The online fashion company, Shein, has a long history of controversy and questionable practices that enables them to make their clothes so cheap. Recently, the Better Business Bureau rated Shein an F for several of these reasons. The Better Business Bureau is a non-profit organization that rates businesses honestly. Some of the factors that Shein got points taken away for are their low-quality clothing, bad customer service and delivery delays. However, this is from a customer’s point of view and does not even start to examine Shein’s labor practices, working conditions and contributions to throw away culture. When shopping, it is important to be mindful of the businesses being supported and to shop sustainably. 

Shein and other companies with similar practices are terrible and should not be supported by consumers.

Shein is known to have violated China’s labor laws, even making people work 75-hour weeks for very little pay, and shein workers rarely get a day off. Some productions by Shein are made in informal factories and unsafe labor conditions. Shein does not treat its workers well and violates their rights.

Shein is also a big contributor to fast fashion and throw-away culture. Fast fashion is inexpensively mass-produced clothes, which typically end up getting thrown out when the next trend hits. This cycle creates a massive environmental footprint as brand-new clothes are constantly being thrown away and the toxic chemicals used to create clothes pollute the water. The fashion industry is responsible for 10% of the world’s carbon emissions. This is why as a consumer, it is important to stop buying clothes from corporations who mass produce and shop sustainably by thrifting clothes, supporting small businesses and upcycling.

Some people argue that not everyone can afford to shop sustainably and that stores like Shein help. This is understandable, but being mindful and knowing where the clothes come from is still important, and there are affordable sustainable options. For example, the Goodwill bins charge by the pound. Many people ultimately end up donating clothes from Shein to places such as Goodwill and Salvation Army.

Fashion companies like Shein often mistreat their employees and generate a large carbon footprint. Consumers should try putting more thought into what companies they are supporting.