The whispers of Shein’s return to India are no longer just rumors—they’re becoming reality. But this time, there’s a twist. Reliance will be using the Shein name while sourcing and producing clothing in India, with the tech and operations still connected to China. While this may seem like a step toward localization, the reality is far more complex.
This isn't just about fashion. It’s about the future of Indian businesses, our cultural heritage, and the growing mountains of textile waste that threaten our planet.
Shein vs. Small Businesses: An Unfair Fight
Imagine an artisan in a small village in Kolkata, meticulously weaving fine muslin using skills passed down through generations. Now picture them competing with a mass-produced Shein product, made with machine-woven synthetic fabric and sold online at a fraction of the cost. It’s an unfair battle—one that threatens to erase centuries-old craftsmanship.
Shein’s ultra-fast production model, notorious for its exploitative labor practices and opaque supply chains, enables prices that small businesses simply cannot match. According to the Shein’s ultra-fast production business model, built on exploitative labor practices and opaque supply chains, allows it to offer prices that local businesses simply cannot match. According to the All India Artisans’ and Craftworkers’ Welfare Association (AIACA), many artisans are already struggling to survive. Shein's return could be the final nail in the coffin, wiping out traditional crafts and displacing millions of skilled artisans. We're talking about real people, real families, and real traditions disappearing.
The Environmental Cost of Fast Fashion
Shein thrives on a throwaway culture, where clothing is designed to be worn a few times before being discarded. The consequences are devastating for our planet.
The Numbers Are Alarming:
- The Ellen MacArthur Foundation reports that fashion contributes 10% of global carbon emissions—more than all international flights and shipping combined.
- Mountains of textile waste end up in landfills, polluting land and water.
- Greenpeace’s Detox campaign has found hazardous chemicals in Shein’s products, raising serious concerns about our health, and the health of our planet.
Shein has faced numerous allegations of exploiting workers across its supply chain. Investigations have revealed:
👎 Extremely low wages: Workers are paid a fraction of a living wage, barely enough to survive.
👎 Excessive working hours: A 2022 investigation by Public Eye found Shein workers routinely working 75-hour weeks in unsafe conditions.
👎 No transparency: The brand has repeatedly failed to disclose supplier conditions, raising red flags about forced labor and unethical practices.
Reliance Industries too has also faced multiple allegations related to labor exploitation across different sectors, including textiles, retail, and oil & gas. Reports indicate that workers have faced excessive workloads without proper compensation, limited access to bathroom and water breaks, and threats of dismissal for refusing overtime. While it may not have the same global reputation for labor violations as Shein, concerns have been raised about low wages, poor working conditions, and anti-union practices in its supply chains.
It’s time to ask ourselves: Is a ₹500 dress really worth the exploitation of someone else?
Preserving India’s Cultural Identity
India’s fashion heritage is deeply rooted in handloom weaving, natural dyes, and intricate embroidery. The influx of fast-fashion trends threatens to overshadow this artistry. We risk losing something precious, a unique expression of Indian artistry and woven fabrics, in the pursuit of these fleeting and often culturally insensitive trends. When traditional textiles like Banarasi silk, Chikankari, and Ajrakh prints are replaced by cheaply made Shein designs, we risk losing a piece of our cultural identity.
"Make in India" vs. Fast Fashion Exploitation
Atmanirbhar Bharat, or "Self-Reliant India", a campaign launched by the Government of India, spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has a mandate to make India a self-reliant and resilient nation by reducing its dependence on foreign imports, boosting local manufacturing, and strengthening the economy through indigenous development and innovation. So why allow Shein in?
By supporting Shein’s return, Reliance and the Indian government are betraying the very principles of our country .Instead of strengthening local industries and empowering Indian artisans and farmers, they are flooding the market with poor-quality synthetic fabrics, while engaging in exploitative labor practices and causing environmental harm. This move undermines small businesses, ethical brands, and centuries-old craftsmanship, making it even harder for Indian entrepreneurs to thrive. True self-reliance comes from investing in homegrown talent, sustainable fashion, and fair trade—not by empowering a company that threatens everything India stands for.
A Better Future for Indian Fashion
The return of Shein to India poses a real threat to small businesses, sustainability, and cultural heritage. While low prices may be tempting, the long-term consequences are too severe to ignore.
We, as consumers, have the power to demand better. Before making a purchase, ask yourself: We, as consumers, have the power to change things. We can choose to support ethical and sustainable brands like our selves, champion local artisans, and demand more transparency from the fashion industry. Before you buy something, ask yourself: What's the real cost of this garment? Think about the environmental impact, the people who made it, and the impact on local communities. Make informed choices, support businesses that value sustainability and ethical practices, and speak out against exploitative fast-fashion models. Let's work together to create a fashion industry that's both stylish and sustainable, one that respects people, our planet, and India's incredible cultural heritage.
How Can You Help?
- Support Indian Businesses and “Made In India” initiatives.
- Buy directly from Indian artisans and sustainable brands - Support initiatives like Craftmark that promote authentic Indian craftsmanship.
- Invest in quality over quantity - Choose durable, natural fabrics like linen, cotton, and hemp for long-lasting wear.
