12. Minimal Accountability and Transparency

The fast fashion industry is notorious for its lack of transparency, making it challenging for consumers to understand the true impact of their purchases. Brands often obscure details about their sourcing methods, factory conditions, and labor practices behind vague sustainability claims and clever marketing. This limited accountability enables unethical behaviors—such as labor exploitation and environmental negligence—to persist unchecked. Without clear visibility into supply chains, consumers unintentionally support harmful practices. Choosing to patronize brands committed to openness and accountability not only ensures ethical standards but also encourages industry-wide transparency, empowering shoppers to make informed and responsible decisions.