Shein vs Chanel: How different is the quality?

[@dismurrart6648]

One crit: softness isn't a feature of quality. A high quality wool will probably feel rougher than a polyester and rougher still than a polyester that has essentially fabric softener sprayed on it.

[@paulagreen6005]

That's right

[@Simplelivingslowliving]

Very true.

[@julissadc6303]

But none were wool, thats why she mentioned it

[@dismurrart6648]

@julissadc6303 and it still doesn't mean one is a nicer material. I can go on dharma trading right now and buy a spray that will make some crappy polyester feel way softer. She mentioned softness because it's a feature people factor in to their enjoyment of wearing something.

[@reysolo3672]

No it is you already did it with other fabrics. Other wool will have different softness too.

[@naynaypesho]

who the heck is buying clothes to wear once & then throw out?? this has ALWAYS perplexed me. idc if it’s from walmart, f21, nordstrom, rare vintage - you better believe i’m inspecting it for quality & i’m going to take care of it to make it last.

[@sparker7768]

Agreed; I'm checking seams and fabric tags in Walmart AND Nordstrom 😅

[@lullabyandtales904]

Mine lasted 3-4 years or my weight change, and I will give it to my aunt who happily receive them

[@evoloxe]

I used to take care of a woman in her 60's that would buy new clothes every time her old ones got dirty, and then when those got dirty she would buy even more clothes. I think she just used the clothes being dirty as an excuse to buy more clothes, and would continue to use that excuse even after her clothes got washed.

[@LMG7]

Same folks that aren't aware that buying from department stores means life long free mending. That and free personal shopper service...

[@Anna-xh6fk]

@@LMG7lmao where? In 2024? Like where does this actually exist anymore ??

[@pamelaatkinsonscats2873]

I have jackets I bought new in the 1980s that are made from all-natural fibres. I’ve also bought from charity shops or secondhand websites. It’s amazing how, even though these items are not designer, they look like new. Things were just made better than they are now.

[@Wonderer888]

I agree. I’ve noticed for a while how the quality of everything is subpar now, compared to products of years ago that were made with durability and quality in mind. Things are made to break and be replaced now.

[@pamelaatkinsonscats2873]

@@Wonderer888 Yes, I can’t imagine items from places like Shein will hold up for 40+ years. At least not in wearable condition.

[@Plantbliss]

I recently lost about 80 pounds and none of my clothes could even stay on my body they were so big. I’ve thrifted myself the most incredible wardrobe of my life. At this point I’ve spent about $300 over the last year for $1000’s of dollars worth of clothes. We are comfortable money wise but if I have $100 to spend on clothes, I’m going to make the most of it

[@pamelaatkinsonscats2873]

@@Plantbliss Well done on the weight loss, that is absolutely brilliant. It’s great being able to get well made clothes at a fraction of the price of poorer quality ones.

[@jaybee4118]

This is survivor bias. There was a lot of badly made stuff in the 70s and 80s. I remember it. It just doesn’t exist no because it wasn’t cared for and/or fell apart.

[@piccalillipit9211]

*IM A BESPOKE TAILOR* of mens historical suits 1890 - 1940. To REALLY appreciate the Chanel coat [jacket] you need to cut away one half of the outer fabric - to see inside. What makes a coat special is NOT what you can see - its the inner workings that give the outer its shape, structure and longevity. There are about 10,000 hand stitches in one of my suits and almost none of them are visible on the outside, my seams are machine-stitched. My coats will last 50 years of regular wear - and so will a Cjanel coat

[@megmcguigan3857]

I am a self taught hand sewer. I can hem, dart and Frankenstein clothing together. I have never made anything by pattern, I am more of an upcycle kind of gal. I have been doing DIY clothing projects since the 80's. I have been told that my hand stitching is very well done and my seams always last a long time. My proudest moment was darting some corsets to fit my small rib-cage better. I did two rows of hand stitching and they held. I think everybody should be taught to hand sew because it comes in so handy.

[@piccalillipit9211]

@@megmcguigan3857 Congratulations on your corset. I hand sew many things others would use a machine for, honestly half the time its just easier. All my sleaves are hand sewn onto the jacket body, most would machine stitch this but I just find it easier.

[@StefanTaf]

maybe in the past yes, but nowadays they cut costs i got chanel baller flats and fell apart after one summer

[@dowikr]

this might have been true 50 years ago, but Chanel is now known for cutting costs and raising prices. they seem to have very unethical practices, they are not transparent with them whatsoever, and the quality of fabrics and other materials has significantly gone down, because they care about profits more than they care about sourcing carefully and responsibly. their couture might still be good (it costs thousands of euros a piece, so it better), but I highly doubt anyone of your caliber works on their ready-to-wear anymore. we already know there are sweatshops in Italy who do this work for brands such as Dior - not that sweatshop workers aren't talented, but you simply can't do luxury quality work in such exploitative conditions. and if you see modern day Chanel rtw up close, it really is not great, and I doubt anything under the outer fabric would prove otherwise. people have reported that their 10k bags would literally come with wonky flaps, so I'm not optimistic about their jackets or other pieces of clothing whatsoever.

[@piccalillipit9211]

@@dowikr OH that is so sad. They used to be exceptional. Even Savile Row are cutting corners now with pre-made waistbands and shoulder pads etc. I make EVERYTHING myself except the buttons

[@lordfreerealestate8302]

I personally wouldn't buy from either Shein OR Chanel because they both use underpaid laborers and unsustainable practices. For me it's either loving what I have already, buying secondhand, or buying from a indie/sustainable/ethical place. Thredup, Wolf and Badger, and Etsy are all places I recommend.

[@heather7222]

So you buy secondhand because with vintage clothes you can't be sure whether the particular brand actually paid their workers enough? 😇 Well, it definitely helps to sleep calmly at night.

[@mielfeuille]

@@heather7222 You vote with your money. Boycott unethical business practices as much as you can, and eventually the businesses will have to change their practices.

[@spottedjellyfish5490]

​@@sarah456832 But you're actively hoping that someone else gives them that money and gives away their purchase so that you can find it later. Then, later, freely advertising the products from that company when you wear it out. Not wanting to support McDonalds but hoping someone else does so you can get a fry is very much "if it helps you sleep at night."

[@Arikikamk]

@@heather7222 It's still more sustainable to buy second hand since like the person above me mentioned, the company that made said clothing piece already got payed for it by the first person that bought it. I think it's a little nitpicky to take into account the brand and try to figure out how it was made and who made it etc. As long as one gives a garment a second or third life, as it would otherwise end up in landfill, is a lot better. I think the original comment made good points and practices.

[@str0wb3rry9irl]

I love when the pattern matches. I know it’s pointless but it just looks so good.

[@LindaVernon]

Looking good isn't pointless. 🙂 Also, pattern matching like on the Chanel jacket uses up more fabric in cutting the pattern.

[@Wonderer888]

It’s not pointless, it points to attention to detail and quality of care which translates to the wearer’s confidence in their appearance which impacts their presentation and overall confidence. Clothes are the second skin we wear to function in society. What we wear communicates who we are to others on so many levels.

[@nikkid4890]

It’s exactly this that tells the rest of us you are wearing good quality

[@jujutrini8412]

That used to be standard in the olden days. I remember my mother taking clothes back to the store for this not happening and getting her money back. 😂

[@anniemeridian270]

Chanel is definitely paying for the brand, skein is the bottom line for fast fashion, being better than that doesn't change the fact that Chanel is still overpriced. It is good, but not *that* good. After all, the ready to wear line of Chanel is also fast fashion

[@popipopipopi]

Being industrialy made doesn't make something fast fashion, this chanel RTW jacket definetively isn't

[@anniemeridian270]

​@@popipopipopi Depends on your definition of fast fashion, I generally view mass production line as fast fashion--but you are free to have different opinion about that.

[@popipopipopi]

@@anniemeridian270 fast fashion is defined by being cheaply made and low cuality, and most discussions of fast fashion revolve around those features, so idk how extending the definition to anything mass produced can be helpfull in any way, since mass production of clothing isn't necessarily those things. Words need to have some meaning. Haute Couture is a term with a very specific definition, and while I can easily decide that anything sewn together is haute couture, people are gonna be pretty confused when I call some jacket from H&M haute couture, and I will be similarly confused when others start talking about how important hand sewing is in haute couture.

[@anniemeridian270]

@@popipopipopi Thanks for your clarification. I've considered fast fashion as a culture term rather than something defined in the clothing industry. For them I think it is more as a concept in marketing, while I do know there is safety standards for clothing, I think "cheaply made" also has different meanings for different people. As far as I have observed, good fabric, good design, durability don't always go hand in hand, and where should the line between the line of cheaply made or not be drawn? There are a lot of brands that are sold at a higher price but does not provide good quality stuff...I don't know if they should be considered cheaply made or not, many of them have very good silhouette which I think they must put a lot of energy into making the pattern but the fabric and sewing is a hot mess. There are also clothing with great fabric and made with effort, but the design is just really bad. I feel dress making is a ticking things off the boxes kind of procedure, the factory making Chanel might not be very different from that making shein, it is only that Chanel decided to have more boxes, but Shein does not. It's only my very personal thought, I'd be grateful for any further education on that

[@sylvestregagnon5681]

​@@anniemeridian270fast fashion is also the idea to produced clothes on a monthly or week basis rather than on seasons....designers used to produced 2 collection a years.....now it 6.....and shein do it on a weekly basis....

[@geniej2378]

Really well presented and I love that you added nuance to buying fast fashion! A couple of years back I decided to stop buying polyester clothing and it has drastically reduced the pool of clothes I consider buying now. I mostly live in denim jeans and cotton or linen shirts, and cotton dresses. I try to switch my exercise gear to wool and nylon. And most importantly I try to shop for replacements only.

[@virtualgambit577]

I highly recommend not getting wool exercise gear, you will be trapping body heat!

[@user-is7xs1mr9y]

Why would you wear wool to exercise?

[@geniej2378]

@@user-is7xs1mr9y wool is naturally moisture wicking, dries very fast and it's a natural fibre. I'm not talking thick wool like sweaters, you can get thin wool jersey t-shirts.

[@79meh]

I always look for vintage "made in canada" 1960s-1990s when I thrift. The cuts fit my petite frame better because people were smaller back then and the quality is insane. A lot of canadian made clothes I found have better craftsmanship than the ones I saw in the chanel, dior, etc prêt-à-porter you can currently buy in luxury boutiques. And a lot of it says "union made" on the label. Now, that's the opoosite of fast fashion to me.

[@roxyroxelle]

i wish i can see some vintage canadian clothes, i can only get so see some from Uk or Germany when the second hand stores get stuff (but i live in Romania so there's that)

[@classicsciencefictionhorro1665]

@@roxyroxelle Well, on the plus side, Roxy, you can seek fashion inspiration from Dracula.

[@Adina5150]

Same so many of my thrifted favourites are from montreal and ontario area. Whenever I see a petites jessica label I jump. Some of the best trousers I own is from that label.

[@Adina5150]

There was so much attention to detail from canadian made clothing lines from 90s and prior. I am on the west coast and so lucky how much of it cycles into our thrift stores. The craftsmanship and thought to function and fit from long lost accessible brands is astounding.

[@nataliah4478]

my big stand on fashion shopping is DO THEY CATER TO WOMEN - a lot of brands use tissue thin fabrics for office clothes, no lining, no DARTING (when average bra size of woman is 34D), no PETITE (when average height is 5'4") i am going to skip something designed for 5'11" and no chest every time. i don't care for fashion brands trying to make fashion an "ART PROJECT" (and ready-to-wear takes inspiration of that). They need to do MARKET RESEARCH, like they do with men's fashion which is actually WARM, and USEFUL, and reflects USEFUL SIZING.

[@lauriewarner4848]

I am a retired designer. I designed clothing for over 35 years. I worked in designers houses, and also houses that were moderate priced. I appreciate all your points, in fabrication, fit, and details. I have the most respect for women, that have style. They can mix design pieces with mass produced. There are few than can afford a 6, 000. Dollar jacket to a fun piece that costs 60. ….. have fun feel good about what you wear, and feel in it. If you research manufacturing you will find that retailers such as Walmart, and target, manufacture with standards set in place and the quality is as good as designer brands. Also some fashion i are made with the same fabrics and sewn in the same contract factories as high end houses use. It’s all about numbers. So have fun and create your own style.

[@Quickeeeee]

Reminds me of when I compared a H&M shirt to a Uniqlo shirt. I thought I hated shirt pockets, but it turns out I just hate poor pattern matching, at it was jarringly mismatched on the H&M one but perfectly blended together on the Uniqlo shirt. That's quality to me.

[@xristinarose2409]

Im poor, bought cotton jeans off shein and wore them to death. I dont feel bad about myself. But most of my clothes i buy used. Also your insight on pattern was very intresting. While i do see the difference in quality, for me i mostly see it in how it feels, fabric (i avoid polyester) and how it fits. Good quality items fit on another level. Last thing: a bit random but you are very pretty with a nice smile

[@mobstercrow7515]

I'm also poor. I live off of 600 dollars every month and I have 19 pets. I'm disabled and I'm starting college so hopefully I'll find a job that will hire me soon. I've never gotten rid of any clothes other than when I was a little kid. I'm 18 and I still wear the same stuff I did when I was 13. Fast fashion is bad if you buy the stuff and get rid of it after wearing it once. If you continue to wear it until it can not be worn anymore, there's not an issue. A lot of stuff found on shein can be found on amazon and it comes from the same company, but amazon costs more. You always hear people saying designer is better but it is not. Designer clothes also treat their employees like crap, they always have. Shein and Chanel both treat their employees like dog shit and they both use cheap materials, BUT one is dramatically expensive. Why would I pay thousands of dollars for the same product I can buy for 20 dollars?

[@Tamamnett]

For how long did you wear it?

[@PikaJess123]

I would worry about the material even if you don't care about slave labour (you should). Better to buy from charity shops, online secondhand and shop in sales. This is what I tried to do. There's always another option

[@xristinarose2409]

@@Tamamnett about the same as jeans from other shops: mine last around 1 year. I dont have many pairs so i wear the same over and over with lots of washing as a result

[@bunnerkins]

​@@mobstercrow7515for what reason do you have 19 pets?

[@yogachick1955]

I've been getting my clothes tailored since I bought my first suit at 25. I'm NOT good at sewing from scratch but I LOVE tailoring. I enjoy you getting into the details of construction. I started tailoring when my local tailor said my jacket (from a prickly fabric) couldn't be lined. Well, I knew it could. It would just need to be handsewn in. So, I made the lining. added a gusset to the center back so it wouldn't pull, and stitched it in by hand :D

[@doubleleterlady]

Thank you for explaning the sleeve shaping. Now I understand why some dress makers are able to make a sleeve from a narrow, long strip of fabric and some are not.

[@ym_yongmai]

I love how you break down the construction of the garments. I sew and I learn a lot from this.

[@hiannahgus574]

I really enjoyed this video! I am an older woman, and when I was a child /teenager, my mother and I would go shopping, and she always used it as an opportunity to explain to me exactly what you just shared with us. She sewed a lot of our clothes, too, so we’d go fabric shopping together, which was also used as an educational opportunity on quality fabric, notions , and construction. Thanks for a great video and teaching this generation what to look for in clothing. Keep up the good work!

[@ambds1975]

Hi, I am going to post an essay now, sorry, I don't know why I am like this. I am obsessed with coats. People have commented that there were also badly made garments in the 80s. Yes, there were. But in 1985, if I bought a discounted out of season wool coat from Anne Klein, it was 100% wool. It was well-lined, well-fitted, and designed to be worn a lot. Cinches, pockets, etc. were actually functional, not sewn on as an aesthetic detail. Buttons were heavier and better sewn with thicker thread. Fabric was thicker. My 2022 Anne Klein wool peacoat, while it is still nicely-shaped and has details like an extra button sewn into the lining, is a wool/poly/nylon/acrylic blend. There is no gusset under the arm or room in the shoulders. The fabric feels cheaper and isn't as warm, the lining isn't fitted quite right to the inside of the coats, the sizing varies very slightly but noticeably, etc. There is definitely a difference. This is not in dispute; the industry has been caught cutting corners for a long time now. What scares me is we are going to run out of the old well-made stuff, and may be trapped in poly hell forever unless something changes.

[@sambucivox]

"it's not the man, it's the suit" - Barney Stinson's spiritual daughter

[@loridresser9420]

Hi, there is a middle of the road option you overlooked. Many middle, and some higher, stores have ‘in house’ brands. These can be exceptional quality at a great price.

[@elirobertson1807]

do you have any examples? i’m curious and would love to look into some

[@loridresser9420]

@@elirobertson1807 Macy’s has a few. JC Penney has Worthington. Lord & Taylor have at least 2. I’m a seamstress which helps. I know construction and fiber.

[@stacyana5888]

​@@elirobertson1807Banana Republic & Nordstrom house brands

[@79meh]

Joe Fresh in Canadian Superstore is often well made for such a low price, it's their house brand. I don't know if they are ethical, I usually get it second hand.

[@hiannahgus574]

@@loridresser9420Not sure if they still do. but Neiman Marcus had a store brand, too.

[@auggiedoggiesmommy1734]

I’m not sure if GAP is fast fashion but I actually have 4 t-shirts from Gap that I have had since 2001. It pays to take good care of your clothes! Now if I could only find someone to buy my second hand clothing.

[@dawnssful]

Yes, Gap is fast fashion. Along with all the other brands under the Gap family. So that includes Old Navy and banana Republic as well. The difference is that those stores have different demographics and they cater to different clientele. Maybe you'll find someone soon to buy your clothes, I know it can be really nice to have people do that and that's really awesome that you've had your stuff for that long and that it's still wearable.

[@Iquey]

Gap mught be fast fasion but their stuff does last a long time if you take care of it. (I have a mint green men's cotton button down from 2014. It still works despite looking a little worn-in.)

[@Biju5789]

I buy GAP few years ago and i noticed the quality was so bad, i did not expect this

[@auggiedoggiesmommy1734]

@@Biju5789 I think there’s a difference between GAP Factory and GAP and I found Old Navy is better quality. Don’t put clothes like t-shirts in the dryer and do not use bleach …use stain remover and color safe bleach and mild detergent and then wash on delicate inside out as quickly as you can and hang or lay flat to dry.

[@mobstercrow7515]

As long as you wear the clothing, then there isn't an issue. All companies treat their employees like shit, even designer companies. Don't buy clothes and get rid of them after wearing them a few times. Wear them until they can't be worn anymore. Stay away from clothes that are clearly going to fall apart easily, like sweaters and things made with a lot of polyester. Run your hands on the clothes before you buy them, if it feels kinda sticky or prickily like it is sticking to your hand, don't buy it. It will fall apart quickly.

[@pyenygren2299]

Here I am to deliver algorithm food.

[@xchanchanx]

😂😂😂

[@checkfh6244]

I dont know how you were able to compress so much information in these 11 minutes but it translated great! Im a complete amateur in terms of tailoring who tries to get into it and you were even able to make me understand the jackets´ features, which is definetely not a given! I loved the whine analogy and the whole fast-fashion insert - unexpected but definetely not unwanted!

[@happyhouse4948]

A small percentage of synthetic fibers is not an indication that a brand somehow failed the customer: It is there to stabilize the fabric while providing all the advantages that natural fibers have to offer (like breathability). If a vintage fabric has 100% natural fibers, that could just be because the industry didn't have this technology available to them at the time. Just 16% of synthetic fibres definitely doesn't mean that the label is trying to trick its customers somehow..

[@charlee_hotel]

I would buy 2nd hand high-end pieces at consignment stores and websites. ThreadUp and Plato's Closet are two good places to start.

[@teleriferchnyfain]

Except Plato’s Closet is full of very recent (last 3-4 years) fast fashion clothes. I go to second-hand & vintage shops to get clothes, mainly. Or make them myself.

[@xchanchanx]

Are you kidding, I’m totally intrigued! Thanks for educating us

[@pinkpotatoes9849]

Great to have someone who understands quality tailoring doing this comparision. The materials, care and cut makes it high quality.

[@garrettrigoni6864]

Your wine analogy is spot on! If you pay attention to the quality of clothing you will quickly realize "you get what you pay for". I've bought Shein and other online fast fashion... and lately I'm returning more and more of these items for poor fit and quality. I am also a fan of buying pre-owned luxury brands. BTW - I doubt Chanel would appreciate knowing you intentionally bought that jacket knowing you were going to return it!

[@popipopipopi]

Chanel would probably consider this free advertising

[@berguzarkorel5350]

Why do you care how Chanel feels?

[@catherinewoolf504]

I am sure that Chanel make enough profit not to care

[@garrettrigoni6864]

@@catherinewoolf504 Well, then, by all means - that excuses a dishonest customer making a purchase knowing full well they will return it!

[@kilaa3417]

​I'd say the educational purposes were more than appreciated by the brand. They throw away clothes every year, they'll be fine

[@doncharlesmx]

I'm a fashion designer from Mexico City and I loved your video. The detailed explanation gives you a nice understanding / translation about what you're talking about! It's amazing! Keep going, you are a phenomenal teacher / youtuber with gorgeous eyes! Saludos! 👀✨✌🏽🇲🇽

[@shaninaaa]

I love hearing all the technical talk! Would love to see smaller brands whose main draw is that they're ethical vs. similarly priced big brands to see how they compare. Honestly this will sound harsh, but I do judge people who keep buying (or worse, HAULING) fast fashion new if they already own clothes that fit them and aren't damaged/very worn. I grew up poor - my parents were immigrants due to war and they didn't speak English which is language of the country where they got married and had kids etc. They have only worked menial jobs, and my mother specifically was working under the table as a tailor/seamstress for well below minimum wage because we needed money and she obviously had no leverage in getting better work/rights. She made all of her own clothes including maternity clothes, as well as our school uniforms when we were older. I think we each had around 10 items of clothing. So to hear people who say they NEED fast fashion because need MORE outfits for work and that makes it a necessity, I would (generally) have to disagree with them. Yes it absolutely sucks that ethical consumption is not really accessible and in this day and age is seen as a luxury or investment. But as someone saw what exploitation of labour looked like, who grew up without "wants" and whose parents made so many more sacrifices for actual necessities, almost anything that can be considered fast fashion is NOT a necessity and if you purchase it brand new, you're putting your want of a jacket or dress above someone else's human rights not to mention the environment. And I also get this applies to other brands/companies but at least some brands at a mid-higher price point CAN be ethical and you can choose to support them - how ethical can a $15 dollar dress be when you factor in the costs of fabric, construction, storage and shipping plus all the labour associated with each of these stages?

[@Ines_23]

I do agree.

[@amberatartimec2564]

Well said

[@Wonderer888]

I totally get what you are saying and agree with majority of it. However, (not justifying over consumption of fast fashion) if those sweatshops were non existent, how would your mother have been able to provide for you back then? We can agree that the treatment of workers in fast fashion factories is terrible but if they don’t exist how do those people earn a living? If for example she was to try and work at a factory for Chanel, do you think she would’ve been able to without qualifications or documentation and minimal language skills?majority of sweatshop workers are usually very poor with lack of education and minimal skills it’s not ideal but at least they don’t go without. Yes you may have worn clothes made at home and from that experience you learned that one doesn’t actually need that many clothes to function but that’s your experience and everyone has a different experience from you, and doesn’t have to live from your lens of view. What about someone who grew up similar to you with minimal things due to poverty and now they’ve grown up and earn better to enjoy things they couldn’t afford but equally don’t want to spend thousands on expensive clothes? There are better quality fast fashion retailers who are readily available and easily accessible these days. Are you saying they should deprive themselves because of your view point and judgment? It’s important to educate ourselves about the impact of things we partake in, but we cannot go around judging others who don’t live by our standards because we don’t understand what drives them to live that way. A better way would be to educate ourselves on ways to take care of our clothes so they last longer than to reprimand people for accessing something that’s available. The fact that fast fashion brands exist and are thriving, means there’s a need for them and not going to stop until it stops.

[@shaninaaa]

@@Wonderer888 The point is not that sweatshops (as a place of employment) shouldn't exist, it's that they should exist ethically - including livable wage and proper working conditions for their employees. Why is the only option work for an unsustainable wage, or be unemployed and you and your family can starve? And I'm not saying she should've been able to work for Chanel or luxury brands without experience, language skills or education, it's that people who don't have these skills should still be able to find employment that doesn't exploit them. Everyone is entitled to find a job that doesn't exploit them regardless of their education or skill level. Fine, if you're a janitor or working in a sweatshop you might not be able to live in a big house and afford finer things, but you should be able to earn a decent wage that affords you food and a home. My mother worked that job to supplement the income my father made, which was legal employment and therefore had a minimum legal wage and benefits. If she was single, what she earned would have seen her living in a sharehouse that did not meet the minimum requirements of a legal dwelling. And again your second paragraph tells it all - you say if someone now "earn[s] better to enjoy things they couldn’t afford but equally don’t want to spend thousands on expensive clothes? There are better quality fast fashion retailers who are readily available and easily accessible these days. Are you saying they should deprive themselves because of your view point and judgment?" Yes. You literally are saying, is it not okay for people to exploit others because of what they want? My opinion is that, if you earn enough that your options are 1. save up and buy fewer clothes that are ethically made or 2. immediately buy more clothes that are made using exploitative practices, and you still choose option 2, then yes, you are complicit. You contribute to the demand of worker exploitation. You are the reason these companies are profitable. You are the reason these companies stay in business. Your last sentence, as reasoned by the rest of your comment assumes people "need" fast fashion. My point is that no, most people who buy don't need fast fashion. They want it. And they are unwilling to sacrifice what they want for the human rights of others.

[@nikitatavernitilitvynova]

I'm a sewing gal and would like to add one extra piece of context about liner. Liner not only makes the inside look good but it is also functional in some cases. When you look at a fabric that isn't just a traditional smooth cotton you can end up in friction territory. Meaning you get resistance when putting on anf taking off the item of clothing. Hence why some items (like thin trench coats) are not lined. Because the fabric slips on your arms easily enough to not cause issues. But on a jacket like that I totally expect it to make it harder to put on without the shiny slippery liner layer. I learnt that while sewing my first shacket. I had to line it not only because it was itchy (100% wool fabric) but because it would've made it harder to take off and put back on. Can't wait to wear it when it gets cold.

[@renjiai]

great video and i do agree with your takes. i would love to see a video about where paying for quality stops and paying for a name begins.

[@annaworth286]

This is the first time that I’ve seen one of your videos, so you might have covered this idea already - a quick tip for upgrading your Shein jacket (or any other item), is to change the original buttons for something more vintage looking, you actually made a point of mentioning the classier buttons on the Chanel jacket!

[@senemyerli]

Some Chanel tweeds are woven by the house tailors so the fabric is hand made

[@itsfaiz2967]

True but handmade... where exactly? I'm not sure about the Made in France or Italy but for Made in Switzerland it only has to 60% Made there

[@samaraisnt]

*some. But they price them all as if they were

[@flohough1870]

As someone who has sewn for years, it's really nice to see someone explain why certain items fit and feel better than others. The clothing industry has cheapened so much in construction and the fit on some items is so bad because they've skipped steps to save money.

[@cecille5833]

very infomative but also you can try on the chanel jacket, most designers' brand have try on period for that exact thing, for people to try it and see if they want it, the luxury shopping experience doesn't stop at the store, online purchases are given the same treatment meaning you're free to order and try on at the comfort of your home and if you don't like it to send it back without hassle, unlike most fast fshion retailers whose jobs are to make it as hard as possible to return items so you don't get a refund

[@charlee_hotel]

Amazon Wardrobe, for example.

[@sammyb1651]

Good video. Very illuminating. The Chanel garment is a level above in terms of construction quality-and you clearly demonstrate why-but it's still basically crap as far as materials (fabric) are concerned.

[@_filifjonkan4290]

What a unique combination of someone appreciating quality and caring for the people who made the clothes. What you didn’t talk about is the artistry involved in designing the jacket. We didn’t get to see the Chanel on you. That is why I love Chanel, it’s creative and beautiful.

[@geniej2378]

Today I learned about 2 piece sleeves. I know very little about construction (neat seams with no loose threads is the extent to my knowledge) and reading the fabric tag is what I search for when getting new clothing (first or second hand).

[@N.B.2022]

They're very common in tailoring (jackets, blazers, coats). These garments are usually made in strong/stiff fabrics that can be very restrictive to the arms. Hence the 2-piece construction with a dark on the elbow. This is to allow the arm to move more easily.

[@DrSpursFan78202]

Great video! I would keep the SHEIN jacket too…I’d just change the buttons! I do this often with jackets from second hand shops!☺️

[@TheEvie202]

I turned to sewing to avoid fast fashion and get more choices. Fact fashion is almost all polyester. I try to sew natural fibers or poly cotton because it’s wash and wear. Yes, plus sized clothing is scarce and boring.

[@hiannahgus574]

Where do you find quality fabrics? I used to go to DiCarlo Fabrics of Distinction in Boston, and to North End Fabrics in that city. Now, I live in a different state. and all we have here is the chain store Joanne Fabrics and I don’t see good quality fabrics there.

[@Quickeeeee]

I love this video❤ its refreshing and insightful. I love to be able to apply the good practices in higher quality brands when I trift flip fast fashion items.

[@joykaralynw]

Your insights on construction and patterning are fascinating! 😊

[@idnaandi13]

This video was so unbelievably helpful/educational for me as a novice designer/sewer with no formal training. Immediately subscribed

[@mynameisrob_co_uk]

Wow so much attention to detail, I love your style of video and thanks for sharing

[@krissydiggs]

I live in Japan so unfortunatley due to my body type, I find myself shopping on Shein way more than I ever imagined I would. I simply can't find clothes that fit my bust or hips with regularity unless I only want to wear casual clothes like Uniqlo. But I try not to be the type who buys stuff just for the sake of it. Seasonally only, and usually only when I need something specifically that I can't find elsewhere. The way you buy matters as much as where you buy.

[@Tatteddaddydc]

Curves aren't popular in Japan

[@hildaburken4805]

Wonderful to hear concern about workers overseas making clothes for fast fashion.

[@raraavis7782]

Love these educational videos. I don't have the option to buy luxury brands for 'comparison', but it's so interesting to see someone else take a close look at the materials and construction.

[@lucia-di-lammermoor]

Please do a Zara vs Chanel comparison next

[@Lemonade_Stand_]

God, Zara has really gone downhill. Actually i think i heard that some of their stuff is made in the same factory that Shein uses.

[@DotyParcell]

mirbag really knows how to showcase the best features of each bag! Your videos are always so helpful.

[@marceliterra]

I have no knowledge of the subject. I'm a plus size brazilian who was born poor and had no education about clothing. Now, at 35 years old, I'm studying more, because I'm against fast fashion and I'm tired of buying clothes that last less than a year. I loved your video and your teaching, thank you very much for sharing it in such a direct and objective way!

[@sarahgee6690]

The Chanel jacket is gorgeous! The materials that it's made out of are excellent as it would be very comfortable and your skin could breathe. I would have kept it. ❤

[@skb4055]

The difference is also how you look in person. You can get a certain style but in person, you just can’t compare the two. Even if you compared Shein to Talbots, there is a difference. I like that you compared wine to good clothes. I have been told by many wine shop owners that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get an enjoyable bottle of wine. I know you said it’s your opinion buy fast fashion is made on an assembly line so no, it doesn’t compare to haute couture. I can’t afford high fashion but I can appreciate it. I have a very nice boiled wool coat from J. Crew that I got on sale. I love that coat. The way it looks and feels is amazing. It is unlined. I got a coat on sale for less than $20 for Grace Karin. It is the cartoon version of my J. Crew coat. Absolutely no comparison.

[@EmyN]

Love your explanations! Very clear and concise, and I love your no-nonsense attitude, excited to learn more from you, subscribed!

[@marinelab]

Just the Chanel fabric itself probably cost more than 10 times the price of the Shein finished jacket.

[@sumerurose8586]

would love to see more of these

[@EoinTremont]

Great video! I particularly also find the inner construction of a garment to be fascinating as well. As a guy, I found your saying about a well fitted suit, or any well fitted shirt/trousers for that matter, to be spot on. People DO notice but can’t put their fingers on it. Question: I normally buy high quality trousers even bespoke or made to measure but they always seem to wear so badly at the inner thighs and rip at the fabric, not even the seam. I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s probably inevitable but I’d like to hear your take on it. Keep it up!

[@raraavis7782]

What helps a bit with wear and tear on 'friction spots' is rubbing them with a dryer sheet, after each wash. You'll be coating the fibers with slippery silicones (or similar substances) and that helps prevent tears from forming.

[@amberatartimec2564]

That's a great tip

[@raraavis7782]

@@amberatartimec2564 I actually got the idea from using chafing cream in summer. It's the same principle. It coats your skin with a protective layer and prevents you from rubbing your thighs raw, when wearing a skirt. A lot of detangling/smoothing/heat protectant hair products would probably work as well. But dryer sheets are just convenient and not likely to leave a stain.

[@tf8187]

This was a good video, loved the visual explanations and the technical terms. Good comparisons and the attention to detail.

[@finnachoosebetter]

Loved this breakdown. Thank you.

[@0shawhat]

What an interesting channel! Thank you algorithm.

[@HarkinOrmsbee]

Loved everything you’ve showed here! I was really surprised about the MOMCOCO crossbody. Love it!

[@belomettinavyy1068]

I love to learn something new which previously I didn’t know anything about

[@maeduss]

Shein has a few “brands” under them… My athletic wear are mostly from there! Their “Glowmode” brand is said to be made by the same place that provides these pieces for Lululemon… Most of the times I can’t stand the feeling of polyester (even though there are some decent polyester things when it comes to activewear), and these Glowmode clothes are (many of the times) made of polyamide (which I don’t know if that’s just me, but feels better on my skin). I can’t afford other sources when it comes to clothing! The clothing industry sucks in my country and, as a skinny Western woman, I feel most general public brands gravitate towards thick girls (with, maybe, the smaller waist, but most of the other parts thick). I often got myself going to the teen’s section (as an adult) or to the children’s section (as a teen), which is ridiculous, but as a real skinny woman isn’t the standard in the everyday real world (in the West), average brands don’t seem to care. When I complain about this, for ppl Ik irl, they often answer “oh, but bc you’re skinny you could wear this or that brand (proceeds to tell me name of brands totally out of my touch lol… Yes, it’s very easy to find clothes for me… Which working class skinny woman doesn’t have the money to enter a mall and buy a decent/ wearable amount of pieces for 1/4 of their income each? lol)”. The things in older fast fashion mall shops (the ones we have in my country, at least) that, supposedly, fit me, have weird fitting, as even the clothes designed to skinny ppl in these shops (which I’m not even sure about their ethical behaviors) seem to have the same “shape” than clothes made with a medium/ average size woman in mind (there are skinny girls with different figures, but these clothes for skinny sizes often are not designed to the majority of us, imo). Thrifting is not an option for me either! The average local thrift store where I live (when there’s one) has t-shirts with cringe sayings, ripped jeans more ripped than Idk what, a weird shaped skirt from 2012, a very worn out tween section shirt that says “keep calm and love donuts”, a pair of peep toe heels with its die coming out, some baby clothes, a random man’s wallet and that’s it. If there’s anything good, it would be in very specific thrift shops in the downtown (which’s far from where I live, and would take more costs + the effort of going there, facing a big city’s 2 possible hours traffic to, potentially, find nothing… All when I already have my everyday deals to worry about). I tried thrifting online a few times too, but it was very hard to find wearable things (and, again, the sizing problem, as clothes in my country are not typically made with my body type in mind). Besides that very crucial size thing (as I can’t simply walk around n4k3d), I can’t stand the “smell of other person’s clothing”. Maybe I’m very sensitive to it, but I can often tell an item was worn bc of its smell (even by washing, I couldn’t get completely rid of it). Curating every smallest piece I’ll thrift to make sure it’s being sold brand new (bc the person, let’s say, just ordered doubled by mistake, or the wrong size, or got as a gift and doesn’t like), seems like one more time consuming task, just like all the ones I’ve mentioned (and as a college student/ starting to work, I try my best to value my free time by getting to know something in my city, grocery shopping little treats I don’t eat on a daily basis or even, honestly, paying my sleep dept which, yes, I acknowledge to be unhealthy, and I’m working on it). Tailoring something to my body costs even more and I can only afford that in a few occasions, such as when I was a bridesmaid to a friend’s wedding (a size “small” was ginormous and the bra part was so huge that it seemed fake for someone that size). For everyday clothing, I can’t afford to tailor every piece. Buying from SHEIN is a deeper issue than it seems… For makeup and similar stuff I can totally survive without these questionable/ potentially unhealthy Chinese brands (and, thankfully, my country is well covered in the beauty/ makeup market, even though, sometimes, I do see some different things on that Sheglam page, but I’m trying to avoid it bc I somewhat feel unsure of its safety and makeup isn’t the same level of necessity as clothing), but I can’t say the same for clothing! I see average sized girls walking in clothes of their liking, and I also want to wear things I like and that fits my shape (which is hard for me to find in the average working class Western brands, at least in my country). The only thing I try to do, is to shop when needed + special occasions, to wash when it arrives (honestly, should be done with any new clothes, I guess) and to buy from these “specific brands” SHEIN owns, such as Glowmode and others (bc they have better quality, in comparison to your average SHEIN piece). Hope I can afford more transparent ethical brands one day! I feel bad about having Shein as, basically, my only source, but that also shows how local brands produce from “somewhat skinny looking” to “somewhat plus size looking” clothes, but not to the actual skinny, but still healthy, woman (and no, I don’t support an0rex1a and 0b3sity but, still, these ppl still need some basic clothing they can wear to sleep/ work/ workout/ run errands, while they seek medical help to their extreme unhealthy situation)! Ps: still, I try my best to search for better brands… I’ll keep my eye on the options (that treats humans the right way and, have less environmental negative impact and, of course, care about my size having nice clothing options)!

[@koko1974ify]

Great video thanks! The psychology of buying into a brand like Chanel is part of the desire, buying into its history, and also, spending X amount means (ideally) that it would be cherished, a joy to wear and make you look fabulous. The workers at Chanel are protected by The International Labour Organization's eleven fundamental conventions5, guaranteeing a fair rate of pay and working conditions. Whilst Shein, have an appalling, exploitative and abusive reputation for workers rights......I mean in reality, how can a garment cost so little without people being exploited to produce it?

[@Dr.Sumedha]

Loooooveeeeee the details of this video. Subscribed 💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖

[@xchanchanx]

10:41 interesting point on the supply/demand principle that comes into play with luxury brands. It reminds me of clothes in the pre-industrialization era; you could say that their clothing was all “luxury” in a sense as it was hella expensive. Unless you made your own clothes of course.

[@hiannahgus574]

Yes, that’s why closets were small and people wore their clothes until they wore out, then they replaced it. People didn’t need closets that were the size of a room back then.

[@ornellam9052]

Chanel sleeve is piece of art because in spite of being narrow, it is comfortable with great shape and you can move your arms up without riding the whole jacket up. Shein jacket is one word :garbage. It will be in a trash bin in one year. Veronica Beard is notorious for very bad quality fabrics, personally do not like their tweed Chanel-like jackets, they are all synthetic, itchy and stiff

[@Viviano_Magami]

U think chanel tweed is 100% organic? how shallow can u be 😂

[@SyKnife]

@@Viviano_MagamiThat’s not what she was saying, lol

[@Bubble-Mix-96]

exactly

[@naps4all]

Where did your blouse come from? It's gorgeous and I'd love to buy one!!

[@breh9243]

Great video idea.

[@SwanTheQueen]

I love your stand about fast fashion ❤

[@hahaitsrenn-not]

this channel has the same vibe as a vanilla bean steamer with cinnamon sprinkle and I love it

[@noblestrength]

Very informative video. Thank you for sharing. 🙂

[@nicholasharvey7731]

Wow this was really informative!!

[@isabellal2840]

i loveee your shirt so much

[@tatianasokolova9468]

Thank you! Very specific description ❤

[@captainjoy8976]

Thanks for pointing out, that plus size is seldom available in sustainable fashion.. I gained a lot of weight due to being bed bound by endometriosis and cannot find sustainable german shops that sell my size. I have looked and researched a lot and I could not find a shop with a simple jeans. I even ordered one and by their size chart it should have fit me, it just didn't (waist was fine but for some reason the thighs were way too tight). I wish I could buy more ethic things, but I just can't. And that does feel bad, especially because they advertise to be inclusive and they just are not. And I am just two sizes above the average size. I can only find clothes in C&A at the moment, it is so frustrating.

[@alicec.6195]

I tried to buy jeans from proper brands but I always end up buying from Shein. They just fit me right and last me for 4 years at least. The other brands don't fit, make me look square and are uncomfortable.

[@eepmeep8550]

There's smaller brands as well, like Shepherdess. She makes tweed garments in my local area from wool from the local sheep breeds (Herdwick and Swaledale).

[@teleriferchnyfain]

I would add better facing (sturdier) and a lining to the Shein jacket, reset the buttons on & have a decent garment for I’m assuming quite a lower price than the Chanel jacket. I in fact would ONLY buy a high fashion brand like Chanel second hand, & that includes couture. However , I’m a seamstress & tailor, so that makes a difference. I can sew high couture garments - I just can’t get the materials such fashion houses have access to.

[@elipotter369]

A bit of nylon and polyester can add strength, durability and potentially less wrinkling. The looser weave will catch and pull, so there's unsightly loops and breaks. Princess seams form similar shaping to darts, except they are actually a more complex form of shaping than darts. Definitely trickier to sew. That matching of stripes in the plaid at seam joins used to be standard practice for mid level garments, but tailoring has gotten very bad in the past 20 years - so much so, anyone under 40 doesn't even know how things should be done. Thanks for spreading awareness. The lining stops bagging and stretching of the outer garment and allows a smooth fit over garments underneath. Plus prevents see through look and bumps. Zips on sleeves if metal will scratch jewellery and watches. To roll up a sleeve doesn't work well with a zip. Back in the '80s when mid range garments were still made with decent tailoring and fit and traditionally, sleeves taper to the wrist but are wide enough to fit full length sleeves underneath comfortably- designed for layering. They could also be nicely folded up with thick enough fabric to hold and sit nicely. Nowadays, tailoring has gone crazy weirdly bad. Even on TV presenters i see really bad tailoring and poor fit choices.

[@alexabaxter6658]

Re: pattern matching at seams, for me it's not a dealbreaker but it's a nice-to-have. I actually knowingly bought a dress in a cat-face print where the waist seam makes it look like one of the cats at the front has four eyes because it was the only one in the shop in my size. You can't actually tell when it's on because the eyes hide in the underboob area :D But imagine buying from the online store and getting an unfortunate cut...

[@LittleMew133]

Many Western brands have factories in Vietnam. Products with same quality come out of those same factories, just under different brands.

[@LittleMew133]

Like they just, prob illegally, steal the designs.

[@plumtart]

The fit of a couture coat is amazing. I've worn chanel and junky stuff, no contest

[@NanetteCrabtree]

fashionbyai AI fixes this. Shein vs Chanel quality comparison.

[@annettesallee2209]

great video

[@M00iNenita]

I buy in shein 🤷 is what i can afford, living in a country where $3usd per hour is above average just because im bilingual is hard to have that high quality clothes. Still, i have a wool coat and another good quality coat for already like 20 years and still looking like new (also is not that i have many opportunities to wear it since even winters are hot where I live).

[@wendymartin6479]

Bilingual means being fluent in 2 languages. What does that have to do with the quality of clothing?

[@M00iNenita]

@@wendymartin6479 I live in a country where a bilingual person earns $3usd per hour, so normal rate is less than that, shein it helps to many of us to have stuff that other way we cannot afford.

[@Simplelivingslowliving]

@@wendymartin64793 dollars an hour meaning that’s how much she gets paid and it’s above Average because she is bilingual, meaning she gets paid more than her average counterpart because she speaks 2 different languages. Even though that’s the case it’s still very little compared to other countries therefore there isn’t a lot of money left over to buy more expensive garments.

[@LindaVernon]

​@@wendymartin6479I believe she is saying that her $3usd wage is ABOVE average in her country and she gets that higher wage because she has the ability to use two languages. 🙂

[@roxyroxelle]

same here in Romania, like the minimum salary is 500$ and rent is 300$ minimum. the food is much more important and more expensive so people buy shein or second hand if they can find anything their size. and i even cheap out on shein too, i buy when it's a sale for something, i got some 2 piece suits for 10$, anything more i wouldn't buy.

[@sheryl7798]

Thank you for your content!

[@Kiara-qz4yv]

I think you look like Ashlee Simpson x also love the vid

[@wrldtrvlr4vr]

I buy whatever I like. Life’s too short

[@nusaibahibraheem8183]

I think Zara vs Shein is a better comparison. I would find it funny if you compare Zara to Chanel 😂. It will be far better to compare a higher end brand to chanel. I don't think anyone is contemplating between Chanel or Shein or Zara😅.

[@Iquey]

You would be surprised.

[@DearBill]

Some Shein clothes are better than 2024 Zara clothes.

[@nusaibahibraheem8183]

@@DearBill Oh I definitely agree, that's why I said they are comparable. Shein is not exactly a brand, but a place to buy many products from different brands or manufacturers. Some if their stuffs are actually very good. Also people actually buy the same products from different manufacturers with a markup.

[@UstaPsa]

great video! thank you ❤

[@user-ne2bb5nh7t]

I am plus size and I HATE that our options are so limited. I try to only buy a few items a year, and most of what I buy I wear for at least a year or more. I've found a few brands that focus on inclusive sizing for more casual wear, but am still struggling to find decent work wear that isn't thousands of dollars.

[@charlee_hotel]

Torrid is a good option: their workwear line is awesome.

[@Penguinparty69]

I just got a 100% cotton lady jacket from J Crew Outlet that is 2x

[@Bubble-Mix-96]

"pick your suffering"

[@Lemonade_Stand_]

Lose weight?

[@WilberStoppioni]

Are these issues happening if these bags are used daily? I just got the pochette metis in monogram canvas from the Kusama collection. I love the multicolored polka dots and hope they don’t melt on me, lol. But I don’t think it’ll be in my regular rotation. I also have a NoeNoe in DA but only use that a few times a year in the spring and summer so I haven’t put that much wear and tear into it. I hope I don’t see the fraying for a while. Also, I’m saving up for a luxrul . Has your colleague seen the same issues with that size? I don’t mind some relaxation in shape but I don’t want it to be a puddle either. Thanks for the video!

[@kryssygee4814]

For a boxy jacket it looked good on you!!! (Not that I would buy either.😊 Honestly the Chanel was not pretty)

[@UniversalEngineer]

Very interesting and educational! Thank you! Off topic… if you wanted to bring back that FANTASTIC lipstick again… that was definitely spellbinding. I won’t tell my husband. 🤭. Again, great videos!

[@jcnorton55]

Shein has different levels of quality. I paid $100 for a Chanel inspired jacket and it's beautiful and well-constructed. I have kept most of my Shein clothing for years - check for the fabric content and measurements. Countries, where their employees are treated poorly, treat them poorly in all other manufacturing as well, not just clothing. This applies to computers, phones, Ipods, etc., but why do we give them a pass?

[@Bubble-Mix-96]

Um because they use dangerous materials and even more toxic plastic fibers. That every washing cycle end up in our water and ultimately in nature and into our bodies. An iphone case does not release microplastics like these fabrics do.

[@craftypixel7992]

What’s the point of spending so much on SHEIN, notorious for literal lead in their clothes + child labour + sweatshops (most brands do this ofc, but SHEIN is worse due to the quantity of illegal labour used), whereas you’d likely be safer spending it on a veritable brand???

[@maeduss]

⁠@@craftypixel7992bc, unfortunately, there isn’t something such as this veritable brand available for every person, style, size or even shape/ fitting within the sizes… I don’t buy clothes on a daily basis. I’ve been planning to buy a Christmas gown, for a special occasion, for quite a long time now, and I don’t seem to find anything similar (by this price range), but Shein’s! My everyday clothing as well, such as the oversized t-shirt I’m wearing at home, on a Saturday’s afternoon (while typing you this) would cost me a completely out of touch amount of money on local brands (the ones that are truly transparent with what they do, which many aren’t anyways). The jeans and any other basic clothing I own to simply attend college, would also cost tons in really 100% transparent ethical local (good quality + likable design) brands where I live. I hope I can afford better sources one day but, by now, I have to mindfully purchase the less I can on Shein (but, still, purchase from them)… From my most special occasion to my most everyday clothing!

[@psychedelicaoverturned]

​@@craftypixel7992 walmart uses slave labour. target uses slave labour. h&m uses slave labour. gap, old navy, banana republic are all fast fashion. many designer brands use the same quality materials as shein. for many people, shein is the only affordable place to go aside from thrifting, and many people dont have access to thrift stores. thrifting is also! a complete gamble on whether or not you will find what you need.

[@psychedelicaoverturned]

​@@craftypixel7992 please name for me one verifiably ethical brand where i can purchase an entire outfit or a good pair of shoes for under $50, hell, even under $100.

[@annaworth286]

I only wash woollen items if they have a stain, but always hand wash in lukewarm water, and instead of fabric conditioner, my secret weapon is hair conditioner.

[@nomanejane5766]

What are the chemicals use to dye the shein fabric. I really doubt that shein isn't toxic

[@abunchofsmallaliens7250]

What Jean companies do you recommend?

[@reneebrody5877]

New subscriber ❤