China/SheIn showing you how well cared for their workers is has the same vibes as them giving travel influencers tours to see the Uighur Chinese people in Xinjiang, where they are forced to dance and act happy because they are being tailed by government workers.
It's worse then you think. You have seen the factory and the people buying it. But what we don't see the what happens to those garments once the person is done with them - where do they go?
@@missd2657 oh my God that’s so true I read somewhere that fashion is the second most polluted industry in the world if I’m not mistaken It’s crazy that I only found out about that this year.... I finally understood why Vivienne Westwood said we should buy quality clothes so they can last longer and we should buy less
It was a calculated move on Shein’s part to use POC and plus size creators. Overconsumption is killing our planet. When we criticise the fast fashion industry people are quick to say “but what about poor people? 😢” but the thing is, if fast fashion is truly all you can afford, they are not the ones doing these grotesque hauls that are propping up the industry. If people were more thoughtful in their consumption by slowing down purchases, going for pre loved and taking care of the clothes they own we wouldn’t have this rate of production. Shein are not going to commit to sustainability because there is nothing sustainable about their business.
100%, that s also what I' ve thought immediately. Shein preyed on POC and plus size creators with 'rewards' that are usually only reserved for the very white, slim, blonde influencers who dominate social media- because those 'standard influences' "inspire" other women much more to wanna look like them because they meet the beauty standards. They "insprire" many to buy all the products the influencers shill and undergo procedures of sorts to look like them. Gotta love hyper-capitalism that makes very big buck on women's insecurities. But that is a whole topic in itself. So yeah, I am not surprised and can understand to some extent why influencers who don't fit the norm overwrite their ethics and values for $$$ and social media visibility- which I nevertheless find sad and disappointing. However, I think we need to hold much more influencers accountable for their promotion of overconsumption, regardless if it is Shein or if they fly around the world to Tahiti for a lux La-Mer sponsored trip. The planet is dying and we need to urgently find other forms of consumption that don't perpetuate the current form of capitalism. The classism aspect is also interesting, Shein is the fashion equivalent of a dollar store in the sense that it preys on people with lower incomes. They suggest that buying plastic trash 10x a year (bc is don't last) is better than buying a proper wool jumper that keeps you warm and lasts so much longer. And those don't need to be that expensive. I have some good H&M 100% wool jumpers that I bought in 2017 and still wear. But then again, sustainability is the enemy of capitalism. :(
"What about poor people?" YEAH, EXACTLY, WHAT OF THEM? YOU THINK THE PEOPLE WHO WORK 80 HOURS A WEEK MAKING NEXT TO NOTHING THEM FEEL ESPECIALLY SYMPATHETIC TO YOUR ASS? Even the poorest people in this country have way more privilege than the people that are basically slaves at these factories. I hate the "but what about poor people response" so fucking much. If you're gonna buy bottom of the barrel shien garbage, at least buy as little as you possibly can. Even this shitty stuff from Walmart or Target is made better and is still pretty fucking cheap. My 25 dollar pants I use for my physically active job and usually wear multiple times a week lasts me close to a year before they get holes. People just like making excuses for their overconsumption.
Very true they used plus sizes and black influencers to change public perception and by using diversity to show that they are a responsible brand which they are not
Thank you for this comment. I thought it was just me but I’m glad it wasn’t me being paranoid. They were very intentional about who they invited to this trip. I thought “how interesting that for this trip most of the influencers are POC, I wonder why...”
Good job Caitlin for calling Shein out. Am disgusted by those still buying and promoting Shein knowing just how dodgy they are, stealing designer's designs and infringing copyright etc. Boycott Shein!
Well done, Caitlin! I follow a French woman named Justine Leconte on YT. She has several videos/shorts regarding fast fashion (Shein in particular). Her content is very informative, intelligent and presented calmly. I have never purchased anything from Shein and never will. The “influencers” that promote this, and other fast fashion brands, should be ashamed of themselves.
That TikTok about the "international labor laws" has me raging. I worked directly with the Chinese subsidiaries of my company to draw up supply chain maps, which was nigh on impossible. We managed to get the primary suppliers to sign a statement aligning with MSA, but I know we never received full supply chain mapping from any of the primary suppliers. We knew that was very unlikely ever to happen. I did console myself at the time with the knowledge that ESG-focused investors are on the rise, as is the rise in mainstream investors looking to improve their ESG returns. However, this was mapping for a company that is and was very atrong from an ESG perspective. We could guarantee that our product was assembled and manufactured in our factories as our investors would wish, but it is still impossible to guarantee that all the parts are sourced and manufactured with thd same level of respect for the environment and human rights. Shein "auditing" factories means nothing to me.
As soon as I read about Shein years ago, they were on my blacklist. I can't imagine for one minute being uncaring enough to shop there; no clothes are that important to abandon my moral compass. That press trip was, as you so elegantly put it, propaganda, pure and simple. They took the money, were blinded by the idea of being flown to China for free (yes, it's expensive to fly there) and be put up in a hotel, all expenses blah blah blah. It was pure GREED that led them down this path and I will never believe that they're truly sorry - or they wouldn't have taken the job. I understand you can be naive, but I'm so cynical that anyone can be THAT naive, that I just think they're greedy mofos who have no morals and are apologising simply because of the backlash. Sadly, none of this surprises me, but I'm glad you've made this video, it's important we start to say 'no more' to influencers shilling for morally-devoid fast fashion companies.
Yeah shein is also not a place im shopping at though I do own a fair bit of their clothes I discovered after doing some thrifting. Same with fashionova. I don't like to judge people for shopping there if they're poor and buying an article of clothing they need- not that I don't think there are better options but we all have our things that prevent us from being perfect consumers in this capitalist society. What I do have an issue with is people who can obviously afford to shop somewhere else buying from shein, ESPECIALLY if it's hauls. Honestly I don't care if it's shein or Wish or Temu or Boohoo. I just can't stand when people buy a ton of cheap slave-labor made clothing and then throw it away. Or even when they donate it because it's making it so that those of us who thrift out of necessity can't get any good quality clothing. There's just no need for shopping hauls. Buy what you need- hell, but what you want! But please don't buy a whole bunch of shit you know you're not going to even wear at all. I know people are calling the influencers that do this out for it but there's clearly also a huge audience that doesnt, that supports them by watching and liking or this whole thing wouldn't be a problem in the first place.
Good video Caitlin!! We need more influencers denouncing this nonsense of “fair pay”, “good for the environment,” and “decent working conditions.” I watched a documentary on UK’s Channel Four; it showed how Shein workers in China were overwhelmed with the sheer number of hours they worked. 1!!! 1 day off a month, 15 hour workdays, so they wash their hair in their lunch break. Shein also is responsible for a number of issues regarding the cost to the environment - carbon emissions and poisoned water. It’s a whole mess. Thank you for your refreshing response. 😢
Amen sister. Just because you disagree with someone that doesn’t look like you (gender, race, nationality, religion) does not make you a racist or hateful person. You have a right to your own opinion.
Never bought from Shein and never will!!! It is very odd to see those influencers with luxury brand bags and the workers paid peanuts.... so inappropriate! Also the "apology video", when people say "I have value, ethic.. etc", they generally do not have moral, value... etc You do not see any concrete actions. You're right, the narcissist level is so high and make you so uncomfortable....
It makes me truly irritated to the pit of my soul that they used all black influencers for their factory trip!! So there were no other influencers that attended the tour that were of other ethnicities? I find that hard to believe. However, that would be a truly strategic move by SheIn. So angry by this! And truly disappointed by those influencers. This is what happens when people chase the almighty dollar without assessing their morals first.
I love what you said in the last part of your video: choose who we follow & support. At the end of the day, they are getting paid for every click & every sale they get on their channels. Look deeper into their moral values, ‘do they care about something bigger than themselves?’ Lately, even the content of those ‘minimalist’ creators I followed are full of sponsored videos, clothing hauls etc…so disappointing to say the least!
This narcissistic broads “apology” video is just 11 mins of her complimenting herself and claiming to care about “things” while being so vapid and money hungry that she’ll say anything for money. Social media brain rot. Thank you for posting this Caitlin! Love your vids as always.
Well done Caitlin, we need to shine light on these despicable practices and those that knowingly support them and I’m sure that with this particular company that it goes so much deeper than we can possibly know 😔
I posted this on the comments section of a newspaper article regarding this same topic: I’ve never purchased from Shein and stay as far away as I can from other fast fashion brands (Zara, H&M, Forever 21, etc). In part because all you have to do is touch the materials and you can tell that they will disintegrate after one wear. I also lived in Spain, where Zara is headquartered, and met a few of their employees. They were treated like garbage. The clothing designers, so we’re talking about people with college degrees and “good positions” were made to work insane hours. They would hop on planes to go to the factories in China, Bangladesh and India every week, come home and then fly back two days later (not in business class). They would bus them to and from the factories so they basically couldn’t leave unless they left on a scheduled shuttle. I was floored. These companies are parasitic, and we should open our eyes to that fact. And this was happening in the EU with EU citizens where they have some of the strictest labor laws, I can’t imagine what happens in the Chinese companies (when no one is looking).
And another wave of chills imagining that shein can probably, to some extent track back to the atcual factory that made the item or style and then take some reprimanding action towards those factory workers :(
Everyone can afford to not shop shein. There is not a single person who can't get clothes from somewhere else or just not get new clothes. You don't need a new outfit for every occasion. IDC if you only make 20k a year, buying from Shein is wrong and means you don't care about the people on the other end.
To not only take those brand deals but then subsequently make the most self-absorbed videos and make light of the entire situation… You don’t have to be engaged in politics and IR 24/7, but for the love of god have some basic understanding. Laughing at other people when you’re the one that has been brainwashed by propaganda (or are just being deliberately obtuse because it suits you)… is just wow. People this ignorant should not have a platform. Great video Caitlin, we talk about the brands (though nowhere near enough) but accountability has to also include the people promoting this crap and overconsumption to line their own pockets. Nobody is talking to the people that can’t afford and don’t have the time to ensure that they shop ethically, it’s the people doing weekly and monthly Shein and Zara hauls jumping from micro trend to micro trend whose job it is to make sure that other people feel like crap if they don’t have that ‘must have’ new polyester ‘piece’ that when they purchase is a race to see if it will fall apart in the wash or go out of style first.
Bravo, I am a black female and I couldn’t agree more with you. I was not impressed by these videos. Plus color should not have anything to do with what’s right or wrong.
SHEIN is one of the worst if not *The Worst!!!!!* Even in my toxic-watermelon-summer -aesthetic-villain-era™ I couldn't condone SHEIN. It's just NOT worth it!!!!!!
BRAVO to the high heavens for this video, Caitlin! 👏👏👏 I didn’t know anything about this “influencer “ trip and just when I thought I couldn’t hate this company more, Shein has managed to make me hate them even more. The absolute lies with this fake factory is a total PR game and they are infiltrating the most naive “influencers “ and treating them with first class tickets and royalty…of course any sellout “influencer “ will take the money and run. I have contemplated making a video of why I hate Shein but I couldn’t do it as articulately as you have. The lead that has actually been found in their product lines, the absolute trash that they produce for the Earth in manufacturing (not to mention 1 wash and it’s also garbage), the fact that they STEAL designs from small creators and businesses, the unethical work standards, the fact that they double down on their lies, and now these “influencer“ trips to “buy” their way into everyone’s social media feeds is beyond disgusting. This video needs to go viral, as well as all the other well informed videos exposing what damage Shein does to our health, morals standards and planet. ☠️
Its not about race or gender or about weight - its about VALUES. we as consumers are not dumb. We should not be influenced to support sweatshops and unfairly paid workers in a Shein factory - its actually so insulting they think that consumers are this dumb. If they really wanted to come at this from the disadvantage/diversity angle , what about the Shein workers that have the least privilege out of all the stakeholders in this situation- making less than what it costs to buy milk- for a whole days wages. Those workers have their rights and freedom and dignity taken away from them - they are the ones that are the real victims, not the influencers that have to wear contour. Do underpaid workers see themselves on social media?! Where is their representation?! Where is their voice? That influencers "apology" lacks understanding of the real genuine humam rights issue that Shein sweeps under the rug
Two things here - that trip was pure arrogance by the company and the accusations of racism are such an easy and common line to throw out. These companies make billions. They don’t care how they do it and if you challenge them they will try to bully and intimidate you - profit wins every time.
I admit that I got sucked into shein big time. Working on overcoming a shopping addiction I had to delete shein app off my Phone. There clothes are junky. I thrift my wardrobe nowadays. I enjoy higher ended brands made with quality for a fraction of the price. This is how we can afford quality Clothes.
I couldn't agree more about the insulting of our collective intelligence part. it was just appalling. The exposés on Shein were already out there when that pathetic pantomime of a trip occurred so I believe that those women were all 100% aware of what they were doing. what's worse is that Shein's main target is basically children (pre-teens and teens) and they might have the naivete to trust these women and their judgment way more then us. I think it's very important to teach our kids to have a healthy relationship with fashion and shopping in general. As you said we don't all have the financial means to be the "morally perfect consumer" but there's genuinely no need to spend a massive amount of money to look good and have garments that last at a modest price point. and learning how to choose right has never been simpler. there's plenty of great channels that help people do exactly that on YT.
Well to be fair, as someone having loads of personal experience with China factories, some did have the practice of afternoon nap after lunch lol they hv like 2 hours of lunch so they can took a nap, so it probably did happen in the one she visits as sample production factory are usually much more decent as it is usually the one that will be presented to client as advertisement and complete any corporate assessment by their client
The "plus size model and creator who is just so ethical, so true to herself, so wonderful and beautiful and strong and perfect" should not have made that first "apology" video at all. It comes off straight up narcissistic and ignorant. Just like the brand Shein itself, these influencers are ALL coming across as if they think we're stupid, overly sensitive, and blind. And the whole, "You're all just jealous that you don't get free trips from brands the way I do," is soooo shitty. I'm sure a lot of people- even me- can acknowledge that sometimes it would be nice to be sent free things and flown first class to foreign countries but this criticism isn't coming from jealousy. It's coming from the fact that we haven't been blinded by cash, by a flood of sudden wealth and internet clout that honestly (especially on tiktok) isn't even always deserved. Especially in the earlier days of the app's popularity you could make a couple dance videos or makeup videos or just do something weird on the trampoline or whatever and *boom,* you're viral and have millions of subscribers and brand deals and a whole bunch of money you never had to work for. So many influencers go into the profession just out of highschool (or for some even while they're still in highschool); they've never worked a day in their life at a typical job and they don't know how the world works; then add in the money and the followers/fans on top of that in a situation where unlike with good-old-fashioned celebrities there usually isn't a trade off of money and fame for some sort of special talent like acting or singing. It's even been shown by scientific research that things like extreme wealth and/or fame that separate someone from "normal" people often stunts one's empathy and that's something we often expect from celebrities but now we also see the same thing in soooo many influencers in which "being relatable" is supposed to be what sets them apart. I mean there's certainly an obvious lack of empathy in these influencers who went on this Shein brand trip. More than envy, I honestly feel pity for these people. They can't see things for what they are because the rose colored glasses are glued to their faces and for that I feel sorry for them, because they're not just contributing to harming other people. They're also hurting themselves and that is straight up sad. 🫠🫥🫤
I wish as someone who is disabled due to a chronic medical condition and being plus sized. That SHEIN and Temu weren’t some of the few clothing brands I can afford. I buy clothes once or twice a year and take care of those pieces. I am always looking for other brands and products that are more ethically made. I’m not blind to the issue.
You make a lot of awesome points throughout the video. Just found your channel and I’ve subscribed because I support people with a moral compass. I’m a content creator on UA-cam and I agree how frustrating it is when the bar to entry is so low that we let these ego driven people in to mislead and brainwash everyone into thinking that the behaviour of shien is okay. Thank you for making this video because honestly you are truely making a difference by putting your opinion out on the internet. 💙💙
Hey Caitlin, great video. Tbh I never heard of any of these influencers…I wonder did they pick lesser known ones on purpose because they’d be more malleable? Also, I am disappointed Naomi Campbell is going to work with “Pretty Little Things”, the British fast fashion chain
Hey! Caitlin my sister is so so excited to watch this video because she was eagerly eagerly waiting for this video you are my inspiration and I wish you have a beautiful day 💗😁💫
LOVE! LOVE! LOVE!!!!!!!! Would never buy from this company cheap labour and cheap, nasty crap! How do companies get away with treating people like this? Awful.
lol new subbie down in South Africa...love ur content, so real. u r my frnd in my heard bcz m and u keep it real while we still want to look good and expensive 🥰
If I know something about comunism, being from an ex comunist country, is how serious they are about the image they want to show the world. All look so nice from outside but is all a lie.
I also want to add that on top of the ridiculous labor conditions, SHEIN is notorious for copy designs of every brand you can think of, from high end luxury labels, independent designers to very small individual business owners! Their ‘design team’ literally scavenges through the whole internet/world and goes through every design they can to copy off of, its so ridiculous in so many aspects of their business!!!! I hv never bought and will never buy from this brand.
I absolutely don't believe it and we all know this is a pr trip and it's a horrible company among a ton others. I'm just tired of shine and all of the other companies who make cheap crap in china just ike American brands say we are an American brand but make and sources everything in china I'm over it. shein is a young company so I don't see how it can be used as an excuse for people who cant afford a lot shein is not their demographic.
I hate the term influencer. I follow people who can be described as creators or educators. The term influencer doesn't imply providing any value beyond being a corporate shill for hire.
Let’s also talk about these “Luxury” fashion practices. Just because it’s “luxury” which essentially mean overpriced does not mean the brand uses ethical practices.
I agree. It seems like a lot of these fashion companies are using unethical practices as well. I definitely would like to have seen this influencers video without it being stopped so frequently with commentary from Caitlin. I'd like to see it without her trying to tell me what to think about it. I totally disagree with the alleged practices of Shein and I definitely need to do more research into what they are doing to their workers. As of now, I'm definitely going to stop shopping with them. However, it makes me want to do my due diligence into the manufacturing of fashion as a whole.
It's all about the money for 99.9% of the people on this planet. People would pretty much sell their souls for the right price. And EVERYBODY has a right price.
Hi Caitlin, i watched this video, awhile ago. I just didnt know what do i want to say. But for a week, i was watching some shocking information. And here we are, no one really talks about that, but everybody like a program running, talking about these fast fashion companies. Dont get me wrong, i do not support abuse of any kind. I dont really care for fast fashion. I think with such overflow of second hand websites, there are such better affordable options. Someone who cant afford higher priced brands, should even more focussed to find and invest in some quality items….. anyways with that being said, i still going speak the truth! I cant be hypocrite. Someone wants you to focus on them, while i dont think major brands treating their workers well. And what about other things, like every gadget, every phone, needs certain metal, which children in Africa are mining, in worst conditions,risking their lives. You posed the question “ how with all that information, the influencers still choose to make scripted videos? Its very simple. Social engineering and MK ultra is real. Some of them, like a lot of you, believe what they believe. Its the same as we told you, that there is very dark agenda, against humanity, that viruses just dont appear, to that extent, that jabbies, will hurt you. But so many of you were saying that we are crazy. Just because media, celebrities, formed your thoughts, and we told you that all will come out. And here we are now, Johnson& Johnson jab, was recalled, a few months ago. And Dr Martin spoke at the EU parliament, and said in open, with facts behind it, that both virus and jabs, were bioweapon, against , we , the ppl. And more is going to come out, but so many of you, probably still dont believe. So speaking about distraction, while you all talking about this, no one pays attention, and talks about much worse things…. Child trafficking.By patriots, were released movie, on our Independence day, July 4th, that everyone needs to see “ Sound of freedom” so movie came out one week ago, only in some theaters in US, but no media, no politicians, no Hollyweird talking about it. Oh well they try to stop, to discredit, that its not truth. Movie based on real events. Its nothing you ever saw, its crushing, it shown, how this child trafficking 200 billion $ a year, business. And its not some crazy ppl kidnap children, or some drug lords, its your politicians involved, royals.. hollyweird, its crazy its worldwide. I knew about it for some years now, but to see it….. and again so many going to believe what media, or hollyweird saying, that its not truth! …. My answer to all of them, would be so i guess Epstein island didnt exist? With a list like royals, 90% hollyweird, like Naomi Campbell , charlize theron, clintons, …… this craziness is going to end soon. They all will be punished…. Or already are ? 😳 you all watching the movie… as real life… like i said in 2020, what is coming out now, everything i am saying now, will come to light as well. But as you were wondering how with all that information, they still went to China, and created those videos, the same way, so many , masses of ppl, would not believe the word i just said. But just look to Hollyweird, so many are suddenly trying to speak out. Tyrese , from the movie “ fast and furious” , just said this morning, that somehow, in Hollywood, is all about the devil…. His words not mine. And how many actors, speaking out! So yes its horrible that children are used as cheap work force, but its even more horrible, that these the trafficked children, have only 4-6 years life span. Adrenohrome is real …… 😡 So everyone who cares about humanity, and about our children, need to watch this movie🙏🙏🙏 Have a blessed day🙏💗
You are an influencer, you keep speaking like they are others, your in the group of influencers, everyone learns differently, I am sure they have learned from this experience. A great many people support that company, the numbers show it.
I really don't care. I'm going to keep buying Shein. No one has given up their smart phones regardless of the horrific conditions that Africans suffer by mining some of the parts that go into smart phones. Same for diamonds. You cannot avoid it. Someone will always suffer for another man's comfort unfortunately. It's a bit hypocritical to call out Shein but not Apple and Samsung as well as other smart phone and electric brands. Who are you to judge when you are just as much as a contributor to forced labor and bad workforce practices? We all are. There is no way around it.
I get your frustration, but I don’t think all consumption is created equal. For example, having a smartphone has become a necessity to navigate life (at least in the US) but having a large/trendy wardrobe is absolutely not a necessity. So, I choose to buy phones secondhand and use them until they’re totally unusable and I choose to keep my wardrobe relatively minimal and replace pieces as needed with secondhand options. While I have to accept that none of the options available to us are perfect, I can make *better* choices that cause less harm.
Do you believe what you saw from the content posted from this brand trip? Do you think Shein isn’t as bad as we think?
What I believe is the videos from the actual factories!!!
China/SheIn showing you how well cared for their workers is has the same vibes as them giving travel influencers tours to see the Uighur Chinese people in Xinjiang, where they are forced to dance and act happy because they are being tailed by government workers.
@@Iquey I know right
What’s sad is that there are people that will actually believe these influencers just because they are people of colour
It's worse then you think. You have seen the factory and the people buying it. But what we don't see the what happens to those garments once the person is done with them - where do they go?
@@missd2657 oh my God that’s so true
I read somewhere that fashion is the second most polluted industry in the world if I’m not mistaken
It’s crazy that I only found out about that this year.... I finally understood why Vivienne Westwood said we should buy quality clothes so they can last longer and we should buy less
It was a calculated move on Shein’s part to use POC and plus size creators.
Overconsumption is killing our planet. When we criticise the fast fashion industry people are quick to say “but what about poor people? 😢” but the thing is, if fast fashion is truly all you can afford, they are not the ones doing these grotesque hauls that are propping up the industry. If people were more thoughtful in their consumption by slowing down purchases, going for pre loved and taking care of the clothes they own we wouldn’t have this rate of production. Shein are not going to commit to sustainability because there is nothing sustainable about their business.
Couldn’t agree more!
100%, that s also what I' ve thought immediately. Shein preyed on POC and plus size creators with 'rewards' that are usually only reserved for the very white, slim, blonde influencers who dominate social media- because those 'standard influences' "inspire" other women much more to wanna look like them because they meet the beauty standards. They "insprire" many to buy all the products the influencers shill and undergo procedures of sorts to look like them. Gotta love hyper-capitalism that makes very big buck on women's insecurities. But that is a whole topic in itself. So yeah, I am not surprised and can understand to some extent why influencers who don't fit the norm overwrite their ethics and values for $$$ and social media visibility- which I nevertheless find sad and disappointing. However, I think we need to hold much more influencers accountable for their promotion of overconsumption, regardless if it is Shein or if they fly around the world to Tahiti for a lux La-Mer sponsored trip. The planet is dying and we need to urgently find other forms of consumption that don't perpetuate the current form of capitalism. The classism aspect is also interesting, Shein is the fashion equivalent of a dollar store in the sense that it preys on people with lower incomes. They suggest that buying plastic trash 10x a year (bc is don't last) is better than buying a proper wool jumper that keeps you warm and lasts so much longer. And those don't need to be that expensive. I have some good H&M 100% wool jumpers that I bought in 2017 and still wear. But then again, sustainability is the enemy of capitalism. :(
"What about poor people?"
YEAH, EXACTLY, WHAT OF THEM? YOU THINK THE PEOPLE WHO WORK 80 HOURS A WEEK MAKING NEXT TO NOTHING THEM FEEL ESPECIALLY SYMPATHETIC TO YOUR ASS?
Even the poorest people in this country have way more privilege than the people that are basically slaves at these factories. I hate the "but what about poor people response" so fucking much. If you're gonna buy bottom of the barrel shien garbage, at least buy as little as you possibly can. Even this shitty stuff from Walmart or Target is made better and is still pretty fucking cheap. My 25 dollar pants I use for my physically active job and usually wear multiple times a week lasts me close to a year before they get holes.
People just like making excuses for their overconsumption.
Very true they used plus sizes and black influencers to change public perception and by using diversity to show that they are a responsible brand which they are not
Thank you for this comment. I thought it was just me but I’m glad it wasn’t me being paranoid. They were very intentional about who they invited to this trip. I thought “how interesting that for this trip most of the influencers are POC, I wonder why...”
"I'm human" - every UA-cam apology ever
🎶 I’m only human 🎵
Good job Caitlin for calling Shein out. Am disgusted by those still buying and promoting Shein knowing just how dodgy they are, stealing designer's designs and infringing copyright etc. Boycott Shein!
Well done, Caitlin! I follow a French woman named Justine Leconte on YT. She has several videos/shorts regarding fast fashion (Shein in particular). Her content is very informative, intelligent and presented calmly. I have never purchased anything from Shein and never will. The “influencers” that promote this, and other fast fashion brands, should be ashamed of themselves.
Thanks for sharing!!
Justine is great. I love videos like Caitlin’s and Justine’s that help us make better choices.
That TikTok about the "international labor laws" has me raging. I worked directly with the Chinese subsidiaries of my company to draw up supply chain maps, which was nigh on impossible. We managed to get the primary suppliers to sign a statement aligning with MSA, but I know we never received full supply chain mapping from any of the primary suppliers. We knew that was very unlikely ever to happen. I did console myself at the time with the knowledge that ESG-focused investors are on the rise, as is the rise in mainstream investors looking to improve their ESG returns. However, this was mapping for a company that is and was very atrong from an ESG perspective. We could guarantee that our product was assembled and manufactured in our factories as our investors would wish, but it is still impossible to guarantee that all the parts are sourced and manufactured with thd same level of respect for the environment and human rights. Shein "auditing" factories means nothing to me.
Thankyou for sharing this! X
As soon as I read about Shein years ago, they were on my blacklist. I can't imagine for one minute being uncaring enough to shop there; no clothes are that important to abandon my moral compass.
That press trip was, as you so elegantly put it, propaganda, pure and simple. They took the money, were blinded by the idea of being flown to China for free (yes, it's expensive to fly there) and be put up in a hotel, all expenses blah blah blah. It was pure GREED that led them down this path and I will never believe that they're truly sorry - or they wouldn't have taken the job. I understand you can be naive, but I'm so cynical that anyone can be THAT naive, that I just think they're greedy mofos who have no morals and are apologising simply because of the backlash. Sadly, none of this surprises me, but I'm glad you've made this video, it's important we start to say 'no more' to influencers shilling for morally-devoid fast fashion companies.
Yeah shein is also not a place im shopping at though I do own a fair bit of their clothes I discovered after doing some thrifting. Same with fashionova. I don't like to judge people for shopping there if they're poor and buying an article of clothing they need- not that I don't think there are better options but we all have our things that prevent us from being perfect consumers in this capitalist society. What I do have an issue with is people who can obviously afford to shop somewhere else buying from shein, ESPECIALLY if it's hauls.
Honestly I don't care if it's shein or Wish or Temu or Boohoo. I just can't stand when people buy a ton of cheap slave-labor made clothing and then throw it away. Or even when they donate it because it's making it so that those of us who thrift out of necessity can't get any good quality clothing. There's just no need for shopping hauls. Buy what you need- hell, but what you want! But please don't buy a whole bunch of shit you know you're not going to even wear at all.
I know people are calling the influencers that do this out for it but there's clearly also a huge audience that doesnt, that supports them by watching and liking or this whole thing wouldn't be a problem in the first place.
Good video Caitlin!! We need more influencers denouncing this nonsense of “fair pay”, “good for the environment,” and “decent working conditions.” I watched a documentary on UK’s Channel Four; it showed how Shein workers in China were overwhelmed with the sheer number of hours they worked. 1!!! 1 day off a month, 15 hour workdays, so they wash their hair in their lunch break. Shein also is responsible for a number of issues regarding the cost to the environment - carbon emissions and poisoned water. It’s a whole mess. Thank you for your refreshing response. 😢
Thankyou for watching ☺️
Amen sister. Just because you disagree with someone that doesn’t look like you (gender, race, nationality, religion) does not make you a racist or hateful person. You have a right to your own opinion.
🫶👏
Never bought from Shein and never will!!! It is very odd to see those influencers with luxury brand bags and the workers paid peanuts.... so inappropriate! Also the "apology video", when people say "I have value, ethic.. etc", they generally do not have moral, value... etc You do not see any concrete actions. You're right, the narcissist level is so high and make you so uncomfortable....
It’s super bizarre that’s for sure x
It makes me truly irritated to the pit of my soul that they used all black influencers for their factory trip!! So there were no other influencers that attended the tour that were of other ethnicities? I find that hard to believe. However, that would be a truly strategic move by SheIn. So angry by this! And truly disappointed by those influencers. This is what happens when people chase the almighty dollar without assessing their morals first.
I love what you said in the last part of your video: choose who we follow & support. At the end of the day, they are getting paid for every click & every sale they get on their channels. Look deeper into their moral values, ‘do they care about something bigger than themselves?’
Lately, even the content of those ‘minimalist’ creators I followed are full of sponsored videos, clothing hauls etc…so disappointing to say the least!
Thankyou for watching x
This narcissistic broads “apology” video is just 11 mins of her complimenting herself and claiming to care about “things” while being so vapid and money hungry that she’ll say anything for money. Social media brain rot.
Thank you for posting this Caitlin! Love your vids as always.
Thankyou for watching! X
Well done Caitlin, we need to shine light on these despicable practices and those that knowingly support them and I’m sure that with this particular company that it goes so much deeper than we can possibly know 😔
Thankyou so much for watching 💕
I posted this on the comments section of a newspaper article regarding this same topic:
I’ve never purchased from Shein and stay as far away as I can from other fast fashion brands (Zara, H&M, Forever 21, etc). In part because all you have to do is touch the materials and you can tell that they will disintegrate after one wear.
I also lived in Spain, where Zara is headquartered, and met a few of their employees. They were treated like garbage. The clothing designers, so we’re talking about people with college degrees and “good positions” were made to work insane hours. They would hop on planes to go to the factories in China, Bangladesh and India every week, come home and then fly back two days later (not in business class). They would bus them to and from the factories so they basically couldn’t leave unless they left on a scheduled shuttle. I was floored. These companies are parasitic, and we should open our eyes to that fact. And this was happening in the EU with EU citizens where they have some of the strictest labor laws, I can’t imagine what happens in the Chinese companies (when no one is looking).
Thankyou for sharing your experiences!
The “send help” printing on the clothing label gave me chills
Same it creeped me out!
And another wave of chills imagining that shein can probably, to some extent track back to the atcual factory that made the item or style and then take some reprimanding action towards those factory workers :(
Everyone can afford to not shop shein. There is not a single person who can't get clothes from somewhere else or just not get new clothes. You don't need a new outfit for every occasion. IDC if you only make 20k a year, buying from Shein is wrong and means you don't care about the people on the other end.
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To not only take those brand deals but then subsequently make the most self-absorbed videos and make light of the entire situation… You don’t have to be engaged in politics and IR 24/7, but for the love of god have some basic understanding. Laughing at other people when you’re the one that has been brainwashed by propaganda (or are just being deliberately obtuse because it suits you)… is just wow. People this ignorant should not have a platform.
Great video Caitlin, we talk about the brands (though nowhere near enough) but accountability has to also include the people promoting this crap and overconsumption to line their own pockets. Nobody is talking to the people that can’t afford and don’t have the time to ensure that they shop ethically, it’s the people doing weekly and monthly Shein and Zara hauls jumping from micro trend to micro trend whose job it is to make sure that other people feel like crap if they don’t have that ‘must have’ new polyester ‘piece’ that when they purchase is a race to see if it will fall apart in the wash or go out of style first.
Thankyou for sharing your thoughts on this topic! X
Bravo, I am a black female and I couldn’t agree more with you. I was not impressed by these videos. Plus color should not have anything to do with what’s right or wrong.
SHEIN is one of the worst if not *The Worst!!!!!* Even in my toxic-watermelon-summer -aesthetic-villain-era™ I couldn't condone SHEIN. It's just NOT worth it!!!!!!
Agreed!
Preach
BRAVO to the high heavens for this video, Caitlin! 👏👏👏 I didn’t know anything about this “influencer “ trip and just when I thought I couldn’t hate this company more, Shein has managed to make me hate them even more. The absolute lies with this fake factory is a total PR game and they are infiltrating the most naive “influencers “ and treating them with first class tickets and royalty…of course any sellout “influencer “ will take the money and run. I have contemplated making a video of why I hate Shein but I couldn’t do it as articulately as you have. The lead that has actually been found in their product lines, the absolute trash that they produce for the Earth in manufacturing (not to mention 1 wash and it’s also garbage), the fact that they STEAL designs from small creators and businesses, the unethical work standards, the fact that they double down on their lies, and now these “influencer“ trips to “buy” their way into everyone’s social media feeds is beyond disgusting. This video needs to go viral, as well as all the other well informed videos exposing what damage Shein does to our health, morals standards and planet. ☠️
Thankyou so much for watching and sharing your two cents on this very complex and messy topic
👏🏾👏🏾 so glad you decided to cover these topics. Really appreciate the change of videos, keep it up girl ❤️❤️
Its not about race or gender or about weight - its about VALUES. we as consumers are not dumb. We should not be influenced to support sweatshops and unfairly paid workers in a Shein factory - its actually so insulting they think that consumers are this dumb.
If they really wanted to come at this from the disadvantage/diversity angle , what about the Shein workers that have the least privilege out of all the stakeholders in this situation- making less than what it costs to buy milk- for a whole days wages. Those workers have their rights and freedom and dignity taken away from them - they are the ones that are the real victims, not the influencers that have to wear contour. Do underpaid workers see themselves on social media?! Where is their representation?! Where is their voice? That influencers "apology" lacks understanding of the real genuine humam rights issue that Shein sweeps under the rug
Two things here - that trip was pure arrogance by the company and the accusations of racism are such an easy and common line to throw out. These companies make billions. They don’t care how they do it and if you challenge them they will try to bully and intimidate you - profit wins every time.
That never-ending apology video really tested my patience. Get to the point!!!!!!!!
Gotta wait for those live viewers to join and hit that 10min mark 😉
I admit that I got sucked into shein big time. Working on overcoming a shopping addiction I had to delete shein app off my
Phone. There clothes are junky.
I thrift my wardrobe nowadays. I enjoy higher ended brands made with quality for a fraction of the price.
This is how we can afford quality
Clothes.
Influencer apologies are the most cringe, red flag things I've seen.
Crappy cheap clothes for sure. Didn’t know about the story behind it, but i do know you dont get what is in the picture at all!
Thank you Caitlin, your channel is so refreshing 💕 Maybe there is some hope after all.
Thankyou for watching xx
If u cant afford ethically made pieces there is a ton on the secondhand market.
Secondhand Shein pieces 😂
Agreed, Caitlin! You have my support and time and love seeing your videos, hearing your thoughts and opinions.
Thank you so much!
I couldn't agree more about the insulting of our collective intelligence part. it was just appalling. The exposés on Shein were already out there when that pathetic pantomime of a trip occurred so I believe that those women were all 100% aware of what they were doing.
what's worse is that Shein's main target is basically children (pre-teens and teens) and they might have the naivete to trust these women and their judgment way more then us. I think it's very important to teach our kids to have a healthy relationship with fashion and shopping in general.
As you said we don't all have the financial means to be the "morally perfect consumer" but there's genuinely no need to spend a massive amount of money to look good and have garments that last at a modest price point. and learning how to choose right has never been simpler. there's plenty of great channels that help people do exactly that on YT.
great video again, Caitlin! I love your critical and roast videos the most. So important and love that you always call a spade a spade.
Thankyou so much x
I agree with you about this video 100% people are so easily brainwashed, especially the young I think these days
Well to be fair, as someone having loads of personal experience with China factories, some did have the practice of afternoon nap after lunch lol they hv like 2 hours of lunch so they can took a nap, so it probably did happen in the one she visits as sample production factory are usually much more decent as it is usually the one that will be presented to client as advertisement and complete any corporate assessment by their client
The "plus size model and creator who is just so ethical, so true to herself, so wonderful and beautiful and strong and perfect" should not have made that first "apology" video at all. It comes off straight up narcissistic and ignorant. Just like the brand Shein itself, these influencers are ALL coming across as if they think we're stupid, overly sensitive, and blind.
And the whole, "You're all just jealous that you don't get free trips from brands the way I do," is soooo shitty. I'm sure a lot of people- even me- can acknowledge that sometimes it would be nice to be sent free things and flown first class to foreign countries but this criticism isn't coming from jealousy. It's coming from the fact that we haven't been blinded by cash, by a flood of sudden wealth and internet clout that honestly (especially on tiktok) isn't even always deserved.
Especially in the earlier days of the app's popularity you could make a couple dance videos or makeup videos or just do something weird on the trampoline or whatever and *boom,* you're viral and have millions of subscribers and brand deals and a whole bunch of money you never had to work for. So many influencers go into the profession just out of highschool (or for some even while they're still in highschool); they've never worked a day in their life at a typical job and they don't know how the world works; then add in the money and the followers/fans on top of that in a situation where unlike with good-old-fashioned celebrities there usually isn't a trade off of money and fame for some sort of special talent like acting or singing.
It's even been shown by scientific research that things like extreme wealth and/or fame that separate someone from "normal" people often stunts one's empathy and that's something we often expect from celebrities but now we also see the same thing in soooo many influencers in which "being relatable" is supposed to be what sets them apart. I mean there's certainly an obvious lack of empathy in these influencers who went on this Shein brand trip. More than envy, I honestly feel pity for these people. They can't see things for what they are because the rose colored glasses are glued to their faces and for that I feel sorry for them, because they're not just contributing to harming other people. They're also hurting themselves and that is straight up sad. 🫠🫥🫤
Lol Potemkin village fashion edition. A true narcissist never feels sorry bc they can’t.
I wish as someone who is disabled due to a chronic medical condition and being plus sized. That SHEIN and Temu weren’t some of the few clothing brands I can afford. I buy clothes once or twice a year and take care of those pieces. I am always looking for other brands and products that are more ethically made. I’m not blind to the issue.
It's gross really. If you compare how many follows Kylie Jenner has compared to Greta Thunberg , it just tells you where we are at!
Perfect analysis. Great video, Caitlin!
Thanks so much!
Hi I love your videos exposing them!!!! One thing is I've been to china and I heard that they do take naps after lunch though 😅
You make a lot of awesome points throughout the video. Just found your channel and I’ve subscribed because I support people with a moral compass. I’m a content creator on UA-cam and I agree how frustrating it is when the bar to entry is so low that we let these ego driven people in to mislead and brainwash everyone into thinking that the behaviour of shien is okay. Thank you for making this video because honestly you are truely making a difference by putting your opinion out on the internet. 💙💙
Thank you so much for being here and sharing your thoughts ❤️
Hey Caitlin, great video. Tbh I never heard of any of these influencers…I wonder did they pick lesser known ones on purpose because they’d be more malleable? Also, I am disappointed Naomi Campbell is going to work with “Pretty Little Things”, the British fast fashion chain
Good question!
Hey! Caitlin my sister is so so excited to watch this video because she was eagerly eagerly waiting for this video you are my inspiration and I wish you have a beautiful day 💗😁💫
Very insightful and informative ❤
LOVE! LOVE! LOVE!!!!!!!! Would never buy from this company cheap labour and cheap, nasty crap! How do companies get away with treating people like this? Awful.
Well done, Caitlyn 👏
Thanks for watching xx
Great video and happy belated 4th of July to you and your family.🤩
Happy 4th of July! X
She’s in Australia…
i did two shops at shein. all of it expect a pair of jean shorts were poor quality and thrown out within a few months. never again.
lol new subbie down in South Africa...love ur content, so real. u r my frnd in my heard bcz m and u keep it real while we still want to look good and expensive 🥰
Thanks for subbing! 🥰😘
The first video of the factory kinda gives the Kim Jong un style tours of North Korea.
Thanks for being a real one, Caitlin 💯🔥💖
🥰🥰🥰
Love your videos ❤❤
Thankyou!
If I know something about comunism, being from an ex comunist country, is how serious they are about the image they want to show the world. All look so nice from outside but is all a lie.
Unfortunately the world has way too many followers who can't think for themselves!
The nicest way I can think of saying this is... the influences featured here are rather dim.
I also want to add that on top of the ridiculous labor conditions, SHEIN is notorious for copy designs of every brand you can think of, from high end luxury labels, independent designers to very small individual business owners! Their ‘design team’ literally scavenges through the whole internet/world and goes through every design they can to copy off of, its so ridiculous in so many aspects of their business!!!! I hv never bought and will never buy from this brand.
Dear Caitlin I love you and thank you for doing this video 😂
What a great video 😊
I absolutely don't believe it and we all know this is a pr trip and it's a horrible company among a ton others. I'm just tired of shine and all of the other companies who make cheap crap in china just ike American brands say we are an American brand but make and sources everything in china I'm over it. shein is a young company so I don't see how it can be used as an excuse for people who cant afford a lot shein is not their demographic.
I hate the term influencer. I follow people who can be described as creators or educators. The term influencer doesn't imply providing any value beyond being a corporate shill for hire.
Let’s also talk about these “Luxury” fashion practices. Just because it’s “luxury” which essentially mean overpriced does not mean the brand uses ethical practices.
I agree. It seems like a lot of these fashion companies are using unethical practices as well. I definitely would like to have seen this influencers video without it being stopped so frequently with commentary from Caitlin. I'd like to see it without her trying to tell me what to think about it. I totally disagree with the alleged practices of Shein and I definitely need to do more research into what they are doing to their workers. As of now, I'm definitely going to stop shopping with them. However, it makes me want to do my due diligence into the manufacturing of fashion as a whole.
Was the original brand trip video taken down? I can’t find it anywhere just people reacting to it
Please don’t buy from this brand it’s not great in all areas ❤
great video !
I love your content.
😊
Why does this video have so few likes!!
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It's all about the money for 99.9% of the people on this planet. People would pretty much sell their souls for the right price. And EVERYBODY has a right price.
Hi Caitlin, i watched this video, awhile ago. I just didnt know what do i want to say. But for a week, i was watching some shocking information. And here we are, no one really talks about that, but everybody like a program running, talking about these fast fashion companies. Dont get me wrong, i do not support abuse of any kind. I dont really care for fast fashion. I think with such overflow of second hand websites, there are such better affordable options. Someone who cant afford higher priced brands, should even more focussed to find and invest in some quality items….. anyways with that being said, i still going speak the truth! I cant be hypocrite. Someone wants you to focus on them, while i dont think major brands treating their workers well. And what about other things, like every gadget, every phone, needs certain metal, which children in Africa are mining, in worst conditions,risking their lives. You posed the question “ how with all that information, the influencers still choose to make scripted videos? Its very simple. Social engineering and MK ultra is real. Some of them, like a lot of you, believe what they believe. Its the same as we told you, that there is very dark agenda, against humanity, that viruses just dont appear, to that extent, that jabbies, will hurt you. But so many of you were saying that we are crazy. Just because media, celebrities, formed your thoughts, and we told you that all will come out. And here we are now, Johnson& Johnson jab, was recalled, a few months ago. And Dr Martin spoke at the EU parliament, and said in open, with facts behind it, that both virus and jabs, were bioweapon, against , we , the ppl. And more is going to come out, but so many of you, probably still dont believe. So speaking about distraction, while you all talking about this, no one pays attention, and talks about much worse things…. Child trafficking.By patriots, were released movie, on our Independence day, July 4th, that everyone needs to see “ Sound of freedom” so movie came out one week ago, only in some theaters in US, but no media, no politicians, no Hollyweird talking about it. Oh well they try to stop, to discredit, that its not truth. Movie based on real events. Its nothing you ever saw, its crushing, it shown, how this child trafficking 200 billion $ a year, business. And its not some crazy ppl kidnap children, or some drug lords, its your politicians involved, royals.. hollyweird, its crazy its worldwide. I knew about it for some years now, but to see it….. and again so many going to believe what media, or hollyweird saying, that its not truth! …. My answer to all of them, would be so i guess Epstein island didnt exist? With a list like royals, 90% hollyweird, like Naomi Campbell , charlize theron, clintons, …… this craziness is going to end soon. They all will be punished…. Or already are ? 😳 you all watching the movie… as real life… like i said in 2020, what is coming out now, everything i am saying now, will come to light as well. But as you were wondering how with all that information, they still went to China, and created those videos, the same way, so many , masses of ppl, would not believe the word i just said. But just look to Hollyweird, so many are suddenly trying to speak out. Tyrese , from the movie “ fast and furious” , just said this morning, that somehow, in Hollywood, is all about the devil…. His words not mine. And how many actors, speaking out! So yes its horrible that children are used as cheap work force, but its even more horrible, that these the trafficked children, have only 4-6 years life span. Adrenohrome is real …… 😡 So everyone who cares about humanity, and about our children, need to watch this movie🙏🙏🙏 Have a blessed day🙏💗
You are an influencer, you keep speaking like they are others, your in the group of influencers, everyone learns differently, I am sure they have learned from this experience. A great many people support that company, the numbers show it.
I really don't care. I'm going to keep buying Shein. No one has given up their smart phones regardless of the horrific conditions that Africans suffer by mining some of the parts that go into smart phones. Same for diamonds. You cannot avoid it. Someone will always suffer for another man's comfort unfortunately. It's a bit hypocritical to call out Shein but not Apple and Samsung as well as other smart phone and electric brands. Who are you to judge when you are just as much as a contributor to forced labor and bad workforce practices? We all are. There is no way around it.
I get your frustration, but I don’t think all consumption is created equal. For example, having a smartphone has become a necessity to navigate life (at least in the US) but having a large/trendy wardrobe is absolutely not a necessity. So, I choose to buy phones secondhand and use them until they’re totally unusable and I choose to keep my wardrobe relatively minimal and replace pieces as needed with secondhand options. While I have to accept that none of the options available to us are perfect, I can make *better* choices that cause less harm.
There are no alternatives for smart phones, clothing is a different story