Emily has considered stopping buying from Shein due to its labour practices, but says everywhere else “is way too expensive”.
“I’m happy to talk about the fact I shop at Shein because I know I’m not the only one,” she adds.
The numbers show she’s right, with Shein transforming from a little-known company just a few years ago into one of the world’s biggest clothing firms.
Global sales are estimated to have reached $36.9bn (£30.2bn) last year, according to GlobalData.
Shein is a private company and does not report its global results.
But profits in the UK doubled in 2023 to more than £24m, according to a Companies House filing, external.
Shein stocks thousands of different clothing lines, dwarfing rival fast fashion brands such as H&M and Zara.
It sells many clothes for below £10, and turns around new designs quickly.
