Shein, Zara, and the Fast Fashion Trap

Well Played

It seems like everyone is obsessed with fast fashion, and social media has been huge in helping brands like SHEIN, Zara and other online retailers show up in your Instagram, Facebook and TikTok feeds.

Love ’em or hate ’em, you can’t deny these brands have changed many people's relationship with clothing. Shopping is cheaper, sizing is seemingly more inclusive, and being trendy is more accessible than ever. SHEIN even landed a spot on TIME’s 100 Most Influential Companies of 2022 list for its impact.

But before you hit check out on your cart, know this: there are some real environmental costs to buying these uber cheap clothes. Ahead of Earth Day, we’re returning to one of our favorite episodes to share the three questions you should be asking yourself to see if that $20 top is really worth the cost.

You’ll hear from:

Aja Barber, writer, stylist, fashion consultant and author of “Consumed: The Need for Collective Change”

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Skimm'd by Senior Producer and Host Bridget Armstrong. Produced by Alaisha Key. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s senior director of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

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