My SheIn Shopping Review/ Experience

Alrighty..here it is, my SheIn review as promised! I started the conversation on IG Stories about them because I know historically us South Africans have been starved for choice in Christmas jammies. And now that we do have them available in SA, the prices are not always easy on everyone’s pockets.

Especially if you’re wanting to buy for THE WHOLE FAM BAM! As a mom of many Im always on the look out for a good deal…especially on truly Christmassy jamas. Enter SheIn, who have an incredible selection of pyjamas – whethers that’s just for you, just the kids or pets, and at really good prices. And since Im always getting DM’s about where I get our different festive jamas through the year, I thought I’d share this new find.

(Side note: Matchy Jammies is NOT at all a necessity to celebrate the season. Im sure you know this, but I just wanted to put out there for anyone who may need to hear it. So please don’t fall for any invisble pressures to do so. These are just little extras that I personally love and budget for!)

So for all you who have been eyeing SheIn or noticing their ads pop up on your feed or in the corner of websites, wondering how legit are they, I’ve basically acted as your guinea pig here and gone and bought TWO different shipments from them.

So here are the general questions I got from you on IG Stories, and my answers based onmy experience with them:
1. What is SheIn
They are a China -based “fast fashion” Online “store” with an insane collection of fashion for him, her, kids, pets and homeware at truly low prices. I also noted that they have great inclusivity in terms of sizes, with a SheIn Curve selection too! Their basic idea behind it that fashion is for everyone – so all the latest trends that could cost you an arm and a leg are now accessible to everyone with their more economical alternatives. Im not a trend follower, I like my classics, but for sure the allure of certain fun pieces catch my eye time and again. So yes, I do like their selection right now.

2. How long does delivery take?
They estimate expected delivery at about 6 weeks, but so far they’ve always arrived early.
First time took 16 days. The second time it took 14 days exactly – and that was with customs contacting me (for the second one)

3. Do you have to pay customs?
Yes and no. It depends on how much you spend. I believe there is a threshold of how much you can spend before you “qualify” for custom charges.

The first time I was not charged any customs as I didn’t buy much (just pj’s) and the value of the clothes are so low, that it wouldn’t attract costs.

The second time, however, I bought a bit more – I included some bed linen, pillows, clothes etc which meant I had to now pay customs. I was contacted via email about it, paid via EFT, and was notified a few days later that it was received and had been released for delivery. Three days later it was on my doorstep.
(Side note: Always make sure you’re following the laws, folks. Trying to dodge customs is illegal)

4. Did you get what you saw online?
Basically yes. Obviously their models and sets will make everything look good, so you’ll have to be vigilant, as I’d recommend that its best to read the reviews on each product. Its best to only buy products that have an actual review of it, or even better, seeing other people’s photos of it that they post in the review section. That’d be more of an accurate reflection of the product.

For us, only one set of pyjamas didn’t come across as typical soft stretchy pj’s. It was more of swimsuit stretch. Other than that, the pjs are enjoyed by the kids, they’re soft and comfy and have the awesome designs on them that our family like. The linen is thinner than I’d have hoped, but at that price I’ve seen worse, and it’s still aesthetically pretty.

5. How are the sizes? Does one have to size up?
I’d say ALWAYS read the reviews about the sizes. ALWAYS. From experience with other places, and reading the reviews, their sizes are not consistent, so just read the reviews, and still to that. What I like about SheIn is that they give the mode’s measurements, and sizes of that garment, so you can also judge your own size based on that. VERY helpful if you ask me.

6. What is the quality like?
Ok, folks, lets be clear, youre not going to be buying timeless pieces here. You’re not going to be buying classics that you’ll keep forever and maybe even pass down to your kids. Nope. You’re getting fast fashion, that I would say is perfect for seasonal pieces, or trendy items if you want to try those trends without splurging. I’d say it’s perfect to get that fashion forward blouse, or trendy pants, or structured shoulder dress for that dinner date. (for those brave few who are venturing out in Covid times)Or for a photoshoot. Or those Halloween/Christmas pyjamas that your kids will probably outgrown by next year…without breaking the bank.

Now theres something to be said about sustainability in fashion, and obviously this kind of “fast fashion” does not promote that. But for us everyday folk, who have to truly think about all the pennies I think it may be more of question of balance here.

And generally speaking, SheIn doenst use amazing fabrics, it’s mostly polyester and the like. Although, I’ll be straight, the Halloween and Christmas PJ’s I bought for the kids are pretty solid quality in terms of fabric.

7. Extra notes:
• Shipping costs to SA are a straight R370 (and then shipping insurance is R16), unless you spend over R3720, then its free. But I don’t see myself ever spending that kind of money on SheIn (especially, in one go)

• What is great, and I wish I paid more attention to it, is that they always have coupons available depending on how much you spend. You can get 10% or 20% off your purchase, so just keep an eye out for it when you’re on the site – they DON’T hide them, I was just in a rush.

• And of course today is their black Friday sale with 80% off, so now is definitely a great time to check it out! Just use the code “ZABUY”
Conclusion, you’ll have to make up your mind if this makes it more affordable for you or not because adding the shipping fee while trying to stay below the custom threshold, can add up.
I’ll tell you straight I don’t use it to buy family jamas (only individual pyjamas for the kids and doggo) because they don’t do matching FAMILY across the board.(At least I haven’t spotted any on their site)

So, yes they are legit. But there is a dodgy point that I didn’t know about but one person raised in the questions that I will check into (about designs), but will need time to really research before I give any sort of informed opinion about it.

But there you have it, my experience with SheIn, for you to help make up your mind about whether to try SheIn or not. Hope it helps for all of you who were keen to check it out.