Is that new {20}12 dress you saw trending on social media or recommended by an influencer worth it? Brands like Shein, H&M, Zara, and Primark have made it easy to stay stylish, thanks to the fast fashion industry. These inexpensive, truly-of-the-moment clothes enable shoppers to update their wardrobes with a click for just a few dollars, but they can also take a heavy and largely invisible toll on workers and the planet. Supporters of fast fashion argue that the industry makes all kinds of trendy clothing available to everyone who might otherwise be priced out, provides livelihoods for millions of workers worldwide, and boosts local economies. Opponents of fast fashion argue that the industry severely underpays and exploits its workers, heavily pollutes the environment, and contributes to massive clothing waste. When it comes to fast fashion, should consumers shop or stop?

Originally released by Open to Debate, 2024. Streaming video file encoded with permission for digital streaming by Infobase on March 20, 2025.