Chinese fast-fashion juggernaut Shein to buy eco-friendly Everlane in an
unlikely fit
[May 23, 2026] By
ANNE D'INNOCENZIO
NEW YORK (AP) — Everlane, the retailer that bucked the fast-fashion
industry by promising affordable ethically sourced and sustainable
clothing, is being acquired by the king of fast-fashion Shein, founded
in China.
A letter to Everlane employees from CEO Alfred Chang confirming the deal
was obtained by The Associated Press on Friday.
Everlane, based in San Francisco, didn't disclose a purchase price.
Shein declined to comment. Everlane's majority owner L Catterton
couldn't be immediately reached for comment.
Everlane was founded in 2011 by Michael Preysman and Jesse Farmer with a
mission to produce eco friendly and affordable clothing. The company
publicized regular audits of its pay and working conditions, as well as
the brand's environmental impact. The online retailer opened its first
physical store in 2017.
But the company in recent years has been embroiled in controversies
surrounding treatment of its workers, according to media reports.
Everlane, which was joined by other eco-friendly brands like Allbirds,
also found that offering a more transparent look at its factories wasn't
enough for consumers, according to independent retail analyst Bruce
Winder. Winder said shoppers were also seeking more affordable prices,
and “the novelty wore off.” He cited Allbirds. After sales of the once
highly popular shoe tumbled, it rebranded itself “NewBird AI,” and is
now focused on artificial intelligence and cloud-computing services.
L Catterton began acquiring significant stakes in Everlane in September
2020. becoming its majority owner. It also owns a significant stake in
brands Boll & Branch, Etro and Birkenstock.
Preysman officially stepped down in 2022.
The online retailer Shein was founded in China in 2012 and become
extremely popular with teens and young shoppers with $15 trendy dresses
and sandals, A majority of items are mass produced and stitched together
by workers in a web of factories in China. It has moved its headquarters
in Singapore.
“Like many brands, we’ve faced increasing pressure in a rapidly changing
retail landscape,” Chang wrote in the letter. “This partnership allows
us to remain independent, and gives us the stability and resources to
make a larger impact, without compromising on the quality and standards
that make Everlane, Everlane.”
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Clothes by Chinese company Shein are seen in the BHV (Bazar de
l'Hotel de Ville) department store, Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025 in Paris.
(AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard, File)
 Chang, who became CEO in 2024, wrote
that the deal will enable the business to invest more in its
product, innovation and staff. He emphasized that Everlane will
remain an independent brand, staying true to its “sustainability”
commitments.
Chang said he will continue as CEO and its
leadership will remain in place.
The takeover bid arrives at a time when Everlane is struggling.
Sales are down and debt has mounted, according to Neil Saunders,
managing director of GlobalData Retail. The company needs new
ownership to survive, and Shein can provide that financial
stability, he said.
Shein can establish a presence outside of fast fashion through
Everlane, Saunders said, as growth within the industry becomes more
difficult. Tariffs and other trade restrictions under the Trump
administration have upended imports of the inexpensive clothing that
dominates fast fashion.
Winder noted that Shein also has an opportunity to redefine its
brand by creating a portfolio of eco-friendly brands like Everlane.
But Everlane and Shein are an odd couple, analysts noted.
Shein is unlikely to completely retool Everlane's supply network,
Saunders said, but even being associated with the Shein group may be
“somewhat jarring for core Everlane customers. ”
“Ultimately, the deal likely saves Everlane,” he said. “But that
salvation comes at a price.”
Chang seemed to allude in his memo to some of the negative responses
on social media when rumors of the deal were swirling, stating that
the “past week has been a hard one. Seeing our company in the media,
and in that light, was painful.”
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