Shein Haul Review: What’s Worth Buying (And What’s Not)

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I Tried a Full Shein Haul So You Don’t Have To — Here’s What’s Actually Worth Buying

I’ll admit it: I got sucked in by the TikToks. One late night scroll turned into a full-blown Shein cart packed with trendy finds and “how is that only $5?” deals. I’d seen dozens of hauls online, but I needed to know for myself: Is Shein actually worth it?

So I did the thing.
I ordered everything from cute basics and brunch-ready dresses to shoes, accessories, and even a couple of wildcards. What I got? A mix of wins, flops, and surprises I didn’t see coming.

Shein Haul Review: What’s Worth Buying (And What’s Not)

Let’s dive into the honest breakdown — no filters, no sponsorships, just the real story.

What I Ordered (And Why)

I wanted variety — the kind of outfits I’d actually wear day-to-day. So I picked:

  • Cozy loungewear sets

  • Dresses (casual + something a little extra)

  • Trendy and basic tops

  • A few bottoms (because who can resist a good skirt?)

  • One pair of summer sandals

  • Accessories (aka the budget shopper’s playground)

For context, I’m 5'5", wear a size US 6, and I usually go for Medium in most brands.

Loungewear Sets: Shockingly Good

Ribbed Crop Top + Shorts Set — $14
⭐ Rating: 4/5

This was the first piece I tried on, and wow — I didn’t expect it to feel this good. Soft, flattering, not see-through, and the fit was right on the mark. Perfect for lazy Sundays or quick grocery runs.

Verdict: Felt way pricier than it was. I’d absolutely order more in other colors.

Dresses: One Hit, One Miss

🌸 Ditsy Floral Ruched Dress — $18
⭐ Rating: 4.5/5

This dress gave spring picnic energy in the best way. Lined, flattering, and exactly like the photos. I wore it to brunch and had strangers compliment me. Always a win.

🥴 Satin Slip Dress — $12
⭐ Rating: 2/5

This one? Not it. The fabric clung in all the wrong places and showed every line imaginable. Satin looks dreamy in pics — but it’s risky.

Tip: Stick to cotton or poly blends. They're more forgiving and flattering in real life.

Tops: Instagram-Worthy, But Vary

Puff Sleeve Square-Neck Blouse — $11
⭐ Rating: 4/5

Loved the look. Total cottagecore meets date night. It photographed beautifully, and the fit was surprisingly flattering.

2-Pack Basic Cotton Tees — $10
⭐ Rating: 3/5

Soft, yes. But thinner than I hoped. These are layering tees, not wear-alone pieces. Still decent for the price, just don’t expect premium quality.

Bottoms: A Bit Risky

High-Waisted Mom Jeans — $22
⭐ Rating: 2.5/5

Cute in theory, but stiff in reality. The fabric had no give, and sizing felt off. These might work for straighter body types, but curvier folks — beware.

Pleated Mini Skirt — $14
⭐ Rating: 4/5

Unexpectedly amazing. It looked like something you'd snag at Zara. Thick fabric, flattering fit, and not see-through. Plus, it passed the twirl test.

Shoes: Shockingly Great

Quilted Slide Sandals — $17
⭐ Rating: 4.5/5

Okay, these were the surprise favorite. I half-expected them to fall apart in a week, but they held up — and looked cute doing it. The footbed is soft, they’re easy to walk in, and they go with everything from dresses to denim shorts.

Accessories: The Real Steal

Sunglasses – $5
Lightweight but didn’t feel flimsy. They gave “designer dupe” energy and instantly elevated any outfit.

Baseball Cap – $4
Simple, well-stitched, and great for second-day hair. No complaints.

Jewelry Sets – $3–$6
Fun for layering, but don’t expect heirloom quality. These are more for quick outfit pics than daily wear. (Tarnish-proof? Not really.)

Shipping, Returns & What You Should Know

  • Shipping to U.S.: Took 8 days total — pretty fast!

  • Returns: Only available on select items, and yes, you pay for shipping.

  • Sizing: All over the place. Read the reviews. Check the photos. Trust the size chart.

What I’d Buy Again (And What I’d Skip)

Worth It:
✅ Cozy loungewear sets
✅ Trendy blouses
✅ Pleated skirts
✅ Accessories (hello, $5 sunglasses!)
✅ Slide sandals

Skip These:
❌ Satin anything
❌ Jeans (unless you like guessing your size)
❌ Basic tees (unless for layering)

Shein Shopping Tips From a First-Time Hauler

  • Always read reviews — especially the ones with real-life photos.

  • Stick to structured fabrics. Satin and thin knits are hit or miss.

  • Don’t expect quality basics. Shein shines in trends, not staples.

  • Use the app for extra discounts, coupons, and flash deals.

  • Shop for fun, not forever. These aren’t investment pieces — they’re budget-friendly fashion experiments.

Final Thoughts: Is Shein Worth It?

If you’re craving something new, trendy, and wallet-friendly — Shein can absolutely deliver. But it’s not the place for closet staples or timeless quality. Think of it more like fast-fashion roulette: some wins, some fails, and a few unexpected gems.

Would I shop there again?
Honestly, yes — but with lower expectations, and a little more size chart stalking.



    Shein Haul Review: What’s Worth Buying (And What’s Not)