Urban Modesty Ethical Practices

Boycotting SHEIN and AliExpress: A Stand Against Forced Labor and for Ethical Fashion

In an era where consumers are increasingly conscious of the ethical implications of their purchases, the practices of fast-fashion giants like SHEIN and AliExpress have come under intense scrutiny. Allegations of utilizing forced labor, particularly involving the Uyghur Muslim minority in China's Xinjiang region, have raised significant human rights concerns.

These companies have been accused of exploiting loopholes in international trade laws to import goods produced under questionable labor conditions into markets like the United States. A 2023 congressional report highlighted that SHEIN and Temu accounted for over 30% of all packages entering the U.S. under the "de minimis" provision, which allows goods valued under $800 to bypass certain customs inspections. This loophole potentially enables the importation of products made with forced labor, circumventing the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) enacted in 2021 to block such goods.

Senator Marco Rubio (who by no means has good ethics, he is Anti-Palestine) has been a vocal critic of these practices. In 2021, he introduced legislation aimed at preventing slave-made exports from being sold in the U.S. He has also urged the Securities and Exchange Commission to investigate companies like SHEIN and Temu for potential violations of the UFLPA. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Rubio said:

"We must ensure that goods made with slave labor — especially from Xinjiang — are not being sold to American consumers through loopholes. It's time to hold companies accountable."

Despite public statements claiming zero tolerance for forced labor, SHEIN has faced criticism for its lack of transparency. In a 2025 UK parliamentary hearing, Shein's general counsel declined to answer questions about the sourcing of cotton from Xinjiang, leading lawmakers to express frustration over the company's evasiveness.

In contrast, Urban Modesty is committed to ethical labor practices. We ensure that all our products are made in facilities that uphold fair labor standards, providing safe working conditions and fair wages. Our supply chains are transparent, and we conduct regular audits to maintain these standards.

By choosing Urban Modesty, you support a model of fashion that respects human rights and promotes sustainability. Boycotting companies implicated in forced labor practices is not just a moral, Islamic, imperative but also a step toward fostering an industry that values ethical production. As consumers, our choices can drive change, encouraging brands to prioritize human dignity over profit. 

🛑 STOP SHOPPING BASED ON PRICE ALONE

✅ CONSIDER ETHICS

Sources: