If you have scrolled through TikTok or Instagram lately, you have likely seen the bright, “aesthetic” ads for Cider. With its “Pick a Mood” shopping feature and ultra-affordable price tags, it has quickly become a Gen-Z favorite.

But as we become more aware of our environmental footprint, one question keeps popping up: Is Cider fast fashion?

In this guide, we will break down the latest 2026 data on Cider’s business model, its sustainability claims, and how it compares to giants like Shein.

What is Cider?

Founded in 2020, Cider is a “social-first” fashion brand based in Guangzhou, China. Unlike old-school stores that plan clothes months in advance, Cider uses real-time data from social media to see what is trending today and puts it on their website within days.

Is Cider Fast Fashion?

The short answer is yes. While Cider calls itself a “smart fashion” company, it fits almost every definition of fast fashion:

• Rapid Turnover: They drop hundreds of new styles every week.
• Low Prices: Most items are priced between $15 and $40.
• Trend-Driven: Their designs often mimic high-end runway looks or viral “micro-trends” that go out of style quickly.

Read more: Is Halara Fast Fashion?

The “Smart Fashion” Model: Is It Actually Sustainable?

Cider claims they are different because they use a pre-order or small-batch model. They argue that by only making what people actually buy, they reduce “deadstock” (unsold clothes that end up in landfills).

However, experts from organizations like Good On You point out a major flaw: even if they produce smaller batches, the sheer volume of different styles encourages shoppers to buy more than they need.

Cider vs. Shein: A Quick Comparison

Many shoppers wonder if Cider is just “Shein with better branding.” Here is how they stack up in 2026:

Feature	Cider	Shein
Price Point	Low ($15–$50)	Very Low ($2–$30)
Production Speed	Ultra-Fast	Ultra-Fast
Target Audience	Gen-Z / Aesthetic-focused	Everyone / Mass market
Sustainability	Small-batch claims; #ReCider collection	Mass production; high waste
Quality	Often cited as slightly better than Shein	Hit or miss; mostly low-cost

Ethical Concerns: Labor and Materials

As of early 2026, Cider still faces criticism regarding transparency.

1. Labor Rights

Cider provides very little information about the factories they use. There is no public evidence that they pay a living wage to their garment workers in China or Bangladesh. Without third-party certifications (like Fair Trade), it is hard to verify if their workers are treated fairly.

2. Materials

The majority of Cider’s clothing is made from synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and spandex. These are derived from fossil fuels and do not biodegrade. While they have a “#ReCider” line using recycled materials, it only makes up a small fraction of their total catalog.

3. The “Fat Tax” Controversy

In recent reviews, some shoppers have noted that Cider’s plus-size items (Cider Curve) sometimes cost more than the exact same item in “straight” sizes. This has led to accusations of a “fat tax,” which the brand has denied but continues to be a point of frustration for customers.

Final Words: Should You Shop at Cider?

Cider is a classic example of Ultra-Fast Fashion. They have made some efforts to reduce waste through their “smart” inventory model and recycled packaging, but the core of their business still relies on selling large amounts of cheap, trendy clothing.

FAQs

Is Cider better quality than Shein?

Most users report that Cider’s quality is a step up from Shein. The fabrics often feel slightly thicker, and the packaging is more “premium,” but they are still not “investment pieces” designed to last years.

Does Cider ship from the USA?

No. While they have an office in Los Angeles, the majority of their products are shipped directly from warehouses in China.

Is Cider a scam?

No, Cider is a legitimate business. You will receive your items, and their customer service is generally responsive, though returns can be tricky depending on your location.