Why Is Shein SO BAD?—The Answers Might Shock You
by Teyah Nichole
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Earlier this year, Shein was once again in hot water for inviting influencers (aka Shein ‘ambassadors’) to one of their supposed working factories in Guangzhou, China. The influencers proceeded to tour the factory and attempted to debunk the common, evidence-based criticisms often hurled at the brand about their inhumane and unsustainable business practices.
Naturally, this action was met with immediate backlash, as social media users were quick to note the obvious farce at play. As we will discuss in depth in the following article, Shein’s business practices are nowhere near aboveboard and should not be allowed to continue in the context of a climate crisis, especially.
As a response to this blatant attempt to minimize climate science and robust human rights research, we’ve decided to dive deep into the brand’s transgressions. So, join us in building our case for why Shein totally sucks and all the reasons why we will NEVER support their brand.
We suggest sending this article to ANYONE you know who still claims to love Shein or revisit it whenever you get that itch for fast-fashion. Remember, we’re not here to judge; we’re just emphasizing what’s at stake when you give your money to fast-fashion companies.
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Why Is Shein SO BAD?
1. They heavily exploit their workers, arguably to the point of it becoming slave labor.
Beneath the glitz and glamor of Shein's trendy clothing lies a dark reality that should not be ignored. The brand's rapid rise to fame is largely built on the backs of underpaid and overworked laborers in developing countries. This exploitative labor system has been described as nothing short of modern-day slavery.
Reports from human rights organizations and investigative journalists have uncovered the harsh conditions faced by workers in Shein's supply chain. In pursuit of lightning-fast production and razor-thin profit margins, the company relies heavily on garment factories with deplorable working conditions. Workers toil for long hours, often exceeding legal limits, without adequate rest breaks or overtime compensation. Many are paid meager wages that fail to cover their basic needs, let alone provide them with a decent living.
In some cases, Shein's suppliers have been accused of using child labor, further highlighting the brand's disregard for ethical business practices and the well-being of the most vulnerable members of society.
The impact of Shein's exploitative labor practices goes beyond the factory walls. Local communities in these developing countries bear the brunt of these unfair labor practices. The poverty wages and substandard working conditions perpetuate cycles of poverty and restrict economic development in these regions.
Meanwhile, consumers in more affluent parts of the world unwittingly contribute to this exploitative system. By indulging in Shein's fast fashion offerings, they unknowingly become part of a chain that perpetuates human rights abuses and environmental harm.
As conscious consumers, we must confront the ugly truth behind Shein's glossy facade. It is imperative to demand transparency and accountability from brands like Shein and support companies that prioritize fair labor practices.
Why Is Shein SO BAD?
2. Their clothes are made with toxic and/or potentially harmful chemicals.
A study conducted by the Changing Markets Foundation and Greenpeace Germany both found alarming levels of hazardous chemicals in clothing items from fast fashion brands, including Shein. These chemicals, such as azo dyes, phthalates, and heavy metals, have been linked to various health issues ranging from skin irritation to hormone disruption and even cancer. The prolonged exposure to such toxins through direct skin contact can be particularly worrisome for consumers.
One of the primary concerns is the lack of transparency regarding the chemicals used in Shein's manufacturing process. The absence of clear labeling and information about the materials used in their clothing makes it difficult for consumers to make informed choices and protect their health.
Moreover, fast fashion's rapid production cycle often results in poorly regulated manufacturing processes, where safety standards may be compromised in favor of quick and cheap production. This lack of oversight increases the likelihood of toxic chemicals finding their way into the final products.
While there are regulations and standards in place to restrict the use of hazardous chemicals in the textile industry, enforcement can be lax, particularly in countries where production occurs. As a result, Shein and other fast fashion brands may take advantage of these loopholes, putting the health and well-being of consumers at risk.
As conscious consumers, it is essential to be aware of the potential risks associated with fast fashion, including the toxic chemicals used in Shein's clothes. Opting for clothing made from organic or eco-friendly materials and supporting brands with transparent sourcing practices can help protect our health and contribute to a safer and more sustainable fashion industry.
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Why Is Shein SO BAD?
3. They weaponise identity politics as means to distract from their harmful business practices.
Shein's insidious tactics go beyond their harmful business practices, as they have been known to employ a dangerous ploy – weaponizing identity politics to distract from their questionable operations. In a recent controversial incident, Shein orchestrated a carefully curated visit to a mock factory in Guangzhou, China, inviting influencers from marginalized backgrounds. The intent behind this orchestrated event was to manipulate their brand ambassadors into portraying the overwhelming evidence against Shein as a form of xenophobia, particularly targeting Asian communities.
The pandemic-driven rise in Asian hate and discrimination has been an undeniable issue in the West, and Shein cunningly exploits this sensitive subject to shield themselves from accountability. By using influencers from marginalized backgrounds, Shein tries to present a facade of empowerment, deflecting criticism and downplaying the legitimate concerns raised by communities affected by their practices.
In reality, Shein's exploitative business model disproportionately harms Asian communities in the short-term, particularly those who are economically disadvantaged. The fast fashion industry's relentless pursuit of cheap labor and production costs takes a devastating toll on workers in countries like China, where Shein's manufacturing takes place. Many of these workers are from marginalized backgrounds and face unfair working conditions, low wages, and little to no job security. Thus, instead of being champions of diversity and inclusion, Shein strategically uses identity politics as a smokescreen to divert attention from their harmful practices and dismiss genuine critiques.
It is crucial to recognize that holding Shein accountable for their actions is not an act of xenophobia but a demand for corporate responsibility and fair treatment of workers. By shedding light on the exploitative labor practices and environmental impact of fast fashion, including Shein, consumers can make informed choices and support ethical and sustainable fashion alternatives. It is essential to see through Shein's deceptive tactics and focus on promoting a fashion industry that uplifts workers and protects the communities impacted by their actions.
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Why Is Shein SO BAD?
4. They directly contribute to the downfall of the second hand clothing industry.
Fast fashion brands like Shein and their rapid production of low-quality, inexpensive garments has had a detrimental impact on the second hand clothing industry; a vital component of sustainable and ethical fashion. As the fast fashion giant floods the market with cheap, disposable clothing, the allure of secondhand shopping diminishes, leading to a decline in demand for pre-loved apparel.
One of the significant factors contributing to the decline of the second hand clothing industry is the poor quality of fast-fashion garments. Shein's focus on mass production often sacrifices garment durability, resulting in clothes that wear out quickly and lose their appeal after just a few wears. As a result, consumers who might have previously sought secondhand options for quality and unique pieces are now lured towards fast fashion's low prices, making the secondhand market less attractive.
This shift disproportionately affects low-income families, who often rely on second hand clothing as a cost-effective way to meet their clothing needs. By contributing to the rise of fast fashion, Shein inadvertently worsens the economic strain on marginalized communities, limiting their access to affordable and sustainable clothing options.
Moreover, the fast fashion industry's rapid cycles of production and consumption generate an alarming amount of textile waste. The pressure to keep up with the latest trends encourages consumers to dispose of garments quickly, leading to a massive environmental burden. This cycle of waste impacts the entire fashion ecosystem, including the secondhand clothing market, as the availability of gently used, high-quality items dwindles.
To combat the negative consequences of fast fashion on the secondhand clothing industry, it is essential for consumers to reconsider their purchasing habits. Supporting ethical and sustainable fashion brands, as well as actively engaging in secondhand shopping, can help revive the thrift culture and promote a more responsible approach to fashion consumption.
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Why Is Shein SO BAD?
5. Their fundamental business model is inherently based on ecological and social destruction and, therefore, can never be sustainable.
At the core of Shein's negative reputation lies a fundamental flaw in its business model, which is fundamentally based on ecological and social destruction. To truly understand the depth of its unsustainability, we must delve into the intricacies of its supply chain practices and business operations.
Shein's business model revolves around the concept of fast fashion, a system that prioritizes rapid production and consumption of cheaply made clothing to keep up with ever-changing fashion trends. This relentless pursuit of new styles leads to an increased demand for raw materials, perpetuating the depletion of natural resources. Moreover, the speed and volume of production require excessive energy consumption, leading to a significant carbon footprint and contributing to climate change.
However, it's not just the environmental impact that makes Shein problematic. The brand's supply chain practices raise concerns about labor exploitation and human rights violations. To keep costs low, Shein often relies on offshore manufacturing in countries with lax labor regulations, where workers may endure harsh conditions and receive inadequate wages. The lack of transparency in the supply chain makes it difficult to ensure ethical practices and fair treatment of workers, further exacerbating social inequalities.
This fast fashion model drives a throwaway culture, where garments are worn for a short period before being discarded. This cycle of disposability leads to an alarming amount of textile waste, with much of it ending up in landfills or incinerators. The production process itself contributes to pollution, as it involves extensive water usage and the release of toxic chemicals into the environment.
Moreover, Shein's fast fashion approach is inherently linear, with garments designed to be short-lived and quickly replaced by newer styles. This disrupts the concept of a circular economy, which aims to keep products and materials in use for as long as possible through recycling and responsible sourcing. By perpetuating the cycle of overconsumption and waste, Shein's business model hinders progress toward a more sustainable fashion industry.
In conclusion, Shein's heavy reliance on exploitative labor practices, environmentally damaging production methods, and unsustainable business model make it a glaring example of what the fashion industry needs to avoid to achieve a more sustainable future. It is essential for both consumers and the industry at large to demand transparency, accountability, and ethical practices to ensure a positive shift towards a greener, more equitable fashion landscape.
