Introduction
If you love staying on top of the latest fashion trends without breaking the bank, chances are you‘ve shopped at Shein before. This online retailer offers a mind-boggling selection of clothing, shoes, and accessories at unbeatable prices. It‘s a go-to for many, especially teens and young adults looking to experiment with style on a budget.
However, Shein is not without its issues. The company has come under fire for unethical labor practices and a lack of sustainability. Its ultra-fast fashion model and rock-bottom prices make many question how the clothes are being produced. For those reasons, some shoppers are seeking Shein alternatives that still offer trendy pieces at an affordable price point.
Luckily, we live in the age of online shopping, and there‘s no shortage of stores like Shein to explore. Keep reading for my top 10 picks, along with tips for shopping these sites and reasons you may want to branch out beyond Shein.
Top 10 Stores Like Shein
1. ASOS
UK-based retailer ASOS is a favorite among fashion-lovers globally. It offers a huge range of clothing and accessories for women, men, and children. Prices are affordable, especially during frequent sales, and there‘s always new stock being added.
ASOS really shines in its dedication to size inclusivity. In addition to straight sizes, it has collections specifically for plus size (ASOS Curve), tall, petite, and maternity. Few other fast fashion retailers show this much consideration for different body types. Students also get 10% off full-price items.
2. Boohoo
Boohoo is all about fast, fresh, and affordable fashion. It‘s known for an incredibly quick design-to-market process, meaning you can find all the latest trends on the site. The range is extensive, from casual day dresses and jumpsuits to co-ords, footwear, and accessories.
Boohoo is one of the most budget-friendly stores like Shein, with frequent sales and discount codes. It offers lines for plus size, petite, and tall as well. Keep in mind that quality can be hit or miss, but for the price point, many shoppers find it worth the gamble.
3. Romwe
Romwe has a very similar vibe to Shein, with a focus on trendy, wallet-friendly women‘s clothing and accessories. New styles are added almost daily, so there‘s always something fresh to discover. You can shop by occasion, such as workwear or vacation outfits.
Romwe runs a lot of flash sales and deals, so prices are competitive with Shein and other fast fashion sites. It ships worldwide and has an easy return process. Like Shein, it‘s popular with younger consumers who want to play with style without overspending.
4. PrettyLittleThing
PrettyLittleThing, or PLT, has mastered the art of bold, sexy style at an affordable price point. It‘s known for body-con dresses, matching sets, cut-out details, and vibrant prints. The brand is extremely popular in the UK and US, especially with the 16-24 age group.
PLT capitalizes on celebrity and influencer power, with collaborations that drive major hype. The site also has a strong presence on social media, delivering trend inspiration to its millions of followers. Students can score 15% off with a verified account.
5. Nasty Gal
Nasty Gal offers a slightly edgier take on affordable fashion. Expect lots of ‘90s influence, with plaid prints, chunky boots, and graphic tees. Products tend to be trendier and more revealing than typical workwear. There are also plenty of bold going-out looks.
Like many Shein alternatives, Nasty Gal has an extremely loyal fanbase of young women who can‘t get enough of its cool-girl aesthetic. The brand doesn‘t take itself too seriously, with cheeky product descriptions and emails that feel like they‘re coming from your most fashionable friend.
6. Cider
Cider is a relative newcomer compared to other stores on this list, but it‘s quickly becoming a go-to for Gen Z and young Millennial shoppers. The site has a colorful, almost cartoon-like design that immediately sets it apart.
Cider‘s vibe is playful and trendy, with an emphasis on streetwear-inspired pieces like cargo pants, crop tops, and oversized shirts. Dresses tend to have a girly, sometimes vintage-inspired look. Most items are under $30, so it‘s easy to build a whole new outfit without spending a ton.
7. Missguided
Missguided is all about serving confident, style-obsessed women. It offers a huge selection of on-trend dresses, separates, outerwear, swimwear, and accessories. You can shop by occasion, such as festival clothing or bridesmaid dresses.
Inclusivity is a major priority for Missguided. The site uses a diverse range of models and offers an extensive plus size line. It has also made efforts to increase sustainability, with some eco-conscious collections. Like many fast fashion brands, though, it still has room for improvement in this area.
8. ZAFUL
If you love a beachy, California vibe, ZAFUL is worth checking out. This site is known for affordable, on-trend swimwear and vacationwear. Think floral print bikinis, boho cover-ups, and breezy sundresses.
ZAFUL often runs sitewide sales that increase the already-low prices. It‘s a great place to stock up on summer essentials or pick up some Instagram-worthy pieces for an upcoming trip. Just be wary that shipping can take several weeks, as most items come from overseas.
9. H&M
H&M is a classic go-to for stylish basics and seasonal must-haves. It‘s pricier than Shein but still very affordable, especially if you shop the sale section. Quality also tends to be a step up from many fast fashion competitors.
One advantage of H&M is that it has a physical presence in most malls, so you can try items on in-store before ordering online. It also tends to have a slightly more mature/professional selection compared to ultra-trendy sites. Don‘t sleep on the men‘s and children‘s departments, too.
10. Forever 21
Forever 21 is a long-time favorite for teens and young adults looking to experiment with trends. It offers a constantly updated selection of women‘s clothing, shoes, accessories, and beauty products, with most items priced under $50.
If you like Shein‘s trendy, colorful vibe, you‘ll probably enjoy Forever 21. It leans young, with lots of crop tops, mini skirts, and slogan tees. The site runs frequent sales and has a rewards program for loyal shoppers. Like Shein, quality and sizing can be inconsistent, but for the price, many are willing to take the chance.
Why Look Beyond Shein?
Searching for Shein alternatives comes with a number of benefits. While Shein‘s prices are definitely enticing, some of its practices have sparked concern:
Sustainability: The ultra-fast fashion model is inherently unsustainable, leading to massive textile waste. Shein has often been called out for greenwashing and lack of transparency about its environmental impact.
Labor ethics: As a Chinese company operating with little oversight, Shein has faced accusations that it exploits workers to keep prices low. Reports suggest employees may work long hours in unsafe conditions for unfair pay.
Quality & sizing: Shein products are a gamble when it comes to quality. Many pieces are made as cheaply as possible and may fall apart after a few wears. Inconsistent sizing is another common complaint.
Exploring other affordable retailers allows you to find brands that better align with your values without totally sacrificing style or price. Of course, most fast fashion comes with trade-offs, but some companies are making more of an effort than others in terms of ethics and sustainability.
Shopping around also provides more variety. Even with Shein‘s huge selection, you may find yourself wanting to branch out and discover new styles. Checking multiple sites increases your options and allows you to develop a unique look.
Tips for Shopping Affordable Fashion Sites
Before you start filling up your cart at these Shein-like retailers, keep these tips in mind:
Always check size charts. Sizing can vary wildly between brands, and sometimes even between pieces from the same brand. Refer to the size chart for each individual item and compare your measurements.
Read reviews. One benefit of these popular sites is that most products have a ton of reviews. Look for photos from real customers to get a sense of how the item fits. Also note any comments about material and construction quality.
Manage your expectations. At such low price points, you can‘t expect designer-level craftsmanship. Clothes from these retailers often need gentle care and may not last beyond a season or two. Think of them as fun, disposable pieces rather than wardrobe staples.
Watch out for duties and taxes. Many affordable fashion sites ship from overseas, which can mean surprise fees on delivery. This is especially true in the UK and EU. Read the fine print so you know what to expect at checkout.
Opt for filtered searches. The huge product catalogs on these sites can be overwhelming. Most have filters that let you narrow down by size, color, material, price, and more. You can also usually sort by best-selling or top-rated items.
Consider the environment. There‘s no getting around the fact that fast fashion takes a major toll on the planet. Limit your purchases to pieces you truly love, and invest in higher-quality items when you can. You may also look into more sustainable options like thrifting.
Conclusion
Shein may be the best-known name in affordable fashion, but it‘s far from the only option. Retailers like ASOS, Boohoo, Forever 21, and Nasty Gal let you experiment with trends without breaking the bank. You may also find pieces that are slightly higher quality or from brands that are a bit more ethical.
Of course, it‘s important to consume fast fashion mindfully no matter where you shop. Consider each purchase carefully rather than giving in to every trend. Mix affordable pieces with secondhand finds and higher-end investments. A little goes a long way when it comes to disposable fashion.
That said, we all deserve to have some fun with our style. These stores like Shein provide an accessible way to play with trends and discover what looks make you feel confident. Just remember to read reviews, check size charts, and manage your expectations. Happy shopping!
