Alright everyone, let’s be real. Cute clothes are super expensive and are usually out of our price ranges. It’s a daily struggle for me to not spend my entire paycheck on a few overpriced tops! Because of this, a lot of people tend to look for cheaper and more affordable brands, but buying from these places negatively impacts human rights and the environment. With that being said, here are a few fast fashion brands that should be boycotted.
1. Shein
Shein is a Chinese fast fashion company that is located in Singapore. In 2022, this company was valued to be about $100 billion dollars. They sell everything, from pants, to jeans, to shirts, and shoes. Even jewelry. Do not support this company because even if the clothing it cheap, the material is even cheaper. It’s usually see through or rips easily, and typically appears different in real life than on the models on the website. But more concerning is the human rights issues, because most of Shein’s workers are paid below minimum wage, and forced to work in horrific, inhumane conditions. Also, most of Shein’s clothes are worn a few times and thrown away, leading to higher pollution levels.
2. Forever 21
Forever 21 made about $3 billion in revenue recently, but went bankrupt and were bought out by investors. This is definitely a good sign about people boycotting fast fashion! But, this company has been sued for mistreatment of workers. They paid their employees below minimum wage, their time cards were reduced, and working at the factories were like working in sweatshops. If any employee spoke about about the conditions, they were fired. All people deserve to have a positive work environment, and not have to slave to barely make minimum wage. Not only this, their health is negatively impacted from the stress and harmful working conditions. If we stop supporting them, they’ll be forced to improve their clothing and conditions, or to shut down.
3. Zara
Zara is a Spanish clothing company with multiple locations around the world. They produce their clothes in Spain as well as developing countries, such as Armenia and Bangladesh. The company is purposefully creating their products in developing countries so they can underpay their employees and not provide them with adequate working conditions. Most describe the factories to be sweatshops. Additionally, there has been evidence of child labor in their factories, and the brand is also accused of being Anti-Semitic due to controversial symbols on some of their clothing.
These are just a few examples of fast fashion, and many others stores like GAP, boohoo, and H&M are major fast fashion brands. Instead of purchasing clothes from these brands that take advantage of their employees and damage the environment, consider supporting small businesses, such as shopping on Etsy. Most of these clothes are not too expensive, and you can support an ethical businessperson! Additionally, thrifting is a great option to help recycle clothes! Also, try shopping for outfits on these affordable websites: PACT, Kotn, and ABLE!