Quick Facts
- Budget-conscious fashion shoppers
- Plus-size shoppers seeking trendy styles
- Savvy deal hunters who use rewards points
- De minimis tax exemption ended May 2025 - prices now include tariffs upfront with no surprise customs bills
- Points system capped at 50% discount max (100 points = $1 USD)
- Size range spans XXS to 5XL with dedicated Curve + Plus line
- Men's sizing runs slim - size up from your usual American brand size
Shein remains viable for affordable fashion in 2026, but expect higher upfront prices due to included tariffs. Always use measurement charts, save points for larger orders, and factor in potential shipping delays.
If you have opened the Shein app recently, you might have noticed things look a bit different. The days of the Wild West of tax-free imports are effectively over. Since the executive order signed in April 2025 terminated the “de minimis” exemption for Chinese imports, the math on cheap fast fashion has changed.
Does this mean you should stop shopping there? Not necessarily. It just means you need to be smarter about how you fill your cart. Shein remains a massive hub for affordable style, but the logisticsspecifically pricing and shipping speedshave shifted significantly as we head into 2026.
The New Reality: Taxes, Customs, and Prices
Here is the most critical update you need to know right now. Previously, orders under $800 entered the U. S. duty free. That loophole closed on May 2, 2025.
What this means for your wallet: You are no longer responsible for handling surprise customs bills after the fact. Shein has transitioned to an all-inclusive pricing model for U. S. customers. The price you see includes the new tariffs (which can range high) and processing fees. While the sticker price might look higher than it did in 2024, you won’t get hit with a separate invoice at the border. Consequently, the old policy of “refunding customs overcharges” is gonebecause you are paying a fixed final price upfront.
If you are looking for alternatives to imported fast fashion, you might want to explore the top clothing manufacturers in the USA to compare local quality vs. imported costs.
Beyond Just Clothes: What’s In Stock?
Shein has expanded well beyond basic t shirts. As of December 2025, their inventory includes verified name brand items in the “Fragrances & Aromatherapy” section (yes, including brands like Valentino) and a robust Home Fragrance line with reed diffusers and oils.
However, the core remains apparel. The size range is impressively inclusive, spanning from XXS to 5XL. The “Curve + Plus” line specifically caters to 0XL through 5XL, ensuring that trendy cuts aren’t just for standard sizes.
The Practitioner’s Guide to Sizing
Insider Tip: Never rely solely on “Small” or “Large” labels. Manufacturing tolerances vary. Always check the specific measurement charts on each product page. However, for a general baseline, here is how Shein structures its sizing:
Women’s Clothing Reference
Standard Upper Body
| Size | XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL |
| EU Size | 34 | 36 | 38 | 40 | 42 | 44 |
| Chest (cm) | 82 | 86 | 90 | 94 | 98 | 104 |
| Waist (cm) | 64 | 68 | 72 | 76 | 80 | 86 |
Curve + Plus Reference
Note: Plus sizes generally run wider in the chest and hip areas specifically to accommodate curves, rather than just scaling up the length.
| Size | 0XL | 1XL | 2XL | 3XL | 4XL |
| Chest (cm) | 102 | 108 | 114 | 120 | 126 |
| Waist (cm) | 84 | 90 | 96 | 102 | 108 |
Men’s Sizing
Men’s sizing on Shein tends to run slightly slimmer than traditional American brands like Gap or Old Navy. If you usually wear a “Tight L,” buy an XL here.
| Size | S | M | L | XL | XXL |
| US Size | 36 | 38 | 40 | 42 | 44 |
| Chest (cm) | 96 | 100 | 104 | 108 | 112 |
| Waist (cm) | 86 | 90 | 94 | 98 | 102 |
Kids & Baby Sizing
For children, sizing is almost always based on height (cm) rather than age. Measure your child’s height first to avoid returns.
| Label Age | Height (cm) | Weight Ref (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| New Baby | 50 | 2.5 – 3 |
| 0-3 M | 50-56 | 4.5 – 6.5 |
| 3-6 M | 56-62 | 6.5 – 8 |
| 6-9 M | 62-68 | 8 – 9 |
| 12-18 M | 80-86 | 10 – 11 |
| 2-3 Y | 92-98 | 12.5 – 14.5 |
The “Points” System: A 2025 Reality Check
Many old guides will tell you that you can slash your bill by 70% using points. That information is outdated.
As of late 2025, the official terms for US customers cap the point deduction at 50% of the total order value (excluding shipping and taxes). Here is the math you need to know:
- Conversion: 100 Points = $1.00 USD.
- Earning: You generally earn 1 point per $1 spent. You can also farm points by checking in daily on the app and writing reviews with photos.
- Strategy: Save your points for larger orders to maximize that 50% cap, rather than wasting small amounts on cheap orders where shipping eats the savings.
Shipping Logistics: Expect Delays
If you need a dress for a party this weekend, Shein is likely not your best bet unless you pay a premium. With the new customs inspections mandatory for all packages from China and Hong Kong, logistics have slowed down.
- Standard Shipping: Costs $3.99 (Free over $29). Takes 9-12 days usually, but customs can add arbitrary delays.
- Express Shipping: Costs $12.90 (Free over $139). Takes 7-9 days.
If you need items faster, you might be better off looking at domestic options. Check out our guide to shopping in New York City or visiting wholesale markets in Dallas if you prefer buying in person.
How to Actually Reach a Human
Forget about calling them. As of December 2025, Shein USA does not have a public customer service phone number. If you have an issue with a return or a missing package, here is how to get a response:
- Live Chat: Available Mon Fri, 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM PST. You must be logged in.
- Ticket System: Accessible via the “Support” (headphone icon). They typically respond within 24 hours.
For a broader look at the digital commerce landscape in the states, read our full breakdown of online shopping in the USA.
