Rhiannon Ingle
There's been quite a lot of talk about fast-fashion retailer Shein as of recent, and the latest sees shoppers slamming the company for 'sexualising young girls' with slimming workout gear.
The brand, which has been accused of many human rights abuses and unethical practices, previously admitted that working hour regulations were breached following an independent investigation into its factory working practices and environmental impact back in 2022.
Channel 4 once sent in an undercover worker to film inside two of the online fashion retailer's factories in Guangzhou, China, and found that workers reportedly received a base salary of just 4k yuan per month (approximately £434).
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Each worker was also reportedly required produce 500 pieces of clothing every single day.
The investigation also found workers in both factories were regularly working up to 18-hour days and were only given one day off a month.
A Shein spokesperson said at the time: "We are extremely concerned by the claims presented by Channel 4, which would violate the Code of Conduct agreed to by every Shein supplier.
"Any non-compliance with this code is dealt with swiftly, and we will terminate partnerships that do not meet our standards.
"We work with leading independent agencies like TUV, SGS, OpenView and Intertek to conduct unannounced audits at supplier facilities."
Not only has Shein been called out for how it treats its workers and its environmental impact, but it's also been slammed for the products marketed towards children.
A recent advert for an item listed as 'Tween Girls' Floral Print Tank Top And Shorts Activewear Set' has been shared online, much to the 'disgust' of some.
On the images, showing a child wearing the set while holding a weight, the overlay text reads: "The secret to slimming down. Butt lift: flatters curve and enhances support."
The product, which retails for €10.00 also states that it is 'breathable', 'skin-friendly' and has a '4-way stretch'.
One X user hit out: "So I'm passionate about youngsters being pressured regarding looks imagine my horror when I see this #SHEIN advert!!!!
"This should not be allowed which is targeted at young girls #Advertising #disgust #mentalhealth #MentalHealthMatters #kidsfashion please #Share."
They added: "Disgusting that companies are sexualising young girls. I saw an advert of Shein recently aimed at young girls that I was disgusted with."
And this is far from the first time the fast-fashion retailer has come under fire for its clothing marketed towards children.
Back in 2020, Uniform Reform UK tweeted: "I am honestly quite shaken by this. @SHEIN_official. Why are using photographs of GIRLS (*children*) in your reviews for your already questionable bikinis? Are you checking the images that are being uploaded to your website?"
The organisation then shared a Shein website link to the item in question which has since been removed from the site.
"What the hell are they playing at?" commented another Twitter user before adding: "Ugh that’s so creepy."
"This is shocking. @SHEIN_official you need to take urgent action here," penned a third before a final Twitter user added: "Totally irresponsible."
Tyla has reached out to Shein for comment.