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Fast fashion refers to the practice of rapidly producing and selling trendy clothing at low costs —but at the expense of cost of environmental damage and ethical. In this article, we’ll explore the definition, current state, and problems of fast fashion, uncovering the hidden truths behind our wardrobes.

The Dark Side of Fast Fashion: The SHEIN Influencer Factory Tour Scandal

(Source: Environmental Health News)

“Hey, did you see the video of SHEIN’s factory?”

This scandal, which went viral on social media last year, shocked many people. Global fast fashion company SHEIN invited popular influencers to its factory in Guangzhou, China, in an attempt to counter criticism over environmental destruction and labor exploitation.

However, the influencers were shown a lavishly decorated “showroom” rather than an actual factory. Once the truth was revealed, the hashtag #SheinExposed quickly began trending online.

SHEIN grabs our attention by releasing thousands of new items daily, but the reality behind a $2 T-shirt—produced at lightning speed—is deeply troubling.

A Greenpeace Germany report found that 7 out of 47 SHEIN products (15%) contained hazardous chemicals exceeding the EU safety limits, while 32% posed health risks. In the production process, vast resources are wasted, enormous amounts of carbon are emitted, and serious water pollution occurs.

Workers in these factories live under harsh conditions and receive low wages. Knowing all this, is cheap clothing still appealing?

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What is Fast Fashion?

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Fast fashion refers to the clothing industry that quickly and cheaply produces the latest trends. Thanks to low prices and rapid production, it has become popular among consumers, but it comes with significant environmental and ethical concerns.

Traditional Fashion vs. Fast Fashion: A Shocking Contrast

In traditional fashion, new collections are released twice a year—Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter. In contrast, fast fashion brands release new items an average of 50 times a year.

(Source: World Resources Institute (WRI), True Cost)

In other words, new clothes are being released weekly to constantly tempt us and capture our attention.

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The Current State of Fast Fashion

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The global fast fashion market had already reached $106 billion in 2022, and it is expected to grow rapidly to $185 billion by 2027.

(Source: The Fashion Law)

(Source: The Fashion Law)

Brands like Zara, H&M, SHEIN, and Forever 21 produce new clothes daily. Especially in 2023, SHEIN generated over $30 billion in revenue, becoming the most downloaded shopping app in the world.

Clothing Production on the Rise, but Clothing Usage on the Decline

(Source: World Resources Institute (WRI), McKinsey & Company)

According to the WRI, in 2014, consumers bought 60% more clothing than in 2000, yet the average lifespan of each garment has been cut in half.

This trend has been confirmed by various studies. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation also found that from 2000 to 2015, global clothing production doubled, while the number of times each item is worn has steadily declined. This raises serious concerns about resource waste and environmental pollution.

(Source: Ellen MacArthur Foundation)

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The Scars Fast Fashion Leaves on the Planet

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Have you ever thought about how much impact a single piece of clothing can have on the environment? Every stage of clothing production leaves a lasting impact on our planet.

(Source: Ellen MacArthur Foundation)

1. Textile production

Consumes fossil fuels and emits large amounts of carbon

2. Garment manufacturing

Emits CO₂ and wastewater, polluting air and water

3. Garment usage

Uses significant water and releases microplastics during washing

4. Disposal stage

Discarded clothes end up in landfilled or incinerated, releasing pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions

The UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) states that the fashion industry is responsible for about 10% of global carbon emissions, more than the combined emissions of international aviation and shipping (UNECE, 2018). Producing a single t-shirt consumes about 2,700 liters of water, equivalent to what one person drinks in 2.5 years (WRI).

In the U.S. alone, more than 11 million tons of textile waste are generated annually. Globally, a truckload of clothes is discarded every second (EPA). Polyester, the most common synthetic fiber, takes up to 200 years to decompose and releases microplastics with every wash (UNEP, 2019).

This is no longer just a fashion issue—it’s time to make responsible choices for the future of our planet.

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A Movement of Hope: Slow Fashion

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Slow Fashion emphasizes sustainable and ethical consumption, promoting a new culture of “buy less, wear longer.”

Every year, during Fashion Revolution Week, Gen Z asks brands, “Who made my clothes?” Through the hashtag #WhoMadeMyClothes, people demand transparency and lead a global movement for ethical consumption.

● Patagonia (USA)

With the message "Don't buy this jacket," they encourage behavior change through clothing repair and recycling.

(Source: The Closet)

● Ecoalf (Spain)

Delivers a strong message: "Because there is no planet B," creating fashion from ocean plastics and discarded fishing nets.

(Source: Premium Group)

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Small Changes in Your Closet Can Shape the Planet’s Future

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The UN Environment Programme provides ten practical guidelines related to slow fashion that we can implement:

★ 10 Sustainable Fashion Tips You Can Practice ★

1. Stop impulse buying

2. Use second-hand platforms

3. Create your own capsule wardrobe

4. Choose ethical brands

5. Opt for eco-friendly materials

6. Repair and reuse clothes

7. Wash less frequently

8. Support local brands

9. Participate in clothing swaps

10. Raise your voice online

(Source: Ellen MacArthur Foundation, UNEP Guidelines)

Small changes in your closet can shape the future of our planet.

Do you have any “worn once and forgotten” clothes in your closet? From now on, our wise choices can change the planet’s future. As fashion designer Vivienne Westwood once said,

“Buy less, choose well, make it last.”

Let your next shopping decision be one that adds value to the Earth.

"Buy less, choose well, make it last."

– Fashion designer, Vivienne Westwood –

Written by: Sharon Choi

Director of Planning

Sunhak Peace Prize Secretariat