Thoughts on fast fashion brands like SHEIN?

[ali.di.magix]

I haven’t brought off of SHEIN specifically, but I definitely do buy from fast fashion places. Affordability is a big thing for me, so fast fashion places are more appealing. I do try to get as much wear as possible out of things though. There’s a couple cardigans I still wear today and I’ve had for more than 10 years. Even cheap singlets I can use for about 4-5 years. Any clothes I get rid of I always donate. I wish I could buy longer lasting clothes but I just can’t justify spending that much.

 

[TheWildShadow55]

My mom bought me clothes from SHEIN in the past and they were really small and the material felt like I was wearing something made out of taped up balloons, so I already disliked them before learning they were a fast fashion company. I really try to not support fast fashion as best as possible, but sometimes it's inevitable : / I'll never buy from SHEIN and I'll continue to avoid brands like Old Navy and such, the only place I know that is probably guilty of being fast fashion is some of the clothes at Target, which I do have. Thing is though, a lot of ethically made clothes are much more expensive, and I'm BARELY starting to be able to afford $30 shirts and not having to worry about how much money I spend, so it sometimes feels like this situation is very lose lose.

 

[Millysaurusrexjr]

It's tempting but idk.. I'm trying to be more weary about fast fashion

 

[BluebearL]

I always try to support small businesses and enjoy thrifting... when I can. Finding styles, cuts and sizes that work for me is a challenge but I always endeavour to be a conscious shopper, even if I'm not perfect at it. I find that a lot of clothes that I find when thrifting tend to be far too big, but that may just be because I need to try more stores. I have bought some nice outfits at those places before. I don't have a lot of money to work with, so I generally try to be creative with the way I shop in order to avoid fast fashion and budget to leave some more money for clothes. I don't buy a lot of stuff in general, so I am happy to spend the extra on clothing. About two years ago now, a friend of mine started her own small business educating people about fast fashion and using recycled clothing from other people to turn them into new, fashionable clothes. She has done very well with the business, I often shop at her stalls and markets.

 

[Envy]

I order stuff from Shein on occasion. Since it's so cheap, it's a good way to try new styles without spending a fortune.

However, for the most part, I haven't been impressed with what I get from there. I have one floral dress that I really like, but it's the only item from Shein that I actually wear. (I'm wearing it right now in fact, what a coincidence! )

I know it's not good to order from there, but my spending money has been extremely limited over the past several years due to my health issues/chronic pain and not being able to keep a stable, full-time job... So Shein has been nice every once in a while, since I really can't afford anything else. =/

 

[tiffanistarr]

Nope. Never will I do that in the future. When i was younger and uneducated, sure. The impact fast fashion has on the environment is disgraceful. I don’t mind buying some of it from resell or thrift shops but i won’t directly support them. There are affordable options out there that don’t have near the impact on the planet.

I think we’ve probably all fallen for the attractive prices and i know i did when i was younger, but after learning about it the consequences to the planet and the awful conditions of workers makes it a huge heck no for me.

 

[Bluelady]

I've never purchased from this company so I can't comment on them. However, I have purchased from other fast fashion companies during my younger years.

Still, boycotting fast fashion is not attainable for me at the moment. Those are the only stores available in my neck of the woods. There are thrift stores near by.......but, I can't get over the fear of possibly buying haunted second hand items. I guess that the chapter "The White Satin Evening Dress" from Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark really affected me as a a child. Hahaha.

I do try to find other ways to limit my carbon footprint. For starters, I only buy clothes when I need to replace one already in my closet. Even then, I only get rid of clothing that I can't fix, mend, or use as "play-clothes". I live in an extremely hot environment and sweat easily, so most of my shirts and blouses are made out of cotton fabric. I know that this isn't the best material, but at least it's biodegradable.

I'm broke, so I regularly purchase my wardrobe from clothing discount stores like Ross, Marshals, and Burlington's Coat Factory. Although these stores are a mixed bag, it gives me the option to be careful and picky about my purchases.

 

[Watchingthetreetops]

I used to stay away from fashion, but I think it's important to know what looks good on you, simply because in some circumstances you need to look presentable, (for getting a job and practical stuff). brands don't interest me, but only because I just don't think that it's important to identify with clothing brands.

 

[tomatospooks666]

i honestly never cared about specific clothing brands and never will. i just look for clothing that looks nice ((which for me, usually means dark colors and sorta goth/punk styles)) and are decently durable feeling. never understood the obsession some people have for some brand names, i.e. "zomg this bag is GUCCI".

shein having bad working conditions, while unfortunate, doesn't really surprise me. never shopped there, though i wouldn't go out and be a jerk to people who do. ultimately, almost all brands will have some sort of bad side, whether its harming the planet. abusing its workers, supporting bad people ect. no ethical consumption under capitalism and all.

 

[nightglow]

Never heard of it. Looking at comments, is it an online only store or something? I don't buy clothes online unless I know for sure it is a unisex tee or hoodie that will fit. Usually from places like Into the AM or independent sellers of graphic tees.

Not sure I can say much against people who buy stuff from companies with questionable labor practices. Walmart has been known to not do fair labor stuff. Idk if they still do. The Palm Oil and Coco Bean industries have some labor (and environment) issues I hear too. Very hard to avoid.
Either way, I don't care about having certain brands. I generally where super casual clothing.

Speaking of clothing and ethics, is there any clothing that is categorized as environmentally friendly to produce? I'm curious because in the late 90s or early 2000s I thought I heard stuff about fabric dye from clothing industries causing a lot of problems to aquatic ecosystems.
And then there was some talk of environmental issues with clothing being thrown away and what to do about the cloth. I have heard of people not liking fleece because it is a synthetic material and can get micro plastics everywhere like sink scrubbers. Fleece is a warm and cheap material.

 

[seliph]

they're trash companies that put out trash-quality clothing. you can find everything from shein, fashion nova, forever 21, etc. at a thrift store for the cheaper price that they're actually worth.