<
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2024/nov/20/fast-fashion-outfits-temu-shein>
"The black cargo skirt on Temu’s website is mid-length with a split up the
back. It’s available in three colours and in every photo the model stands in
exactly the same pose. From the detail I can see in the waistband, I’m pretty
sure the quality will be OK for the $21.98 price tag. I click “add to cart”.
On the next screen I’m told both the skirt and the mesh Mary-Jane ballet flats
($18.78) I’m buying, are “almost sold out”. A small red clock indicates I
should hurry. Strategies like this, that generate a sense of urgency and
reward, have led to Temu being accused of using addictive and manipulative
sales tactics. (When reached for comment, a Temu spokesperson said these
“gamified elements” and time-limited deals allowed customers to access even
greater discounts.)
I usually write about sustainable and ethical fashion but here my task is to
buy an ultra fast fashion outfit that will look good, then have it analysed by
an expert in garment making and product development. So minutes after my Temu
purchase I am on Shein’s website, looking for items that will complete the look
(words I never thought I’d write).
Shein reportedly adds thousands of new styles to its website every day –
something a a spokesperson describes as an “on-demand” model based on real-time
insights and customer demand. As I sift through the clothes, I try not to feel
anxious about how much tiny writing there is beside each item, offering a
further $3 or $10 off if I buy multiple products. I settle on a black bomber
jacket ($20.57). Information about the fabric composition – normally the first
thing I look for – is hidden in a drop-down menu. It tells me the jacket is
made from woven non-stretch polyester that somehow contains 5% elastane. To
give it the best chance of looking good, I select the biggest size possible,
extra large.
Next I find an oversized white T-shirt ($10.27). There are two options; one is
from a supplier or “store” called Misguided, the other is from Shein Basics. I
pick the latter.
I’ve chosen garments with relatively simple construction that I know will suit
my body type. In total, I’ve spent $79.55 on four pieces including shipping.
Since both Temu and Shein sell clothing for as little as $2, this puts the
items in the higher price range."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
