Lulus vs. Shein: Which brand should you buy? [2026]

Lulus is for shoppers looking for quality, event-ready dresses with a polished, feminine style at a modest price point. In contrast, Shein is an ultra-fast fashion giant that offers an enormous catalog of the latest viral trends at extremely low prices, though often with inconsistent quality and sizing.

Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right fashion retailer for your closet and budget.

Lulus: The Affordable Special Occasion Expert

Lulus is an online fashion destination for young women seeking stylish, well-made, and affordable outfits, particularly for special occasions. The brand has built a reputation on being the go-to store for wedding guest dresses, prom attire, and party wear. They focus on a curated selection of on-trend yet classic pieces that look more expensive than they are, creating a balance between fast fashion's trendiness and boutique quality.

• Product mix: Specializes in dresses for every occasion, from casual sundresses to formal gowns. Also offers a curated selection of tops, skirts, shoes, bridal wear, and accessories.
• Price point: Sits in the mid-range market. Dresses typically cost between $50 and $150, with blouses around $40-$60 and accessories usually under $50.
• Quality: A major differentiator. Lulus uses higher-quality materials like chiffon, sturdy knits, and well-made crepe fabrics. Garments often have better construction, lining, and finishing details compared to budget competitors.
• Sizing/Fit: Generally considered true to size and consistent. The website provides detailed size charts and helpful customer reviews with photos, making it easier to find the right fit online.
• Return policy: Offers a straightforward 30-day return policy for a refund, store credit, or exchange, with a small shipping label fee deducted for mailed returns.
• Sales: Holds seasonal sales and has a consistent sale section where you can find great deals, though store-wide discounts are less frequent than at other fast-fashion retailers.

Lulus is ideal for building a wardrobe with reliable, feminine pieces and is a trusted source for important events where fit and quality matter.

Shop Lulus: lulus.com

Shein: The Ultra-Fast Fashion Giant

Shein is one of the world’s largest online retailers, known for its massive selection of trendy clothing at rock-bottom prices. The brand’s model is built on speed, adding thousands of new daily styles that mirror the looks seen on runways, social media, and celebrities. It primarily targets Gen Z and millennial shoppers who want to experiment with fleeting trends without a significant financial commitment.

• Product mix: An enormous catalog that includes women's and men's apparel, plus-size clothing, kids' wear, accessories, shoes, home goods, and beauty products.
• Price point: Extremely low. It's common to find dresses, tops, and pants for under $20, with some items priced below $10. Frequent flash sales and coupon codes drive prices even lower.
• Quality: Highly variable. Most items are made from inexpensive synthetic fabrics like polyester and rayon. While some pieces are surprisingly decent for the price, many shoppers report issues with thin materials, poor construction, and a lack of durability.
• Sizing/Fit: Notoriously inconsistent. A size medium in one dress might fit completely differently from a medium in another. Reading item-specific customer reviews and checking measurement charts is essential for every purchase.
• Return policy: Allows returns within 30 days, but the process can be more complex than at other retailers and may involve return shipping fees after the first item on an order.
• Sustainability & Ethics: The brand faces widespread criticism for its lack of transparency, environmental impact, and labor practices associated with its ultra-fast fashion model.

Shein excels at providing vast variety and unbeatable prices for shoppers who prioritize trend-chasing over garment longevity and consistent quality.

Shop Shein: shein.com

Lulus vs. Shein Comparison

Price Comparison

There is no contest here: Shein is significantly cheaper than Lulus. You can often purchase an entire outfit on Shein for the price of a single dress from Lulus. For example, a trendy party dress on Shein might cost $18, while a similar style at Lulus would likely be priced between $60 and $90.

This price difference reflects the core business models. Shein focuses on volume and speed, keeping costs low by using inexpensive materials and mass production. Lulus invests more in better fabrics, quality control, and a more curated design process, resulting in a higher, yet still accessible, price point.

Quality & Materials

Lulus has a clear advantage in quality. Their garments are designed to be worn multiple times and are suitable for important events. The fabrics feel better against the skin, and details like zippers, seams, and lining are more reliably constructed. While not a luxury brand, Lulus provides dependable quality for its price.

Shein's quality is a gamble. Because its priority is capturing trends at a low cost, materials are often thin, seams can be weak, and items may not survive many wash cycles. It’s a trade-off: you get the look for less, but with no guarantee of durability.

Product Selection & Style

Shein's selection is vast and diverse, catering to countless aesthetics from streetwear and cottagecore to professional workwear. If a style is trending on TikTok, you will find a version of it on Shein almost immediately. However, navigating the sheer volume of products can be overwhelming.

Lulus has a more focused and curated style. Its aesthetic is consistently feminine, modern, and polished. The site is easier to shop for specific events like weddings, vacations, or date nights, as the collections are tailored to these occasions.

Fit & Sizing

Fit consistency is a major strength for Lulus. Shoppers can generally rely on their usual size, and the detailed size charts and customer reviews provide an extra layer of confidence when ordering. This reliability is crucial for event dressing, where you need an outfit to fit well without multiple rounds of ordering.

Shein's sizing is notoriously unpredictable. An item may run several sizes too small or too large, and there is little consistency across the site. Successful Shein shoppers become adept at scrutinizing customer review photos and individual product measurements before adding anything to their cart.

Sustainability & Ethics

For shoppers concerned with environmental and ethical impact, the choice is clearer. Lulus has taken steps toward greater transparency and has incorporated more sustainable materials into some of its collections. It encourages a model of buying fewer, better pieces that will last.

Shein is the definition of ultra-fast fashion and faces significant scrutiny for its production practices. The brand's model contributes to textile waste and has been criticized for a lack of transparency regarding labor conditions. This is a critical factor for many consumers today.

Return Policies

Both brands offer a 30-day return window. Lulus’s process is generally considered simple and user-friendly, with clear instructions for receiving a refund or store credit. While you might pay a small fee for the return label, the process is reliable.

Shein’s return process can feel more clunky. While the first return from an order (if you're returning multiple items) might be free, subsequent returns often require the shopper to pay for shipping. Given the high chance of items not fitting correctly, return costs can quickly add up.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice really depends on your shopping priorities, budget, and the occasion you're buying for.

Choose Lulus if:

• You're shopping for a special event like a wedding, graduation, or formal party.
• You value consistent sizing and quality and are willing to pay more for it.
• Your personal style is feminine, polished, and romantic.
• You prefer buying fewer, higher-quality pieces that will last for more than one season.

Choose Shein if:

• You are on a very strict budget but still want to try new styles.
• You love experimenting with micro-trends that may not last long.
• You have time to research by reading lots of reviews and checking measurement charts for each item.
• You need an outfit for a very casual event where durability is not a primary concern.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lulus or Shein cheaper?

Shein is dramatically cheaper than Lulus. Most Shein items cost less than $30, while Lulus's dresses and a majority of their products are priced between $50 and $150.

Which has better quality clothes?

Lulus consistently offers better quality. Their clothing is made from better materials, features stronger construction, and is designed to be more durable than the fast-fashion items sold by Shein.

Is Lulus sizing accurate?

Yes, Lulus is known for having a relatively accurate and consistent fit. Their clothing generally fits true to size, and their website offers detailed guides to help ensure a correct fit.

Is Shein sizing accurate?

No, Shein's sizing is highly inconsistent. Sizes can vary significantly from one item to another, so it's essential to read customer reviews and check the specific measurements provided for each product before buying.

Which is better for wedding guest dresses?

Lulus is the better choice for wedding guest dresses. The brand specializes in occasionwear, offering higher-quality fabrics and more reliable sizing that are appropriate for a formal event.

Which brand is more sustainable?

Neither brand is a leader in sustainability, but Lulus is the more responsible choice. It has made efforts toward transparency and uses some sustainable materials, whereas Shein's entire business model is based on ultra-fast fashion, which is widely criticized for its environmental and ethical implications.

Can you trust the reviews on Shein?

Shein user reviews are a critical part of the shopping experience. Look for reviews that include customer photos and specific details about fit and material. These can be very helpful in determining whether an item is worth purchasing, but be aware that some reviews may be incentivized by reward points.

What is the shopping experience like on Lulus vs. Shein?

Shopping on Lulus feels more like a curated boutique experience with clear categories for events. Shopping on Shein is like browsing a massive warehouse - the selection is almost infinite, but it can be overwhelming to find what you're looking for.