Almost all jeans are made pretty much exclusively from cotton – and guess what? Hundreds of ASOS Design denim pieces are produced using more sustainable cotton, which for ASOS means through the Better Cotton Initiative, recycled, or organic cotton.

Can cheap fashion ever be ethical? ›

Yes, it absolutely can. In many ways, sustainable fashion is already affordable, especially when one considers how thrifty secondhand shopping is. Thrifting has become incredibly popular these days, not just because of its affordability, but because it encourages reuse.

Is H&M becoming more ethical? ›

H&M set a goal to have 100% of their garments made from recycled components by 2030, and they claim that, as of recently, that figure was already at 65%. Having a goal of 2030 may seem like a good thing, however, there are many brands already using 100% sustainable fabric in 2022.

Is ASOS immoral? ›

ASOS is rated “Not Good Enough” overall. Some progress has been made by implementing measures to reduce carbon emissions; banning fur and other animal-based materials, and offering a more conscious collection. However, much more can still be done. ASOS needs to improve in all areas to achieve a higher score.

Why is ASOS in trouble? ›

José Antonio Ramos Calamonte, the new chief executive of Asos, said the business had become too complex, allowed costs to rise too much and become “overstretched globally” so that it lacked scale in US, France and Germany.

Who is ASOS biggest competitor? ›

asos.com's top 5 competitors in December 2022 are: zara.com, urbanoutfitters.com, next.co.uk, boohoo.com, and more. According to Similarweb data of monthly visits, asos.com's top competitor in January 2023 is zara.com with 111.6M visits.

Why is ASOS so cheap? ›

Why are some items so much cheaper than others? Well, not all of their products are created equally. Cheaper products are likely made with lower quality fabrics or come from factories in countries where manufacturing is cheaper. ASOS is incredibly transparent about where its products come from.

Are brands Real on ASOS? ›

How do I know that I'm buying a genuine product? At ASOS, we only stock genuine and authentic items, bought directly from the brands we offer – we don't buy fakes, so you can be sure the item you've received is genuine.

Is ASOS used clothes? ›

ASOS Marketplace | Buy & sell new, pre-owned & vintage fashion. Since launching in 2010 we've supported thousands of small businesses from across the globe, giving them an online space to sell vintage and independent fashion with access to ASOS' extensive global customer base of fashion-loving twenty-somethings.

Is ASOS a good company? ›

Yes, ASOS is legit and safe to use for purchasing fashionable clothing, shoes, and even maternity wear. ASOS website also provides the advantage of finding unique labels that may not be accessible from anywhere else in the world.

Is Shein ethical? ›

None of Shein's supply chain is certified by labour standards which ensure worker health and safety, living wages or other labour rights. There is no evidence it ensures payment of a living wage in its supply chain. It uses few eco-friendly materials.

Does ASOS sell authentic Nike? ›

At ASOS, we only stock genuine and authentic items, bought directly from the brands we offer – we don't buy fakes, so you can be sure the item you've received is genuine, even if it arrives in non-branded packaging. Currently, all clothing, accessories and jewellery goes into a plain bag.

What is so good about ASOS? ›

ASOS' focus on the customer experience, as well as its investment in the latest online innovations and its ongoing efforts to become more sustainable, have helped it to stand out from other clothing retailers.

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