Published：May 18, 02:48Last updated：May 28, 18:00

Shein Acquires Sustainable Brand Everlane

May. 18, 2026 02:48

Online fast-fashion giant Shein is acquiring U.S. apparel retailer Everlane from majority owner L Catterton in a deal valued at approximately $100 million. The acquisition, reported by Puck News, marks Shein's expansion into the sustainable fashion market.

Summarized

9News

6Media

May. 22, 2026 17:03

Shein, the Chinese fast-fashion giant, agreed to acquire eco-friendly brand Everlane on May 22, 2026. The deal comes amid Everlane’s financial struggles and may surprise its core customer base. The acquisition marks a significant move in the fashion industry.

May. 28, 2026 18:00

Michael Preysman, co-founder of Everlane, expresses dismay over the Shein acquisition and its impact on his brand. He is among founders who regret losing control of their companies. The situation highlights challenges faced by entrepreneurs in the retail industry.

Chinese fast-fashion giant Shein has acquired U.S.-based sustainable apparel retailer Everlane in a deal valued at approximately $100 million, marking a surprising merger between two contrasting business models. The acquisition, announced on May 22, 2026, positions Shein to expand into the eco-conscious fashion market while raising questions about Everlane's future sustainability commitments. Reuters+2

🛍️ Clash of Fashion Philosophies

The deal brings together Shein's ultra-fast production model with Everlane's reputation for ethical sourcing and transparency. Everlane had built its brand as an alternative to fast-fashion, appealing particularly to millennial consumers with its "radical transparency" approach. Industry analysts note this creates an unusual pairing in the apparel sector. Toronto Star+2

💼 Leadership and Backlash

Everlane CEO Alfred Chang assured employees and customers that sustainability commitments would remain, though co-founder Michael Preysman publicly expressed dismay. The acquisition sparked significant backlash from Everlane's customer base, with many viewing the sale to a fast-fashion giant as contradictory to the brand's core values. Social media saw widespread criticism of the move. CBC News+2

📈 Market Impact and Future

The acquisition comes amid Everlane's reported financial struggles and represents Shein's strategic push into sustainable fashion. The deal could reshape the affordable eco-friendly apparel market, though it remains unclear how Everlane will operate under Shein's ownership. Industry watchers are monitoring whether Shein will maintain Everlane's independent operations as promised. The Independent+2

🔄 Supply Chain Implications

A key question surrounds how Everlane's transparent supply chain will integrate with Shein's massive global production network. The acquisition gives Shein access to Everlane's ethical manufacturing partnerships, while Everlane gains Shein's distribution scale. This merger tests whether sustainability and fast-fashion growth can coexist. Reuters+2

SheinEverlaneL CattertonAlfred ChangMichael Preysman