We have all done it. Googled something trendy that costs $$$ to try and find it cheaper and found a website that sells it for $11. NO WAY, you say, scrolling down to look at the size chart to try and discover what size you wear at this store (because the world can’t get it together and just make standard sizing) and that is when you realize. These are clothes from China. Crap, you think, this might be too good to be true. BUT IS IT? I ordered six different types items from two clothing stores based in China to give you a thorough review on whether or not you are wasting your money buying from those too-good-to-be-true online websites. Ya welcome.
Buying Clothes From China: Is It Worth It?
Ok. So first off. The websites that I am reviewing did send me these clothes in exchange for a post about them. However, as always, all opinions are my completely honest and my own.
DISCLAIMER: I tried to link to each of these items but they have mysteriously disappeared from the websites. I do apologize in advance…
Store #1: Dresslily.com
So, I received three items from this online website: maroon ankle boots, a grey cardigan and a maroon and cream plaid shirt. I felt like these were relatively safe things to order. I waited patiently for them to come in (I expected the wait time to be a couple of weeks considering it was coming from China) but they actually arrived fairly quickly, so we are off to a good start. Here is what I thought about each individual product:
Maroon Ankle Boots.
I have experienced a whirlwind of emotions when it came to these boots. They were so cheap so I did not have super high expectations but then they arrived and they were beautiful. It was love at first boot. I tried them on and they fit like a stinking GLOVE. Even though they smelled like chemicals and body odor, I could not have been happier. I sprayed them with Febreeze and I wore them out almost immediately and they didn’t make my feet hurt and I was thrilled. So I wore them a second time…a third time…but the fourth time everything went wrong. I was walking (not running a marathon…simply walking) home from my class last week and I took a step just like any other step and the entire heel fell off the boot. Literally just…fell right off (as you can see in the picture). I have not been able to reattach the heel thus far but I will keep you all posted. Still upset about this TBH. If you know any shoe repair men…hit me up.
So. Item #1? A+ for the style of the boot, F- for the fact that it can’t keep it together (literally)
Grey Cardigan.
Ok. This one looked like a total winner. It looks really cute on, fit super well, is super warm and it have pockets to keep all my things in. I loved dressing it with black leggings, a graphic tee and my maroon booties (RIP). I’m a serious sucker for cardigans so you know, I was all over this. It is also surprisingly soft, and is not scratchy like has been the case for other cardigans I own! The con is that it smells AWFUL. Like chemicals and gross-ness. I had to wash it three times and spray vigorously with Febreeze before I could even stand to wear it or let it touch my other clothes. Even still, if I breathe too hard, I can smell it a little bit. That part is really a bummer though because the cut and fabric of the cardigan are SPOT ON. So darling.
Item #2: B- (It would have gotten an A but the smell)
Plaid Shirt.
I was excited for this one because you know me, I heart all of the plaid during the fall season. I loved the color and figured it would be the PERFECT layering top underneath a sweater this season. But, all was not as it seemed on the website. This is not actually made of shirt fabric. It actually feels as though it is made of scratchy paper. It is SUPER thin, makes crinkle noises when I move and doesn’t bend very well at the crook of the arms. I’ll still probably wear it underneath a sweater because I like the pattern a lot and you’ll only see the collar and the sleeves but I would never wear it by itself.
Item #3: D+
Store #2: Zaful.com
So, the items I received from this store were: an ombre blue sweater, a set of three earrings, and cheetah flats. These, too, came in the mail fairly quickly, but the items were in separate shipments leaving me to think they totally forgot to put my shoes in the order. But they didn’t forget. They just came a week later.
Navy Ombré Sweater.
AHHHHH. This is hands down the softest sweater I have ever worn. It did NOT smell like chemicals, it feels super soft and cashmere-esque and it fits perfectly. I was not disappointed at all with this item. I really like wearing it with dark jeans, tan booties and a simple gold bar necklace. I think this was a serious win. I wish I could link it for you guys but….it doesn’t seem to exist anymore? Sorry bout that. I’m actually wearing it right now. Love love love love love.
Item #1? A+!
Set of 3 Earrings.
These were also a total win! Beware though: if you had sensitive ears, these earrings will irritate them. They stated that they were nickel free on the website, but as someone who is sensitive to nickel, I can state that is definitely not totally true. The earrings are adorable and I will totally still wear them, but my the end of the day my ears are a little red and sore from the nickel irritation. If you do not suffer from this annoying allergy, however, you will totally love these. They are simple with just the right amount of class! I love studs!!
Item #2? B+
Cheetah Flats.
Ok. This ties with the blue ombré shirt in terms of how much I like it. I have worn them three times so far, but honestly, every time I wear them I am TERRIFIED I am going to lose another heel so the joy of wearing these really cute shoes is kind of lost. Boo. They are a little tight, so I would say they run like half a size smaller than your normal shoes size. But you can’t buy half sizes, so it is just kind of a hit or miss kind of situation. But if you are okay with shoes that are a teeny bit tight, these are really cute. I replaced my old cheetah flats with these because I have actually worn holes into them wearing them so much. Cheetah flats are, in my opinion, the perfect shoes ESPECIALLY when they have a pointed toe. These have killed it so far!!
Item #3? A- (because the joy was stolen from me)
So, if we add up all the letter grade scores, it averages out to be around a solid C+/B- situation. It is totally possible that you could end up with a gemstone of an item (like my blue sweater or the cheetah flats) but the more likely possibility is that you are going to end up with something that either A) looks cute but smells like gaseous death, B) Looks cute but falls apart in a week and a half, or C) is just completely terrible.
I do want to point out that I did use the exact size guide included with each item and everything fit me when it arrived. SO, as long as you remember that they use Chinese sizing, you’ll be fine. For example — I am typically a small but I ordered larges in almost everything.
My purpose for writing this is to let you know that if something seems too good to be true….it probably is. You can always try for yourself and see what you get, but if you are gambling your own money, it might not be worth the risk! You seriously might end up with a super awesome pieces for really cheap, but I still think it is a gamble.
Thanks for stopping by!! Don’t forget to follow my Instagram for some awesome giveaways and cute pictures coming up 😉
This is awesome! I have always wondered and have been weary, thanks for doing the hard work 😉
You are so welcome 🙂
LOVE this. I’ve bought quite a few things from Shein and they’re my fave Chinese store I think…I’ve gotten something from Zaful and it was good, but I need more test products before making my final decision on ’em haha.
Coming Up Roses
It is just always hit or miss!!!!
I’m glad the last few items were better than the first. I love those earrings!
Great post. I find that sometimes it’s a hit or miss when purchasing items from China. Not just clothes but things on Ebay like appliances etc.
Yes — so true Carlana!!
I have have gotten several items from China, and I agree some are hits and some are misses! Luckily I’ve had more hits. I find reading reviews are crucial!
Xoxo
Jess
http://www.mustheartstyle.com
I’ve seen some of these shops online and something about them always seems too good to be true. Thanks for checking it out for all of us. Great review article!
No problem Annissa 🙂
oh gosh those boots, that totally sucks. That’s interesting is you mentioning the smell and how hard it is to get out of the clothes. That would terrify me!
Sounds like Zaful was a better place to order from just due to the smell and quality overall. I am to terrified to order anything online… I should probably get over that haha
I agree that Zaful was a better place regarding the smell of the items that I bought but it is all sketchy to me I think!
I totally started singing, You Took My Joy and I Want It Back when I read that part… cute stuff.
Ordering from sites like that can totally be hit or miss. I think as long as you know that then go right ahead and order. 😉
I’m not a big fan of ordering from Chinese companies because 99% of the time, it doesn’t fit me. Every once in awhile, I like the item, but then the material is terrible.
I’ve ordered clothing from China and it’s really a hit or miss. Some of their stuff is better quality than others and it’s really hard to tell online. It’s really hard to pass up a good deal though????
Great post! I have bought from cheaper websites before and you always know you get what you pay for sometimes worth the risk.
As a plus size girl buying from China is a no go. The sizing is all wrong and the items never fit right. I do agree it’s a huge gamble.
I ordered from one of those places. It was OK but not worth it to me.
This is totally how I feel about clothing from China – hit or miss! Sometimes I love what I get and it’s totally worth it. Other times, I am not surprised it looks cheap because it WAS. Thanks for the really authentic review!
Keep smiling!
Molly | http://www.stylemissmolly.com
I love this post! It is so hard to trust companies when you haven’t purchased when them before!
Maggie
http://www.polishedclosets.com
Great idea for a post! I have also had mixed feelings about various things I have ordered from some of the online shops from China. Some things have been awesome. Others were a total disappointment. I LOVE your earrings and the flats!
I’ve never ordered any clothes from China for all the reasons you mentioned! But I’m pretty tempted to try at least a couple of times to see if I get something surprisingly awesome.
Love the premise of this post. We have bought a couple items from these types of websites and they have been fine. The cheetah flats look awesome.
I’ve tried items from Zaful and SheIn and have been so disappointed. I may have to give them another shot since you had a good experience!
Greta | http://www.gretahollar.com
Always good to know about things that seem too good to be true! Those cheetah flats sure are really cute!
They are!!!
I’ve tried Dresslily and had good luck with some of their things. I really liked your post! Very informative on where we can find items at great prices!
Beth || http://www.TheStyleBouquet.com
I agree with this post 100%. My mom recently bought an inexpensive formal gown from an online company located in China. In addition to arriving a wrinkled mess, thanks to a TINY plastic shipping bag, it also had several things wrong with the stitching and pattern repeat. By the time she paid for dry cleaning, and a local seamstress to “fix it”, the dress was no longer a bargain. Buyer BEWARE!
YES! Exaclty Cait. Many times, you get exactly what you paid for.
what a great post, i’ve had the same experience with these Asian sites, it really is a hit or miss!
http://www.layersofchic.com
I’ve ordered twice from China and didn’t really like either of the items I ordered. Sizewise they fit, but weren’t made well.thanks for your honest review!
I love buying clothes from china! Esp when I find an exact dupe for an item I’ve seen at the store, but it’s a fraction of the price! I have had some bad luck and some good, but I continuously shop from the same sellers now and I’m lucky that I’m super small like a 00 so I never have trouble with the sizing, but I always read the charts still. The sites I love are Shein, Oasap, Zaful, Aliexpress, Goodnight Macaroon (which is still pricey for china), and once in a while Rosegal.
I can totally relate to this post it isn’t always worth shopping in china
Very interesting topic for a post. I have never given buying from China much thought. They don’t really accommodate plus size women, so I usually just steer clear. Your post gives me even more reason to do so!
This is a really great article. I have been tempted so many times to purchase items from these websites, but I am too worried of failed items. Thank you for sharing all your honest opinions and helping a savvy-shopping sista out!
xo Meg // http://www.megstango.com
I am always ordering things online. I ordered something once without realizing where it was from and wow. It was put together horribly and it was a waste.
I think some of items of China is failed, I’ve never tried their clothes but I think their clothes are better that their shoes.
Shopping online is easy for me as a mom, I’ve never tried to shop on this website. But I think their clothes are good.
I have had both good and bad items from China! The things I have had the best luck with is kids clothes!
I’m always skeptical when it comes to shopping across seas. I’ve heard so many bad reviews from Dresslily and I just had to cancel my affiliation with them because of it.
Thanks for the info! I am so leery of ordering from sites that I have never tried before, but sometimes I see some great deals and wonder about them. My coworker got some beautiful mocassins from a Chinese site for $4 and they have been holding up well so far! For $4 I would try my luck!
That sweater sounds and looks incredible!!! I’ve not ordered from either of these sites, but am definitely taking into consideration your reviews. If I can find that sweater though… :).
Such a great topic since fast fashion is everywhere and can be hard to turn down at their price points. I think there are items that can be good, even if they don’t last forever, but I can’t believe the heel just came right off your boots!
ME either!!!!! It was crazy!!!!
Oh wow! I admire that you tried buying stuffs from China. Those boots sure are pretty, too bad that they did not last long though. Thanks for sharing Taylor! xx
http://www.prettyweirdbombshell.com/what-to-pack-for-the-amalfi-coast/
This is so interesting! I love reading these stories because the Chinese vendors can be so mysterious! Thanks so much for doing this, and I’m glad you found a few gems!
Whoah! I know this life ^^ Being in Japanese street fashion, we buy from China & places a lot! Thankfully reviews like this always help before placing those bulk orders, thank you ????
I”m really glad the crazy things, there were still some enjoyable items. I really love the cheetah print flats.
I use SheIn a lot and they are definitely hit or miss. I always read the reviews before I order.
I would definitely prefer to buy from my own country if I can. It really is hit or miss if I see an item made in China.
I think it’s always hit or miss for me. It can be a great surprise or a total nightmare. I love that soft sweater you got.
I LOVE this!!! I’ve seen some really cute things then find out they’re coming from China, and back out. My sister has bought something from China (she didn’t even know, haha!!) and it was decent quality but smelled AWFUL. It’s definitely hit or miss, and I loved reading this!
Those cheetah flats are darling. You are not the first person to tell me that the SMELLS from these clothes from China is too much to bear. I really want to know why they smell so bad!!
Taylor – this was such a great post that I actually read it twice. I work with a few Chinese companies and I am steadily phasing out those contracts for the same reasons you’ve listed here: the clothes smell HORRIBLE (like chemicals as you said…which worries me about what is leaching into my skin from those clothes), they feel super cheap and forget washing them. They disintegrate. Sigh.
The one company I’ve had great luck with is Dezzal. The clothing feels like its of relatively good quality (but the prices are considerably more expensive), the cuts are great and nothing reeks. A+ so far! Keep up the great posts!
I haven’t heard of Dezzal?? I will definitely need to check it out. I think it is important to be honest about companies…and the smell just kills these ones for me. I want to love the price tag — but you are so right. They totally fall apart when they are washed! Thanks for reading — you rock 🙂
Berrylook is horrible. I hoping you had them so I can co-sign that they are an absolute mess. I was looking for a review on fierydress.com the pictures are amazing and the prices just can’t be. Red flag is written all over it. Lemme know, if you know.