It’s 2024, and the capitalist overabundance of things doesn’t seem like it will go away anytime soon. One of the best examples of this is fast fashion. It seems that no matter how much awareness and how many sustainable fashion bloggers are out there, they’re still outweighed by the SHEIN haul girlies on YouTube and TikTok.

You might ask yourself: ‘Why are brands like SHEIN, AliExpress, etc. still alive?’ I’d say their only function is to fuel groups like this. The Facebook page “It’s Called FaSHEIN Sweaty” dedicates its content to the terrible and hilarious finds from many fast fashion sites. “We are just here to shame clothes!” the page boldly announces. Well, someone has to do it because some of these entries would have benefited from a second opinion.

More info: Facebook

#1 When You Want That Extra Belly Button?

Image credits: Max Donnz

#2 Um… Where Are We Wearing This?

Image credits: Alyssa Dickson

#3 755 Dollars For A Zip Tie?

Image credits: Alexandra Paraschiv

The fast fashion industry is one of the biggest markets worldwide. According to the Fast Fashion Global Market Report in 2023, the estimated value of the industry was a whopping $122.98 billion. Economists expect it to grow to $142.06 billion in 2024. When there’s so much money involved, one has to think: how can this be sustainable?

A not-for-profit organization, Fashion Revolution, has published its Fashion Transparency Index ever since 2017. They’re interested in how much information brands disclose about their business practices. The 2023 report points out that the progress towards sustainable fashion is still too slow. 

28% of the world’s largest clothing brands still fall under the organization’s rating range of 0-10%. Some statistics are worth celebrating, too. For example, more and more major brands disclose their supplier lists. Fashion Revolution reports that the percentage is currently more than half – 52%.

#4 Please Place Your Vajooter Completely Inside The Wedgie Strap

Image credits: Lisa Esparza

#5 Please Help Me Understand

Image credits: Suné Fonternel

#6 Super Realistic Shein…

Image credits: Lily Murray

However, there’s a lot to still be sad about. Almost half (45%) of the major clothing brands disclose close to nothing about their practices. 80% don’t report their production volumes, making it hard to determine global overproduction. And almost all (99%) brands don’t disclose their commitment to reduce the number of new items they produce. 

The main aspect of fast fashion that most people tend to focus on is that workers are usually getting less than the minimum wage. Fashion Revolution reports that only 1% of major fashion brands disclose how many workers get living wages.

#7 Why…

Image credits: Lily Lenker

#8 Please Help Me Understand

Image credits: Suné Fonternel

#9 A Completly Natural Unedited Female Figure

Image credits: Ashley Given

Did you know that we can find hazardous chemicals in our clothes? Because they’re so cheap, fast fashion items might be making us sick. There are all kinds of harmful chemicals in our clothes, like the hormone-disruptor BPA, lead, PFAS, and phthalates.

Some of these, like tributyl phosphate, dimethyl fumarate, and disperse dyes, can cause skin reactions and worsen asthma symptoms. What makes it hard to test is the secrecy of fast fashion companies. According to the 2023 Fashion Transparency Index, only 7% of brands publish their supplier wastewater results.

#10 Do I Even Need To Say Anything Here?

Image credits: Erica E Midcap

#11 That’s Horrendous, Tacky, And Awful

Image credits: Mary Oglesby

#12 For Those Who Are Dedicated To The All-Denim Life And Already Have The Canadian Tuxedo, The Joots, And So Much More, I Present:

Image credits: MichaelWarbur17

Why do so many people buy fast fashion items? Because it’s cheap and easily accessible. Some people even say that being a sustainable fashion lover is a privilege; not everyone can afford to buy only sustainable fashion items. However, some proponents of sustainability claim that this is a myth.

Ethical Brand Directory admits that sustainable fashion can often be pricier than its fast fashion counterparts. “Most of their clothes are substantially more expensive than a Primark alternative, but for good reasons: they guarantee an ethical and sustainable peace of mind for the buyer.”

#13 I Kinda Want It Lol

Image credits: Nancy Rene Cusumano

#14 Wtf

Image credits: Ashley Malone

#15 I Usually Love Everything Betsey Johnson Does… But Really?

Image credits: Caitlin McAuley

But there’s also another side of the coin. Back in the day, when we didn’t know what fast fashion was, our clothes were sturdier. With fast fashion came clothes that were bad in quality and not long-lasting. Then there’s the plastic microfibre problem. Fast fashion brands use materials like polyester and nylon for their clothes. One washing machine load of these synthetics can release millions of microplastics into the world.

#16 AliExpress Really Has Some Of The Best Items

Image credits: Gini Ra

#17

Image credits: Miranda Chalmers

#18 I Refuse To Accept That This Styling Choice Is Anything But A Commentary On How Deep The Pockets On Women’s Jeans Could Be And How Small And Useless They Insist On Making Them Instead

Image credits: Alexandria Wein

Well, it all sounds bad, but what can we do about it? It’s hard to know where to start when you’re bombarded with sustainability pledges from H&M and Zara on one side and zero-waste influencers on the other. Should we renounce clothes altogether?

The Mindful Monday Method might be a good place to start. It’s a technique by influencer, illustrator, journalist, and author of “Why Don’t I Have Anything To Wear?” Andrea Cheong. 

#19

Image credits: Mayela De La Huerta

#20 What Is This?

Image credits: JJ Carroll

#21 Huh?

Image credits: Narys anonimas

Her method has five steps. First, you evaluate your wardrobe. You go through the clothes in your closet and decide which ones you don’t like and why. It can be because of the fit, color, texture, or maybe even the retailer. This step might also help in figuring out a capsule wardrobe.

“Anytime you’re leaving the house, take a photo in the mirror, save it on your phone, and once you’ve got about eight outfits, that is your capsule wardrobe. Count how many items you mix and match from what you already have,” Cheong explained to Vogue.

#22 Her Hair Is Goals Also

Image credits: Aiko Castonguay

#23 Is It Just Me, Or Has This Been Drawn On?

Image credits: Phoebe Claire

#24 Why…

Image credits: Lily Lenker

Then, it’s time to decide how much money you’re willing to spend on clothes. Also, take into account how much you’re spending right now and whether you’re happy with the sum. Some people might decide only to buy second-hand, while others might opt for sustainable brands that offer pricier clothing. Cheong herself says she nowadays mostly buys vintage: “I think this is more meaningful.”

#25 These Shein Creators Are Becoming Unhinged

Image credits: Donna Jane

#26 Not Photoshoped At All

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#27

Image credits: Kimberley Lloyd

That’s where the third step comes in: decide on your sustainability goal. Your decision can range from zero waste to even only buying sustainable luxury brands. Cheong says that it might be hard to define or stick to your goal, as social media might exert its influence.

“This has so much to do with what social media shows us and peer pressure. We have to be mindful [of] how we speak about consumption with each other, as opposed to always asking, ‘What are you wearing? Did you buy anything new?'”

#28 Oh!

Image credits: Raimi Nicole

#29 Hmm? Give This Photo Editor An Award?

Image credits: Dimity Brooklyn Harriott

#30 Love Me A Jellyfish Cosplay

Image credits: Rieta Matsumoto

The last step is to think about the composition and quality of the clothes you buy. Doesn’t matter if they come from a second-hand shop or a fast fashion retailer. Cheong helps people recognize what fabrics are better quality and worth buying on her social media. “How does this match up to the price? Are we being greenwashed? It saves people money while innately being more environmentally conscious,” Cheong said.

#31 Roadkill Dress, Anyone?

Image credits: Jamella Ifa

#32 Girlberealnotperfectjustbeyourself

Image credits: Chloe Neale

#33 This Is Legit Scary

Image credits: Aimee Clark

#34 ……… I Feel Like It Speaks For Itself

Image credits: Dylan Davis-Merrett

#35 “Do You Want To Wear Pants But Still Want To Get Chub Rub? Well, Have We Got The Pants For You!”

Image credits: Sara Nielsen

#36 Why…

Image credits: Lily Lenker

#37 Why…

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#38 Not Shein, But Wtf

Image credits: Jackie Liberto

#39 Not The Mickey Kicks

Image credits: Bianca Olivas

#40 Apologies If These Have Been Posted Already, But I Joined This Group With The Sole Purpose Of Making Others See These Hideous Pants Just As I Had To

Image credits: Courtney Lamb

#41 Oh?

Image credits: Molly Draper

#42 Wut

Image credits: Alyson Lauren Clay

#43 Why…

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#44 Why…

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#45 Why…

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#46 My Favorite Comment: “I’ve Got A Ten-Tear-Old Hat. Let Me Dunk It In My Tackle Box And See What Comes Up.”

Image credits: Kelly Rose

#47 Oh, Why ??

Image credits: Julia Schrader

#48 Is A Dress An Oversized T-Shirt?

Image credits: Giovanna Cossalter-Walters

#49 Brting

Image credits: Mary Oglesby

#50 Sagged Pants With Extra Steps

Image credits: Robin O'Bumsawin

#51 Well

Image credits: Christian Agreda

#52 Apparently It’s A Keychain? ?

Image credits: Brianna Edson

#53 Ah Yes, The Completely Natural, Unedited Female Form

Image credits: Emma Jane

#54 ?

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#55 I Love The Row, But What The Hell Is This? Hahaha

Image credits: Helen Grams-Anderson

#56 Oh No

Image credits: Kimberley Lloyd

#57 These Are Shoes. According To The Lister’s Claim, They Help You Become Slimmer, Somehow

Image credits: Anna Mat

#58 Dress…meh. Not My Style. But Hand Placement? Looks Itchy In A Spot That Doesn’t Need To Be

Image credits: Kyrie Alisa Fowkes

#59 I’m Not Sure What’s Worse: The Portable Urinal, The Fake Butt, Or The Bulbous Swimsuit. The Bikini Bottoms Look Like Diapers

Image credits: Kaitlan Carlson

#60 I… I Have No Words. If You’re A Tad Spicy In The Noggin Like Me, You *know*. Lmao, Gotta Be Fashionable For Those Medically Necessary Vacations, I Guess

Image credits: Maria DeCiccio

#61 Not Shein, But Oof ??

Image credits: Ali Parks

#62 The Shirt??

Image credits: Narys anonimas

#63 I Don’t Like This One… But I’ve Seen Some I Did Like, Just To Find They Did Zero To The Back. Like A Trim Or Something Only On The Front

Image credits: Chantelle Chantelle

#64 Why. Just Why. What Is It Covering? ?

Image credits: Jessie Greenfield

#65 I Have No Words ?

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#66

Image credits: Anna Kavaliova

#67 ? I Don’t Want One Now

Image credits: Narys anonimas

#68 Y’all

Image credits: Joselina Berg