The modern wave of online shopping has opened the door to the world of fast fashion. During the boom of the pandemic, Shein became the leading fast fashion site, soon inviting controversies surrounding the company’s working conditions and environmental impact 

Environmental Impact 

In 2023, Shein nearly doubled its carbon dioxide emissions from 2022, crediting the company as the biggest polluter in the fast fashion industry, as well as having high levels of microplastic emissions. 76% of fabric used at Shein is made from a non recyclable fabric material which is known to release microplastics into the environment. Their heavy reliance on air transport is what their high emission levels can be credited to.

Work Conditions 

Investigation of work conditions at Shein factories has resulted in controversy. Workers are reported to endure rigorous, illegal, hours. Even after Sheins latest investigation, it is reported that excessive overtime is still common practice, despite the Shein code of conduct stating that “workers should not work longer than 60 hours a week, including overtime”. 

One worker, who has been working behind a sewing machine for 20 years, says, “I work every day from 8 in the morning to 10:30 at night and take one day off each month. I can’t afford any more days off because it costs too much.”

Consumers 

Their user base continues to grow, and according to a market analysis, 44% of GenZ consumers purchase at least one item from Shein every month. The fast fashion site adds up to 10,000 new items a day, and can have as much as 600,000 items available at any given time. They produce each item very quickly, usually after the order has been placed. 

Low Costs

With each item averaging $10, many Shein users are attracted to affordable items, especially as new styles are being added. However, others report poor quality of the items, reflected in the price 

Overall, while fast fashion industries, like Shein, offer trendy and affordable clothing, there are major considerations to be made about how these industries affect workers and the environment.