Does Shein Run Small Or Big? (Honest Sizing Review!)

Shein clothes run small, and their sizing can be very inconsistent.

Shein is a fashion brand that is famous for its affordable and stylish clothing. The brand offers a wide range of clothing items for women (also men and children, but the collection clearly focuses on women).

However, Shein’s sizing can be very messy at times. If you’re considering ordering from Shein, it’s important to be aware of this potential issue so that you can select the right size for your needs. 

If you’re wondering how Shein fits, wonder no more! I’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you understand how their clothes fit, so you can make the best decision for your body type.

But if you directly want to shop at their ongoing sale (prices are slashed up to 90 per cent!), you can click on the button below.

How Does Shein Clothing Fit?

shein

Generally speaking, Shein’s clothes tend to run small. This means that if you’re between sizes, it’s best to size up.

Shein really exploded in popularity around the fall of 2019, with the brand gaining a lot from the virality of the video-sharing platform Tiktok. With the rise of Tiktok influencers, there came the rise of the brand that clothed their kind – Shein.

However, despite its great designs and dirt cheap prices, one thing that Shein really suffers from is a lack of quality check, especially in terms of sizing.

So what should you do?

Here’s what I recommend. Take a look at the official size chart on the Shein website, and compare your measurements with it. Then simply go one size up from what the chart recommends. If the chart says that you are an S, go for an M. If the chart says that you are an M, go for a size L, and so on.

You get the idea.

This is a great rule of thumb when shopping from Shein, and it can help you avoid the hassles that come with returning or exchanging a product.

Quick Tip 👉 Sometimes the Shein website shows discounts on products only after going through the clearance section and not if you directly go to the product page. Thus, make sure that you always check for your product in the sale section on the Shein website.

What Size Should You Get At Shein?

When ordering from Shein, go for a size larger than your actual size. Sizing up will ensure that you have a better fit.

But I’ve got an even better idea in mind, something that I always do when ordering from Shein.

Instead of ordering just one item in your actual size, also order it in a size up and a size down. Keep the item that fits you the best, and return the other two.

This is the definitive way to order on websites like Shein, where you can’t really be sure of how the garments are going to fit you.

However, if you don’t want to deal with the hassle of returns (it isn’t that much of a hassle in the first place, Shein offers free returns), then I recommend that you should go one size up in all their product categories.

The logic behind this is simple – For a tailor, it is much easier to reduce the size of your garment than to increase it. Therefore, even if the piece ends up being a bit big for you, you can still eventually wear it.

With these tips in mind, you should be able to find the right size for you at Shein.

Which Shein Items Run Small?

Shein ClothingSizing
TopsRun small.
DressesRun small.
SwimwearHalf-size small.
Jeans and PantsRun small.

Tops

The sizing of tops is especially difficult to determine due to Shein’s inconsistency. However, for most people, Shein tops tend to run small, so it is advisable to size up when ordering from this brand. 

Additionally, it is always helpful to read the reviews before making a purchase to get a better idea of how their tops will fit.

Dresses

Shein dresses run quite small. There are certain occasions where you might need to go up by about two sizes in order to get a better fit.

This is likely due to the fact that Shein is a Chinese company and therefore its sizing may be different from what you’re used to.

Keeping the sizing aside, the amount of variety they’ve in their dresses is simply praiseworthy.

Swimwear

Swimwear at Shein runs about half-size small. So, if you are in-between sizes, it makes more sense to size up rather than going for a size down.

Other than that, if you can handle your swimwear being a bit tight, you can even go true to size here.

In the end, it all comes down to how you want the clothes to fit your body.

Pants and Jeans

Jeans and trousers run small at Shein. They tend to be a bit tight around the inseam and the thighs, and the only solution here is sizing up.

They have a lot of variety in pants, but most of them suffer from this problem. Thus, if you want the trendiness of Shein’s bottomwear, you have to keep this fact in mind.

Shein Size Chart For Women

All measurements are in inches.

SizeUSBustWaist SizeHip Size
XS232.3-33.924.4-2634.3-35.8
S433.9-35.426-27.635.8-37.4
M635.4-3727.6-29.137.4-39
L8/1037-39.429.1-31.539-41.3
XL1239.4-41.731.5-33.941.3-43.7

Does Shein Make Plus-Size Clothing?

Yes, Shein does make plus-size clothing. The company offers a wide range of sizes, from XS to 5XL, so there is something for everyone. Shein’s plus-size clothing is stylish and fashionable, and the company is always adding new styles to its collection.

While the majority of their items are designed for smaller frame sizes, they do offer a limited selection of plus-size clothing. This includes some dresses, tops, bottoms, and even outerwear pieces like jackets and coats. 

However, in my experience, even Shein’s plus-size clothing runs a little bit small. So if you are a 4XL in tops, then go for the 5XL size in order to get a better fit.

But whether you’re looking for a casual outfit or something more dressy, you’re sure to find it at Shein. Plus, Shein’s prices are very reasonable, so you can always find something within your budget.

So if you’re looking for plus-size clothing, be sure to check out Shein!

Final Remarks

Of course, everybody is different, so some people might love Shein’s sizing.

But I am not part of that tribe.

Overall, I’ve found that Shein tends to run small across its entire collection. Be sure to keep this in mind when placing your next order!

Here’s a quick recap of the entire article:

If you’re looking for trendy and affordable clothing, Shein is a great option. However, be aware that the sizing can be inconsistent and that the clothes tend to run small. To ensure a good fit, follow all the tips that I covered in this article.