Is Uniqlo Fast Fashion? | Let's talk about it

Uniqlo is the 3rd largest clothing retailer in the world, boasting over 2,000 retail locations and $20B+ in annual revenues. They've built a strong following amongst clothing enthusiasts with mixed opinions about whether the retailer is fast fashion or simply a reliable source of wardrobe essentials.

In this video, I'll be addressing the question "Is Uniqlo Fast Fashion?". Please note, the goal of this video is not to shame Uniqlo customers, but simply to have an honest conversation about Uniqlo's business practices and the potential implications of it.

Let me know your thoughts in the comment section below.

Thanks for watching!
Blake / @Indigololz

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Sources referenced:

[iop]

i think that the term fast fashion doesnt apply to uniqlo. Its a low cost basics brand. The sustainability problems that can apply to fast fashion brands apply to uniqlo because of the low cost and large quantity of production. but the model of uniqlo is fundamentally different from shein, zara and h&m which you mentioned as the first point in the video. Uniqlo sticking to core pieces that do not change at a fast rate like trendy pieces is the disctinction between them and fast fashion. At the very least, uniqlo doesnt encourage the wasteful consumption of a trendy disposable wardrobe.

[DrewJoiner]

Loved the energy of the intro bnasty lmao, great great video very thoughtful and combed through, I find myself asked these questions about Uniqlo

[simonss]

Great topic of discussion! I've also been thinking about this, especially whenever I see youtubers/influencers who shit on H&M/Zara etc, but then go on to preach about how great and affordable Uniqlo is. I get buying some bits of fast fashion every now and then (have done so myself), but at least be aware of what you're buying and promoting. To me, all these brands are still within the fast fashion bubble.

[mamaharumi]

I've yet to find t-shirts as good as Uniqlo's airism line. Particularly the overaized variant, which is my daily wear. Looks and fits me well and is perfect for Texas heat.

[raqi]

I think they are fast fashion in terms of mass production. But in terms of participating on what's hot in the moment or replicating new runway pieces and hit the store right away in a fraction of price, they are definitely not there. Me personally I love buying Uniqlo pieces that they collaborated with a designer. Specially J+ and Uniqlo U. People are complaining about the quality that is not the same as their main brands but I don't care. I wear my Uniqlo U for about 4 years now and still a staple in my closet until I get old!

[dickiewongtk]

Except Uniqlo, where can you find a place where you can find the exact piece of clothing now and 3 years from now? I need consistency. I hate fashion. That why I buy Uniqlo. There is no ethical business in a capitalist system anyway.

[Ben_S_]

I don't see why Uniqlo should pay the garment workers. They have hired a supplier to create products and payed the price for it - if the supplier pays their workers is not their responsibility.

[knitsandnature]

Lots of uniqlo stuff is natural fibres too. Much better for you and the environment

[Localful]

Many users have no other choice but to buy cheaply made garments, that's just the world we live in. A t-shirt shouldn't cost 10$, someone involved in making that shirt doesn't get paid enough. Governments should regulate how this kind of business is done, insert some sort of taxes or penalties if a company can't reach a set of sustainability/ethical production goals.

Voting with wallets is only something the well off can do. It is a privilege to be able to choose from the options given. Most people have no other choice but to buy from FF brands as that is all they can afford. No one "has" to buy tons of cheap clothes but if the social environment pushes for that behaviour that is what people will do. To me it is appalling to keep buying from brands that have a connection to things like the Xinjiang cotton, do we really put such a low value on human rights?

I feel like educating the public about ehtical consumption is meaningless if that is something only the well-off can do.

[JJJosh]

What’s a good alternative to them in your opinion?

[jboy]

Uniqlo is more like Japanese fashion. Like GAP is like American fashion.

[joshbailey]

Really informative video, great job 👍