In the midst of a pandemic, online shopping has become crucial. It’s a reliable option for those who are still quarantining and do not have access to malls and shopping outlets. ROMWE and SHEIN are two retail websites that have gained major popularity via social media — particularly through TikTok and YouTube shopping reviews. Because of their low prices, these companies attract a large target market; especially among young people who are seeking out trends without the hefty price tags.
Despite their convenience, the methods and practices of producing clothes and jewelry at such low costs are questionable, possibly unethical — to say the very least.
Fast fashion indicates the quick production of clothes to meet the latest trends. They, therefore, challenge companies who produce more seasonal collections. Unethically produced, their clothing is of poor quality — sold at a low price.
Most consumers do not mind the lack of quality since they can easily buy new products in replacement. They are, however, often oblivious to the environmental toxicity. Fast fashion typically uses toxic dyes and synthetic materials in production and as a result, is the second most polluting industry on earth after the oil industry.
SHEIN
SHEIN describes itself as:
“An international B2C fast fashion e-commerce platform. The brand was founded in October 2008, and since then it has upheld the philosophy that “everyone can enjoy the beauty of fashion.”
There does not seem to be any malintent behind the company’s self-declared vision. It is indeed expensive and difficult to keep up with the everchanging market of trends. SHEIN wants to standardize affordable clothing? Right?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LHS6czGyGk
So then, what’s the difference between ROMWE and SHEIN?
The two companies establish themselves as two different organizations, however, they both produce the same products at the same price.
ROMWE pledges that they are:
“Deeply dedicated to the ethical and humane production of every one of [their] pieces. We will tolerate nothing less. Every supplier signs a binding letter of agreement to heed to the highest production standards. We make no compromises in ethical production and will correct any issues the moment we hear of them. ROMWE’s goal is to provide our customers with items that are ethically produced, fashionable, fun, and well-priced.”
While SHEIN clearly admits to being a fast fashion organization, ROMWE promises and emphasizes integrity and reliability.
SHEIN is rumored to be involved in other unethical practices such as the use of sweatshops and child labor. But, on their website, found under social responsibility, the company clearly states that they do not tolerate child labor in any of the countries they operate in. They supposedly extended respect to all of their employees. They guarantee health insurance, yearly bonuses, and investment plans.
In comparison, ROMWE does not address child labor at all under their social responsibility page and instead reports that they “treat all of our employees like family by providing industry-leading working conditions.”
The Issue?
There seems to be a lack of correlation. ROMWE is the company that prides itself on ethical standards, yet it is SHEIN who addresses the prohibition of child labor. While it is uncertain whether these companies are fabricating policies in terms of their practice and treatment towards their employees, it is still certain that their products alone are detrimental to our society. As stated earlier, fast fashion negatively impacts our environment. It increases the depletion of nonrenewable resources, the emission of greenhouse gases, and the use of massive amounts of water and energy.
Unfortunately, while fast fashion may be convenient and easy, society must recognize that the reason why other brands are sold at such a high price is because of the quality and work put into their product. Today, most clothing is non-biodegradable. It is much more ethical and worthwhile to simply invest in timeless pieces and neutral designs. Investing in simple, timeless pieces promises longevity and proves more cost-efficient in the long-run.
