Fast Fashion: A Deadly Trend

Fast fashion has always been in the industry since the early 1990s and with phones, ordering online has made it much easier to purchase. Students share their views on the impact it has made in the fashion industry. Addyson Gunn, a sophomore, said, “I like how Shein delivers fast.” Both sophomores Addy Otto and Arianna Moynihan mentioned how they want the variety of options and that it is easily accessible. Most people unfortunately don’t know the dark truth behind these large corporations.

The main companies that use this model include Primark, H&M, Shein, and Zara. Many people online have grown to be concerned over the exploitation of workers for cheap labor, especially for Shein in Guangzhou. Women tend to be the target of these workshops. Production is such a low cost that oftentimes it leads to excessive waste.

By now, every American generates about 82 pounds of textile waste each year. Fast fashion makes up 10% of the world’s global emissions. Many clothes end up in stores like Plato’s Closet and the Goodwill but some charities are starting to not accept them because of their lack of quality. Fast fashion relies on trends coming and going, encouraging shoppers to continue buying their new products while tossing the old.

These companies tend to use harmful chemicals that are beyond the legal limits in numerous countries raising concerns over the long-term effects it may have such as infertility and premature birth. Shoes from Shein were discovered to use high levels of phthalates − chemicals used to make plastics more flexible − with one pair 229 times above the legal limit.

These products are easy to quickly produce and ship in no more than just 10 days after being manufactured. Though it is more costly, the quality allows for it to last longer, and buying from second-hand stores can help fight against the fast model.

There are mixed opinions ranging from how while fast fashion is affordable, it weighs against the true cost of cheap labor. It is safe to say that these companies’ methods are questionable. Many workers are furious, reporting how they receive poor pay for a 75-hour week and working conditions are unstable. Companies are refusing to change because most people buy into their easy-to-obtain products.

How can students help? Buy less. Try to use your old clothes for as long as you can. Whatever is in the back of your closet, donate to a charity. Learn how to use what you have now to help fight against fast fashion.