logo
episode-header-image
Jul 2023
22m 3s

The scandals of Shein's fast-fashion emp...

THE WASHINGTON POST
About this episode

Beyond Shein’s uber cheap clothes, the fast-fashion retailer from China has been involved in numerous scandals, including claims of human rights abuses. Even if you’ve never done a Shein haul, it’s time to get to know the massive company.


Read more:


A few weeks ago, a handful of influencers went on a paid brand trip for the fast-fashion company Shein. Known for its persistent TikTok ads and clothing haul videos, Shein showed off a factory where some of its clothes are made. Most influencers created videos about how much they love Shein and how well the workers were treated.


When these creators and social media stars got back from their trip, they faced an enormous amount of backlash, given allegations that Shein perpetuates human rights abuses, steals products from designers and inappropriately collects user data. Shein denies any wrongdoing.


Rachel Tashjian is a fashion reporter with The Post, and she says the multibillion-dollar company is more than just cheap sundresses and knickknacks. It’s now even drawing attention from U.S. lawmakers who oppose China’s alleged hand in Shein’s business dealing.

Up next
Yesterday
Bad Bunny, the Super Bowl and a MAGA meltdown
Puerto Rican music superstar Bad Bunny is having a phenomenal year. His seventh album, “Debí Tirar Más Fotos,” came out in January and spent weeks at the top of the charts. He sold out a musical residency in Puerto Rico. And now, he’s set to headline one of the biggest stages for ... Show More
19m 21s
Oct 8
The National Guard arrives in Chicago
Tensions have been escalating in Chicago since the Trump administration began a widespread immigration enforcement operation across the city in early September. Officers have ransacked homes and detained children during raids. Local and state officials have loudly denounced the m ... Show More
26m 47s
Oct 7
Negotiating over Trump's peace plan for Gaza
It is now Day 2 of peace talks in the region, with delegations from Israel and Hamas meeting in Egypt in an attempt to end the conflict. The peace deal – which was originally proposed by President Trump – would look to end fighting, secure the release of all remaining hostages an ... Show More
24m 44s
Recommended Episodes
Nov 2022
You Might Think Twice Before Buying Those New Jeans
Shein is one of the biggest fast-fashion brands in the world. Young women and girls film their “Shein hauls” for TikTok — showing off piles of trendy, cheap clothes they bought from the Chinese company. It’s on track this year for sales around $8 billion in the US alone. But a ne ... Show More
23m 34s
Nov 2022
The cost of Shein’s fast fashion disruption
Shein is one of the most successful start-ups in the world, and the fast fashion company’s rise parallels the global spread of the shopping holiday Black Friday. It has reportedly been valued at $100bn and it has been ranked the top shopping app in dozens of countries. But Shein ... Show More
18m 45s
Dec 2021
Fast fashion’s new superpower: Shein
Read a transcript of this episode on FT.comhttps://www.ft.com/content/99bcfb02-6de4-4658-9d7f-c210db884fdf The cost of flying cargo around the world has reached record levels, and workers are demanding that gig economy companies explain their algorithms. Plus, the FT’s retail cor ... Show More
10m 2s
May 2023
Shein : les dessous du leader chinois de « l'ultra fast fashion »
C’est la marque de vêtements qui cartonne auprès de la jeune génération. Shein, marque chinoise créée en 2012 séduit grâce à des prix très attractifs et une offre de produits sans cesse renouvelée. En moins de dix ans, le géant chinois qui distribue ses produits dans 150 pays, es ... Show More
19m 39s
Dec 2021
The Censoring of Peng Shuai
In November, Peng Shuai — one of China’s most popular tennis stars — took to Chinese social media to accuse Zhang Gaoli, who was a member of China’s seven-member ruling committee, of sexually assaulting her.Within minutes, Chinese censors had taken down Ms. Peng’s post, and, for ... Show More
27m 49s
Aug 2023
Shein trouble
The Chinese apparel company Shein is a favorite of Gen Z shoppers and the latest frontier in US-China tensions. Vogue Business editor Hilary Milnes explains why Congress, designers, and worker advocates are all determined to take down the global fast fashion juggernaut.This episo ... Show More
25m 50s
Apr 2021
Building a world without fast fashion
As people in wealthy countries look toward a vaccinated future, shopping is on the rise, and for many, the tide of fast fashion is pulling in a way that can feel difficult to escape. Love it or hate it, many feel they can’t live without quick and cheap clothes from brands like H& ... Show More
22m 5s