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These days, it's not odd to hear the words “I got it from Shein!” when you compliment someone on their bathing suit, top, or whatever other fashion piece they are wearing. Although we love to buy from high-end designer brands now and then, the rising cost of living and stagnating wages means that fashion lovers often turn to retailers that offer cheap price tags with a luxurious look. Influencers and everyday shoppers alike have been buying from Shein, a China-based fashion brand that has absurdly cheap price tags along with super trendy clothes.
Personally, I have been buying Shein bathing suits for years. While some of them were lacking in quality, others have lasted for years. We first tested Shein years ago, and wanted to see how the brand has changed—if at all—since. I tried on a few items from Shein’s current line-up and here’s what I thought.
What is Shein?
![Is Shein—the super trendy and cheap clothing brand—worth the hype? (1) Is Shein—the super trendy and cheap clothing brand—worth the hype? (1)](https://i0.wp.com/reviewed-com-res.cloudinary.com/image/fetch/s--d0xmZpAg--/b_white,c_limit,cs_srgb,f_auto,fl_progressive.strip_profile,g_center,q_auto,w_792/reviewed-production.s3.amazonaws.com/attachment/261404ffb8074f19/20240718_Sheininline3.jpg)
Shein is an online fast fashion company based in China that started in 2008 and is known for offering very cheap clothes. With its motto of, “everyone can enjoy the beauty of fashion,” Shein mostly sells women’s apparel, but also offers a wide selection of accessories, shoes, children’s clothes, and menswear. The brand shot to fame on social media because it markets its products to content creators, sending them free clothing to review in paid advertisem*nts.
Shein is also frequently at the center of controversy due to its lack of transparency regarding supply chain issues, and its "real-time" model that gathers customer data to craft new designs in as little as three days. The brand has also come under fire over the years with allegations of copying the work of both established and emerging designers and artists, as well as contributing to a crisis of overconsumption and perpetuating the greatest ills of the fast fashion industry.
What is it like to order Shein clothes?
Shopping the Shein website can be overwhelming. With what seems like an endless selection of bathing suits, dresses, sportswear, and more, you may get stuck scrolling through the website for hours. While the site is easy and intuitive to navigate, know that a “shopping trip” won’t be quick.
After successfully making it through a few hours of scrolling, I finally settled on trying out the black lace robe, soft beach cover up, brown bikini, cami top, and summer dress.
When it comes to shipping, Shein offers both standard and express shipping. Standard shipping can take anywhere from six to eight business days, while express shipping can be delivered as soon as the very next day. While shipping costs between $3.99 and $12.90, Shein offers free standard shipping on orders over $29 and free express shipping on orders over $129. Additionally, if you live in the U.S., you’re entitled to free returns within 35 days of purchase, so long as the products are unworn and in the original packaging.
How do Shein clothes fit?
![Is Shein—the super trendy and cheap clothing brand—worth the hype? (2) Is Shein—the super trendy and cheap clothing brand—worth the hype? (2)](https://i0.wp.com/reviewed-com-res.cloudinary.com/image/fetch/s--yvUZUk2---/b_white,c_limit,cs_srgb,f_auto,fl_progressive.strip_profile,g_center,q_auto,w_792/reviewed-production.s3.amazonaws.com/attachment/81bbccddd68744b7/20240718_Sheininline1.jpg)
Shopping for the right size online can be a guessing game. That is why it’s important to read through customer reviews and check the sizing chart attached to each item on the website when shopping with Shein. The size chart will include specific measurements for every size. All you’ll have to do is grab some measuring tape to determine the best fit. There are many reviewers who have complained that they ordered a small only to get something that fit more like an extra large, and vice versa.
Most of the items I ordered fit me true to size. The two-piece bikini didn’t fit me right, but that’s only because I ordered a medium when I am usually a small. Therefore, the top of the suit was a little loose around my back. In addition, the lace robe was a little tight around my chest. Otherwise, the beach coverup, dress, and tank top fit me well.
Are Shein clothes good quality?
No, but they look good
![Is Shein—the super trendy and cheap clothing brand—worth the hype? (3) Is Shein—the super trendy and cheap clothing brand—worth the hype? (3)](https://i0.wp.com/reviewed-com-res.cloudinary.com/image/fetch/s--9ud3Aluh--/b_white,c_limit,cs_srgb,f_auto,fl_progressive.strip_profile,g_center,q_auto,w_792/reviewed-production.s3.amazonaws.com/attachment/57f5adf0917a4464/20240718_Sheininline2.jpg)
When you order cheap clothing, expect to get cheap quality. Most of the materials used in Shein’s clothes wrinkle and shrink easily, so it’s important to follow the care instructions for each item. For example, after washing the brown bathing suit a couple of times, it held its shape because I washed it, as instructed, on a delicate load and hung it up to dry.
The dress and tank top are both made with a thicker material—mostly polyester—meaning they have more durability than a lot of other items found on Shien, although they both wrinkle easily.
The beach coverup and nightgown are both thin, but I found their fabrics to feel soft to the touch. When it comes to quality, it comes down to what’s important to you. Do you care about durability? Softness? How easily the fabric wrinkles? These are factors to consider, but overall, don't expect the best quality from Shein items, even if they seem good.
Are Shein clothes worth buying?
![Is Shein—the super trendy and cheap clothing brand—worth the hype? (4) Is Shein—the super trendy and cheap clothing brand—worth the hype? (4)](https://i0.wp.com/reviewed-com-res.cloudinary.com/image/fetch/s--Lib7_o2O--/b_white,c_limit,cs_srgb,f_auto,fl_progressive.strip_profile,g_center,q_auto,w_792/reviewed-production.s3.amazonaws.com/attachment/38f20f7ecaf84a09/Shein_update2024_4.png)
Yes, if you want cheap, trendy styles and are willing to sacrifice on quality
When it comes to buying fashion from Shein, do not expect the best quality. You get what you pay for: cheap, fashionable clothing that may not be what you expect when it arrives. The selection is similar to stores you can find in the mall, such as H&M and Forever 21. Shein can be a cheap way to test out new styles or trends before you commit, or if you have a specific event in mind and know you’ll only wear a look once, it could be a valid option. That being said, if you want clothes that are made to last, we suggest looking elsewhere.
If you do decide to shop with Shein, make sure you do your research before buying. Know that the sizing, quality, and look of an item may not be what you expect or what you see in the pictures. To avoid any unfortunate surprises, always check the sizing chart and read any reviews, specifically ones that include photos, of the item first to get a better idea of how the pieces would look in real life.
At the end of the day, you never know exactly what you’re going to get with Shein. With major sizing discrepancies, average fabric choices, and build-quality that sometimes begins to unravel from its very first wash, it can be easy to write off the retailer in its entirety. This is to say nothing about the environmental impacts of the fashion industry, a rapidly expanding culture of overconsumption and Instagram-ready haul videos, and the ethical implications of supporting fast fashion companies.
If you choose to shop Shein (and other fast fashion retailers), do so with care and consideration. Basics that you have to replace more frequently, like underwear, undershirts, and base layers, are a great place to start. Similarly, look at the fabric composition. Something made from 100% cotton or wool will typically last longer than synthetic fibers or blended fabrics. This means that most of the items we tested probably won’t last too long, such as the cami top and dress, which feel pretty cheap in quality.
What we tested from Shein
Solid Color & Lace Trim Women's Nightgown
This silky-soft nightgown has a near-perfect 5-star rating. Shop the style in five colors in women’s sizes S to XL.
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Swim Summer Beach Solid Tie Front Cover Up
We love this lightweight, go-to beach layer. Shop the one-size style in four colors.
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Swim Summer Beach Women's Hollow Texture Swimsuit
Available in 10 colors in women’s sizes 4 to 12, this simple suit seems to hold its shape well. Plus, it’s super cute.
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Lace Trim Camisole Cami Top
If you’re leaving the house to enjoy a hot summer day, you’ll want to grab this go-to top out of your closet. Shop the style in women’s sizes XS to XL.
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Irregular Blue And White Striped Short Sleeve Dress
Throw on this flowy dress for a fun night out, available in women’s sizes XS to L in one color.
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