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

Shein offers an enormous, constantly rotating variety of trendy fashion at extremely low prices, while Urbanic provides a more focused collection of stylish pieces at a mid-range price point, emphasizing better quality materials and a more unique design aesthetic.

Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right fast-fashion brand for your style and budget.

Shein: The Global Fast-Fashion Giant

Shein is a massive online retailer known for its almost unlimited selection of trendy, budget-friendly clothing. Catering primarily to Gen Z and millennials, Shein's business model is built on speed and volume, releasing hundreds of new styles weekly inspired by runway looks and celebrity fashion. It’s the go-to platform for shoppers who want to experiment with fleeting trends without any significant financial commitment.

• Product mix: Shein's catalog is incredibly broad, covering womenswear, menswear, children's clothing, accessories, and even home goods. You can find everything from casual basics and swimwear to more formal dresses and party attire.
• Price point: Prices are exceptionally low, with most items falling between $5 and $50. It’s common to find tops for under $10 and dresses for under $25, especially during their frequent sales events.
• Quality: To maintain low prices, clothing is typically made from synthetic materials like polyester. Quality can be unpredictable, while some pieces hold up well, others may have issues with fabric durability, stitching, or fit after a few washes.
• Sizing/Fit: Sizing is a common issue and can be inconsistent across different items. Checking the detailed measurements and user-submitted photo reviews for each product is highly recommended. The brand does offer an extensive plus-size collection.
• Sales: Shein constantly has sales, flash deals, and promotions running. The mobile app and website feature numerous coupons and discounts that can usually be applied at checkout.
• Return policy: The return policy is generally flexible, but shoppers have sometimes reported that the process can be slow or cumbersome, depending on the region.

Shein is the ultimate destination for shoppers looking for an endless variety of the latest trends at the lowest possible prices, accepting a potential trade-off in quality and consistency.

Shop Shein: shein.com

Urbanic: The Curated & Stylish Alternative

Urbanic is a contemporary fashion brand that targets young women with a curated blend of streetwear and chic, modern styles. Its aesthetic is more refined and intentional than typical fast-fashion retailers, focusing on unique designs, bold prints, and statement pieces that feel more exclusive. The brand positions itself as a slightly more premium, quality-conscious choice in the affordable fashion market.

• Product mix: Unlike Shein's massive inventory, Urbanic offers a more selective range of products. Key categories include trendy dresses, crop tops, modern bottoms, and statement outerwear designed for a fashion-forward audience.
• Price point: The price point is in the mid-range for fast fashion, with most items costing between $20 and $80. The higher price reflects better material quality and more distinctive designs.
• Quality: Urbanic focuses on using better fabrics, including cotton, linen, and some sustainable materials, resulting in clothes that generally feel more durable. Construction and stitching are typically a step up from ultra-low-cost competitors.
• Sizing/Fit: Sizing is generally more consistent and true-to-size. Urbanic provides detailed size guides for its products, and customer reviews often confirm a reliable fit.
• Sustainability: The brand actively promotes its efforts toward more responsible practices, such as using eco-friendly packaging and working toward more transparent and ethical manufacturing standards.
• Return policy: Urbanic has a transparent and straightforward return policy, making for a smoother and more reliable shopping experience when a product doesn't work out.

Urbanic provides a more focused shopping experience for those seeking unique, durable pieces with a more fashion-forward feel and a conscious approach to manufacturing.

Shop Urbanic: urbanic.com

Shein vs. Urbanic Comparison

Price Comparison

Shein is the clear winner on price. With tops frequently under $10 and entire outfits available for under $40, it's one of the most affordable options online. Its business model prioritizes access to trends at rock-bottom prices, further amplified by constant sales and coupon codes.

Urbanic operates at a higher price tier, typically competing more with brands like Zara or Mango than Shein. A dress might cost $45 instead of $15, but that extra cost is intended to cover better materials and design. It’s for shoppers who prefer to buy fewer, better items rather than a larger volume of cheaper clothes.

Quality & Materials

Shein’s quality is notoriously inconsistent. The focus is on duplicating a trendy look for the lowest possible cost, which often means using thin polyester and acrylic blends that may not hold up well to repeated wear and washing. It excels for items you only plan to wear a few times, like for a specific event or a passing trend.

Urbanic prioritizes higher-quality materials and construction. Garments are often made from more breathable fabrics like cotton and tend to have better stitching and finishes. This translates to better durability, color retention, and overall comfort, making their pieces a better long-term wardrobe investment.

Style & Aesthetic

Shein’s aesthetic is driven entirely by micro-trends. If something is trending on TikTok or seen on a celebrity, Shein will have a version of it for sale within weeks. The result is a massive, somewhat chaotic catalog that covers every conceivable style, from Y2K and cottagecore to business casual and goth.

Urbanic’s style is more curated and cohesive. It combines edgy streetwear elements with chic, sophisticated silhouettes to create looks that are trendy but not disposable. Its collections feel more intentional, making it a better choice for shoppers looking to build a distinct personal style rather than just chasing trends.

Fit & Sizing

Fit is one of the biggest challenges when shopping on Shein. Sizing is not standardized, meaning a Medium in one top might fit completely differently than a Medium in another. Relying on customer reviews and measurement charts is essential for a successful order.

Urbanic offers a much more consistent and reliable fit. Their sizing generally aligns with standard international charts, so you can shop with more confidence. This consistency makes it a much less frustrating experience for those who know their standard size.

Sustainability & Ethics

Shein's ultra-fast fashion model has been the subject of widespread criticism regarding its environmental impact and labor practices. The company's massive production volume contributes to textile waste, and its supply chain lacks transparency, raising ethical concerns.

While still a fast-fashion brand, Urbanic has made sustainability a public-facing part of its brand identity. It uses eco-friendly packaging and is more transparent about its efforts to improve manufacturing conditions and incorporate sustainable materials. For shoppers concerned with these issues, Urbanic is the more conscientious choice.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands serve the fast-fashion market well, but they appeal to different priorities.

Choose Shein if:

• You're on a very tight budget and want the absolute lowest prices possible.
• You want to experiment with a wide variety of short-lived micro-trends.
• You need a specific outfit for a single event, like a vacation or theme party.
• You are comfortable spending time reading reviews and checking size charts for every purchase.

Choose Urbanic if:

• You're willing to pay a little more for better quality, durability, and fabric.
• You prefer a more curated, stylish, and unique aesthetic over mass-market trends.
• Predictable sizing and a consistent fit are important to you.
• You are looking for a more responsible and transparent brand within the fast-fashion space.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Shein or Urbanic cheaper?

Shein is significantly cheaper than Urbanic. With most of its items priced under $50 and frequent sales bringing prices down even further, Shein is one of the most budget-friendly fast-fashion retailers in the world.

Which has better quality clothes?

Urbanic generally offers better quality. Their focus on superior fabrics, more durable construction, and better stitching means their clothes are designed to last longer and hold up better through wear and washing.

What is the style difference between Shein and Urbanic?

Shein's style is driven by fast-moving, high-volume micro-trends, offering a little bit of everything for everyone. Urbanic has a more curated, cohesive aesthetic that blends chic and modern streetwear, creating a more distinctive and fashion-forward look.

How is the sizing for Shein and Urbanic?

Shein's sizing is notoriously inconsistent, and it's essential to check reviews and measurements for each specific item. Urbanic’s sizing is much more consistent and generally true to size, making for a more predictable shopping experience.

Which brand is more sustainable?

Urbanic is the more sustainable and ethically conscious brand. It actively promotes its use of eco-friendly packaging and greater transparency in its manufacturing process, whereas Shein's business model has faced significant criticism for its environmental and ethical impact.

What are their return policies like?

Both brands offer returns, but Urbanic's process is typically seen as more straightforward and transparent. Shein's return policy is flexible but is sometimes described by customers as slow or difficult to navigate.

Which brand is better for finding unique statement pieces?

Urbanic is a better choice for finding unique statement pieces. Its curated design approach means you're more likely to find a standout dress or top that isn't already seen everywhere, unlike the mass-produced items on Shein.