By Katie Rees
Updated
You're probably tempted by cheap prices, but where do Shein clothes come from? Are they good quality items?
Today, many shoppers opt for stores that offer fashionable clothing pieces at lower prices. But when popular stores advertise clothes at super low prices, it is only natural to be a little suspicious. Shein is a company that rose to prominence by promoting cheap products, sometimes selling garments for as little as 30 cents.
But where is Shein based, where does it ship from, and how is it so cheap?
Why Is Shein So Cheap?
Shein is a legitimate store on paper, but there are a few reasons why its clothes are so cheap. It may sound a little contradictory, but local clothing lines that operate domestically often cost more than items shipped from overseas. But why do this?
Working conditions and quality standards are not the same between nations, and wages can differ massively from place to place. In certain countries, the minimum wage is far lower than that seen in western nations like the US, UK, and Canada, and fashion companies know this.
By outsourcing labor, clothing retailers can cut costs and boost profits by paying workers less. And, when labor costs are cut, product costs can be cut, too, leading to super affordable clothing.
In short, Shein produces its clothes in generic wholesale factories to keep its costs at a minimum. While this allows you to buy clothes at dirt-cheap prices, it poses an ethical dilemma. The working standards of Shein seamstresses are controversial, to say the least. According to the BBC, some Shein warehouse workers work upwards of 75 hours a week.
It's also worth noting that certain "fast fashion" brands (i.e. those that mass-produce fashion items in a short period of time) like Shein use lower quality materials to produce their clothing, which will be discussed in more detail a little later.
Where Is Shein Located, and Where Do Its Products Come From?
Some stores plant their headquarters in one country while outsourcing their products from other countries, often at a greatly-reduced personal cost. Where are Shein clothes made specifically, though?
Shein is a company from China. While it has a base in China, there is no physical store or chain of shops responsible for managing orders. Shein began as an online retailer that only has occasional pop-up locations around the world, without permanent storefronts. Originally, everything on the site shipped directly from China. Now, the clothing on Shein comes from several wholesale warehouses around the world.
Although many items still ship directly from Chinese factories, local places offer shorter waiting times for the same products. For the sake of logistics, the dots are connected. Though Shein is a Chinese company with its headquarters located in Singapore, the products it sells come from around the globe.
In general, if you notice something is incredibly cheap, it makes sense to check the tags. More often than not, new products that are suspiciously cheap come from a wholesale factory located in another country. Like many other discount online retailers like Wish or Ali Express, Shein is no exception.
Many famous companies receive harsh criticism when linked to unethical and dishonest practices. It’s the price society pays to save a quick buck, but moral dilemmas aren’t the only problem associated with these “imported” items. How is Shein so cheap? You might be paying extra on the back-end when you need to replace what you buy much sooner than expected.
Is Shein Good Quality?
So the old saying goes: you get what you pay for. This is incredibly relevant in the case of Shein. The company offers clothes at low prices because they are often of low quality. You should not expect clothes you get through Shein to be super durable or expertly made.
If it's long-lasting pieces you're looking for, it's safer to opt for more expensive products made with the right materials by highly reputable brands.
Shein's clothes are definitely inexpensive for a reason, but not every Shein purchase will end up being a tragic rip-off. Sometimes, you end up with clothes that last for years. Other items lose their shape or color after a couple of trips through the washing machine. Shopping at Shein can often be hit-or-miss, so keep this in mind.
When looking for something on Shein, remember to pay close attention to the reviews. You should also commit yourself to a bit of research on the type of garment that's caught your eye, as well as any drawbacks associated with the material used or the cut.
If you're at all concerned about Shein's practices, consider trying other affordable and sustainable options, such as online thrift stores.
Should I Purchase Clothes From Shein?
Buying clothes from Shein is a personal choice, and there are many factors to consider. There are many people that shop regularly from Shein and be happy with the service, while others are left disappointed.
There's nothing better than grabbing a deal, of course, but if you want to shop sustainably or ethically, Shein likely isn't the right choice. There are plenty of other stores that focus on sustainable and ethical practices you can use instead.
