GoodOnYou, an organisation dedicated to evaluating brands’ impact on the planet, people and animals, gives Shein has received poor ratings across all categories, its website says. 

In short, according to GoodOnYou, “SHEIN creates short-lived, fast fashion products.”

GoodOnYou’s “Planet” rating for Shein is a mere 1 out of 5, which it describes as “Very Poor”. The main concern stems from Shein’s fast fashion business model, which prioritises frequent, short-lived trends over sustainability. The company uses very few lower-impact materials and offers no evidence that it is working to reduce its use of hazardous chemicals, minimise its climate footprint, or address the problem of microplastic pollution, according to the assessment. As a result, GoodOnYou concludes that Shein’s environmental practices are deeply unsatisfactory.

The “People” rating, also 1 out of 5, is similarly critical. According to GoodOnYou, Shein scored between 0-10% in the 2022 Fashion Transparency Index, highlighting a severe lack of transparency in its supply chain. Moreover, there is no evidence to suggest that Shein supports diversity, provides financial security to its suppliers, or ensures workers receive living wages, GoodOnYou said. While Shein does audit some of its suppliers, this is insufficient to address the systemic issues within its supply chain, such as inadequate working conditions and wages. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Shein also failed to disclose appropriate policies for protecting its workers, further reflecting its poor track record on human rights.

In terms of animal welfare, Shein fares slightly better but still receives a low rating of 2 out of 5. GoodOnYou acknowledges that the brand has a formal policy aligning with the Five Freedoms of animal welfare, but there is no clear evidence of its implementation. Shein continues to use materials like wool, down, exotic animal hair, and silk, and does not appear to trace animal-derived materials to their source. While Shein avoids using leather, fur, angora, and exotic animal skin, the brand’s approach to animal welfare remains inadequate.

Overall, Shein receives an “Avoid” rating from GoodOnYou, signaling that the brand’s practices fall far short of ethical and sustainable standards.

GoodOnYou makes its assessments based on all publicly available information from company websites, reputable third-party sources, and recognised certification programs such as Fairtrade, Cradle to Cradle, the World Fair Trade Organisation (WFTO) Guarantee System, and ISO 22716/Cosmetic Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

Its website allows shoppers to see how brands score based on their record with the planet, people and animals, to make ethical shopping decisions. 

Everything I wore on day 52 of the 90 days of Shein challenge:

SHEIN LUNE Eyelet Embroidery Knot Front Tee, white

Dazy-Less Women’S V-Neck Drop Shoulder Long Sleeve Sweater, green

Allover Leaf Graphic Drawstring Backpack

DAZY Women’s Floral Print Sleeveless Round Neck Sleep Dress

3pack Lace Trim No Show Brief, grey

Lace Flower Pattern Thin Underwear Set, bra

DAZY Flower Pattern Crew Socks, £0.99