Is Cider Fast Fashion? In Short, Yes—And Here’s Why

Is Cider fast fashion? It’s a question I’ve seen all over TikTok lately.

I first learned about Cider the same way most people probably did: through viral videos. But I’m mindful about where I spend my money (and how my clothes are made). That’s why I had to verify if Cider is actually as sustainable as it wants us to believe. Spoiler alert: It’s just another fast fashion brand hiding behind clever marketing and eco talk.

Before we dive into that, let’s talk about what makes Cider so popular in the first place. The direct-to-consumer marketplace has exploded in the past few years. That’s thanks to its inclusive sizing, Gen Z-friendly energy, and endless weekly drops. Each collection seems to cater to a different mood board, so you shop by vibe. Cider’s prices are also undeniably appealing, with most items clocking in under $40. It’s no surprise the brand has gone viral. But when a company releases hundreds of new styles a week, it raises a bright red flag about overconsumption and the fast fashion model itself. 

So, with that said, keep scrolling to learn all there is to know about Cider.

Is Cider Fast Fashion?

To figure that out, let’s first unpack what fast fashion actually means. The term refers to a business model built on mass production, quick turnover, and short-lived styles. Essentially, it means creating new trends at lightning speed to feed our appetite for novelty. Fast fashion often relies on synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon (both non-biodegradable and responsible for microplastics in our water), cheap labor, and low-cost materials that prioritize quantity over quality.

When a brand’s focus is on keeping up with ever-changing trend cycles, it’s usually operating within the fast fashion space. And while some companies have started making sustainability claims—like using recycled materials or talking about “smart fashion models”—the lack of traceability of animal materials and transparency issues across their supply chains often tells another story.

What Does Fast Fashion Mean?

At its core, fast fashion is all about speed and scale. Think of brands like Shein, Boohoo, and PrettyLittleThing—companies that thrive on ultra-fast fashion drops, where thousands of new products hit the site every week. These brands keep prices low by cutting corners: outsourcing production to factories in developing countries, using virgin polyester instead of recycled fabric, and skipping steps that ensure the fair treatment of workers and the environment.

The issue isn’t just about the fast production of clothes, but how fast they fall apart. Many fast fashion pieces are designed for temporary wear—cute for a few Instagram photos, but quick to fade, rip, or lose shape. This leads to overconsumption and waste, with billions of garments ending up in landfills each year. Add in the dyeing pollution from synthetic fabrics and you’ve got a cycle that’s anything but sustainable.

Why Is Cider Considered Fast Fashion?

Cider’s “smart fashion model” isn’t as sustainable as it sounds.

Cider claims to use a smart fashion model to avoid overproduction. In theory, it’s a made-to-order system where the brand only manufactures pieces once there’s enough demand. But in practice, the company still releases weekly drops with hundreds of new items, which points to a typical fast fashion model rather than a slow, sustainable one.

This mix of marketing vs. reality has led many critics to call it greenwashing—using eco-friendly buzzwords to make a brand appear more sustainable than it actually is. Without hard data or third-party certifications, those ethical claims and sustainability claims feel like just that: claims.

Cider’s supply chain lacks transparency.

Cider’s website provides very little information about its manufacturing process. There’s no mention of its factories’ locations, how they treat workers, or whether the brand audits its suppliers. This lack of evidence points to transparency issues, making it hard to verify whether the brand is truly committed to ethical production.

And while Cider says it’s focused on sourcing animal-derived materials responsibly and using lower-impact materials, there’s no clear proof of traceability of animal materials or any cruelty-free certifications. In other words, the brand is asking us to take their word for it—and that’s rarely a good sign.

The price point can’t be beat—but that’s not really a good thing.

Let’s be real: high-quality, ethically made clothing comes at a cost. When tops are $10 and dresses are $20, someone—or something—is paying the price. Low costs are almost always a red flag for mass production, cheap labor, or synthetic fabrics that harm the planet.

Even if Cider uses some recycled materials, the volume of clothing it produces contributes to overconsumption and dyeing pollution, not to mention the release of microplastics every time a polyester garment is washed. Sustainability isn’t just about fabric—it’s about scale. And Cider produces too much to pass that test.

What Are the Best Alternatives to Cider?

The good news: There are plenty of ways to stay stylish without feeding the vicious fast fashion cycle. Below are some sustainable brands, rental platforms, and resale apps that align with more eco-conscious shopping habits.

Sustainable Clothing Brands

[INSERT PHOTO OF NAC WEARING EVERLANE JEANS]

Everlane

Everlane coined the term “radical transparency,” meaning they break down the true cost of production for every item—from materials to labor to transport. Their use of recycled materials and focus on ethical manufacturing make them a strong Cider alternative. I own two pairs of Everlane jeans, and they are absolutely phenomenal. Sure, they’re on the pricier side, since one pair costs more than $100. But they are worth it and will last several years before they start to look worn.

Reformation

Reformation presents effortlessly chic pieces and a strong commitment to sustainability. The cool-girl brand publishes transparent reports about its materials, factory conditions, and carbon footprint. Most pieces come from recycled fabrics and lower-impact materials, and their packaging is recyclable and biodegradable. Again, this isn’t a particularly affordable brand, but you won’t be spending money every two months. So, in a sense, it is affordable.

Girlfriend Collective

This brand transforms discarded water bottles into activewear that’s durable, stylish, and inclusive. Girlfriend Collective emphasizes traceability and full disclosure about its supply chain, making it a great example of what transparency should look like. If you’re on the hunt for sustainable workout clothes that fit well, check out Girlfriend Collective.

Clothing Rental Platforms

Nuuly

Renting clothes is one of the most sustainable ways to enjoy new styles without committing to overconsumption. In our founding editor’s Nuuly clothing review, she mentioned that renting allows you to experiment with different looks while reducing waste and the demand for mass production. Nuuly offers everything from Free People and Anthropologie to independent labels—perfect for anyone who loves fashion but wants to shop smarter.

Rent the Runway

Another major player in the rental space, Rent the Runway lets you borrow designer and contemporary pieces for a fraction of the price. By reusing garments hundreds of times, the platform keeps clothes in circulation and out of landfills.

Resale Apps

Depop

Depop blends the nostalgia of thrifting with the accessibility of online shopping. It’s a great way to find unique pieces while reducing the environmental impact of new clothing production. I also love that this vintage option means fewer people are likely to have the same outfit as you.

Poshmark

Poshmark makes buying and selling secondhand clothes simple. You can find Cider pieces here too, which is arguably the most sustainable way to shop the brand—buying what already exists instead of fueling new production.

ThredUp

As one of the largest online consignment stores, ThredUp focuses on extending the lifespan of clothing. They’ve even partnered with major retailers to promote circular fashion and help reduce textile waste.

The Bottom Line

So, is Cider fast fashion? Based on the evidence, yes—it operates very much like one. While the brand positions itself as a smart fashion model with made-to-order production, the sheer volume of clothing, weekly drops, and lack of transparency around its supply chain suggest otherwise.

That said, it’s possible to appreciate the brand’s appeal while also holding it accountable for making misleading claims. The next time you’re tempted by a viral fashion brand promising sustainability, look beyond the greenwashing and carefully consider marketing vs. reality. Seek out companies that back their ethical claims with real data—or, better yet, opt for rental or resale platforms that give clothes a second life. Because looking good shouldn’t come at the planet’s expense.