Shein workers has quickly become a popular topic since Shein has quickly become the most popular place in the fashion industry the place to shop for all your clothing and accessory needs. They seemingly have everything for the public eye, from adorable two-piece clothing sets to accessories for your home and vehicle. This company plays a huge part in fast fashion, which is defined as cheap and trendy clothes that are made quickly to meet consumer demand. You can easily spot a fast fashion company if they have thousands of trendy styles, a short turnaround time from the latest trend drop, low-quality material, and offshore manufacturing for cheap labor.
If you’ve heard certain things about Shein lately – such as “Shein tag messages” or “Shein clothes toxic” – you’re not alone. These odd and problematic statements and hashtags are raising eyebrows, and we want to get to the bottom of it.
But what exactly is going on in the public eye, and how can you help?
We’re here to give you our thoughts on Shein, the low-down of the various allegations, and what you can do to make an impact for the better.
- Shein
- October Investigation from Channel 4
- Shein Employees Hiding Messages In Tags
- Shein Child Labor Rumors
- Shein Sustainability
- Shein Toxic Clothing
- Our Shein Rating
- Other Big Brands With Similar Issues
- How to Help This Problem
- Stop Shopping at Shein
- Stop Supporting Shein
- Shop Ethical & Sustainable Competitors
- Shop at Thrift Stores
- Put an End to Shein and Help Shein Workers Today!
Shein
Want the details on why some have considered Shein “problematic,” “toxic,” and “downright disgusting?” Don’t take everyone’s word for it. Let’s start with the facts.
October Investigation from Channel 4
A 2022 investigation by the U.K.’s Channel 4 TV network unveiled the toxic work environment that Shein workers endure.
Shein employees are expected to work a shocking seven days per week for up to 18 hours a day. As a result of this punishing schedule, Shein workers likely get under six hours of sleep and spend minimal time with loved ones.
But the work hours aren’t the only issue hiding behind Shein’s walls. In the factories that were investigated, Shein workers only earned a base salary of approximately $556 per month. In return, they worked 18-plus hour days to make 500 or more articles of Shein clothing for women. As you can see from the chart below, their working conditions are drastic and their pay is painfully low.
In fact, we were shocked to learn that Shein workers receive less than half a percent of the retail price of each dress they make. Additionally, workers may only get one day off during an entire month. As sweatshops have been illegal in the United States for nearly a century, conscious shoppers should be wary of supporting inhumane labor practices abroad.
Shein Employees Hiding Messages In Tags
Recent news reports have also revealed an unsettling trend of Shein tag messages. Many customers claimed that they found Shein help me tags on their clothing. Understandably, people are disturbed and wonder if Shein workers are begging for help.
Although many media outlets have debunked these rumors, there are plenty of consumers who believe the tag messages are real, especially considering the horrible conditions Shein workers face.
Shein Child Labor Rumors
Another potential issue with Shein jobs is that the company is rumored to employ children. Needless to say, ending child labor is a cause that most people stand behind. Children are not supposed to be cooped up at work all day. Instead, they should be learning how to read, write, and enjoy life, even if that means longer wait times for fast fashion statements.
Shein Sustainability
Unfortunately, Shein falls short when it comes to safety and sustainability too. Shein’s recent sustainability and social impact report revealed that many of their suppliers have workplace safety issues.
Sixty-six percent of suppliers’ factories and warehouses ranked as “mediocre,” with up to three significant safety risks found in the workplace. Moreover, twelve percent of factories fell beneath the ZTV category. This means that there are significant safety violations present and immediate action is needed to protect workers.
Another sustainability report by Synthetics Anonymous 2.0 found that Shein emits 6.3 million tons of carbon dioxide every year. Although Shein says they’re trying to reduce their carbon footprint, the company doesn’t have a clear-cut plan to lower emissions. To demonstrate the scale of their environmental impact, we compared the carbon dioxide emissions of Shein and other popular e-commerce retailers.
The results are quite shocking. While Shein isn’t the worst offender, they produce eight times as much carbon dioxide per dollar of revenue compared to Asos. Although we understand the allure of fast fashion, the long-term repercussions aren’t worth it. Sadly, Shein’s emissions could imperil the global community’s effort to limit global warming to 1.5°C.
Shein Toxic Clothing
Another problem is the overall toxicity of Shein clothing. There are many claims that their clothes are toxic and contain harmful components, such as PFAS and phthalates.
Out of 47 Shein clothing items, 15 contained concerning amounts of toxic chemicals. Further, seven items breached EU regulations because they had such high levels of hazardous chemicals.
These findings not only impact customers, but also the environment. When Shein clothing for women is produced, hazardous chemicals are released into the air and wastewater. While these toxic compounds are found in many fast fashion statements, it doesn’t mean that they’re healthy for either workers or consumers.
Our Shein Rating
Just like many Shein customers, we aren’t happy with this new information about the company’s practices. Whether or not the Shein help me tags are genuine or if child labor is truly taking place, a few rumors simply can’t be dispelled.
From the extensively long hours to the ridiculously low amount of pay and concerning work environment, Shein has not taken any significant steps to reduce their carbon footprint or provide their workers with a safe workspace. They’re also selling clothes with known toxins, posing a legitimate safety concern. Given this overall lack of accountability, we rate Shein at one out of five.
Other Big Brands With Similar Issues
Shein isn’t the only company with workplace safety and sustainability issues. Many other popular brands have similar problems, including Amazon and Fashion Nova, which we’ve reviewed below.
Amazon
Amazon may be the global retail giant, but that doesn’t mean that their practices get an A+. Amazon workers experience many problems, such as long work hours, high turnover, and little time off. There’s also the issue of Amazon’s sustainability. Despite Amazon’s pledge to reduce emissions, the company’s carbon footprint actually increased 36% from 2018 to 2020.
For their treatment of workers and environmental stewardship, we give Amazon a three out of five.
Fashion Nova
Like Shein, Fashion Nova is an e-tailer that sells fast fashion statements to help you look and feel your best. However, they’re another business you mat not want to support.
According to the New York Times, Fashion Nova employees earn $2.77 per hour, which is about twice as much as Shein workers make. However, Fashion Nova’s workplace conditions are still subpar, leading us to give them two out of five stars. In addition, Fashion Nova lags behind when it comes to environmental stewardship. Sadly, the company hasn’t made any noticeable efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.
How to Help This Problem
The good news is that all hope isn’t lost. There are many ways that you can help Shein workers, including the four steps below.
Stop Shopping at Shein
Shein clothing for women is both beautiful and affordable, which makes it a tempting option. However, it’s important to remember who’s creating these fast fashion statements. It’s likely someone working in an unsafe factory getting very little sleep and pay. If you don’t approve of Shein’s working conditions, you shouldn’t shop there.
Stop Supporting Shein
In order to effectively boycott Shein, you have to stop supporting the company entirely. This means that you shouldn’t spend a single dime at their shop. Additionally, you shouldn’t watch or share any content related to Shein. In short, avoid doing anything that could increase Shein’s popularity or revenue.
Shop Ethical & Sustainable Competitors
While it may not be possible to find an exact replica of your Shein favorites, many brands substitute for your Shein favorites, many brands provide it good competition in terms of both price and stylingUsing just one example in this article, Asos produces eight times less carbon dioxide per dollar earned versus Shein.. Just as we were able to find reports on carbon dioxide emissions and working conditions online, consider the internet your friend! Several news sources report on major brands with verifiable coverage.
Shop at Thrift Stores
Instead of supporting Shein, consider shopping at your local thrift store. You’ll not only find great clothing, but also help the environment. It’s a win-win situation when you shop secondhand! Plus, you may even be able to score fast fashion statements from your favorite brands. You’d be surprised at how many treasures you can find at the thrift store.
Put an End to Shein and Help Shein Workers Today!
Although Shein clothing for women has become quite popular, recent news has shown why buyers should stop purchasing from this platform altogether. They treat their workers horrendously and may even engage in child labor. Also, Shein’s clothes have been labeled “toxic,” and they are not moving towards becoming more sustainable.
Sorry, ladies, but it’s time to put a stop to Shein and help Shein workers in 2023!
How much does Shein pay its workers?
According to Channel 4, employees at one of the facilities were paid a base salary of 4,000 yuan ($555.83) per month to produce a minimum of 500 outfits each day, but the first month’s pay was withheld. In order to earn a commission of 0.14 yuan or 2 cents, for each item, several of them worked into the night.
Where are the Shein workers located?
The documentary, which is hosted by journalist Iman Amrani, sends an undercover worker into two supplier factories in Guangzhou, U.K., to reveal the human cost of the retailer’s business strategy. What they discover is startling.
How many hours do Shein workers work?
A new investigation into fast fashion brand Shein has found that its factory workers supplying its garments are paid as little as three pence while working shifts of around 18 hours
