My Thoughts Buying From Shein - And Cheaper Overseas Stores

I’m part of a group chat with school mum friends, and one of my friends was sharing her experience buying from Shein.

This piqued my interest because I love fashion, and love perusing stores for research and who doesn’t love a bargain?

However, after my experience buying from a cheaper, overseas store, I wasn’t keen to lose my money again. Plus I do believe in buying local.

I have known friends who have bought from Shein, and they have given mixed reviews due to sizing. But the thrill of a bargain can be enticing can’t it?

I’m a bit of a walking contradiction where I say buy local, but am tempted by buying cheap clothes from overseas too. What if I get a bargain? What if I lose my money, again?

The thing is, I don’t want to waste my money on clothes that don’t fit and require my time and costs to return so I can get a refund. Also, I do get concerned on knock offs of designer pieces and the living standards for the people creating these clothes.

The other question I have is, are the designer pieces we spend hundreds of dollars on in Australia made in the same factories overseas, hence why cheaper alternatives can be sold? I know it happens with plumbing fixtures and I know it happens with supermarket brands of foods we buy at the grocery store.

I understand the markup of clothes does need to be high in Australia to make a profit. But, money talks. If I can get the same dress for $30 and save a couple of hundred, have I made a wise decision for my finances or have I just selfishly duped someone from a wage?

While I was scrolling through all the boho dresses on Shein, I saw imitations from Spell and Arnhem to name a few.

With all these thoughts on my mind, I still really loved some pieces for myself and my eldest daughter at Shein.

So, while I was perusing clothes for my girls, I added to cart two pieces for myself which were under $30 each – which is apparently expensive for Shein standards due to their sales and coupons. It resulted in free shipping so the purchases were worth the addition, I convinced myself.

I received the clothes this week. The clothes for my daughters all fit perfectly. (Although one top is a crop top best worn at home!). They look well-made and they are unique pieces you won’t find in Kmart.

For me, the dress I bought… well it was perfect in the body, but way too small in the arms and shoulders. So small, when I went to put the dress on, I couldn’t get it off.

The Bohemian Embroidered Top, which I really liked, was a plus size top. I went through the Shein sizing recommendation putting in my weight, height and measurements and it told me 1XL would fit me.

Surely not I thought.

But I added it to cart and guess what, it fits perfectly. I’m very happy with this purchase. Plus, I have the earrings to match.

It looks like I have another dress to sell to a friend or on Facebook Marketplace. The dress I featured earlier this year was sold to a lady who loved it and said it fitted like a dream for her. So these pieces do end up in happy homes.

But if I buy from Shein again, I will use the sizing guide. I will most likely purchase for the girls, but for me, I still like to support local businesses where I can, and I do dream of affording a Spell dress or two one day. I love my Spell kimono, even though my dad thinks it looks like a dressing gown.

I’ve never worried about what he’s thought about clothes anyway.

And that’s enough thinking about clothes for one day.