Beginning with the launch of brands such as Zara and H&M in the 1990s and early 2000s, fast fashion built a reputation as the dominating sector of the fashion industry. With cheap labor and production costs, the speedy shopping method allows people to stay on trend without breaking the bank. Marked down prices for the items of the season can be very enticing, but they risk ramifications such as unjust labor practices and increased pollution.
Due to tariffs recently implemented by the Trump administration, fast fashion outlets such as Shein and Temu have experienced up to a 377% price increase across their products. Although many staunch Shein supporters have expressed an exasperation over these higher prices, the conversation surrounding the ethics of fast fashion brands has also been re-ignited.
One major ethical concern when it comes to fast fashion is the unjust working environment that these brands provide for their employees. The industry employs about 75 million workers, yet less than 2% earn a living wage. Employees have to endure unsafe working conditions, exhausting and unfair hours, minimal pay, and workplace discrimination.
Fast fashion also has significant effects on the planet and climate change. Its production comprises roughly 10% of total global carbon emissions, a number close to that of all emissions generated by the European Union, and ranking higher than air travel. Because of its high demand for raw materials such as water or petroleum, these quick methods for output have created an unprecedented level of pollution and degradation of air and water quality.
Alongside its ethical consequences, fast fashion also poses threats to individuality and causes people to become hyper-focused on trends and what they should be buying next. Fashion trends are nothing new, they have always been present in our society. However, the rapid turnover that these brands are able to achieve means that trends are changing faster than ever. The cheap prices mean that people aren’t afraid to keep buying, and the fast-moving trends mean that they will always have a reason to.
Shein and Temu may still remain as some of the cheapest options for clothing purchases, but the stunning price changes that consumers have seen at least cause people to look at these brands in another light. Emphasizing their detrimental effects and helping people foresee a future without such harmful practices.
These shifts have enlightened the public about the detrimental effects of fast fashion and have helped people foresee a future without such harmful practices.
