With H&M in hot water: 5 scandals from your FAVE high-street stores

High-street fashion retailer H&M has been forced to issue an apology today over a particular scarf. 

Yes, a scarf. 

The shop is currently stocking a monochrome striped scarf that many are claiming closely resembles the Tallitt which is the official prayer shawl of the Jewish faith. 

"We are truly sorry if we have offended anyone with this piece. Everyone is welcome at H&M and we never take a religious or political stand," a spokesperson for the store told Vogue.co.uk. 

"Stripes are one of the trends for this season and something we were inspired by. Our intention was never to upset anyone."

It's not the first time a high-street retailer has caused offence and it certainly won't be the last. 

1) Urban Outfitters 

This design on a tapestry blanked from Urban Outfitters caused controversy after being described as too similar to the uniform gay concentration camp prisoners were forced to wear to make themselves known.

2) Topshop 

Topshop was slammed for using ultra skinny mannequins in its stores and was forced to issue an apology as well as vowing to never use the ultra skinny versions again. 

3) H&M 

The scarf was not the first time H&M faced controversy over one of its designs. 

The retailer was also criticised for using the image of a skull inside what appeared to be the star of David. 

4) Urban Outfitters 

Yep, UO again!

This time, the retailer was forced to pull this design as it appeared to have a blood stained pattern on a university jumper. 

Not very conscientious considering the number of shootings that happen on American campuses…

5) American Apparel

American Apparel has faced constant criticism over the sexualisation of its models and women in general for its advertising campaigns. 

The ads got so racy that the brand simply started to hire porn stars to get the desired effect.