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AIBU?

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Original poster

To think shein is actually good?

253 replies

sideeyes · 13/06/2025 14:24

Always been sniffy about any fast fashion (never knowingly bought anything). Have lots of stuff going on over the summer. Spent 100s +++ on different outfits from various labels. Now desperate so gave Shein a try and the outfits look really good. As a tall woman it’s unusual to find stuff that actually fits well.

OP posts:
DaisyChain505 · 14/06/2025 17:40

Thepollonator · 14/06/2025 16:53

Just watched this and it was truly shocking! 😮

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Isn’t it just. I can’t believe it didn’t get more attention in the main stream media and advertised more. I have advised so many people to watch it and they’ve really questioned their shopping habits since.

FunMustard · 14/06/2025 18:39

Vinted honestly a good place to pick up clothes at a low price, rather than somewhere awful like Shein

This is like when people say charity shops are great, car boots are great, jumble sales are great. You're reliant on the one you go to having what you need. Not all of us live near to a variety of places like Camden Market where you can likely find what you want second hand.

Having said that - I try and steer clear of fast fashion like Shein for ethical reasons. I have enough money to buy more ethically produced stuff, so I do.

Livpool · 14/06/2025 18:48

Annoyeddd · 13/06/2025 16:35

There are ethical clothes manufacturers - some based in this country. Seem expensive at first but can wear them year in year out and can be repaired unlike shein, temu and Primark shite.

Only if you have the money for the initial outlay though, plenty don’t.

I use Vinted a lot

bringbackthespira · 14/06/2025 20:02

@tammienorrie@Calliopespa
yes, that’s right, clothes shops that smell of old people. I have nothing against old people or charity shops, but it’s a fact that they smell.
oddly enough, when I unpackage my parcels from shein they don’t smell of toxic chemicals, I’ve never actually smelled child labour so can’t comment on that one.
Hope you use environmentally friendly polish on your halo.

WreninaDarkNook · 14/06/2025 20:14

I have watched a lot of programs about 'fast fashion'. What shocks me more than the programs, is that people are shocked by them. Must've been living under a rock to not know what sorts of things go on. I've always had a curious mind and wanted to know where things come from though, so although I of course haven't ALWAYS known this stuff, I have known it since the birth of the internet.

Thepollonator · 14/06/2025 20:28

DaisyChain505 · 14/06/2025 17:40

Isn’t it just. I can’t believe it didn’t get more attention in the main stream media and advertised more. I have advised so many people to watch it and they’ve really questioned their shopping habits since.

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It really made me think about my shopping habits that's for sure.

BrickHare · 14/06/2025 21:59

No It’s cheap crap that I would never buy from and would judge anyone who buys from these places. Invest in pieces that cost more money and will last.

NattyTurtle59 · 14/06/2025 22:04

I'm more than happy to buy from a charity shop but I live in a small town. I rarely see anything I like in the shops here, and if I do it's never in my size. I'm not in the UK but do buy from a local similar site to Vinted - however, I often find what arrives doesn't fit, or doesn't suit me, so it's all a waste of money. I was looking back through my buying history recently, and far more stuff has been re-donated or resold than I've kept, so I just can't be bothered any more.

NattyTurtle59 · 14/06/2025 22:11

BrickHare · 14/06/2025 21:59

No It’s cheap crap that I would never buy from and would judge anyone who buys from these places. Invest in pieces that cost more money and will last.

And once again we have someone who is simply unable to understand that for many people investing in pieces that cost more money is not possible. Some of you really live in your own bubble.

Incidentally, I can afford to do so, but I'm not so stuck in my own little world that I can't understand what life is like for a lot of people, who struggle to pay bills and feed themselves, let alone "invest" in good clothing. I have a couple of friends who do buy clothes from Shein - I wouldn't dream of judging them, but maybe I am a nicer person than you.

BrickHare · 14/06/2025 22:26

NattyTurtle59 · 14/06/2025 22:11

And once again we have someone who is simply unable to understand that for many people investing in pieces that cost more money is not possible. Some of you really live in your own bubble.

Incidentally, I can afford to do so, but I'm not so stuck in my own little world that I can't understand what life is like for a lot of people, who struggle to pay bills and feed themselves, let alone "invest" in good clothing. I have a couple of friends who do buy clothes from Shein - I wouldn't dream of judging them, but maybe I am a nicer person than you.

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Cost more money can mean spending £4 on a top/jumper from a charity shop or second hand shop of good quality than spending £4 on ten items of crap. Maybe get out your own ignorant bubble.

Highly doubt you’re a nicer person than me when you can’t understand the concept of people caring about slave labour, harmful materials and the environment. Plenty of items that you can source from the likes of vinted that don’t contribute to the profit of items made by a child working 12 hours a day. Perhaps educate yourself instead of bashing people that actually do care.

NattyTurtle59 · 14/06/2025 22:35

BrickHare · 14/06/2025 22:26

Cost more money can mean spending £4 on a top/jumper from a charity shop or second hand shop of good quality than spending £4 on ten items of crap. Maybe get out your own ignorant bubble.

Highly doubt you’re a nicer person than me when you can’t understand the concept of people caring about slave labour, harmful materials and the environment. Plenty of items that you can source from the likes of vinted that don’t contribute to the profit of items made by a child working 12 hours a day. Perhaps educate yourself instead of bashing people that actually do care.

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Once again, that depends on there being a £4 top/jumper which they like and which is in their size - or are "the poor" just supposed to be grateful for any old thing?

It seems you are full of empathy for people on the other side of the world, but rather lacking in it for people in your own country.

As for slave labour, harmful materials, and the environment - maybe look at some of the things you own, other than clothes, and investigate how they were produced.

BrickHare · 14/06/2025 22:53

NattyTurtle59 · 14/06/2025 22:35

Once again, that depends on there being a £4 top/jumper which they like and which is in their size - or are "the poor" just supposed to be grateful for any old thing?

It seems you are full of empathy for people on the other side of the world, but rather lacking in it for people in your own country.

As for slave labour, harmful materials, and the environment - maybe look at some of the things you own, other than clothes, and investigate how they were produced.

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Charity shops and the likes of Vinted are full of clothes in every size. I don’t know where you are from, as you said you’re not from the UK but our high streets are full of charity shops, so lots of options for people. Plenty of rich and middle class people shop in charity shops so your thinking that only poor people shop there is quite classist and frankly wrong. But if I was poor and only had a few quid to spend on a top, what it looked like wouldnt be the highest of my priorities. I would want it to fit well.

Who do I need to have empathy for my in own country? So you can only have empathy for people who are being exploited in a poor country or my own country, not both? Those are my own two options?

I buy from ethical and substantial brands. I highly doubt people who buy from Shein care at all.

WreninaDarkNook · 15/06/2025 00:54

BrickHare · 14/06/2025 22:26

Cost more money can mean spending £4 on a top/jumper from a charity shop or second hand shop of good quality than spending £4 on ten items of crap. Maybe get out your own ignorant bubble.

Highly doubt you’re a nicer person than me when you can’t understand the concept of people caring about slave labour, harmful materials and the environment. Plenty of items that you can source from the likes of vinted that don’t contribute to the profit of items made by a child working 12 hours a day. Perhaps educate yourself instead of bashing people that actually do care.

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Are you actually informed on where your own clothing comes from? It isn't just shein that does this, they've just come under scrutiny, a lot of it influenced by companies with their own 'lobbying', due to being cheap. FWIW, if you can find somewhere where I can buy 'ten items of crap' for £4, please direct me (Shein's cheap, but It's not THAT cheap).

It's worth mentioning that not buying from shein will not stop slave labour. It isn't that simple.

NattyTurtle59 · 15/06/2025 02:04

BrickHare · 14/06/2025 22:53

Charity shops and the likes of Vinted are full of clothes in every size. I don’t know where you are from, as you said you’re not from the UK but our high streets are full of charity shops, so lots of options for people. Plenty of rich and middle class people shop in charity shops so your thinking that only poor people shop there is quite classist and frankly wrong. But if I was poor and only had a few quid to spend on a top, what it looked like wouldnt be the highest of my priorities. I would want it to fit well.

Who do I need to have empathy for my in own country? So you can only have empathy for people who are being exploited in a poor country or my own country, not both? Those are my own two options?

I buy from ethical and substantial brands. I highly doubt people who buy from Shein care at all.

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Would you like a medal!

I know plenty of rich and middle class people shop in charity shops, I used to work in the recycled goods shop at our local resource centre, but they have other options if they can't find what they want. Apparently "the poor" should be satisfied if something just fits them, never mind that it doesn't suit them or they don't like it.

Vinted can be very hit and miss I'm sure, and it's rather wasteful to buy something only to find it doesn't fit or isn't as advertised.

You shop wherever you like, as will I, but I at least am not demanding that everyone follow my example and judging those who don't.

BooneyBeautiful · 15/06/2025 02:12

catsand · 13/06/2025 14:33

I don’t use Shein because of the ethical and environmental concerns but I don’t agree with a pp that Vinted is a good alternative - it used to be, but when I’ve looked recently the clothing seems to be either in poor condition or priced way too highly, particularly considering the buyer fees and postage fees on top and the inability to return things that aren’t right.

I was looking at Vinted a few hours ago and came across a used nightdress with a stain on it. The seller wanted £2, so with postage and Vinted charges it would come to about £5! I wouldn't even give something with stain on it to charity, let alone try selling it!

BooneyBeautiful · 15/06/2025 02:22

PhilippaGeorgiou · 13/06/2025 17:27

Of course. They can have your hand me downs. Funny how many of the well off think that everyone else needs to consume less and buy your finished with items.

Oddly, many second hand clothes in shops now cost more than Shein. But then I doubt someone who needs to put inverted commas around "poor" would realise that.

I was going to say that. Sometimes items in charity shops are dearer than buying new! If you know your stuff though, you can sometimes get a real bargain! I know a couple of people who regularly use charity shops and they have bought some lovely bits.

BrickHare · 15/06/2025 02:24

WreninaDarkNook · 15/06/2025 00:54

Are you actually informed on where your own clothing comes from? It isn't just shein that does this, they've just come under scrutiny, a lot of it influenced by companies with their own 'lobbying', due to being cheap. FWIW, if you can find somewhere where I can buy 'ten items of crap' for £4, please direct me (Shein's cheap, but It's not THAT cheap).

It's worth mentioning that not buying from shein will not stop slave labour. It isn't that simple.

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Of course I’m informed, hence buy from ethical and substantial companies. I can’t really take what anyone says seriously though if they willing buying from Shein and other places.

BrickHare · 15/06/2025 02:27

NattyTurtle59 · 15/06/2025 02:04

Would you like a medal!

I know plenty of rich and middle class people shop in charity shops, I used to work in the recycled goods shop at our local resource centre, but they have other options if they can't find what they want. Apparently "the poor" should be satisfied if something just fits them, never mind that it doesn't suit them or they don't like it.

Vinted can be very hit and miss I'm sure, and it's rather wasteful to buy something only to find it doesn't fit or isn't as advertised.

You shop wherever you like, as will I, but I at least am not demanding that everyone follow my example and judging those who don't.

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Well you are obviously judging those who don’t buy from them kind of places hence your comments… but happy shopping at Shein.

BooneyBeautiful · 15/06/2025 02:30

Lovetosurf · 13/06/2025 18:44

I find it quite weird that people can feel good wearing clothes where the manufacturing process and supply chain etc is unethical - where people are paid poorly for their labour and no concern is given for the environment.
There is far more accessible information available these days, so we can all educate ourselves about it.

We all need to consume less, most of us have way more than we actually 'need' and so much clothes are in circulation already.

I started buying clothes in charity shops years ago as a teenager (1980s) and continued to do so when bringing up children as a single parent. I now earn a decent salary, but I still try to buy most of my stuff secondhand. I find it more enjoyable and fun to see what I can find.

There are lots of companies making ethical clothes now They usually cost more, but that's not such an issue if we try to buy less, so buy better quality, a lot less often.

I understand it's not easy if you have children and you're on a low wage. Lots of secondhand kids' clothes available though on Facebook, e-bay etc!

I still manage to get most of my clothes in charity shops, Vinted or on e-bay. Doesn't always work out, some items occasionally don't turn up or end up back on a selling platform or charity shop, but I'd rather do that than buy new.

Another good option is to learn to sew with a sewing machine, even with a basic machine you can alter clothes easily so they fit better, mend them so they last longer or make a few pieces yourself!

Adult DD often rocks up round here to request that I alter or repair her clothes. I do it all by hand though. I actually find it quite therapeutic. She tells me she can sew herself, but that I have more time and do a better job.

BooneyBeautiful · 15/06/2025 02:39

Anzena · 13/06/2025 19:43

I often wonder why imports of Shein goods are not banned in the UK.

If it is truly an unethical slave using, copy and scraping (from other designers), and landfill guzzling outfit, surely someone in Government would say, "hey this is awful, gotta get some rules in place and ban the stuff from entering the country".

I smile when I see that the onus is on the purchaser of such goods, not the trading/import standards arm of Government. I assume they will say it's a free market and we rely on the public to do our job for us.

If it's legal, it's legal though, that's the bottom line really.

Some months ago, Shein were hauled before a government Select Committee. They avoided answering virtually every single question! I think they were told to report back when they had got the answers, but I haven't seen any follow-up.

Daisymae55 · 15/06/2025 02:46

I’ve never bought from Shein due to the various ethical issues however my mum has bought things there for my daughter and has given me a few things she ordered that didn’t fit her.

The fabric quality is awful and the sizing is off. There are some nice designs but the quality is dreadful.

BooneyBeautiful · 15/06/2025 02:54

Fishneedscycle · 14/06/2025 09:02

@FeministUnderTheCatriarchy A huge amount of stuff is not taken out of boxes or envelopes for months or even years after. Suspect I may have ADHD as I struggle with organisation and life admin generally. Buy things on impulse I do not need and have so much stuff already. Clothes are an absolute passion of mine. It’s easy to keep adding when the whole house is already given over to clothes. There was a woman in this series of Sort Your Life Out who had similar amounts of clothes. I’m not as bad with shoes- maybe 50 pairs but I easily have 300-350 dresses.

I have been provisionally diagnosed with ADHD and am just waiting for a formal assessment. I can easily buy things on impulse that I don't really need or want, so I just run everything past my adult DD now. It's saved me a fortune!

NattyTurtle59 · 15/06/2025 04:27

BrickHare · 15/06/2025 02:27

Well you are obviously judging those who don’t buy from them kind of places hence your comments… but happy shopping at Shein.

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Maybe read my posts - I don't buy from Shein.

BrickHare · 15/06/2025 05:09

NattyTurtle59 · 15/06/2025 04:27

Maybe read my posts - I don't buy from Shein.

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Nar I’m alright. I don’t read about opinions from those who think child labour is a joke and think you should only care about people in your own country… But get yourself a medal for not shopping there.

tygertygers · 15/06/2025 05:46

I do a lot of charity shopping, and have noticed that a very high proportion of the really awful cheap stuff (plasticy fabric, poorly cut) is Shein. If there is "good" Shein people must hang onto it because it sure isn't making its way to charity shops.