Shein vs. Zaful Swimsuits: Which brand should you buy?

Shein offers an enormous and constantly changing selection of playful, trendy swimsuits at some of the lowest prices available, while Zaful offers a more curated but still affordable collection of bold, edgy, and statement-making swimwear. The main difference lies in the aesthetic: Shein provides a vast variety of youthful styles, whereas Zaful focuses on fashion-forward designs intended to stand out.

Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right fast-fashion swim brand for your next trip to the beach or pool.

Shein: The Leader in Trendy, Affordable Swimwear

Shein is a fast fashion giant, known globally for its massive inventory of on-trend clothing and accessories at incredibly low prices. Their swimwear collections are extensive, featuring thousands of designs that cater to a Gen Z and Millennial audience looking for cute, current styles without a significant investment. The brand is built on speed, frequently dropping new bikinis, one-pieces, and cover-ups inspired by micro-trends and runway looks.

• Product mix: An almost overwhelming variety of bikinis, one-pieces, tankinis, cover-ups, and beach accessories in countless prints, colors, and cuts. Ranges from minimalist to highly detailed with ruffles and cutouts.
• Price point: Extremely affordable. Most swimsuits fall within the $10 to $30 range, with frequent flash sales that bring prices even lower.
• Quality: The quality is what you'd expect for the price. Fabrics are typically nylon or polyester blends, sufficient for seasonal or occasional wear but may not hold up to years of sun and chlorine.
• Style & Aesthetic: Youthful, playful, and trend-focused. Expect lots of floral prints, bright colors, ruffles, and styles seen on social media influencers.
• Sizing/Fit: Sizing can be inconsistent and generally runs small. Checking the specific product measurements and reading customer reviews with photos is essential before buying. Shein does offer a notable plus-size collection.
• Return policy: Typically offers returns within 30-45 days, depending on your region. The first return on an order is often free.

Shein is the ultimate destination for sheer variety and rock-bottom prices, ideal for anyone looking to quickly grab several trendy swimsuits for a season.

Shop Shein: shein.com

Zaful: The Source for Bold & Edgy Beachwear

Zaful is another online fashion retailer specializing in affordable clothing, with a particularly strong reputation for its swimwear. While also catering to a young, trend-aware audience, Zaful distinguishes itself with designs that are often slightly bolder, sexier, and edgier than the competition. The brand is a favorite for those seeking standout bikinis with unique cuts and patterns that make a statement.

• Product mix: Heavily focused on swim and beachwear. Known for a strong collection of bikinis featuring unique designs, as well as stylish one-pieces and cover-ups.
• Price point: Very competitive and similar to Shein, with most swimsuits priced between $12 and $35. The site runs constant promotions, bundle deals, and student discounts.
• Quality: Made from similar fast-fashion materials like nylon and spandex. Durability is a common concern over the long term, but the quality is generally acceptable for a few vacations or a single summer.
• Style & Aesthetic: Modern, bold, and often sexy. Famous for its high-leg cuts, skimpy styles, unique textures (like ribbed fabric), and eye-catching prints.
• Sizing/Fit: Like Shein, sizing is often unpredictable and runs small compared to U.S. standards. You must rely on the size chart for each item and consult customer reviews for guidance.
• Return policy: Generally offers a 30-day return window. Customers are often responsible for return shipping costs unless the item is defective.

Zaful is the perfect choice for shoppers who want an affordable, statement piece for vacation that feels a bit more fashion-forward and daring.

Shop Zaful: zaful.com

Shein vs. Zaful Comparison

Price Comparison

Both Shein and Zaful operate at the ultra-low end of the market, making trendy swimwear accessible to almost any budget. Prices typically hover between $10 and $30 on both sites. Shein is known for its constant "lightning deals" and aggressive sale promotions that can sometimes drop prices into the single digits, potentially giving it a slight edge for the absolute most budget-conscious shopper.

Zaful is equally competitive, leveraging bundle deals (e.g., "3 for $30") and site-wide promotional codes to keep its offering compelling. For all practical purposes, pricing is not a major differentiator here, both brands offer excellent value for seasonal pieces.

Quality & Materials

When it comes to quality, Shein and Zaful are on a very similar footing. The vast majority of their swimsuits are made from standard polyester, nylon, and spandex blends. These fabrics get the job done for casual wear at the pool or beach, but they aren't built for longevity. Customers of both brands report issues like fading color, stretching fabric, and thinning material after extended use, especially with exposure to chlorine and saltwater.

Neither brand offers what could be described as a high-quality, durable product meant to last for years. You are buying a swimsuit for a season or a specific trip. Set your expectations accordingly, pay attention to the care instructions, and you can get great wear out of your purchase for an affordable price. Neither holds a clear advantage in terms of materials or construction.

Style & Aesthetic

Style is where the brands truly diverge. Shein's strategy is based on immense volume and variety. You can find virtually any trend - from cute floral patterns and cottagecore ruffles to minimalist string bikinis and sporty one-pieces. The feel is generally young, playful, and fun. If a specific style is trending on TikTok, you are guaranteed to find dozens of versions on Shein.

Zaful, while still trendy, has a more defined and cohesive aesthetic. Its collection feels more "curated." The styles often lean bolder, sexier, and more daring. Zaful excels at unique silhouettes, high-cut legs, cheeky bottoms, and edgy prints. If your goal is to buy a swimsuit that catches eyes and stands apart from the crowd, Zaful is likely the better starting point.

Fit & Sizing

This is the greatest challenge when shopping with either brand. Both Shein and Zaful primarily use Asian sizing conventions, which typically run one to two sizes smaller than standard U.S. or European sizing. Sizing inconsistency is a widespread complaint for both stores, where you might be a Medium in one bikini and an X-Large in another.

The only way to succeed is to ignore the letter on the tag (S, M, L) and rely exclusively on the specific product's measurement chart (in inches or centimeters). Checking detailed customer reviews, especially those with photos, is not just recommended - it's essential for getting the fit right. Shein often has a competitive advantage here due to its sheer volume of sales, which leads to more customer reviews and photos for any given item.

Shopping Experience

Both platforms are optimized for a fast, visually-driven online shopping experience. Shein's website can feel a bit chaotic due to the thousands of items and constant pop-ups, but its filtering system is robust. Its main strength is the user-generated content section, with countless customer photos and reviews that are invaluable for making decisions.

Zaful’s website feels slightly cleaner and more focused on swimwear. Functionality is similar, with filters and product reviews available. Shipping times for both retailers are comparable, usually ranging from 1 to 3 weeks for standard delivery to the U.S. Return policies are also similar, offering a 30-day window, though Shein's process can sometimes be smoother with free return options in many regions.

Sustainability & Ethics

As ultra-fast fashion brands, both Shein and Zaful face significant criticism regarding their environmental impact and labor practices. The business model relies on rapid, high-volume production of low-cost garments, which contributes to textile waste and has been linked to opaque supply chains with poor working conditions. Shoppers who prioritize sustainability, ethical manufacturing, and corporate transparency will find both brands lacking. Neither is considered an ethical or sustainable choice for swimwear.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice depends entirely on your personal style preference, as quality and price are closely matched.

Choose Shein if:

• You want the largest possible selection of styles, colors, and prints.
• You prefer playful, cute, and mainstream-trendy designs like florals or ruffles.
• You love hunting for bargains during daily flash sales.
• You need a wider range of plus-size options to choose from.
• A high volume of customer photos and reviews is your top priority for judging fit.

Choose Zaful if:

• You are looking for a swimsuit that is bold, sexy, and makes a statement.
• You favor styles with unique cuts, high-leg silhouettes, and edgy patterns.
• You prefer a more curated feel in the shopping experience rather than an endlessly vast catalog.
• Your primary goal is to find a high-impact bikini for a vacation or beach party.
• You don't mind a slightly smaller selection in exchange for more daring designs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Shein or Zaful cheaper?

Both brands are exceptionally cheap, but Shein often has a slight edge due to its aggressive flash sales and lower starting prices on some items. However, both brands make swimsuits available in the $10-$30 range, making the price difference minimal.

Which has better quality swimsuits?

The quality is very comparable. Both use standard fast-fashion materials (polyester, nylon, spandex) that are suitable for occasional, seasonal wear but are not designed for long-term durability. Neither is considered a high-quality brand.

Does Shein or Zaful run small?

Yes, both brands are known to run significantly smaller than typical U.S. or European sizing. It is critical to ignore your usual size and carefully measure yourself against the specific dimensions listed in each product's size chart. Reading and viewing customer reviews is crucial for both brands.

Which one has better styles?

This is subjective and the biggest differentiator. Shein has a wider variety of playful, cute, and ever-changing trendy styles. Zaful is better for bold, edgy, and sexy statement pieces with more unique cuts.

What are the return policies for Shein and Zaful?

Both typically offer a return window of around 30 days. Be sure to check the specific policy for swimwear, as hygiene rules often apply. Shein frequently offers a free first return per order in many regions, while Zaful may require the customer to pay for return shipping unless the item is faulty.

Is Shein or Zaful more sustainable?

Neither brand is considered sustainable. As leading ultra-fast fashion companies, their business models contribute to environmental concerns and are criticized for a lack of supply chain transparency. Shoppers prioritizing ethics should look elsewhere.

Which brand is better for plus sizes?

Shein generally offers a much larger and more diverse selection of plus-size swimwear compared to Zaful, making it the better option for plus-size shoppers looking for variety.

How long do Shein and Zaful take to ship?

Shipping times can be unpredictable but generally take between 1 to 3 weeks for standard shipping to arrive in the United States. Express shipping options are available at a higher cost for faster delivery.