If you have ever scrolled through TikTok or Instagram, you have likely seen a Princess Polly haul. Known for its trendy dresses and “it-girl” aesthetic, the brand is a staple for Gen Z and Millennials.

But as we become more aware of our environmental footprint, one question keeps coming up: Is Princess Polly fast fashion? In 2026, the answer is more complicated than a simple “yes” or “no.” While the brand has made massive changes—including a surprising new certification—its core business still moves at lightning speed.

Defining the Label: Is Princess Polly Fast Fashion?

By the traditional definition, yes, Princess Polly is a fast fashion brand. Fast fashion refers to companies that take high-fashion trends and turn them into cheap clothing at a rapid pace. Princess Polly fits this mold because they:

• Release new styles daily: They drop between 50 and 60 new items every week.
• Focus on micro-trends: Their clothes are designed to be “viral” and trendy, which often means they go out of style quickly.
• Use low-cost labor: Most of their production happens in factories overseas (primarily China) to keep prices affordable for shoppers.

The 2025 Update: The B Corp Controversy

The biggest news regarding the brand happened recently. In July 2025, Princess Polly officially became a Certified B Corp.

For many, this was a shock. B Corp status is usually reserved for brands like Patagonia that prioritize the planet over profit. Princess Polly earned a score of 86.8, which is above the 80-point passing mark.

Why this matters:

This certification means the brand met high standards for social and environmental performance. However, critics argue that a brand cannot be “sustainable” while still encouraging people to buy hundreds of new styles every month. This has sparked a massive debate about whether B Corp is becoming too easy for fast fashion giants to join.

Ethics and Labor: Who Makes the Clothes?

When we ask if a brand is ethical, we usually want to know if the workers are treated fairly. Princess Polly has improved its transparency in the last two years.

1. Supply Chain Tracking: They now trace 100% of their “Tier 1” suppliers (the main factories that sew the clothes).
2. Factory Audits: The brand claims that 100% of these factories have a valid ethical audit.
3. The Living Wage Gap: Despite these audits, there is still no public evidence that Princess Polly ensures all its workers are paid a “living wage” (a wage high enough to cover basic needs like housing and healthcare) rather than just the legal minimum.

You may also read more: Is Zara Fast Fashion? What You Need to Know in 2026

Sustainability: Progress vs. Reality

Princess Polly is trying to distance itself from the “disposable” reputation of brands like Shein. Here is a look at how they compare to other industry players:

Princess Polly vs. The Competition

Feature	Princess Polly	Shein / Temu	Sustainable Brands
New Arrivals	50-60 per week	1,000+ per day	Monthly or Seasonal
Material Quality	Mid-range	Low / Varies	High / Durable
Sustainability	B Corp / Recycled lines	Minimal / Greenwashing	Core Mission
Price Point	$40 – $100	$5 – $30	$100+
Ethics	Tier 1 Transparent	Opaque	Fully Transparent

Is Princess Polly Better than Shein?

If you are trying to choose between “ultra-fast” fashion and Princess Polly, Princess Polly is generally considered the “better” option.

• Higher Quality: Their clothes tend to last longer and use slightly better fabrics.
• Recycled Packaging: They use 100% recycled plastic for their shipping mailers.
• Lower Impact Range: About 30-40% of their new arrivals are now made from “lower impact” materials like organic cotton or recycled polyester.

However, the brand still relies on a model of overconsumption. They want you to buy more, more often. Truly sustainable fashion usually focuses on buying less and keeping items for years.

You also read: Is Cider Fast Fashion? The Truth About the Viral TikTok Brand (2026 Update)

Final Thoughts

Is Princess Polly fast fashion? Yes. But they are a “new breed” of fast fashion that is trying to be more responsible. By 2026, they have checked many boxes: they are a B Corp, they use recycled materials, and they trace their main factories.

If you are a conscious shopper, the best way to shop at Princess Polly is to buy only what you love and avoid the “haul” culture. A dress is only sustainable if you actually wear it!

FAQs

1. Where does Princess Polly get their clothes?

Most of their clothing is manufactured in China. They also source from India and other parts of Asia.

2. Is Princess Polly high quality?

It is “mid-range.” It is generally higher quality than Shein or Forever 21, but it is not “luxury” quality. Most items are designed to last a few seasons rather than a lifetime.

3. Does Princess Polly use child labor?

The brand has strict policies against child labor and performs third-party audits to ensure their suppliers follow these rules.

4. Is the “Lower Impact” collection actually good for the planet?

It is a step in the right direction. Using recycled polyester or organic cotton uses less water and energy. However, it doesn’t solve the problem of textile waste.

5. Can I recycle my Princess Polly clothes?

In the US, Princess Polly has a resale site where you can sell your pre-loved pieces. This is a great way to keep clothes out of landfills.

6. Why is Princess Polly so expensive?

Their prices ($50–$90 for a dress) reflect their mid-tier status. They spend more on influencer marketing, better materials, and ethical audits than ultra-cheap brands.

7. Is Princess Polly greenwashing?

“Greenwashing” is when a brand acts more eco-friendly than it actually is. While Princess Polly has made real changes (like the B Corp status), some experts say calling a fast-fashion brand “sustainable” is a form of greenwashing.