My Shein Haul Try-On

*disclaimer: I am not in any way affiliated with Shein, only sharing my experience! All items were purchased with my own money*

**I ordered from the US.

Everytime Summer comes around, I find myself standing in the closet staring at everything I own trying to find something that won’t make me sweat profusely in a matter of seconds.

I’m a Fall/Winter gal. I love the weather and I love the clothes. I’m utterly unprepared for Summer. I don’t shop often and usually prefer finding goodies in thrift stores, but due to COVID I didn’t see that happening in my near future. As someone actively trying to lose weight, I didn’t want to spend a fortune on anything new. 

I frequently saw Shein advertisements on social media, but was always too leery to give it a go. The company is based in China, so I was worried that the sizes may not be accurate, might take months to reach me, or that the quality might not be there.I’ve heard horror stories about other websites. 

Finally, after perusing customer photos in the reviews, I decided to give it a try. Returns on your first order are free and they are regularly running coupon codes.

My Shopping Experience

I downloaded the app and browsed their stuff for longer than I like to admit. I was happy to find some quirkier items like I enjoy!

I ordered on June 13th and received my items much quicker than I expected on June 25th. The items shipped via DHL. 

I sized up on many of my items and got a variety of sizes to see how things fit. It depended on the item on whether or not the item fit well or was too large. I also shopped a good deal of these items in their plus size section because I was worried about the sizing running small. 

The Packaging

My order arrived all in one large box and each item was individually placed in a plastic zipper bag.

Here’s what I got!

Split Side Pop Art Print Skirt (0XL) and Skulls & Letter Graphic Tee (0XL) 

I loved the print and the colors of this skirt, but I didn’t find the style all that flattering on me. I always try these skirt styles because I see others looking so cool in them, but I have yet to find the right one for me.

The shirt, I love, but it was way too big. I may order in a smaller size! Both items were good quality.

Paper Bag Waist Polka Dot and Striped Shorts (0XL)

I’m obsessed with black and white as well as the mixing of patterns. So, despite my hatred of shorts, I decided to try these adorable ones! They looked giant out of the bag, but they fit well. They were comfortable, a cool fabric, and long enough to avoid chafing.

I couldn’t find them to link them up, but they have a TON of paper bag shorts in different colors and patterns that are similar.

Contrast Panel Wide Leg Pants (0XL)

I was so excited about these pants and fully expected them to be my favorite out of the haul. Unfortunately, the fabric wasn’t the best quality and the fit was strange. A size down may have helped the fit.

I couldn’t find a link for this one to share.

Frill Trim Shirred Neck Tie Back Top (L) and All Over Print Flare Skirt (0XL)

I was conflicted on this top. I ADORE high necklines, but this one was too much – to the point where it was a nuisance to wear. I think I would have kept it if it had been slightly more toned down.

Now the skirt, I liked! Black and white again, of course. This style of skirt usually works well on me. I liked that the pattern was not your typical polka dot pattern and the cool fabric.

Frill Trim Suspender Skirt (0XL) and Mock Neck Floral Tee (0XL)

I have wanted a suspender skirt for AGES, but this one didn’t cut it. The straps were adjustable, but even at the tightest setting they were too large and constantly falling off my shoulders. It was a lot shorter than I wanted, so sizing down wouldn’t have been an option (I’m 5’5”).

I love mock tees and dark floral prints, so the tee with it was a win for me! It will also be a great item to transition into fall.

Button Front Rolled Cuff Self Belted Stripe Top (0XL)

This top was cute and a linen like fabric, but I personally wasn’t feeling it enough to keep. The photo on the item’s product page did not include a picture on the model, so I took a gamble when I added it to my cart.

Two Tone Cami Top (1XL)

I used to own a black and white two-tone tank that I loved, so while this one was in a different style, I just had to have it. Everything I own either has sleeves or is for working out in, so I need some tanks to pair with everyday clothes. No complaints on this one! 

Graphic Print Drop Shoulder Stepped Hem Top (L)

This is another item I was extremely excited about! I found the different lengths and shirts on each side both cool and interesting. Overall, I liked the shirt, but I didn’t enjoy how big the sleeves were. It’s a good possibility they are meant to be that big-I just don’t enjoy oversized sleeves. It will look a lot cooler with a dark pair of skinny jeans compared to the shorts I tried it on with.

Curved Hem Houndstooth Cami (0XL)

A good quality cami that will be versatile in my wardrobe – even in the fall!

Sun and Moon Print Mesh Top(1XL)

I don’t know why “mesh” wasn’t an indicator for me, but I didn’t realize this top was see-through. It ran small and was more cropped than it appeared on the site.

Sunflower Print Strappy Back Cami Top (0XL)

I wanted something with color and this sunflower top seemed like a cute, casual option for summer. The fit was nice and I loved the strappy detail in the back.

Striped Cami Top

The color combos in this top looked super cute on the site and even cuter in person. It’s a light, cool material with the v-neckline on both the front and back. My only gripe is that the straps are a little big and slide off. 

Floral Spliced Notched Neck Blouse (0XL)

I was pumped to try on this quirky top, but I should have ordered a smaller size. I love how the shirt looks, but the fit was too baggy for my personal preference.

Random Figure Graphic Tee (L)

I didn’t have much hope for this tee after the fit of the others, but I went with my usual size and I loved it! I hate when shirts are too big on the bottom, so it was a nice surprise to find that this was more fitted.

Daisy Print Tie Dye Cold Shoulder Tee (0XL)

I thought this shirt was a cute twist on a basic tee, but I wasn’t a big fan of the larger fit and the shoulder cut outs were not what I was expecting.

Sun and Moon Print Tank Dress(XL)

I’ve been wanting a casual, shapeless tank dress and was satisfied with how this one turned out! These tend to be tight on certain areas of my body, but this one fit just as I envisioned. 

Contrast Binding Space Dye Tank Top + Drawstring Track Shorts (XL)

I wanted these for lounging around the house, but I was not a fan of the fabric or the quality of the waistband on the shorts. 

Buckle Decor Open Toe Lug Sole Sandals (8.5)

Just as I hate summer clothes, I also generally hate sandals and flip flops. I love larger lug soles though, so these were something I could do. (The boyfriend is not a fan haha)

Result

I kind of failed at summer clothes. I still need some more color in my closet! 

Overall, I kept about half of my haul and was unexpectedly satisfied with Shein. They offered weirder styles that I favor at inexpensive costs.The majority of items were just as described, but I didn’t have to size up as much as I anticipated.  I could see myself buying something again, but perhaps not such a haul next time. 

I’ve already spotted some things I missed while shopping the first time that I’d love to try out!

Returns

I did send some items back, so I will edit this post about the return process once it is complete. So far, Shein provided me with a shipping label to print and ship the items back to them via USPS.

Tips

– Look at the reviews with photos on each item to get an idea of the quality and whether or not it runs large/small. 
– Look at the sizing chart for each item! I was surprised by how much the fit varied for each item. Typical shopping headache for a woman in the US.  (They do have an option in your account to enter your measurements that is supposed to help with choosing sizes, but I didn’t notice that until after my order)
– Double check for hints that the top you’re buying might be sheer
– Expect shipping to take longer. 
–This is fast fashion, so if you are looking for premium quality staple items, Shein may not be for you.
(They have introduced a premium brand, but I have not personally tried it out. )
– Dress true to yourself! 

Have you ever tried Shein? What was your experience like? Where is your favorite place to shop online?