Clothing brands: H&M vs. SHEIN

Quick Verdict

H&M is a better choice for consumers prioritizing sustainability, slightly higher quality, and faster shipping, while SHEIN is more appealing for those seeking the absolute lowest prices and a vast selection of trendy styles, particularly in plus sizes. Both brands have trade-offs regarding ethical practices and durability.

H&M offers slightly better fabric quality and more transparent sustainability efforts compared to SHEIN.
SHEIN provides a wider range of plus sizes and highly competitive low prices.
H&M has faster shipping times and more convenient return options, especially for Loyalty Members.
Both brands release frequent new styles, catering to trendy fashion preferences.
Ethical labor practices remain a concern for both H&M and SHEIN, though H&M has made more visible commitments.

Key features – Side-by-Side

Attribute	H&M	SHEIN
Price Range	Affordable	$5 to $50 (average price of women's clothing on SHEIN rose 28% to $28.51 in the United States in the year ending June 1, 2024. Some items can be found for as low as $1.70 - $2.63.)
Fabric Quality	Average, varies by item	Varies significantly, often made from synthetic fibers like polyester.
Size Inclusivity	Up to 2XL in stores, up to 4XL online for women, 3XL for men	Offers a wide range of plus-size options from UK size 6 to UK 26, but sizing can be inconsistent.
Sustainability Practices	Aims for all materials sustainably sourced or recycled by 2030, member of BCI, offers organic cotton clothes	Introduced initiatives like "EvoluSHEIN" but still significantly contributes to environmental degradation.
Shipping Speed	3-6 business days for standard delivery, next-day delivery available	Standard shipping takes 7 to 20 business days, express shipping takes 3 to 7 business days.
Return Policy	30-day return window, free in-store returns, $3.99 fee for online returns (waived for Loyalty Members)	Most products can be returned within 30 days of the delivery date. The first return per order is free, but subsequent returns incur a $7.99 shipping fee.
Customer Service Responsiveness	Via website chat, phone, or social media	Live chat is usually the quickest option, with responses ranging from a few minutes to 30 minutes. Email inquiries typically take 1 to 3 business days.
Design Originality	Releases 16 collections each year	Offers a wide variety of styles, but designs may not always be original.
Ethical Labor Practices	Sustainability Commitment for suppliers, but concerns remain about living wages and labor law violations	Has faced criticism regarding its labor practices.
Product Durability	Varies, basics last longer than trend-driven pieces	Can be inconsistent due to low-quality materials and construction.
Trendiness of Styles	Trendy and affordable, frequent new styles and collections	Known for its trendy and fast-fashion styles, releasing new styles and collections frequently.
Website User Experience	Personalized start page, H&M app with Styleboard and Stylestory features.	Generally user-friendly, but some users find the website visually cluttered.

Overall Comparison

H&M: 3-6 day shipping, up to 4XL online. SHEIN: Prices from $5 to $50, UK size 6 to 26, 7-20 day shipping.

Pros and Cons

H&M

Pros:

Affordable prices
Trendy styles
Expanded size range
Efforts towards sustainability
Convenient return options
Multiple customer service channels
Frequent new collections
Personalized website experience

Cons:

Average fabric quality
Sizing may run small
Concerns about ethical labor practices
Durability varies
Shipping fees for online returns (unless Loyalty Member)

SHEIN

Pros:

Highly competitive low prices
Wide range of plus-size options
Offers a wide variety of styles
Frequent release of new styles and collections
User-friendly website
Generally easy return process

Cons:

Inconsistent fabric quality
Sizing can be inconsistent
Significantly contributes to environmental degradation
Customer service responsiveness varies
Designs may not always be original
Questionable ethical labor practices
Inconsistent product durability
Website can be visually cluttered

User Experiences and Feedback

H&M

What Users Love

No highlights reported.

Common Complaints

No major complaints reported.

Value Perception

No value feedback reported.

User Recommendations

The quality can vary, so it's essential to check user reviews and be mindful of fit and fabric.
H&M sizing generally runs small, particularly in womenswear. It's recommended to size up, especially in jeans, tailored dresses, and slim-fit tops.
Standard shipping takes 3-6 business days.
H&M offers a 30-day return window. Returns can be made in-store or by mail.
You can contact H&M customer service via website chat, phone, or social media.
H&M releases 16 collections each year, with faster production times for trendier styles.
The durability of H&M clothing varies, with basics generally lasting longer than trend-driven pieces.
H&M has made efforts to improve sustainability and ethical practices, but there are still concerns about labor conditions and the environmental impact of fast fashion.
H&M sizing generally runs small, particularly in womenswear.
H&M releases 16 collections each year.

SHEIN

What Users Love

Many customers feel they can find unique pieces.
SHEIN's return process is generally user-friendly.

Common Complaints

Actual fabric quality can be hit or miss compared to online descriptions.
Durability can be a concern with SHEIN clothing.
SHEIN's sustainability practices have been questioned.

Value Perception

Items with detailed fabric descriptions often have better quality.
Checking the size chart, reading reviews, and knowing your measurements are crucial for finding the right fit.
Live chat is often the quickest way to get help.