We love when you guys ask us to check if a store is safe to shop from and trust our recommendations. We rely on a simple guide to decide if a store is legit. But here’s the thing: just because a site is technically “legit” doesn’t mean it’s a good idea to order from there.
There are several websites that fall into this category:
SHEIN, Temu, Cider, Commense, Alibaba, and others. These are what we’d call ultra-fast fashion retailers—low-transparency marketplaces that sell mass-produced items at incredibly low prices. They’re usually based overseas, take a long time to ship, and deliver products that rarely match the pictures. The fit is often off, the quality is questionable, and their return policies undoubtedly become a quest you never asked for.
At EasilyDressed, we don’t recommend ordering from these kinds of sites—and we have good reasons to say so. Instead, see other stores we recommend to shop from below.
Why We Discourage Shopping at Temu, SHEIN, and Similar Sites
1. They Waste Your Money
You can’t build a lasting wardrobe with ultra-fast fashion. These pieces aren’t designed to last more than a few wears. Rather than investing in quality pieces, you end up rebuying over and over again.
2. They Create Clutter, Not Style
You rarely order just one thing. Before you know it, you’ve added 6 items to cart, half of them don’t fit, but returns are too much of a hassle—so they end up sitting in your closet, unworn. And when you open your closet in the morning – it’s full of stuff. Yet, you have nothing to wear.
3. They Don’t Fit Well
These pieces are made to look good online, not on your body. Designs are rushed, sizing is inconsistent, and construction is bare-bones. That’s why everything ends up feeling tight, short, or awkward.
4. They’re Poorly Made
To hit those low price points, companies cut corners—using the cheapest fabrics and labor available. Some items even contain harmful materials like lead. A company that doesn’t care about their employees won’t value their customers either.
5. They’re Bad for Your Health and Our Planet
Toxic dyes and cheap synthetics used in production end up on your skin for hours each day. And once you are done with these clothes – they contaminate the ecosystems. You wear an item three times (at best!), and it lives in a landfill for decades. Even if you’re not a climate activist, that’s a troubling thought.
6. They Offer No Guarantees
Being overseas means these stores aren’t subject to U.S. consumer protection laws. If your item is stuck in customs, arrives broken, or never shows up—you’re often on your own to sort it out.
7. They Don’t Protect Your Privacy
Trustworthy retailers treat your information with care. They won’t sell your email address and spend money on proper online security to protect your sensitive information like credit card numbers. Retailers that aren’t regulated can do whatever they want with your info.
Let’s Shop Smarter!
We want your clothes to bring joy instead of frustration. We would like for them to arrive quickly, fit well, last long, and make you feel confident every time you wear them.
Here’s What We Recommend Instead
Let’s be honest: U.S.-based brands can be expensive. But there are affordable options that are reliable, well-made, and ethically produced. Some of these brands manufacture overseas, but they still operate with integrity—and their products meet U.S. quality and safety standards because they’re designed for the U.S. market.
Below is a curated list of SHEIN and Temu alternatives—brands we’ve personally shopped and vetted.
Affordable Alternatives to SHEIN and Temu
1. Lulus
Lulu’s is a California-based online store operating since 2005. This one is our go-to for budget friendly special occasion wear and fun vacation pieces. Read our full review of this store here.
2. Quince
Quince is known for their high-quality staples (like cashmere, linen, and Italian leather) at fair prices thanks to a direct-to-consumer model. They cut out the middle man and deliver you goods straight from factories located around the world- therefore you get the best price on quality materials possible – not only on clothing but home items as well!
I’m wearing their Leather Jacket (left) and Silk Skirt (right).
3. Petal & Pup
Originally from Australia, this brand offers modern, polished looks perfect for work or weekend – just like my Wrap Dress above! Comparatively affordable and size inclusive.
You can often find their items at Macy’s and Nordstrom.
4. JW Pei
A sustainable bag brand based in LA, best known for using vegan leather and recycled materials. The bag above is very similar to the iconic Demellier – basically, the same style for the fraction of the price!
For quick ordering, this brand is available on Amazon and at Nordstrom.
5. Cupshe
Cupshe is definitely one of the best budget-friendly swimwear brands on the market. Especially for the price – their quality is excellent! I have dozens of swimsuits from there and I recently wrote a review here about my favorite pieces from that store – like the Underwire Swimsuit I’m wearing above!
You can often find Cupshe on Amazon, at Target and at Macy’s.
6. JLUX Label
An LA-based brand with a bold, bodycon aesthetic and amazing reversible pieces like the set I’m wearing above.
This brand is truly innovative and conveniently available at Nordstrom.
7. Goelia
High-quality, editorial-style fashion from Asia with great construction and a luxe feel. Their pieces are sophisticated, while being affordable, like the set I’m wearing two different ways above. There is a huge selection of “old money” vibe pieces on their website. Additionally, there is lots to choose from on Amazon with Prime Shipping.
8. Urban Revivo
A fashion-forward brand that brings runway-inspired styles to everyday wardrobes without the sticker shock. For example, my cardigan is only $69, here.
You can find many unique styles on their site and Amazon storefront.
9. AFRM
Last but not least, this LA-based company with striking, unique prints has quickly become popular with our Group Members. With prices starting at $38 – and, actually, even lower when on sale, everyone wants to try their unique mesh fabrics that highlight your figure, not your imperfections!
You can find this label at Nordstrom and Revolve as well as discounted at Nordstrom Rack.
More Stores We Recommend as Shein and Temu Alternatives:
- RedDress
- Uniqlo (great for basics!)
- Francesca’s (super affordable!)
- CityChic (for Plus Sizes!)
- Bohme
- Avara
- Gracia
- Peppermayo
- Meshki
- Tillys
- ShopAkira
- Z Supply
- DISSH
- Styles and Smiles
- Lalalovemoda
- Nastygal (Festival shop!)
- ASOS (UK’s most popular retailer)
- Boohoo
Check out some of our picks from these stores:
Even though not all of these brands are made in the U.S., they are sold and distributed here, so they are subject to U.S. regulations. More importantly, they care about your experience as a shopper.
We also recommend to browse TJ Maxx & Marshalls for Shein and Temu alternatives because they offer a ton of budget-friendly brands under $30 – perfect for Spring and Summer!
Want to Support Fully Made-in-the-USA Brands?
Check out our Made in the USA Shopping Guide—it’s full of fun, fashionable picks that align with your values.
Have a question about one of these stores?
Need help figuring out where to shop for something specific?
Ask us here! We’re always happy to help.