Alternative to Shein?

[Ridelikethewindypops]

I know fast fashion is bad for the planet, but is there any ethical/ not trashy online alternative to Shein? We live very rurally and struggle to find shops suitable for 15yr old dd going to teen discos. Any suggestions?

I've had some really nice things from everythingfivepounds.com

Its all stock that already existed from primark, new look etc

People are quick to call out "fast fashion", but I don't understand what these "ethical brands" actually are. When I've tried to buy higher quality items (e.g. white stuff, fat face, m&s) they have been no better quality than Primark, supermarkets, New look, etc and none are made in the UK.

I don't think anyone wants to spend money on shite. But if all your clothes look shite after 5 washes, then you need to buy more. It's a vicious cycle. I do buy lots on Vinted, but most of the clothes on Vinted are Shein or marked up Primark anyway. The vintage gems are few and far between.

The stuff on Vinted all just looks a bit sad hanging limp from the hanger and some of the new items are cheaper on Next Clearance and can be returned if you buy from there,

Not just high fashion, either. All those "Made in Italy" linen-esque tunics and lagenlook pants sold in boutiques are made by Chinese workers in often dreadful conditions in Italy

Vinted. Know what you’re looking for, look closely at the pics, and make sure photos are clear. My DD (almost 20) hasn’t bought a new garment (apart from underwear, nightwear and socks) since she turned 18 and got her own account, yet she’s wearing almost brand new Dr Martens (they’re great on Vinted because lots of people can’t bear the breaking in phase), Hollister jeans and dresses, a new SuperDry padded coat, and - checks notes - a ‘medieval gown’ for a fancy dress.

Educate your self do your research learn about fabrics etc. there are brands are that are price well and are sustainable. the problem is though we have lost sight what is priced reasonable for a product. there was a thing going around on social media a pic of a little crop top from miss selfie bought in the late nighties. Guess how much it cost about 25 pounds ( and that was over 25 yeras ago and didnt allow for inflation to todays money, probably be closer to 50 pounds in todays money)or something like that. the comments from people were they thought it was about a tenner some clothes shouldn't be priced the price they are. Another thing is we have been so ingrained in the mindset that we need to keep buying so ask yourself sometime do you actually really need it or is it instergram advertising telling you need to buy it ?

Well its an dependant on your budget though, but theres a big gap between £££££and cheap shit.

Personally I struggle to find great second hand stuff..sometimes I think it’s an urban myth! ( not really but I could never rely on it)

it's actually been proven by data that the shein demographic is actually people who earn approx 40k a year. they are spending on average 200 pounds a month there. they are not aiming at the lower salary earners

But there's no choice but to order multiple sizes because of the shit sizing across all brands unfortunately.

I ordered some jeans from M&S in my usual size and when they arrived they fitted but were too short. I ordered another pair in long (which is ridiculous as I don't have long legs!) and when they arrived they wouldn't even meet around the waist! Until companies sort this out people are going to be ordering multiple sizes. I would love to be able to order clothes and know they fit!

Can I just add that I am not condoning Shein and their business model just saying I can understand why people who don't have much money would use them, especially as many of the high street stores (where they still have stores) don't seem to be much better.

People generally just buy way too much as well. Nobody needs a whole new wardrobe every time they go shopping. People used to make do and wear what they had in their wardrobe. Now there needs to be a word for wearing clothes more than once - they call it outfit repeating.

Who actually needs 15 pairs of jeans, 30 tops, 20 pairs of shoes? You can only wear one at a time.

the problem is though we have lost sight what is priced reasonable for a product.

This is so true. When I was a student in about 1993 or 1994 I paid £18 for a cheap pair of jeans which was about 6 times my hourly wage. That's the same price that a pair of jeans costs now in Asda 30 years later.

And don't try to tell me there were no poor people in the 90s.

I've got loads of decent stuff on there. Lovely unique things!

You do need a good eye for it, but it's sometimes possible to tell if something will fit you by looking at a picture. Failing that, if you've got a pair of trousers you like from X company, look for others that are similar from that brand. Or you can buy a size up, if it's something like a classic silk shirt. Jumpers can be bought in bigger sizes too.

I've had things from there that are in better condition than my own things! Everything I own is second hand by default anyway so what difference does it make buying it except saving money?

I agree with this. I admit to having lots of pairs of jeans but I do tend to wear them until they wear out, I don't worry about fashion. I could wear them to work at my last job which was great but has meant I have no smart work clothes! I had to replace most of my shoes as I broke my foot and I've kept the old ones in the hope that one day I can wear them again!

Roman is an alternative to Shein.

OP's daughter could surely just swap some unwanted clothes with her mates

My mum buys from Roman. She's 82. I don't think the OPs daughter will find anything for the teen disco there!

This. I have a few items of clothes I wear on rotation for work. You don’t need multiple clothes, just some genuine thought put into purchases.

Going on holiday? You don’t need 20 tops.

People don’t know how to pair clothes anymore so just buy excessively and hope for the best.

At the expense of slavery.

that's how fast fashion works though. instead of like before where you had 2 seasons of deliveries and ships had contracts for years wirh set factories making the stuff to set agreed standards and sizing they now have many ranges churning out every week every month they source different factories who can do it cheaper and quicker. quality is shortcut and sizing goes out the window. you see the popularity of one size clothing and the "trend" for oversized look this all comes from manufacturer as cheaper and easier to produce. all been driven by consumers and the drive for cheap cheap clothing. now marks and spencer new head was originally the head of bohoo the standard in marks is going to get worse

Friend who wears gorgeous designer clothes sells through Depop. One charity shop sells wedding dresses, mother of the bride and prom dresses. Vimted looks good if she likes particular labels.