Is Shein worth all of the hype it has been getting? Shein has literally been showing up everywhere online lately. See my very first Shein Haul, an unbiased review and the price of each item.
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When I started blogging with the intention to make an income to help support my family, back in 2016, I was trying all kinds of things before I ended up focusing solely on food and recipes (on my primary website, Delicious Little Bites).
One of the topics I shared about was fashion. I was doing mostly Stitch Fix and Trunk Club reviews, but started getting the attention of some Chinese-based clothing companies.
I tried a couple and my experiences were horrible. The clothing was very poor quality and the sizing was a nightmare. I literally donated or threw away every single item.
After seeing Shein starting to pop up all over, I assumed they would be the same as the other brands from China that I had tried and I basically ignored them for a long time.
Honestly, I think they were equally as bad a few years ago. I also think they’ve made some improvements over the years and the quality has gotten to be somewhat better now that more and more people are giving them a chance.
However, there are still some negatives and some may be pretty big deal breakers.
I decided to give Shein a try and I’m honestly not as disappointed as I thought I’d be. Time will tell when it comes to how well things hold up, but my initial impression isn’t all that bad.
I also want to mention that Shein did not reach out to me to do this review, nor did they pay me.
If you already know all about Shein, go ahead and jump on down to the Shein Summer Haul heading.
Table of Contents
What Is Shein?
Shein is a low-cost, Chinese-based clothing and home goods company. They cater to women, men and kids, and also have a huge selection of what they refer to as Curvy + Plus
They have all types of clothing as well as lingerie, sleepwear, swimsuits, accessories and shoes.
The selection is massive. See the next section with tips on how to find exactly what you are looking for at Shein.
Shein has other divisions as well, including home and beauty. I have not shopped these and therefore have no experience with them.
Tips For How To Order From Shein
There are thousands upon thousands of options when ordering from Shein. It can be really overwhelming at first to know how to find exactly what you are looking for and then how to decide what size and color to order.
Here are a few tips to save you time and money:
- Read The Reviews: because Shein offers points for reviews and even more points for including a photo, there are tons of reviews on most items. You can get an idea as to how the actual item looks and fits and the actual color of it as well, since that tends to vary at times.
- Use The Size Chart: each item has its own size chart. Be sure to use that to check the measurements. For one item you might be a medium, but for another you may need to order an extra large. You really can not go by your “usual” size when ordering from Shein.
- Suggestions: type in what item you’re looking for, then click on an item that looks somewhat like what you want. At the bottom of that items page will be a TON of similar items. Shein’s suggestions are amazingly on target.
- Discounts: Shein pretty much always has a discount. The best discount is usually displayed at the top of their website so you don’t have to scour the web for codes to try. If you use Ibotta and have the browser extension, you can also get 5% cash back.
Is Shein A Scam?
I don’t think that Shein can be defined as a “scam,” but please feel free to comment below if you do. I’m still learning, but think ordering from Shein is basically a “you get what you pay for” kind of concept. And, sometimes you get lucky.
Is Shein unethical? Possibly. Because Shein’s products are made in China, you really don’t know first-hand how things work.
But, with that said, there are stories about Shein stealing designs and making them at a fraction of the price and utilizing child-labor.
Again, if you know first-hand of more issues, please comment below.
Shein Summer Haul Unboxing Video
I am hoping to put together a short try-on video soon. I did try all of these items on for the review below, but haven’t been able to get photos of myself in them just yet.
I will also link a try-on video here, when/if I get it completed.
Shein Summer Haul
For my first order with Shein, I puchased a combination of women’s clothing and accessories.
I usually try to buy complete outfits when I shop so I don’t end up with items where I don’t have anything to wear with them, but I didn’t do that this time.
Shein Women’s Clothing
Ditsy Floral Ruffle Hem Flared Skirt ($17.00 before discounts)
While in between browsing Shein’s website, I saw a video and there was a girl wearing the cutest outfit. She had on a long, flowing skirt with a tiny flower print, tank top, and denim jacket.
I immediately searched Shein for “long floral skirt,” found one with small print and clicked on that. Then, I browsed Shein’s insanely large selection until I came across this Ditsy Floral Ruffle Hem Flared Skirt.
This skirt comes in a small, medium, or large. I ordered the size large, which states it’s a size 8/10. According to the size chart, the waist measurement on a large is 27.2 inches, but it’s an elastic waist. Reading some of the reviews made me feel that it would likely fit just fine.
I love it! It’s the first item I unpacked and tried on. It fits great! I would say that it’s probably spot on to a typical 8/10 size.
It seems to be made as well as anything that you’d find at Old Navy. I didn’t noticed any unthreading or loose strings and it’s not sheer at all.
It’s exactly what I was looking for!
I will update this section if there are any issues after wearing and washing it a few times.
Asymmetrical Hem Button Detail Tank Top ($13.00 before discounts)
This is a shirt that I just randomly came across when I was perusing Shein. I have wanted a longer, looser fitting tank top for awhile now to wear with leggings, so I decided to give this one a try.
According to the size chart, I should have ordered a large. But, when I looked at some of the photos to see how the shirt was actually fitting on some people, I sized up to extra large for a longer, looser fit.
It was the right choice because it fits perfectly! The photos and size chart combined really do help a lot when ordering.
Again, the shirt seems to be made well enough and there are not any loose strings or issues.
I will update this section if there are any issues after wearing and washing it a few times.
Drawstring Paperbag Waist Shorts ($11.00 before discounts)
These were a last minute add-on. I realized that I didn’t really have any bottoms in my cart.
According to the size guide, I could have ordered any size from extra small to extra large. It gives you a range due to the elastic waist.
I went with large, but after trying them on, I would have gotten extra large if I wanted the paper bag waist to show.
I also noticed with these that the more you have to stretch the elastic waist to wear them, the less ruching around the waist. For me, it went kind of straight in a couple areas.
For me, it’s not a big deal since I tend to wear shirts that cover the waist of my bottoms, but you may want to take this into consideration when ordering.
It’s a little more obvious with these shorts that they are on the cheaper side. The material is very thin, but not really sheer. The cuffs have a very small stitch holding them up right in the center of the front and the back of the shorts that you can see in the above photo.
It will definitely take ironing to help ensure the cuff stays where it should. Hopefully the stitching holds up.
I will update this section if there are any issues after wearing and washing them a few times.
EMERY ROSE Solid Button Front Knot Hem Blouse ($14.00 before discounts)
As soon as I saw this top, I had to have it. This is one of my favorite colors and I love the functional buttons down the front.
According to the size chart, I could have ordered a medium, and possibly even a small. I went with the large because I do have a larger chest and really wanted a looser fit in the chest area.
The material is a cotton and polyester blend that feels kind of like linen. It’s made okay. There are some loose strings and I don’t 100% trust that a button isn’t going to eventually pop off.
My biggest issue with this shirt is that is gapes open between the buttons when sitting down or moving certain ways.
I might try some things to keep it closed better because I really adore this top.
I will update this section if there are any other issues after wearing and washing it a few times.
Button Front Knot Hem Tank Top ($12.00 before discounts)
I found this top while searching for a white button up tank top to wear under cardigans. I’m not sure how it happened, but I ordered this in pink and never got around to finishing my search for a white top!
This top can be worn alone, or the buttons can be undone and it can be worn as a vest. It’s made of mostly polyester and spandex, but feels cottony.
According to the size chart, a large should have fit me. After seeing some of the photos on women wearing a large and the top looking tight, I sized up for a looser fit.
This one might actually be a bit too big. And, unfortunately, I am having issues with these buttons gaping open too. Also, the holes that they buttons go into are basically just cuts in the shirt without any stitching around them.
I’m not sure I really like the vest idea. I really love how this shirt looks button up and tied at the bottom.
Again, I might try to come up with some way to keep the buttons from gaping.
I will update this section if there are any other issues after wearing and washing it a few times.
Paper Bag Waist Belted Shorts ($16.00 before discounts)
These shorts came up as a recommendation at the bottom of the first pair of shorts I ordered above.
I almost purchased these in the burnt orange color, but switched to navy to change things up a bit. The navy color appears to be sold out at the moment, but these look so good in every color offered.
The size guide for these shorts is pretty spot on. I again ordered large which is supposed to fit like an 8/10 but for these shorts the measurements were a little bigger.
The paper bag waist doesn’t get stretched straight at all when I tried these on. They are made of viscose and nylon. The belt is removable.
They seem to be well made. I didn’t noticed any significant issues. The cutouts at the bottom are all nicely done and intact. I’m really, really happy with these.
I will update this section if there are any other issues after wearing and washing them a few times.
Cut Out Solid Tank Top ($13.00 before discounts)
This shirt was another last minute add on. It’s not really my style, but I guess I figured I’d give it a try because it looked nice in the photos and it’s so inexpensive.
I ordered a size large for a looser fit across the chest area and it fits perfectly. This top is available up to 4X. The material is a polyester and cotton blend.
The neck opening doesn’t have a ton of stretch, but I have a smaller head so it wasn’t too much of an issue for me. I really do like the way the shirt looks on more than I thought I would.
Again, it’s pretty on par to Old Navy quality.
I will update this section if there are any other issues after wearing and washing it a few times.
Contrast Lace Belted A-line Dress ($20 before discounts)
I loved this dress the moment I saw it. It reminds me very much of a dress from Anthropolgie that I have in a dark yellow color that cost way more than this one.
According to the size chart, I could have ordered a size medium, but I sized up just to ensure it wouldn’t be tight across the chest.
It’s made of polyester and cotton, has an elastic “waist” and a belt tie. Surprisingly, this dress is also lined! It’s not as bright as this photo is showing and it’s more like an orange-red.
The only issue that I have with it is the elastic waist. It hits at such a weird area kind of between the bottom of the chest and the actual waistline so it tends to ride up under the chest.
I have to play around with it a little more. Maybe try different bras, no bra, or tying the belt tighter to see if I can make it stay put.
There is also a loose string on the neckline but shouldn’t take more than a quick trim to fix it.
It really is a beautiful dress for a such a low price!
I will update this section if there are any issues after wearing and washing it a few times.
Button Front Shirred Split Cami Dress ($21.00 before discounts)
I love this dress and am really hoping that it lasts.
I ordered a size medium. According to the size chart there doesn’t really seem to be much of a different between the sizes at all.
The bust is super stretchy, as well as the straps. The buttons are not functional so there are no issues with them gaping open – yay! It’s really comfortable and perfect for spring and summer.
I am 5’5 at the bottom of the dress hits right at my ankles. I have worn this once and did feel like the dress got longer as the day went on – meaning that the elastic straps were getting stretched.
It’s made of 100% viscose and comes in a bunch of different colors.
I will update this section if there are any other issues after wearing and washing it a few times.
Shein Women’s Accessories
Skinny Woven Belt ($1.50 before discounts)
Yes, you read that correctly. This belt was only $1.50 before discounts.
And, it’s shockingly nice! It also seems to be well made. There is no loose stitching and the hardware appears to be well attached, as well.
It’s made of PU leather and only comes in one size. The length is a little over 39 inches.
This belt also comes in camel and khaki colors. If I order from Shein again, I will definitely be getting both.
I will update this section if there are any issues after wearing it a few times.
Geo Buckle Belt ($2.00 before discounts)
You can really stock up on accessories without breaking the bank at Shein. Again, I haven’t worn anything for an extended period of time yet, but my first impression is that this belt will be just fine for awhile, at least.
This one comes in 4 colors and is 41 inches long. It’s made of PU leather.
I will update this section if there are any issues after wearing it a few times.
5pcs Bead Decor Bracelet ($2.00 before discounts)
Just like with the belts, the jewelry from Shein is super inexpensive.
This 5 pack of bracelets was just $2.00 before the discounts that I used.
They are really cute! I plan to wear them during our beach vacation. Since they are so cheap, I won’t care if they get lost or damaged on the beach.
Obviously they aren’t high quality, and feel a little flimsy but still look really nice. Hopefully they will hold up, but if they don’t, oh well?
I will update this section if there are any issues after wearing them a few times.
EMERY ROSE 3 pairs Tassel Decor Earrings ($5.00 before disscount)
These are SO cute!
They are incredibly light, but decently made. The material is listed as alloy, so I’m not sure what that means.
I don’t tend to have sensitivity to metals, but it might irritate others.
The reviews on these earrings are the most I’ve seen yet. Over 10k reviews and pretty much all of them are 5 stars.
I love these and might get more colors if I order from Shein again.
I will update this section if there are any issues after wearing them a few times.
How To Earn Shein Points
Shein offers an incentive program through a points system. Points are earned in a variety of ways and can then be credited towards future purchases.
Points are earned for confirming delivery of your order, reviewing your items, adding images of your items and if someone finds your review helpful.
This is a major reason why you will see so many product reviews on Shein.
It’s a great way for Shein to get feedback on their products and drive more sales. It’s a win for the buyer, so long as they are happy with the products that they are receiving from Shein.
Final Thoughts
I feel like the clothing is pretty on par to Old Navy when it comes to quality. Most items are not going to last very long, but there will be a few unicorns in the bunch.
Will I order from Shein again?
Maybe. I’d like to look more into the ethical side of things and see how these items hold up for the next month or two that I can still wear them before the weather changes.
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