Why Influencers' Viral "Hauls" are Problematic
BY Giana Manganaro, Owner Edited by G
This all started when I found multiple pieces of Shein clothing at a local thrift shop…
Just like many of you who found this article in one way or another, my TikTok and Instagram feed are full of influencers doing “hauls” of various brands. Some of them are even well-meaning; people of various body types and sizes try on well-known brands to show more realistic fits or even brides ordering several different rehearsal dinner dresses and polling followers which to keep and which to return.
Despite these being admittedly enjoyable to watch, they are fueling fast fashion in entirely new ways.
Let’s talk about the sheer amount of dollars spent and product consumed for these hauls. Talk about how unrealistic it is for the average person to put $600 worth of Shein clothes on their credit card.
Here’s where sustainable fashion comes into play. Purchasing with the intent to return one or several items is irresponsible. Have you ever considered what happens to the clothes you return? Spoiler alert: it’s not great.
This article from The Huffington Post highlights the many ways returns are dealt with by major low-cost and high-end retailers. Many stores just throw out returned product instead of processing it simply because it’s easier.
Even if the retailers in the hauls processed returned products and just sold it for less - they don’t, but let’s pretend for a moment - the sheer over-consumption and turnover of trendy clothing is alarming. Head to any thrift store in a college town, and I guarantee you will find something with a Shein label on it. And this is the part where I lose my mind.
A shirt that was purchased for a specific outfit has been donated to a local thrift store, because either it didn’t fit or the owner got what they wanted out of it and decided they no longer need it. This, my friends, is the epitome of over-consumption. What’s worse is that donating these items somehow makes it feel okay, like that tips the the metaphorical fashion scale back into balance.
Long rant short, here’s what I’m saying. Please purchase intentionally. I’m not here to convert you to secondhand shopping only (even though I wish you would), I understand the practicality of less expensive pieces. But regardless of where you purchase, do so with your entire wardrobe in mind. Think: What gap does this fill? How can I wear this in more than one way? Will I be over this piece in a month?
Hey, maybe this is a good topic for my next article.
Giana is the Owner of Edited, a dynamic sustainable fashion brand focused on perfecting closets with an array of eco-wardrobe consulting services. With a knack for organization and a passion for sustainable fashion, she created the company so people can enjoy getting dressed every day responsibly. Giana is also a Founding Member of GoodHuman and an Ambassador for the sustainable fashion nonprofit, Remake. She lives in Boston with her fiancé, Jay, and her min pin, Dutch.
Have a specific sustainable fashion question? Find Giana on Social Media and send her a DM!
@gianamanganaro instagram.com/gianamanganaro | pinterest.com/gianamanganaro
@editedbyg instagram.com/editedbyg | pinterest.com/editedbyg | https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPdYnxn7j/