As most of us are aware, SHEIN is one of the world’s most popular fast fashion brands worth $100 billion as of 2022. SHEIN has been under speculation lately for potentially supporting unethical labor practices and contributing to large amounts of textile waste. Yet, this April, SHEIN announced the launch of evoluSHEIN, a new clothing line using responsibly sourced materials with inclusive sizing and affordable options. Is this a true step in the right direction for this dominating fast fashion company?
According to SHEIN, their mission for the launch states “A purpose-driven collection with a positive vision for the future. The evolution in conscious design, creating clothes with care to protect the planet, support communities, and empower change-makers around the world who are building a better tomorrow.”
The collection was started off using recycled polyester made from recycled water bottles and will be expanded to more ethical materials in the future. All packaging for the evoluSHEIN collection is made from 100% certified recycled material as well. In addition, the clothing line supports Vital Voices, a non-profit organization that invests in women leaders.
As for production, the pieces for this collection are exclusively made through suppliers certified to the Global Recycled Standard (GRS), which traces the material through SHEIN’s supply chain and upholds the company to strict requirements. This is a great way to hold fashion companies accountable for what they produce.
Although this is an exciting launch in the right direction for SHEIN, it is hard to know all of the details behind their entire supply chain. The company will still continue to produce clothing for their other lines, which do not follow most ethical standards. If the evoluSHEIN line is successful, SHEIN may become more aware of more changes they can make within their company.
You can take a look at the current pieces in the line here.