At first glance, Shein seems like the perfect website to purchase your next outfit. From sweatpants to swimwear, Shein has it all for ridiculously low prices. So what’s the catch? Isn’t it a dream to get a trendy look at the cheapest price possible? Some would disagree.
Shein has been under fire recently after news surfaced of its poor working conditions. The reports stated that workers were majorly overworked and underpaid. Staff members reported having 18-hour work days; one worker even said, “There’s no such thing as Sundays here,” referring to their rigorous schedule. In one factory, women would wash their hair during lunch breaks, and workers’ salaries would be severely reduced if they messed up on a clothing item.
Critics also complain that Shein contributes to fast fashion and harms the environment. A low price tag for consumers means the items are made of lower-quality materials. As a result, Shein emits about 6.3 million tons of carbon dioxide per year during manufacturing, contributing to global warming.
Despite the negative press Shein has received, many customers still turn to the company for a cheap new outfit. Free returns and low prices are enticing, especially when customers are in a time crunch or don’t want to break the bank on their new look. Ultimately, you get what you pay for, and the debate remains: is Shein a scam or a score?