Disposable fashion trend among Chinese tourists sparks waste and health concerns

The trend of wearing disposable clothing while travelling gained popularity among Chinese internet users this summer, drawing criticism for its environmental impact.

The term “disposable clothing” recently had gone viral on social media, with its hashtag accumulating 6.8 million views and 135,000 discussions on one platform.

People shared their experiences of wearing disposable clothing on their trips, highlighting it as an economical choice. One individual noted that she bought five sets of clothes for her seven-day journey, spending no more than 200 yuan (US$30) in total.

As the term implies, she had no intention of keeping the clothes after her travels.

Most disposable garments are designed for social media appeal, including vibrant long skirts, cloaks, and outdoor jackets that are deemed unsuitable for everyday wear.

A women’s apparel shop owner shared with the Chinese media outlet City Express that his store offers various clothing styles tailored to different occasions.

For instance, he stocks photogenic skirts for seaside adventures in May, traditional hanfu attire for the Dragon Boat Festival, and exotic skirts for travellers heading to Xinjiang.

The shop owner revealed that he sells around 15,000 items monthly, primarily to customers aged 18 to 30. His best-selling items range from 10 to 50 yuan (US$1.5 to US$7.5), comparable to the price of a budget meal.