What exactly is fast fashion? Here is the dictionary’s definition of fast fashion:
fast fash·ion
noun
Fast Fashion Brands you Need to Avoid:
1. Shein
When it comes to “the face” of fast fashion brands, Shein is usually it. If you use TikTok at all then chances are you’ve seen their ads for $300 clothing hauls and so on. This is problematic in and of itself since some of their clothing items go for a mere $0.99! These hauls promote over-consumerism and teach people it’s ok to throw clothing away after only a few wears because it costs so little.
Shein pays their workers very little while their CEO’s net worth is an estimated 1.5 million. Everything about this brand is unsustainable and unethical.
2. Romwe
Romwe is very similar to Shein when it comes to pumping out new styles every day, overworking, underpaying and promoting consumerism. Romwe provides literally no information on their website as to their ethics, sourcing or sustainability. We literally have no idea where they’re getting their clothes from and that’s reason enough to not support this brand.
3. Forever21
Forever21 is a popular stop for teens and adults in a lot of shopping malls across the world. It’s also pretty unethical. Their information on their website, while not nothing, is extremely vague. Forever21 has been known to use labour and underpay their employees with some garment workers only making a few cents per article f clothing they make meanwhile their CEO’s have an estimated net worth of 1.6 BILLION dollars.
4.H&M
H&M really wants you to believe they’re a sustainable brand especially with their “sustainable” clothing lines and their “close the loop” program and their “recycling program” but don’t let these greenwashing tactics fool you. They are anything but ethical and sustainable. I actually have an entire blog post all about debunking their “gree” claims that you can read here.
5. Garage
Garage is primarily a Canadian brand and one I frequently visited in the mall as a teenager. They have very limited information on their website which if you aren’t picking up on yet, means they can’t be trusted. While their Code of Conduct covers the ILO four fundamentals freedom principles there is nothing to ensure that workers are actually being paid a fair living age.
Related reading:
What is ethical fashion and why it matters
Ethical fashion brands to try if you love H&M
Of course, there are more than 5 fast fashion brands in the world. And here are more than 5 that you should probably avoid. That being said, these 5 are some of the worst when I think about a terrible fast fashion brand that specializes in exploitation and unsustainability.
Well, there you have it! 5 fast fashion brands you need to avoid. I of course recognize my privilege to avoid these brands, but if you have the option between these and a thrift store or even a different fast fashion brand, try to avoid these.
Thank you so much for reading, please don’t forget to share this post an follow me on Instagram for daily ethical fashion and sustainable living inspiration!
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