Shein
Shein is a name you've likely seen across social media, adored by influencers, and stamped on countless packages. With its headquarters in China and a massive supply chain centered in the Guangdong province, Shein's logistics network ensures global reach. The site is filled with trending designs and shockingly low prices, and this giant retail chain has skyrocketed to the top of the fast fashion world. But as high school students interested in worldwide fashion, we wonder what's behind this global phenomenon.
The Philosophy Shein
Unlike traditional brands, Shein has no physical stores, and its success lies in its digital dominance. Shein's low prices come with a cost, not just the shipping fee. According to a report by Yale Climate Connections, the company nearly doubled its carbon dioxide emissions between 2022 and 2023, making it the largest polluter in the fast fashion sector. According to the company's sustainability report, Shein emitted 16.7 MILLION TOTAL METRIC TONS of carbon dioxide in 2023. That is MORE than what four coal power plants spew out in a year. This is seen even more significantly when considering that fast fashion accounts for about 10% of global carbon emissions and 20% of global wastewater.
Labor practices at Shein have also raised concerns as multiple investigations have revealed instances of workers (possibly even children) enduring long hours for minimal pay. According to Channel 4's Untold: Inside the Shein Machine documentary, workers earn as little as $0.04 per garment, making 500 garments daily to meet quotas. Channel 4 also found that Shein employees worked 75-hour shifts with very little time off. Time.com shares that advocacy groups and journalists uncovered evidence that Shein's clothing was being made by people working in unsafe workshops, lacking safety protocols like windows and emergency exits. Although Shein denies using child labor, the rapid pace of production and low costs have led critics to question how the company meets high demand without cutting ethical corners.
Some Facts about Shein
A new Shein design may become a garment in as little as 10 days, and up to 10,000 items are added to the site daily.
Shein was founded in 2008 by Chris Xu. And despite the company's fame, Xu remains low-profile, and little is known about him.
Although it doesn't have permanent stores, Shein occasionally hosts pop-up shops in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Paris.
Shein's catalog includes wedding dresses priced as low as $30, making it a go-to for budget brides.
As aspiring young creatives, we're at the forefront of shaping the future, including fashion. We know that fashion doesn't have to come at the expense of ethics, and we hope to influence those around us to explore thrift stores, support smaller, sustainable brands, and encourage apps like Depop and Poshmark that help us stay stylish while being environmentally conscious.
Whenever we choose Shein or other fast-fashion brands, we vote with our wallets. Do we want a future built on sustainability or one overflowing with landfills of barely worn outfits?
- Brianna Fant
Information from:
https://time.com/6247732/shein-climate-change-labor-fashion/
https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2024/09/shein-is-officially-the-biggest-polluter-in-fast-fashion-ai-is-making-things-worse/
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4glzzdd88lo
https://www.channel4.com/programmes/inside-the-shein-machine-untold
https://us.shein.com/
https://futurestartup.com/2023/11/06/a-brief-history-of-shein/
