As I get older,however,and as I learn more about sustainable and ethical fashion,I’ve started to reevaluate how I shop,where I shop,and what I buy. Much of this is the result of figuring out my own style and focusing less on trends. But learning more about fast fashion behemoth Shein – the global online fashion retailer currently blowing up TikTok – is actually what prompted me to learn more about sustainable fashion.
Shein,formerly known as Sheinside,was founded in 2008,but has become almost inescapable in the past few years thanks to its adoption by Gen Z as the “go-to” fast fashion brand,replacing older industry heavyweights like Zara,H&M and ASOS.
By late 2020,On TikTok,thousands of users post shopping hauls,share recommendations and discover and establish microtrends that the giant can quickly mass produce and list on its site (Shein). Those TikTokers are expected to turn out in masses this weekend when Shein opens its first-ever pop-up store in Melbourne’s Flinders Street.
Heidi Kaluza,a sustainable fashion advocate who goes by the pen name,has concerns about Shein due to its sheer size.
“It’s a privately held company,which further exacerbates transparency issues and makes it nearly impossible for the everyday consumer of their goods to see the impact SHEIN has on people and the planet,” she says. “I say this because fast fashion in general has a symbiotic relationship to social and environmental issues like modern slavery,wage theft,the fashion waste crisis,etc. and SHEIN is uniquely positioned to rapidly scale while keeping those issues out of sight and therefore out of mind.”
On the consumer side of things,the nature of fast fashion items is that they adhere to trends,and trends are inevitably short-lived.
When we place so much of our own intrinsic,human value on access to a revolving wardrobe it can lead to debt,exacerbate insecurities,and fuel the fashion waste crisis… and all so you aren’t seen in the same outfit twice?
Inside a plus-sized consumer’s capsule wardrobe
Part of shopping ethically is also shopping less,which is why building up a capsule wardrobe of basics that can be worn over and over again is a great way to keep your closet sustainable. Finding genuinely size inclusive sustainable brands can be tricky,so I’m going to share the fruits of my labour with you.
Linen for summer,a long sleeve and trench for winter
If you only want to shop at one retailer to build your capsule wardrobe, is your ideal store. Offering a comprehensive range of wardrobe staples up to a US size 40 you’ll find almost everything you need including workwear,loungewear,athleisure and intimates.
I’m currently eyeing this,retailing for $214.
As we head into winter,there’s available in five different colours for $99,and available in black,camo and khaki.
Jeans and a skirt
On any given day over the summer,there was a 75 per cent chance I could be found wearing one of the several dresses I bought from last year. Their range,which goes up to 6XL,tends towards the more colourful end of the spectrum,which isn’t necessarily ideal for a capsule wardrobe,but it is ideal if you’re tired of the overwhelming amount of black clothing marketed to plus-size consumers. Though I will stick to the brief and recommend their for $366,or their in Black for $252. Keep an eye out for sales – they happen regularly.
A swimsuit you actually like
While sells a wide range of clothing up to size 28,their swimsuits are what caught my eye. There’s something for everyone,with high-waisted bottoms,bandeau tops,knotted tops,rash guards and several gorgeous one piece options. Highlights include a for $99,and the for $186.
A go-with-everything dress
Romanian-based Loud Bodies has quickly become one of my favourite brands thanks to the hands-on approach of founder Patricia,and her commitment to transparency and ethical manufacturing. Sizes go up to 10XL,and they offer free customisation and consultations if you’re unsure which size to order. I bought the for $240 last year. They also have an affordable range,which includes this adorable for $131.
A shirt
Sotela offers gorgeous,well-made pieces in a similar size range to Universal Standard (the brand uses its own sizing,however,with sizes ranging from 0 to 10). The majority of their items are made to order,with a four-week lead time to ensure minimal waste. Try the in black for $244,and the in white for $202.
A bodysuit
Girlfriend Collective is one of the most talked about athleisure brands,and for once,plus-sized consumers don’t need to feel left out! The brand,which receives a “good” rating from,makes its clothing out of recycled materials and offers a recycling program,called ReGirlfriend. They have a wide range of athletic gear,but also offer,,and.
,made from a blend of tencel and recycled cotton and available for $133,is calling to me,and this in black,retailing at $92,is the perfect staple for layering underneath dresses and skirts.
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