Fast fashion may be affordable, but many people claim the clothes are cheaply made and are not long lasting. However, is fast fashion truly avoidable? (Freepik)
Fast fashion is clothing that is rapidly produced and distributed to match current fashion trends at a low and affordable price. The production of these products is notorious for exploiting workers and children as well as being horrible for the environment.
The first thing that comes to most people’s minds when the topic of fast fashion comes up is Shein. What a lot of people fail to realize is that most clothing brands and stores are fast fashion, such as Walmart, Target, and even more “sophisticated” stores, such as Zara and H&M.
I see countless comments and TikToks criticizing others for getting their tops or bathing suits from Shein. While this criticism is valid, it comes off as ignorant.
Every single affordable clothing brand or store is fast fashion. It is impossible to get ethical clothing at a decent price unless you make it yourself.
A common argument that people use is that thrifting is an option. While I love this idea, it isn’t always as easy or doable for people to thrift or otherwise shop second-hand.
One of my best friends lives in the middle of nowhere and her family struggles with money. Her clothes are old and worn out and she can’t afford to get new ones. The thrift stores by where she lives are either too far, too expensive, or don’t have her size.
Her mom refuses to buy things from Shein, which makes sense, and would be fine under different circumstances. For some, such as her, Shein is the only option.
While all affordable clothing stores and brands are fast fashion, Shein seems to get the brunt of the criticism and hate. Some argue that it’s because they don’t hide their exploitation as well.
The fact of the matter is that if it’s affordable, it’s fast fashion. If it’s fast fashion, there’s exploitation. It’s unavoidable.
Of course, buying $600+ worth of bathing suits is ridiculous, and the criticism for stunts like that is warranted and valid. However, getting a few things and wearing them regularly is acceptable.
A lot of my clothes are from Shein. Every single one of those clothing items are ones I wear regularly, and have for years now.
It’s very hard for me to find shorts and bathing suits that fit me comfortably and modestly, but the ones I got from Shein two years ago fit like a dream.
I don’t know if anyone else has this issue (though it is likely), but for me, no other shorts or bathing suits fit properly, and I continue to wear them.
Many people that are familiar with this issue recognize and accept that supporting fast fashion is acceptable as long as the consumer actually uses the products and doesn’t waste them.
I got my prom dress last year on Shein, as it was last-minute and I was low on money. While I still hate that dress, I use the fabric for craft projects and it resides in my fabric cabinet.
While it’s always great to avoid supporting fast fashion, it’s not doable for everyone, especially in this economy. Being rude to people for not being able to afford a $70 tank top is insensitive and ignorant.