Fast fashion has become especially popular among teenagers in high school. It is viewed as an affordable way to keep up with every trend that comes their way. These clothes tend to be poor quality and short-lived. The rise of influencers promoting products persuades teenagers to purchase clothing items that do not necessarily look how they are advertised. The pressure put on teens to keep up with what everyone is wearing and what their favorite influencers are posting is negatively affecting the way they shop.
Influencers promoting fast fashion brands
Influencers that teens look up to for fashion advice and entertainment are frequently seen to promote unsustainable clothing brands. Large brands invest millions into paying social media influencers with a big platform to do advertisements for their products.
Influencer Drew Afualo with eight million followers on TikTok and 1 million followers on Instagram received backlash for posting an advertisement for fast fashion brand Shein. Fans uncovered the truth about this brand in the comment section. After she had received hate comments, she defended her actions on TikTok by saying “shopping sustainably is a privilege not afforded by everyone.” These brands gain mass popularity through insanely affordable prices and partnerships with influencers. Influencers swear by the popular trends, telling teens they must have this product or by saying it is “what all the cool girls are wearing.” While teenagers have the ability to follow their own style and purchase what they want, it definitely impacts what young adults are purchasing.
Child labor and bad working conditions

Popular fast fashion brands like Shein and Zara have cases against them involving child labor in the production of their clothes. These brands are notorious for treating employees poorly and violating workers rights.
Shein has a lot of controversy surrounding its brand due to the way it treats employees. Shein uses child labor for the production of their clothing and was found to have people under 15 years old making products for their company.
These workers who make clothes for brands like Zara and Shein have rigorous working conditions and hours. They have been found to work 12-14 hour days which violate labour laws. Shein underpays their workers and gives them little time off, making it a very horrendous job for people, especially minors. Not only are their hours poor, but also the space they work in. Researchers say that if an emergency had happened, like a fire, it would be very dangerous because there are no emergency exits in the factories.
Unsustainable clothing
Due to Fast Fashion brands’ cheap pricing on clothing, it makes it very popular for young adults to purchase. These brands produce clothes very quickly that are on trend which ultimately contributes to overconsumption and waste.
According to Shein’s sustainability report, it emitted 16.7 million total metric tons of carbon dioxide. Little is recycled through fast fashion brands and these companies have even caught on fire due to textile waste. The things used in the making of these clothes, including synthetic fibers, are toxic on the earth and are not biodegradable. 85% of textiles end up in landfills in the U.S. from unused and unsold textiles and clothing. Fast fashion brands cycle through trends rapidly, wasting clothes and selling poorly made items.

Poorly made clothing and stolen ideas
Through quick production, fast fashion brands are able to keep up with anything new and in style. The factories using unfair labor practices and their ability to make clothes fast allows them to take advantage of other brand’s original designs. Shein has had speculation of taking other brands’ ideas, including small and big businesses. This company has also had controversy about having inappropriate products sold that offend certain cultures.
Shein has been found to steal around 40 designs from other clothing companies. This is very hard on small businesses that don’t have the opportunity to produce clothes rapidly like fast fashion brands can. Their creative ideas get stolen and brands like Shein can create a big quantity of the new trend.
They also steal ideas from painters and artists. These clothes are a lot more affordable in price, but also use cheaper materials making the clothing poor quality. Fast Fashion brands are extremely hard on small businesses that have high-quality clothing but can’t lower their prices as low as a huge company like Shein.
The fast fashion industry thrives through mass production and quick trends but has many impacts on both people and the earth. Social media has allowed people with big platforms to influence young adults to choose brands that are affordable, but not sustainable. It is important to think about what you’re purchasing and how it contributes to the cycle of fast fashion. By not supporting these brands, we allow safe labor practices, clothing made with sustainable materials, and original ideas.