However, this process of re-shoring is complex and requires years of investment and planning – far too slow for the world of ultra-fast fashion, where brands are used to reacting in weeks, not years. Much of Shein’s production takes place in the so-called “Shein village” in Guangzhou, China, where workers often sew for 12–14 hours a day under poor conditions to keep pace with the demand for new items. But unless we address the systemic inequalities in fashion production and rethink the incentives that drive this market, the true cost of cheap clothing will continue to be paid by those least able to afford it.
Author: Mona Mashhadi Rajabi, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Technology Sydney, Lisa Lake, Director, Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Fashion + Textiles, University of Technology Sydney, Martina Linnenluecke, Professor of Environmental Finance at UTS Business School, University of Technology Sydney, Yun Shen, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Technology Sydney
Published at: 2025-06-08 20:14:09
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