Shein Clothing Review: Is This Controversial Brand Worth It?

Overview of Shein: The Good, Bad and Ugly

Shein (pronounced "She-in"), formerly known as SheInside, has become one of the most talked-about online fast fashion retailers in recent years. The China-based company was founded in 2008 with the goal of making on-trend fashion accessible and affordable for all.

So how has Shein exploded into a fashion powerhouse valued at $15 billion?

For starters, Shein‘s business model is built for rapid growth. They own their factories, cut out the middleman by selling directly to consumers, and leverage social media and influencers like no other brand. This allows them to design, produce and ship new styles at lightning speed.

But Shein‘s meteoric rise hasn‘t come without controversy. Critics have called them out for lack of transparency around labor practices and environmental impact. However, the brand has taken some steps to address sustainability concerns.

Others have complained about poor quality clothing that doesn‘t hold up well or inconsistently sized items.

So is the hype around Shein legit? Here‘s an in-depth review examining the good, bad and ugly of this viral fashion label.

The Good

• Jaw-dropping low prices: You simply can‘t beat Shein‘s prices, with most women‘s and men‘s items ranging from $5-30. And they constantly offer additional discounts!

• Massive on-trend selection: Shein adds 500-1000 new styles to their site DAILY, keeping their catalog fresh and current. You‘ll find everything from basics to dresses, swimwear, shoes, accessories and more.

• Decent quality for the cost: While you shouldn‘t expect items to last years, most Shein clothes pass the wearability test, especially accessories. Reviewers say they‘ve scored Shein items that felt like higher end brands.

• Inclusive sizing: Shein offers an impressive size range, from XXXS-4XL for both standard and plus sizes. This is incredibly rare among fast fashion brands catering to straight sizes.

• Positive customer service: Despite some exceptions, most shoppers report friendly service reps who readily assist with returns, exchanges, and other issues.

The Bad

• Inconsistent sizing and quality: One of the biggest complaints is receiving items that looked nothing like the photo or fell apart after several wears. Be prepared for some duds.

• Long shipping times: It can take 2-4 weeks to receive your items unless you pay extra $13+ for express shipping. Standard shipping usually takes 10+ days.

• Questionable ethics: Due to lack of supply chain transparency, we don‘t know fair wage or ethical sourcing policies. Some investigations have revealed poor labor conditions.

The Ugly

• Terrible for the environment: Ultra fast production + cheap prices signals an enormous environmental impact. Shein likely contributes tons of textile waste yearly.

• Ripping off designs: The brand has been repeatedly accused of stealing designs from indie artists and passing them off as their own.

• Addictive shopping experience: Between targeted ads and daily deals, Shopaholics beware! It‘s easy to overspend on Shein‘s website.

Now that you know the basics on Shein – good and bad – let‘s dive into detailed reviews of their most popular items!

Shein Bestsellers Reviewed

I‘ve scoured Shein‘s website for their top-rated and bestselling clothes and accessories to give you an idea of what to expect quality and fit-wise.

Shein‘s Beloved Button Down Shirt

First up is this customer fave – the Button Front Cropped Shirt. It has nearly 5,000 reviews and a perfect 5 star rating!

Shoppers say it looks way more expensive than $12 and is ideal for tying up or wearing open over tanks, camis and bralettes.

This oversized button down shows off Shein‘s signature slouchy, cropped style that Gen Z loves. It comes in versatile solids and prints like plaid, leopard and floral.

The quality? Shoppers describe the cotton blend fabric as soft and breathable, not cheap or see-through. The relaxed fit also seems true to size.

Must-Have Faux Leather Leggings

Another bestselling item with nearly 15,000 reviews is Shein‘s Faux Leather Leggings. These slick pants only cost $17 but reviewers say they compete with expensive brands like Spanx.

What makes them such a hit? The thick fabric that sucks you in yet stretches comfortably. The leggings also pass the "squat test" – no tearing or sheerness when you bend and move!

Available in classic black or edgy red, these leggings work for day to night. Dress them up with heels and cropped blazer or down with sneakers and graphic tee.

Sizing tip: Size up for a sleek, sexy look rather than skin tight.

Wildly Popular Ruched Bodycon Dress

Prepare for major compliments whenever you wear this figure-flaunting number with 13,000+ reviews.

The Ruched Drawstring Bodycon Tank Dress only costs $15 but reviewers rave about the thick, substantial fabric that "sucks everything in." It creates gorgeous curves rather than clinging unflatteringly.

This soft body hugging dress works year round – style with boots and leather jacket in winter or add delicate jewelry for an evening look. Choose from 18 colors like emerald green, nude, gray, and blue.

Fit tip: Size up for a less tight style that‘s still sexy. The ribbed fabric also has enough stretch to accomodate curves.

Must-Have Summer Swimsuits

Every fashionista needs cute, affordable swimwear in their closet. Shein offers endless trendy options like this $12 Tie Dye Bikini with 5,000+ reviews.

Reviewers say both the top and bottoms provide ample coverage while still being sexy. The fabric doesn‘t show lumps and bumps. However some caution thicker girls to size up the top and bottoms for a comfortable fit.

For retro glam, check out this gorgeous Ruched One Piece Swimsuit. The flattering silhouette costs just $17 but looks like expensive French lingerie. Over 8,000 shoppers gave it 5 stars for beautiful quality.

Tip: Carefully read each swimsuit‘s sizing chart and order multiple sizes if between them. Returns are free!

Shein Clothing vs. Other Brands

How does Shein measure up quality and price wise against go-to fast fashion retailers? I compare it below to juggernauts H&M and Forever 21.

Shein vs. H&M

While H&M offers more premium designer collaborations, Shein beats them price wise across all categories. Think $5 graphic tees and $15 jeans.

However, H&M likely uses more ethical factories and sustainable materials than Shein‘s opaque operations.

As for quality, they‘re surprisingly similar. You may score longer lasting wardrobe staples from H&M while trendy Shein items likely won‘t endure multiple seasons.

Shein vs. Forever 21

Forever 21 and Shein‘s pricing is closely aligned, with Forever 21 maybe $5 higher on average. While Forever 21‘s presentation and website feels more "luxe", Shein provides a wider variety.

Oftentimes you‘ll find the exact same dress or top nearly identical between them – indicating they likely use the same overseas suppliers.

In terms of quality, Forever 21 may edge out Shein but it‘s close. Again, don‘t expect years of wear from either.

Shein Men Review: Top Picks

Thus far we‘ve focused on Shein‘s eclectic women‘s selection – but guys can also find stylish threads that won‘t break the bank!

Standouts for men include soft crewneck and v-neck tees for $5-8, trendy button downs and flannel shirts for under $20, and on-point bomber jackets starting at $22.

Based on reviews, I recommend guys size up for Shein‘s slim fit pants and jeans. And don‘t expect premium denim, but shoppers say the included belt helps them stay up!

Here are two of Shein‘s best selling men‘s items:

Printed Short Sleeve Button Down

Every dude needs a vacation shirt like this breezy tropical button down with palm trees and funky patterns. Made from a lightweight polyester and cotton blend, it‘ll keep you cool on summer getaways.

Snag your fave design for just $12-18 on Shein. Over 2,000 reviews average to 4.5 stars for quality and style.

Trendy Skinny Distressed Jeans

These bestselling distressed denim jeans have racked up almost 20,000 reviews with guys raving about the tapered skinny leg fit. They cost under $25 but reviewers insist the quality beats Levi‘s and Guess.

Shein‘s jeans come in multiple washes from light to dark with torn knees for that grunge look. Gents say they stretch perfectly over the thighs without constricting.

Just remember to size up 1-2 sizes and wear a belt!

Shein Curve Review: Amazing Plus Size Options

It‘s no secret finding fashion-forward plus size clothing at reasonable prices can prove difficult. That‘s why Shein is a godsend for curvy girls on a budget!

Shein Curve carries sizes 0X-5XL (or 16-44) in the trendiest styles like mesh dresses, wrap tops, graphic tees, faux leather skirts, and flawless swimsuits.

Nearly every Shein Curve piece costs under $30 – even showstopping formal dresses rarely exceed $50.

And the quality? Reviewers describe the fabrics as thick, soft, stretchy and rarely see through. Some pieces even feature adjustable straps and side ruching to contour trouble spots.

Here are two must-have plus size items from Shein with glowing reviews:

Curve Solid Lace Up Bodycon Dress

This sexy solid lace up dress defines your curves without squeezing or cutting into skin. It gently cinches the waist while the ribbed fabric smooths over hips and thighs. Plus the long sleeves and high neck provide elegant coverage.

Over 3,000 shoppers gave this sculpting $18 dress 5 stars. One gushed: "This dress made me feel beautiful, sexy, and confident!! 😍 I was worried it would be too small because I’m a 1x-2x but it fit perfectly."

Curve V Neck Belted PU Pants

These Curve V Neck Belted PU Pants prove you can still look chic and polished on a budget. The faux leather material, flap pockets, and tie belt scream designer vibes while the subtle v neck and bootcut leg keeps things professional enough for work.

Over 1,500 shoppers awarded 5 stars to these pull on $28 pants that transition beautifully from office hours to evening cocktails.

Style Ideas: How to Wear Shein‘s Most Popular Items

Unsure how to style some of Shein‘s unique pieces? Below I‘m sharing outfit ideas to help you pull together complete looks:

Cropped Button Down Shirt Outfits

• Tied up over a slim cami and mom jeans with white sneakers
• Open over a triangle bralette with bike shorts and strappy sandals
• Under a loose overall dress for added coverage

Faux Leather Leggings Outfits

• With an oversized graphic tee, flannel shirt and combat style boots
• Topped with an edgy cropped moto jacket and heels for night out
• Paired with bodysuit or tucked top and ankle booties

Bodycon Dress Outfits

• Under faux leather moto jacket with strappy heels
• Topped with longline duster cardigan and booties for work/interviews
• With colorful sneakers for casual daytime look

Bikini Outfit

• Swimsuit cover up ideas: sheer maxi skirt, loose button down or printed kimono
• Add a floppy hat, sunglasses and sandals for the pool/beach
• Throw on cutoff denim shorts and tank for a stylish summer outfit

Shein Shipping, Returns and Promo Codes

Let‘s get into the logistics of ordering from Shein and snagging the best deals:

Shein Shipping Cost and Times

Shein offers free shipping to the US and Canada on orders $49+ otherwise standard shipping is $3.50 domestically and $5 internationally. Here are the delivery estimates:

• Standard Shipping to USA: 12-20 business days
• Standard Shipping to Canada: 15-25 business days

Or pay for faster delivery:

• Expedited Shipping to USA: 7-10 business days
• Expedited Shipping to Canada: 10-15 business days

Shein Return Policy

Shein accepts returns on unworn items with original tags within 45 days of delivery.

To start a return:

• Chat with customer service to obtain prepaid return label
• Repackage item in original packaging if possible
• Drop off return package at your post office

You‘ll be refunded the cost of the merchandise to your Shein wallet or original payment method within 5 business days.

Get Shein Discount Codes

The best way to save money on Shein is creating an account to access member-only deals like:

• 15% off all orders for first-time shoppers
• $5 off $50 code
• $10 off $85 code
• $15 off $109 code

Subscribe to text/email lists for unique discount codes and seasonal sales like free shipping weekends.

The Verdict: Is Shein Worth Trying?

So what’s the final verdict – should you give fast fashion powerhouse Shein a chance?

I cautiously recommend dipping your toes in…but don‘t dive head first!

Order a few trendy items like accessories and graphic tees to test the waters before investing in higher commitment pieces.

Set your expectations around 2-4 week shipping times, inconsistent sizing/quality, and the need to likely return some items.

But when pieces do work out, the prices can‘t be beaten! With proper expectations, Shein is great for experimenting with new styles without draining your wallet.

Just don‘t expect long term sustainability or longevity when shopping Shein. Their business model promotes rapidly discarding clothes after short term use to make room for next season‘s offerings.

Have you tried shopping at Shein? I‘d love to hear your experiences down below!