This is particularly of interest because a major line of defense against any criticism of Shein is "POOR PEOPLE NEED CLOTHES TOO" (Not unlike AI art bros grabbing people with disabilities as human shields.)
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I don't remember where I read it but the average Shein user is solidly middle class and buys some absurd not-just-clothing-their-poor-naked-body quantity of items per order. (Grabs a child from the free lunch program) "GIVE ME MY FAST FASHION OR THE KID DIES OR LOOKS UNFASHIONABLE"
aug 29, 2025, 1:37 pm • 41 2 • view
Since this is the new way of doing things, I need to find a group to threaten if people do not want to watch silent movies. Them: "I am not really interested in silent movies." Me: "WHY DO YOU HATE PEOPLE IN IRON LUNGS???"
aug 29, 2025, 1:39 pm • 45 0 • view
I think you could actually make a good case for 'Why do you hate people with hearing difficulties!'
aug 29, 2025, 1:54 pm • 3 0 • view
That actually was a major concern in the deaf community during the rise of talkies. It didn't receive that much mainstream coverage and was treated as a minor issue but I imagine there is a lot of anecdotal evidence of talkies ruining the movies for the deaf
aug 29, 2025, 1:56 pm • 4 0 • view
Most of the really broke people I know buy from local cheap sources, including thrifting and yard sales.
aug 29, 2025, 3:08 pm • 2 0 • view
I admit to buying a handful of items off Temu when I first transitioned. I figured I'd rather make $10 fashion blunders than $70. The quality was *so bad*. My partner took me to the thrift stores and helped me find things that not only work for me but are well-made and will last.
aug 29, 2025, 4:14 pm • 3 0 • view
I can't remember the last time I bought clothes not made of a natural fiber. I mostly get them used. Individual pieces are more expensive, but each one lasts longer. I have sweaters and jackets I've owned for 30 years. You do need to have someone to teach you how to maintain them, tho'.
aug 30, 2025, 4:51 am • 1 0 • view
As a not-thriving-economically person, I don't buy much clothes, least of all online. I do my best to make them last and they're usually mended until not fit for streetwear.
aug 29, 2025, 1:51 pm • 4 0 • view
Yes, I like mostly basics with a few flashy pieces to keep things interesting
aug 29, 2025, 1:54 pm • 2 0 • view
Right? In our consumerism at any cost culture, we seem to have lost the art of mending. Look into the art and history of Sashiko. I’m having fun with it.❤️
aug 29, 2025, 1:56 pm • 3 0 • view
I'm not good at sewing, so I usually do a few small things myself (buttons, socks…) and for the big things (fix/patch trousers or coats) I go to one of those small seamstresses stores. I wouln't mind to have some extra time to learn, though ;)
aug 29, 2025, 2:00 pm • 2 0 • view
When I lived in NYC, one of my high fashion type friends gave me the best advice: When you are spending money on a quality item, buy a size bigger and take it to your local seamstress for a custom fit look. I do that now with my thrift store scores.❤️
aug 29, 2025, 2:02 pm • 2 0 • view
Oh! I'll think about it when I have to buy a new coat 👍 Though I'd also like to save a bit to have a fully custom coat. I did it once a number of years ago and I've worn it so happily (I have to change the lining, tho', which it's in rags)
aug 29, 2025, 2:07 pm • 2 0 • view
Yeah, I think people like us generally prefer clothes you can wear over and over. You have to have a certain amount of cash to think throwaway fashion is a reasonable choice. Shein is for 200 quid hauls, not simply clothing bodies.
aug 29, 2025, 5:27 pm • 2 0 • view
But what about the dirt poor plus size folks who want to look like they belong to an edgy diy fashion subculture with none of the actual work? <— actual argument I witnessed with my own eyes
aug 29, 2025, 5:23 pm • 3 0 • view
Oh dear WON’T SOMEONE THINK OF THE INFLUENCERS???
aug 29, 2025, 5:24 pm • 2 0 • view
Eventually it hit “okay but what if my HOUSE BURNED DOWN and I needed to replace my entire wardrobe immediately lest I be naked” (yes really) and I gave up. Some people really do not want to give up silly Shein hauls.
aug 29, 2025, 5:30 pm • 2 0 • view
Not once do the exploited garment workers cross their minds, of course. Wrong sort of poor people (not useful for justifying Shein hauls).
aug 29, 2025, 5:31 pm • 4 0 • view
Yep, it’s just like when artists with disabilities speak out against AI: that commitment to social justice for access to art that the AI bros claim evaporates
aug 29, 2025, 5:40 pm • 1 1 • view
Gosh I sure do love having multiple identities that get used as shields for terrible ideas with no actual regard for my humanity, agency or needs!
aug 29, 2025, 5:44 pm • 1 0 • view
I've seen a *fun* thought dribble of not just poor people need clothes, too, but "what if the person's only form of self care is being fashionable?!!"
aug 29, 2025, 1:38 pm • 5 0 • view
Ugh, that's almost as bad! As if nobody could be fashionable without throwaway dresses.
aug 29, 2025, 1:40 pm • 5 0 • view
I'll wager their next move will be "most Shein buyers are women, WHY DO YOU HATE WOMEN?" I'll really pop off then because I resent being dragged in as a human shield on strength of gender.
aug 29, 2025, 1:43 pm • 6 0 • view
I am poor and I make my own clothes from thrift store fabric. I'm aware that most people don't have that option but I'm glad I do. I loathe Shein and Temu.
aug 29, 2025, 1:43 pm • 9 0 • view
ooo cute! Yeah, it's false economy to buy something so fragile that it disintegrates and, in any case, Shein junk is overwhelming thrift stores.
aug 29, 2025, 1:45 pm • 6 0 • view
Happy to say I have a great local thrift store that doesn’t even accept that crap. This means I can sort through (and frequently score) great solid long lasting clothing of quality I would never be able to afford new. Also means I can get affordable to stuff to play with on my sewing machine.
aug 29, 2025, 1:59 pm • 3 0 • view
Oh! The pink is my favorite!❤️
aug 29, 2025, 1:54 pm • 2 0 • view
See Terry Pratchett and 'The Captain Vimes' Boots' theory.
aug 30, 2025, 7:10 am • 0 0 • view
The perfect analogy to this is the "Boots Theory," from Sir Terry Pratchett's excellent "Men at Arms" Where Vimes lays out why it's expensive to be poor. Sam Vimes ‘Boots’ Theory of Socio-Economic Unfairness | Terry Pratchett share.google/bFV0Ppb42gYC...
aug 29, 2025, 1:43 pm • 6 0 • view