“Halloweekend,” or Halloween Weekend, is arguably the most anticipated event for high school students. With the freedom to dress up as anything from a classic horror character to a TikTok-inspired princess costume, teenagers deck out with spirit, sometimes even alternating costumes throughout the 3-day weekend. Many students turn to the fast-fashion brand Shein because of its affordable pricing and variety of products. However, the majority of buyers aren’t aware of the dark truth revolving around the brand.
The obsession with Shein is clear: the affordability of the products makes it extremely appealing to high schoolers. Many teenagers have a tight budget for their costumes, and very few stores offer a complete, detailed costume for under twenty dollars. B-CC Junior Olivia Raucher plans on being Paddington Bear for Halloween and will be shopping at Shein. When asked why she likes the company specifically for the holiday, she says, “It’s cheap and they’re not very good quality, so it’s good to just wear them for one night.”
The Shein craze resurfaces every year around Halloween because of its exposure and popularity on social media. The iconic “Shein Halloween Haul” is a very trendy theme on TikTok and influences many users to explore the site for their costumes.
Shein costume pieces are quite customizable, with the option to buy clothing items and accessories separately. Teenagers tend to pick personalized outfits over stores like Spirit Halloween with pre-made costumes. As we all know, Shein is an easy and accessible option, causing many teenagers to shop there.
However, behind the massive unboxings and affordable prices lies a darker secret. The fast fashion industry has reports of child labour, inhumane conditions, and long hours. According to the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation), a member of the U.S. Senate intelligence committee warned the UK Chancellor, “Slave labour, sweat shops, and trade tricks are the dirty secrets behind Shein’s success.”
Junior Lucia Castro-Luna plans on being a member of the Chipettes, Curious George, and Indiana Jones for Halloween, using Shein products. Lucia claims she had no idea about the scandal revolving around Shein—a situation that many face. Upon learning about this, she does not plan to shop from Shein anymore.
Others who are aware of the scandal choose to avoid purchasing items from Shein. Junior Billie Margulis is shopping on Amazon for Halloween. When asked if she would ever consider buying from Shein, she said, “No, I’ve heard bad things about [it].” Margulis continues, “I’ve heard about child labour and that it’s bad quality.”
Shein is still a booming company and most likely will continue to be this way due to its annual success. However, when shopping next for a trendy one-time costume, remember why the prices on Shein are so cheap, and consider borrowing or going to the thrift store.
