Firstly, let me say that Shein has come a long way from when I first shopped on the website over 7 years ago. At the time, it was called sheinside, lol. At the time, they were working with so many influencers, myself included and would send us free product in exchange for posts and reviews. The sizing was terribly off and a lot of the pieces had very short term longevity after a few washes. As a curvier woman, I stuck to only tops and dresses from their website and even own a few of those pieces to date!
Fast forward to today and after a 2 year hiatus, I have decided to try on a number of their items to see what the sizing and quality are like on a woman with hips, a butt and a fupa.
Let’s face it, Shein is fast fashion. Mega fast fashion. They produce en masse, constantly have sales to attempt to get rid of everything and release new items everyday. Are they your most eco-friendly brand? That would be a hard no. The brand is popular because the quality is decent, the styles are trendy and the prices are very affordable.
*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I get a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through the links, at no cost to you.
Shein is indeed a legit website in the sense that they try and sell what you see in the product images. Some of the images are misleading, I won’t lie. However, I have never had an issue receiving my package and this one took about 10 days to get to me (via DHL). The items came in a plain brown box, individually packaged in labelled packaging. I often keep the packaging and use it to ship clothing to friends or personal items from my own closet sales.
I started off with a pair of pants (yes, pants) to test their fit on wider hips. I always check the size chart under each individual item on their website because different items fit differently.
I opted for the XL in these solid wide leg pants. I chose the wide leg because they are more forgiving on hips and butt. I hope they stock them in other colours because they’re very comfortable and lightweight, ideal for the summer.
Next off, I purchased some really cute tops. Mind you, my bra size is a 34DD and my waist is 30 inches.
I got this ruffle armhole shirred hem polka dot top in a Medium. I love that it comes in many different colours! It is breathable and cute and could be paired with jeans or a skirt.
The second top is definitely sexier and I purchased it because I love the print. It has a bustier fit, which helps accentuate the chest while flattering the waist.
I found the print of the Shein Sxy renaissance print contrast piping sheer mesh cami top just slightly different in person. I got mine in a Medium as well.
The third top I ordered is a blouse that reminds me of picnics by the water. This Shein Pinstriped One-shoulder bow peplum top is so cute on. It is a bit of a hassle to get on with my big hair but worth the minor inconvenience. I got it in a Large.
I decided to try this very cheap hollow round flower decor asymmetrical waist chain belt to accessorize some of my plain dresses and although I know the quality is not the best, it works short term.
Shein Shoes were something I had never tried but had seen others wearing. With my big Size 10 US feet, I wondered what the fit would be like.
A lot of the styles I was interested in were sold out but these cute Vegan leather braided strap slipper sandals grabbed my attention. I am glad to announce that they fit nicely however if I had wider feet, these would not have worked for me.
Now on to the dresses I ordered! You know how I love my dresses 🙂
First up, we have this beautiful brown ruffle hem puff sleeve dress which I ordered in a Large but could have gotten away with a Medium.
It is very comfortable, breathable and a great everyday Summer dress. I plan to wear mine mostly with white sneakers like these white puma oslo femme sneakers currently on sale.
As the self proclaimed Ankara queen, I had to try out this Ankara dress Shein decided to call ‘geo print.’I could tell it was super stretchy from the photos and so I opted for a Medium in this Shein Sxy Geo Print Shirred Off shoulder bodycon dress. I really really hate to admit it because I know a number of black owned businesses who sell similar products but it is a hit.
Shirred dresses have been calling my name recently thanks to their comfortable stretchy nature. I also find that they accentuate my curves and so I ordered size Medium in this shirred ruffle hem cami dress
and this allover floral shirred drawstring front bodycon dress, which can be worn off shoulder.
Continuing my love for light and slightly flared skirts, I also got this polka dot tie front crop tube top & split thigh skirt set in a Large, (but would have gone for the medium if my fupa was cooperating) which I think would look lovely when I go for brunch with friends.
The top however is a terrible idea for women with bigger (and natural) breasts as it has absolutely no hold and keeps sliding down so I would switch it out.
To round off my order, I threw in 2 pairs of chic sunglasses to add a little oomph to my summer outfits.
These super affordable white acrylic frame fashion glasses and black rimless square frame fashion glasses are great additions to my sunglass collection and great alternatives for trendy sunglasses if you’re not ready to spend $500+ on designer shades.
So tell me, would you be checking out Shein?
Looking for more of my reviews? Check out my review of the Aerie offline leggings on a curvy woman.
I also have a Shein swimsuit review you have to read before shopping for swimwear on the website.
Until the next post,
XOXO
Theankaraqueen