Inside fast fashion retailer Shein's meteoric rise amid controversy | Nightline

“Impact x Nightline” explores how the clothing brand is breaking the fast fashion mold as scrutiny over its alleged business practices has created controversy.
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[@VVVV-ug1pz]

SHEIN is popular bc of the inflation

[@nickmarruffo5851]

The problem I see if it’s everyone wants to cater to the higher and upper class. Not realizing that people really don’t have money to be spending on clothes. Some people can’t afford $100 and that doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t be wearing shitty clothes.

[@lilianamedina1724]

Very true 👍

[@neonpandas]

Good quality clothes can also be found from the thrift store for cheap with less of an impact on climate change and less of a stigma about bad business practices. I even saw lots of Shein items in the thrift store. You’re literally getting the same thing.

[@werewolfcountry]

Shein will not bring people in the West and richer Asian countries out of poverty though. It only perpetuates inequality and humours low income workers by making them feel like they can also consume at somewhat regular rates. We're keeping the prices low by exploiting more vulnerable people in Asia. So whilst a low income American can afford a colourful nylon bikini, a poor Chinese garnment worker cannot live comfortably.

[@johngablesmith4671]

There must be a middle ground. These hauls etc are too extreme.

[@ArdaBland]

I just want to mention I bought a lot from Shein until I found out that they use a lot of toxic chemicals in their products so I stopped buying. I really upset because I wasted a lot of money not knowing that this was going on.

[@FannieLacerenzas]

I am pretty sure that if their products have dangerous chemicals, they won't get past customs and they would get punished by government departments.

[@mo777-]

wash them throughly

[@AnaDiaz-wz4cf]

Wash before you wear anything.

[@javiruiz8365]

Sure!!! 🙄🙄🙄

[@nikoraasu6929]

you consume a lot of chemicals

[@GratitudeGriot]

why would anyone pay more? ➡because they know the true value of quality hand made clothing made from ethically sourced/quality materials. I've worked in the retail wholesale industry for 25 years. I would NEVER buy from sites like Shein or Temu.

[@karolinakuc4783]

True. A handmade snawl will evoke more awe than Shein clothes

[@JenniferRubyHan]

I will never buy some clothes from Shein...

[@kelsilulu]

I prefer buying less and buying better quality clothes, but most people can’t afford to shop that way. Don’t blame the average person especially young people. They’re going to buy the cheaper options no matter what people say

[@betsy7730]

But H&M and Zara etc do the exact same thing

[@jg0445]

The way they treat their workers is what made me stop buying from them. F this company

[@ScreamTatumRiley]

You think SHEIN is the only company that treat workers bad? 😂😂your in for a rude awakening.u might as well shop nowhere and start making your own clothes shoes and food

[@prettypuffprincess]

Please stop shopping everywhere!!! No Walmart, Fast Food restaurants, and put your phone in the trash immediately because children, women, and men are literally underpaid or not paid at all!

[@jg0445]

@@prettypuffprincess u r right but good thing I buy refurbished and recycled clothing.

[@prettypuffprincess]

@@jg0445The root of those items still remain though you just have OLD SLAVE MADE GOODS

[@karolinakuc4783]

​@@prettypuffprincessO.K but ones who buy second-hand clothes doesn't collect bad karma from mistreatment of workers. They only collect karma from the memories one made in them.

[@artistny0000]

It is a rip off company

[@Sunsetsonthehorizon]

Their clothes are so ill fitting and made with the worst materials. I gave them a shot a couple years ago but never again!

[@nunyafawkingbiz]

I’ve had the opposite besides with some clothes but the Mens clothes are spot on and nice quality literally the same stuff you are paying triple for !!

[@tl1533]

@@nunyafawkingbiz Nice quality? Troll?

[@nairobikenya_]

The clothes ive bought from them have been good quality

[@prettypuffprincess]

I got nothing but the best quality and I shop at Saks, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales, etc… and the quality is all the same smh! Zara is higher but the quality is so poorly produced now 😢

[@nunyafawkingbiz]

@@prettypuffprincess exactly ! All these clothes are being made the same way but designers want to charge 400% more 🤣 they are mad at us for saving money

[@evarodriguezalequin5705]

Sorrryyyyy but I don’t promote unethical practices, stealing designers designs, cheap quality products and products with dangerous and toxic things. Wish is almost in the same thing. Nooo I haven’t bought anything from them nor will I. Please beware of temu too!

[@javiruiz8365]

I don’t care

[@karolinakuc4783]

​@@javiruiz8365Since they don't respect health of their workers how can you expect them to care for yours. They use cadmium and lead in their dyes (highly toxic heavy metals). There were cases of people fainting out of toxines in their clothes

[@PharmTech_TN]

Not surprising at all. A perfect example Amazon, they have these specialist who research materials and all these product and fashion trends and make a dupe to sell. Like the lululemon viral athletic clothing. Amazon has dupes now. Unless you patent idea or something everyone can say we didn't copy you bc it's not 100% the same thing only 98%.

[@SL-lz9jr]

Patent and copyright are different. Lululemon can patent their textile technology and their garment can still be copied using inferior materials. Patents are used for inventions. Copyrights are used for written information, images, and designs. It’s a generalization of the two definitions. Clothing is unfortunately not copyright protected. Only the graphics or patterns used on a textile can be copyrighted. The brand’s logos can by copyrighted. The sewing instructions to make the garment can by copyrighted. Other elements can be copyrighted if it’s unique. But anything generic won’t pass the test for copyright. Then there are trademarks which is a whole other thing, mostly used for brand names and slogans.

[@PharmTech_TN]

@@SL-lz9jr Thanks for the clarification and info on the differences...my main point is that anyone (big companies...etc) can easily see something trending and make it faster bc they have the tools to etc...

[@karolinakuc4783]

​@@SL-lz9jrBut you couldn't be selling clothes with Disney characters without paying them some money could you? So why cannot small designers sue Shein? It wouldn't be the first time people won against big corporations. Remember Erin Brokovich's sue? She won by making collective sue.

[@kimking5928]

I’m still waiting for my package from Shein since May. Anyone knows how I can contact them?

[@HoneyKat516]

This was a greatly informative as it had my curiosity glad I did not pursue. Quality all the way.

[@yogaqueen1527]

Cheap clothing..no thank you

[@nicolletteaho876]

then make your clothes cheap like shein it’s not that hard

[@MichelleSilva-us4je]

I buy there all the time. Some good some bad. It's funny because the influencers that promote amazon clothing is literally the same as clothes as shein and people go crazy over it and purchase it. I bought a dress from amazon and then i saw it on shein website for a lot cheaper. People cant afford shopping local or at boutiques unfortunately

[@JD-mm7ur]

never been on their site. looks like alibaba forever21 trashion.

[@RobertJohnson-hp4gz]

Same!

[@andrearenee7845]

I wish you much luck. These companies need to be exposed.

[@dreafar4137]

I stopped supporting shein because how horrible company it is. Never supported temu.

[@L.Spencer]

Clothes all look the same now, how can anyone tell what the "trends" are? Such a baloney company, everything is a lie.

[@RD-nq7fl]

They ( young women and teens)are spending money on quantity and obviously not quality. SHEIN is junk and a waste of money and space because most of their clothes end up in the trash.

[@olgashmtv1875]

Their prices went up like crazy this past year!!!! And the quality didn't improve not even a little bit! Still same plastic garbage!

[@truth_teller571]

I used shein and my credit card got hacked as well as my email. I will never use that company again!

[@lelecheesy]

I feel like there is only a documentary on SHEIN is because it’s so affordable. There are so many more companies to pick at.

[@ellymaye2834]

Not the SHEIN ad before the video 😩

[@JessaMatus]

How?

[@clairejasper1864]

why is this not seen towards modern electronics? the lithium battery that powers the device I am using right now, comes from child labor its all over the world and it sickens my stomach

[@hammertime9989]

I am pretty sure that knock offs is not something new.

[@RobertJohnson-hp4gz]

We like to demonize the company but the customers are real enemy.

[@giade2813]

I perfectly understand this problem with Shein, but there is another one: for example for me is not easy to find stylish clothes of any kind because famous European brands barely make plus sizes. I mean some brands are adapting but in Europe it is very difficult for many sizes and shapes, so yes I'm sorry for the terrible problems it makes, I would never dream of stealing someone dreams and creations, but I was tired living with hoodies and T-shirts.

[@april-m5837]

We poor people don't mind. I mean I can't afford the expensive stuff and I know how to take care of my clothes so they last.

[@af.9803]

People in these comments. Lol "Shein is cheappppppppp" they so proud they buy cheap quality materials and stolen designs they dont care who these practices hurt. May as well make outfits out of one ply toilet paper and wear them proud. I dont mind buying affordable items but wasting money on cheap materials, nah.

[@Miss-Eileen-Ulick]

I like shein. It's cheap. Fits and looks good on me.

[@courtneyw6224]

Not gonna lie. I was surprised after buying my oversized tshirts because i thought it would've been super thin and bad, buti actually love all my tshirt from them tbh. I don't trust pants and tho. Just tops

[@qendresaful]

I’ve never ordered from them looks like pure trash

[@sweetnectar35]

America declare they are concerned about sweat shops and things but it all about WIIFM..What's in it for me.

[@everything-is-everything]

I heard of this thought it was a scam. Now that I know the prices are real I might look again.

[@mossyoakmom8880]

They should be outlawed with their fast fashion here in the states.

[@nightreader1264]

The clothing will not last.

[@ScreamTatumRiley]

Well when you pay 500 for several month’s worth of clothes you don’t wear the same thing twice so yes the clothing will last I have SHEIN outfits in my closet right now that I haven’t touched

[@Cali__Mom88]

Hey before shein copying. Forever 21 was copying a lot of designers new clothes

[@1lorijb]

People are in need of food!!!!!

[@KarenPatrol123]

Ok. Feed them …..

[@BurnaBwoi]

People have always been in need of food.... since the beginning of humanity

[@ScreamTatumRiley]

😂😂😂

[@nikoraasu6929]

nah actually looking at people in the western world, a high percentage of them is obeese, they do not need any more food for a while.

[@karolinakuc4783]

​@@KarenPatrol123How? When making clothes out of oil costs a lot of water? And out of cotton only slightly less, linien the least but most don't buy linien coz it is expensive even though its anti-bacterial and odour resistant properties make it a perfect sportswear.

[@Snookyboo]

Um its a competitive market.... what do people think happens in a competitive market. People copy and tear down. It is what it is

[@estebanperez4171]

Stealing other peoples ideas, reminds me of almost every other Chinese company

[@ScreamTatumRiley]

And Kim K and everybody else

[@estebanperez4171]

@@ScreamTatumRiley nope. Chinese companies have worked alongside the CCP to create an elaborate IP theft network that spans decades. Without the amount of IP theft this has generated the country’s economy wouldnt have developed so quickly. It’s a fraud economic transformation.

[@saunchoreginauld]

trends tend to pop up everywhere! But sometimes it's also about putting your unique twist on things.

[@ScreamTatumRiley]

I love SHEIN❤❤❤❤❤

[@FinalGrain-jm4eu]

Copying someone else's idea and reselling them is unethical. The problem must be bad management and ethics in the workplace to begin with. People need to have an idea that creativity is something unique to the creator, and paying more isn't really paying more but supporting your favorite artist.

[@asantejsaymyname3537]

I want the dress with holes in it!

[@JosueFragachan]

It's cheap. Unless someone's gonna hand me the money for Zara and H&M, I suggeste everyone shut their mouths.

[@ERICANDYJASMINE]

I’m suing

[@ad60924]

Wow neverorder from there

[@user-pf9ud8hj6p]

American news be like: Shein= China= bad. Amazon=America=Bad// Tiktok=China=Bad. Facebook=America=good. Smh

[@curtisdonnelly9523]

Clowns make the world go around😂

[@angeenoirceur]

I’m sorry but not everyone can buy 100€ clothes. People have families to feed, not society to impress. Slavery is everywhere at some point, we might not like it but someone has to do the work.

[@kimmie504v]

Shein said que` but all jokes aside let's see $ 175 or $25 yeah sorry my girl I'll take the $25 🤷🏾‍♀️

[@Sara-xk1ns]

Yeah crochet isn’t a consumer friendly textile. I started crocheting a few years ago and really enjoy it but then I started seeing people trying to sell their creations and to even break even on yarn alone it puts the garment out of price range for many. If you calculate a fair labor wage for the time the person put in it’s just not realistic for an average person to be able to pay. And we don’t have any machines that can create crochet like we do knitting machines. So all of these legit hand crochet mass produced items are clearly done by underpaid workers. Then there are some companies that use a mock/fake crochet that is machine produced so they can at least make items a little more affordable but they won’t look the same. I honestly don’t see how anyone can survive on selling crochet right now. More power to her for being able to sell. $175 is actually a fair price but still out of reach for many. Sometimes it’s nice having a fast fashion option, but I think there’s a difference between stealing designs vs making replicas. If it’s a replica then just say it and give credit to the original creator. I don’t think I’d be against that if Shein did that. But then they’d also need approval from the creators I think and many of these little creators can’t afford the competition. So who knows. Haha crochet recreations is a huge issue I don’t think will stop anytime soon and shein isn’t the only offender

[@Katellx]

tbf I'd prefer the $25 set not because it's cheaper, but because it isn't crochet. Having owned several crocheted dresses/tanktops and blankets, maintaining those pieces is costly and drastically limits where you can use them. Otherwise, the great unraveling begins it's descent. I pretty much got rid of all of them, except for the blankets since those are family heirlooms.

[@davidcantor293]

If they are selling dresses and T-shirts for $1.. it is unethical lool.

[@user-ow7eu8uq3y]

I’m not saying buy designer clothes but when I see girls wear this stuff I kind of laugh because they look cheap and you can tell it’s from this place. I would never.

[@Shleepidreamz]

Because you probably have money unlike some people. 😊

[@nikoraasu6929]

if money is a problem to you then don't focus on "fashion" lol @@Shleepidreamz

[@Desiray77]

Not everyone has $40 to spend on a nice shirt

[@angeenoirceur]

People have families to take care of, not people like you to impress.

[@heathermetz6576]

Shein + China = ?

[@VibhorWase]

Automobiles get copied.. Range rovers bmws mini Coopers whatnot.. These are just clothes

[@gihankanishka]

BUT WHY? It's cheap and won't last long, so you keep on buying this crap

[@sonyadrake7843]

Exactly! 🎯💯

[@cyanidesidesalad]

If you treat it well it will last fine

[@Vmglf]

pretty gross imo

[@kansasgoldilocks]

Cheaply sourced and cheaply made clothing that's wrecking the environment? Hmmm...I'll pass. I've done a lot of research on this subject, and fast fashion (AKA throwaway fashion) is a huge contributor to global warming, pollutes water, and endangers local people in the places where the items are manufactured. All of that so you can wear a dress for one season.

[@meeky0420]

One of the only cases where Shien made the outfits better than the original.

[@javiruiz8365]

True

[@troymacdonald8257]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ Awesome.

[@keithmutamba1395]

I am a simple man. Anime training shirts. Adidas full track suits. New balance 2002Rs (I have 10 pairs). No need for anything else.

[@qll8840]

Bailey Prada’s designs are tacky and odd looking

[@karolinakuc4783]

Duh. Plus they use sweatshops too, same with Hugo Boss coz honestly why would company with Nazi past change its ways? Only Ewa Minge does not use sweatshops

[@vistulacooper6802]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE SHEIN!!!!

[@tl1533]

Yeeah, troll!

[@alexismcgowan5254]

Y’all are ridiculous lmaooo so y’all are going to stop online shopping all together then bc every shop has to compete with each other. Shein, fashion nova….the place with the most affordable prices win. Ppl online shop more now bc actual stores don’t have any good stuff anymore. Hate all u want but they all do it every store in America has a competitor

[@nunyafawkingbiz]

H&M went out of style in 2012 who still shops at that boring place !!!

[@elizabethrose104]

….

[@elizabethrose104]

Grownup

[@elizabethrose104]

Grow up

[@nunyafawkingbiz]

@@elizabethrose104 Um ok 🙄 😂

[@ERICANDYJASMINE]

I’m suing america

[@JohnnyPeacenic]

It's all plastic

[@ria8594]

H&M is so boring now

[@nunyafawkingbiz]

Yes it’s like everything is in the same color too I went into H&M and felt like I was in a skims store !

[@aaronslauter1722]

We all know Teresa can’t spell 100%

[@God.is.good.]

Jesus loves you, John 3:16!!!

[@lilianamedina1724]

SHIEN is the best!!!!! I don't gotta break my pocket to look fashionable for all seasons. If Zara and H&M were to be cheap their companies wouldn't be struggling. SHEIN has better sexy clothes than the boring expensive clothes I see at the malls

[@dwaynekeenum1916]

L

[@af.9803]

Shein is not the best, they are cheap not the best. Hahaha

[@lilianamedina1724]

@af.9803 Shein is the best 👌👍 looking fly is the ultimate goal, and for less even better 😌 I get compliments all the time. Thanks to shien

[@javiruiz8365]

You welcome sweetie

[@TIZNYC]

Lol. No girl.

[@SamAsm367]

Uh oh. ABC reporting. I love Shein. It's cheap and caters to the rest of us. Loads of cute plus-size options. Shein will put its rivals out-of-business. It's a Chinese company doing business the way China does business. If there were any affordable alternatives, manufactured 100% domestically, I'd buy.

[@asantejsaymyname3537]

Gay

[@muhijay]

Shein is a legit company with a team of talented designers who create their own unique designs. Sure, there may be some similarities between Shein's designs and the designs of other brands, but that doesn't mean they're infringing on anyone's copyrights. I think Shein is a victim of unfair competition from larger corporations. These big companies are scared of Shein because they're taking over the market. So, they're trying to destroy Shein by making up these infringement claims. We need to support Shein and other small businesses. They're essential to our economy and they provide us with a variety of choices. Don't let these big corporations bully them out of business. #SupportShein

[@cosmic_drifter_007]

Nah

[@GOJ739]

No to pollution, are from PRC?

[@sherylchapman4168]

Nope. This business is in China, and therefore can do whatever it wants because U.S. laws like copyrights (intellectual property) do not apply. All they are doing is using an algorithm to follow international trends and produce them as cheaply as possible. They don’t care about quality at all, and, apparently, neither do consumers who buy this garbage.

[@Nonameforyoudangit]

PRC in the house.

[@Ausgar-yc1yl]

Support China?

[@nairobiyussef]

can't help but feel a sense of empowerment when I carry my *luxdups* .handbag. It's a symbol of success and a reminder of my accomplishments.

[@user-ru5jy5lr4g]

Meteoric is giving them too much credit. The company is laughable. And don't get me started on the cheap girls that wear the stuff. Ha!

[@angeenoirceur]

Haha! Those people have families to take care of, scholarships to pay off and not society to impress. Not to mention some brand clothes are ugly, but just cause it’s known brand people are buying it anyways. And yes I’m saying this as a person who belongs to both groups