Is that new $12 dress you saw trending on TikTok worth it? Brands like Shein, H&M, Zara, and Primark have made it easy to stay on-trend, thanks to the fast fashion industry. These inexpensive, truly-of-the-moment clothes let shoppers update their wardrobes with a click, but at what cost? Critics who say it’s time to stop supporting it argue that fast fashion is among the most polluting industries, rife with labor violations, and responsible for massive clothing waste. The environmental damage and unfair working conditions in countries with weak regulations have fueled a growing backlash. On the other hand, those who argue it’s still fine to shop say it makes all kinds of fashion available to everyone who might otherwise be priced out, provides livelihoods for millions of workers, and boosts local economies. Ultimately, it’s up to shoppers to decide where to place their money.

With this context and before we add to cart, we debate the question: Fast Fashion: Shop or Stop?