Earlier this year I started spending money at SHEIN after years of checking out the site and seeing the products they have for sale. I've promised an honest SHEIN review for months now, and I think it's about time that I finally put my thoughts about SHEIN out into the open. So, without further ado, let's chat about SHEIN!
Note: This post contains affiliate links.
SHEIN Sizing Basics
Okay, SHEIN is infamous for not having the best sizing in the world. My experience is pretty on par with what I heard about SHEIN before I bought.
I have to check the sizing on everything before I buy. EVERYTHING. Sometimes the size charts are also a little hard to read because they aren't very clear on exactly what you are measuring. Overall, I wish the sizing was more forthcoming. If you are buying from the US website, it would make sense to add US Sizing, right? But you have to dig deep to get somewhat of an understanding of the size you are buying.
I can't tell you how many times I wanted to do some shopping on SHEIN, and then I just gave up. I would often give up because shopping on the site was so stressful and I didn't want to end up purchasing a bunch of duds that didn't fit.
It feels like each order I've made with SHEIN I've had one or two things that didn't fit quite right. It's usually because something is too tight, and it's almost always in one spot like the chest and armpits area and nowhere else.
I believe you can return things with SHEIN, but I've always just kept it. I'll probably donate all the SHEIN items that didn't fit me at one point.
SHEIN Shipping Debate
Another thing I've heard about SHEIN is that the shipping is horrid, but I can't honestly say that's true. In my experience with the three orders I've placed on the site, things come pretty quickly. This isn't a Wish situation where you could be waiting months. I've never waited more than a little bit under four weeks for an order to get to my doorstep.
I've noticed that SHEIN orders typically come from a couple of places for me in the United States. Sometimes they come from China, and those orders can take a while longer, but they will also come from New York or California, and those orders tend to be quicker.
Most of the stuff I've ordered from SHEIN has come to me in under two weeks.
I also like the fact that they ship things out in multiple orders if that will help speed up the shipping process for you.
Lastly, one time when shipping was a bit slower than usual they sent me 500 SHEIN points without me having to do anything at all. Those 500 SHEIN points got me $5 off an order, so I thought that was pretty kind of them, especially because when they sent the points, I wasn't even thinking about how long the shipping was taking.
Funny story about this wine, it sucked, and it's still sitting in my fridge from this photo shoot months ago.
SHEIN Clothing Quality
So, the thing with SHEIN is you never know the quality you will get. Some stuff is fantastic in the quality department, and some stuff is subpar. I've received multiple items that I just adored, but some items kept me wanting more and felt like they were made of confusing and thin fabric.
An example of both confusing and pretty thin fabric was the dress I showed here a few months ago when I talked about how to focus on self-care when you feel like you don't deserve it. It was a beautiful dress, but the tie was in a strange place and took forever to figure out. Plus, the dress was a little bit thin, not see-through, just thin.
Some of my favorite pieces have been a cute palm print dress I showed y'all a few weeks ago; the pearl-embellished top I showed y'all earlier this year; and the red striped dress that I am showing y'all today.
Overall, though, sometimes it feels like they make pieces out of too scratchy fabric or the cheapest fabric they can find.
If you do a little digging though, you can always check out the reviews, and see other people styling it. You should also check out the material in the description of each piece so you will get a better idea of what material each item will be made from.
SHEIN Ethical Dilemmas
Last, but not least, we have to talk about the elephant in the room.
Going to be a mom here for a second.
There's a reason that the prices on SHEIN are so low.
When you shop at places like SHEIN, you know very little about how they run the factories behind their products. More than likely, they keep their prices low by paying their workers less than satisfactory wages that most of us would never personally take in the United States.
At the same time, though, the prices are nice, but the stuff behind the price might not be. This is not a SHEIN problem though. Do you think our phones cost $500 to make and they make a modest profit off of each one? The entire world has a business model of getting prices to make items as low as humanly possible.
This is just something that has to be in the back of your mind as you are picking up a top or a dress from SHEIN. Some people put a lot on the line behind your products every single day.
My Verdict: SHEIN (Basically) Sells Instagram Clothes
In my opinion, Instagram clothes are clothes that only look good for the ‘gram or an occasional wear. I am not going to say that they sell absolutely no quality clothes. Some pieces are made with nice quality fabric. On the other hand, they also sell a patterned skirt that doesn't line up on both sides (see the skirt in my Erin Condren post from last week.)
My Tips For Purchasing On SHEIN
So, here are my biggest tips for shopping:
- Test it out on a sale day so you can at least save money while shopping.
- Read the size charts to the best of your ability, they can be confusing, but try to make your best guess.
- Try to look at pieces on actual people if you can. Sometimes you will have to jump the gun and hit purchase, but try to look at reviews and people wearing items first.
- Know that you get what you pay for.
- Keep shopping at SHEIN to an occasional level and invest in pieces from other companies that will last.
- Give yourself time! The SHEIN site can be overwhelming, so don't expect to have a quick shopping trip, give yourself the time you need to browse the site.
I hope that this article has helped you as you consider shopping at SHEIN.
I'd love to know your personal experience shopping with SHEIN if you have one!
The Comments
Hannah
I always read the reviews when buying from SheIn! I think it’s the best way to gauge the fit and quality of each item. I have 2 dresses from SheIn that I love, but I agree that they’re more “Instagram” dresses or dresses I wear out to bars where I don’t really mind if something gets spilled on them. I think all of the outfits you’ve chosen from them are so cute!
amandacross
HannahThank you so much for the comment, Hannah! The reviews are definitely very helpful. I also like to see how bloggers style the outfits. Even though they are sometimes gifted from SheIn, I think bloggers are usually quite forthcoming and helpful with the fit of SheIn outfits.
Domonique Jones
amandacrossHey lady. Thanks a bunch. I really appreciate the honesty because I was so unsure. I think I’ll try it out!
Lynda
amandacrossI love the last dress you’re wearing in this post! And thank you for this. I had never heard of this site until a Facebook ad. I love everything I’m seeing but I was worried about ordering from them.
E.m. Stevenson
Hey girl! This post was so helpful to me. I never really thought about the ethical side when buying these types of clothing. Overall this was a great post defiantly 10/10!!!!
amandacross
E.m. StevensonHi! I am so glad that this post was helpful to you. The ethical side of things is a bit hard to think about, and it’s definitely not just a SheIn problem, but I think it should be something to consider at least a bit when buying these clothes. I am glad I could give you something else to consider.
Uzma
Hey. I keep seeing their name everywhere now in the UK and was trying to figure out whether it’s worth the hassle so I definitely appreciate the feedback before looking at their clothes! Thanks!
Dria
UzmaI have placed a order this week and I went back and forth for weeks due to the sizing charts I was skeptical but decided to give them a try as my cousin has placed multiple orders got them quickly and loved the merchandise so I will keep you posted
Nicole Litschauer
DriaLove the black dress not my style but you rock it I was about to unload 300 plus on shein then seen this post. I also read your reviews and Ive been iffy about buying (actually been lazy lol) not wanting to use the size chart. But thank u for the tips I deff. Will put in the time and perhaps that will help my 1st experience be less expensive lol love your article comparison is the theif of joy that alone should be a wooden sign on my door Much love xo Oregon
Niki
Emily Bass
Hi, fellow Arkansan! I love SHEIN! You do have to dig to find quality pieces, but I love trying new new things from them! The sizing charts have gotten better recently in my opinion. Most of the clothes are I. Asian sizing, so as a rule of thumb you should size up 1-2 sizes. For example I wear mediums and sometimes larges in US sizing but a large or extra-large in SHEIN clothes. I’ve even had to buy some plus size clothes because the sizing is so small. Overall, I really like the website, especially because you have the option to save items and then go back and add them to your cart if you decide you want them.
Nickey
I love the style of vlothes they have but always afraid of the fabric being too cheap
Christina
Thank you so much. You have helped so much!
Britnee
I just want to tell you how amazing you look in that black and gold dress! I hadn’t even really looked at SheIn clothing before trying to find some reviews (I just searched clearance websites on Google lol) and figured I would save myself the discouragement just in case, but now I think I gotta have a dress like that for myself!
Joan on the block
Thanks girl! You’ve been super helpful and you do look cute in the pink stripes and the palm prints too ☺️.
Hannah
Thank you so much for this post! I’ve been looking at the Shein site for a while and wondering about the quality and prices. I just placed an order for some “resort” clothing since I’ll be going on my honeymoon in Mexico in June. Your description of “instagram clothes” was so helpful! Perfect for clothes you’ll wear once or twice.
Also you look so gorgeous in these pics, but especially that black dress with the gold and white pattern! Stunning!
Danica
Girl, I have to say you are GORGEOUS!!!! I love some of these on you.
And thanks for the reviews, I am still skeptical about SheIn. And I stumbled upon this while Google searching for reviews on the website.
Michelle
DanicaThank you for your Honest Review
You have helped a great deal
I love all of the outfits on you, Especially the long flowered dress ❤️
Do you have any other suggestions of others
Good priced places to shop.
MJ
This was very helpful! Thank you for your clear, concise, and candid observations. I was so glad to have you mention the ethical side of their process as it has concerned me and we as consumers have a responsibility to know how our shopping affects others.
Heather Newman
I’m glad I googled for this review! You answered all of my questions before I made my first purchase. Very helpful!
Francesca
Heather NewmanJust heard of shein and was iffy. I love your commentary and tips and omfg you look more than amazing in those clothes that i am in envy and need to buy those! I was afraid they wouldnt have plus sizes that actually were plus sizes. You are rocking these clothes!
ruby
Thank you ..this is super helpful
Anna
You are so cute. Thank you for this priceless information.
Lauren
I love your review! One question though, what size do you order? I usually wear a 2x/18 anywhere I go, but I’m wondering about how much to size up. What are your suggestions?
Tonya Taylor
Great article. I purchased my first blouse from SHEIN last week. I typically wear a medium, but I purchased a large in hopes to combat a potential “international sizing issue.” I read the reviews and saw a picture of a buyer who actually purchased the blouse, so I decided to go for it. Plus, the blouse was on sale for $9.90. With shipping and insurance I paid a total of $16 and some change. So if it doesn’t fit or the material is too scratchy, I didn’t lose too much money.
Theresa Mass
I’ve gotten numerous orders from SheIn and love most. Def the cheapest products are the ones your going to be disappointed in. Usually any leggings, pass on. The material is very thin and super shiny (cheap). But I am for the most part asatisfied customer. Dresses and Jackets have been great. No shoes ever in my size tho 10 ☹
Amanda Cross
Theresa MassGlad to hear that! I’ve definitely had orders on both sides from great to not so great. I think you can find some good pieces there if you search and utilize reviews.
Katie
Hi there! I absolutely loved this post. Really appreciate you doing such an honest review and posting pictures of yourself in the stuff, you look great. I’m definitely going to check out your other posts. Thank you so much Amanda, much love to you!
Kinn
Thanks for a beautifully written concise and relevant review!
Zera Horn
I agree with you assessment 100%. I like looking at the reviews, then hitting “photo.” Ever since I started doing that, no issues. You can see cheap on someone else, unlike being able to see it on the model. Really enjoyed your article!
Flore
I just stumbled on your review of Shein and you are a 100% right. So my order just arrived, and I’m going to send back a lot, because the fit isn’t how I want it. Since a year has passed, do you now happen to have any information on returning items to Shein?
Amanda Cross
FloreHonestly, I’ve never returned anything. The site is rather overwhelming, so I haven’t purchased in a while.
Jada
Great article! Totally forgot about the ethical dilemmas of buying from Shein
Anne
Thanks for sharing your experience with this website!! You look great in what you bought! 🙂
Catie
Aw you’re so cute !! great article :))
Perri
Recently I bought clothes for the first time outside of where I usually shop; I felt “what the heck I’ll give them a try.” I must say I was pretty disappointed in the sizing. I looked at the sizing chart and the measurements; I have a 46in bust, 40in waist and 50in hips so looking at the chart I went for those measurements. Well I got the Jean’s and Whoa they were way to big. Some of the shirts were the same way. I have to say sizing is an issue BUUUUTTT, you are right buying clothing on sale trying it out should help divulge your sizing and say money in the process. Their clothing is absolutely cute and I cant wait to actually wear it for summer and to pool I just need to buy the correct size. ❤
Ciara
Great Read. Especially since I have been going back and forth with purchasing from Shein. I may just order something just for fun but not for a special event until I am sure of the quality. Very helpful article 🙂