Every so often, fashion brands upset shoppers by attempting to sell questionable merchandise.
While many designs were created in good faith, others have been perceived as ways to make money by ruffling feathers. Nonetheless, the internet rarely forgets.
Here are 15 examples of the worst clothing items and accessories that have made a bad impression.
In January 2018, H&M apologized for using a black child in what some people called a 'racist' sweatshirt ad — but many thought that wasn't enough.
After facing intense backlash online, the brand apologized and seemed to remove the item from its US website.
However, some people said on Twitter that this apology isn't enough and claimed that the brand should've known better, as monkey is a noted racist slur.
https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/950349070438191104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Can’t be more confused and disgusted. H&M decided to put the black boy in a “Coolest Monkey in the Jungle” hoody and the white boy in a “Survival Expert” hoody. Can’t believe it’s 2018 and this offensive sickening racism still exists. We all must boycott H&M till they apologize. pic.twitter.com/OdynDKupjS
At this time, it's unclear if H&M plans to address these claims.
In December 2017, people were outraged when they discovered that American Eagle was selling a men's "metal cuff" bracelet that they thought looked like "slave shackles."
People began to share images of the product on December 11.
https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/940313720009510913?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
@american_eagle I saw this "bracelet" in and think you need to revisit this. I would never wear this due to the obvious slavery connection. I hope you do the right thing and remove this from your stores. Please retweet your support. #SlavesNoMorepic.twitter.com/aShkem9szx
American Eagle apologized for the product on Twitter on December 12. The retailer released the same statement to INSIDER on December 19. "We've heard and understand the concerns about the bracelet. We apologize and have removed the product from our stores and website," a representative for the retailer said.
Although the bracelet is no longer for sale online, some people say they have spotted it in stores.
On December 18, Twitter user Donna L. Johnson claimed that she found the item in an American Eagle outlet store in Fort Worth, Texas.
https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/942944181248581632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
@AEO look what I found at the American Eagle outlet in Fort Worth Tanger Outlet store and the fact that the Manager was clueless, and when the associate asked her why it was pulled she said ,"Shhhh we'll discuss it later", as if it was a dirty lol secret... pic.twitter.com/I2jsXxTdyr
When asked about Johnson's claims, the retailer said the following in a statement to INSIDER: "It has been communicated to stores and we will follow up with the store mentioned in the tweet to ensure that the item is removed."
Kendall and Kylie Jenner are in hot water again for plastering their faces over musical icons to sell T-shirts.
https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/880203429779341312
Kendall and Kylie are trash for so many things... but this... this is straight disrespectful, and they're selling them for $125 each 🤦🏻♂️ pic.twitter.com/W50WqHUpRw
After complaints from music fans, Kendall and Kylie Jenner pulled a range of controversial T-shirts from their site. The shirts — which debuted on June 28 and were taken off sale on June 29 — showed the sisters' faces superimposed over several famous musicians, including Tupac, Notorious B.I.G., and The Doors.
The Jenners issued a statement apologizing for causing offense after receiving criticism from music fans and allegations of cultural appropriation.
They were even met with threats of legal action. The Doors' estate reportedly threatened to sue the Jenners, issuing a cease and desist letter that claims one of the T-shirts in the range — which shows a selfie of Kendall over an image of Jim Morrison and The Doors logo — tarnishes the band's trademark.
See the rest of the story at Business Insider