By: Sofia Marquez

Have you ever heard of Shein, Romwe, or Aliexpress? Chances are you’ve seen a video or two of teenagers emptying out large boxes full of bags with a big Shein label on them. You may hear that one really annoying computer-like voiceover saying “$700 Shein Haul” or “I bought 60 items for only $250!”. 

Well, those are {insert brand name here} hauls. 

Sometimes, you’re paid to post a try-on video about your clothes, or you are just flexing how you are able to buy a new shirt every time a *micro trend* pops up. But was it worth it? Let’s take a look at the true cost of your clothing haul. What other problems are packed tightly in those Shein bags?

Micro Trends
The trend cycle, where every 20 years fashion repeats itself, or when a runway designer brings something new to their “spring collection”, which then filters down to department store versions. That was how it used to be. But now, with social media platforms and brands pumping out new designs every day, you can get the new trend affordably and quickly. \

According to Nssmag.com, “The Chinese multinational has conquered the very young western clientele thanks to a very careful marketing strategy and the possibility of offering models very similar to those that become trendy on social networks as soon as they become popular.”  This shows how instead of taking months for average stores to have clothing similar to what you see your favorite celebrities wearing, you can get the dress or pants the next day. 

In the past couple of decades, trends last a few years, maybe at a minimum a year or two. But now, the average trends last at most a season or two, but most likely, those boots you just bought will only be trendy for a month or two more.                

Goodonyou.com magazine writes “Faster production, exploitative manufacturing processes, and plastic clothing are needed to keep up with the demand that micro trends create.” TikTok influencers, who are wealthy people, are able to buy new clothes regularly. They will start a new fad every week, and because of their large following, people will want to buy those things. But, because there are so many influencers who are influencing so many people, this leads to our next problem…Stay tuned to hear about overconsumption!