Justine, 39, is a very loyal customer of Shein, the Chinese ultra-fast fashion giant, which was the victim of a bad episode last April. What happened? A simple sports outfit purchased online turned into a nightmare for her.
The next morning, I saw that I had red spots all over my inner thighs, arms, neck. Above all, my face was swollen, including my eyelids and eyes. Everything itched and burned, it hurt.
The woman told the French program Complément d’enquête on France.tv. The severity of the allergic reaction forced her to go to the emergency room.
According to dermatologist Flore Kurihara, who examined the photos taken by Justine, the combination of materials of the purchased garment – 93% polyamide and 7% elastane – and the dyes used may have caused the allergic reaction. The doctor highlights how these synthetic fibers require more aggressive dyes, which can be irritating for more sensitive skin. Preservatives and formaldehyde present in some garments can also contribute to the problem.
Justine admits that she did not wash the suit before wearing it, a detail that immediately made the medical staff think of a link between direct contact with the materials and the reaction.
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Despite the traumatic experience – it seems incredible – but the woman continues to be a Shein customer, just with a little more attention. Now always wash your clothes before wearing them and carefully evaluate the materials (will it be enough?).
Justine’s case is not isolated. A few weeks later, in Britain, a young English tourist posted photos of her sore shoulders after wearing a tank top she ordered from Shein. The brand reacted by withdrawing the product and promising greater safety checks, but similar episodes continue to raise many concerns, also confirmed by various tests on the products.
However, the Complément d’enquête investigation highlights a much broader problem: Shein, with its over 470,000 items at very low prices, is accused of plagiarism, sale of potentially toxic products and environmental disaster. In France, lawmakers’ slowness in regulating the phenomenon has sparked criticism, while the brand recently opened a store in the BHV department store in Paris, sparking political and social controversy.
In November 2025, an analysis by the NGO Greenpeace of several garments ordered by Shein highlighted that 32% of the products contain dangerous chemicals, exceeding the limits allowed by the European Union, including children’s clothing.
