For a while, I kept landing on Shein’s website when searching for highly covetable trends but, just as you’re probably wondering, I wasn’t sure if the site was actually good to shop at. So a few months back I asked my Instagram followers if any of them had shopped the site (you can view actual post here) and if it was legit? The feedback was mixed but the general consensus was they were safe to order from so I decided to give it a try — here’s how it went!

What I Bought:

My general rule of thumb when shopping a new site (especially a lower priced, fast fashion site) is to order just tops, layering pieces (i.e. cardigans) or dresses to start. They are generally less expensive items and you won’t take a big financial hit if things go awry. And that’s exactly what I did. I bought 3 tops and a short cardigan you can find here: color blocked sweater, plaid bow blouse, bell sleeve cardigan and written t-shirt (sold out, here is one similar).

*To see items styled on, scroll to the bottom of this post.

Sizing:

Thanks to my amazing followers, I had already learned that their sizing can be tricky so I made sure to have my handy measuring tape available as I was shopping and happy to report all of the items fit perfectly! If you don’t own one, I highly suggest you have one for shopping online. It’s much less of a hassle when things fit right when you first receive them, you can find an inexpensive one here.

Shipping:

I am based in NYC and my items arrived within 7-8 business days (approximately a week and a half). I was impressed to receive the items as quickly as I did. There site details shipping can take 6-17 business days and many of my followers had confirmed this stating their items arrived within 2-4 weeks. Although, I did receive my items in two separate packages which may mean they have multiple warehouses from where they ship which explains why shipping may take longer in other cases.

They also have a great return policy (you can view full details here). They cover the cost of shipping items back if you send within 40 days from purchase date.

Quality:

The quality is comparable to what you find at H&M or a Forever 21. Some items felt a little better in quality than others. For example, the sweater and cardigan materials felt a little better quality than the plaid bow blouse but overall not bad considering how incredibly low you are paying — as the saying goes, you get what you pay for. Also, 3 out of the 4 pieces did not come with an inner clothing label which could mean not all of their clothing is made exclusively for Shein and may be available on other retailer websites.

Style Options:

The style options are endless and spot on. If there’s a hot trend you’re eyeing, it will definitely be available on the site. Their site is great for experimenting with trends since items are so affordable it won’t hurt to part with them as much once you’ve fallen out of love. Although, I would stick with tops, layering pieces or dresses because I believe in owning more quality items when it comes to bottoms, outerwear, and accessories to give the illusion of a more expensive wardrobe.

Tips for Shopping the Site:

They have a massive amount of inventory so it might be easier if you have in mind what trend or style you are looking for in advance. This way you won’t have to spend hours weaving through the site. Also, make sure to order at least a month in advance if you are needing something on a particular date so you can save on express shipping cost or risk the item being late on their free shipping service. You most definitely need a measuring tape when shopping the site as many of items are one size. Lastly, read the reviews left by previous buyers to help with your buying decisions and search their page/hashtag on Instagram to see how the product fits other customers/bloggers.

Would I Shop Them Again?

I would definitely shop the site again but as previously noted will probably stick with tops and layering pieces. I had a great first shopping experience — items arrived fairly quickly considering their shipping window, all items fit well and loved all of the styles on!

Here are a few pics of me trying on the items I ordered:

 

Color Blocked Sweater, $20, Shein

Plaid Bow Blouse, $15, Shein

Tiered Sleeve Cardigan, $17, Shein

Written T-Shirt, $8, Shein

(similar t-shirt, original t-shirt sold out)

Will you shop Shein now? Have any other questions? Leave in the comments below!