Halara vs Shein – Are Both Brands Bad?

Before I tried Shein, I thought Halara was just an average brand — neither good nor bad, just okay. It’s the kind of brand you buy if you want something soft and comfortable without much thought.

Then I tried Shein. It changed how I saw both brands, but not because Shein is better. Wearing Shein made me appreciate Halara’s strengths in a new way.

I went into Shein thinking I’d get cheap, fun clothes. I told myself they were just for testing trends, nothing serious. However, after a few wears, some seams ripped, the leggings became see-through, and some tops felt cheap, like recycled grocery bags. It was fun for a quick, casual look, but not reliable for everyday wear.

Meanwhile, Halara felt more reliable. Its leggings didn’t become transparent when I sat down, and the tops kept their shape after washing. I found myself choosing Halara more often because it felt dependable, even if I didn’t love every piece.

Halara vs Shein – Tabular Comparison

Halara is more comfortable, durable, and provides consistent sizing. Shein is very cheap and offers trendy clothes, but the quality is unpredictable, and the clothes may not last long.

|| Also Read: Halara vs Fabletics – I Tried Both As a Woman

First Impressions: What Each Brand Feels Like

When you open a package from Halara, you’ll notice the fabrics have weight. Their leggings are soft, smooth, and stretchy. The seams look neat, and the waistbands won’t twist after one workout.

With Shein, it’s more unpredictable. Sometimes you get a piece that feels good and costs less than a sandwich. Other times, it’s thin, rough, or plasticky. Some Shein leggings look cute online, but become see-through when I bend my knee.

Shein’s main advantage is price. Tops cost $4, dresses $10, jeans $12—it’s hard to believe. Halara’s prices typically range from $25 to $60 for most items. Not too expensive, but you can tell the difference when paying at checkout.

Shein vs Halara – Fit and Sizing

Halara’s sizing isn’t always perfect, especially for plus sizes, but at least it’s consistent. When I order a medium, it usually fits like a medium.

Shein sizing can be very unpredictable. A small top might fit like a medium, while a medium pants might fit like an extra-small. To determine the right size, people often refer to customer photos and reviews.

Some Shein clothes fit very well, but others are made for a completely different body type. Also, some items shrank or got misshapen after washing, even on gentle cycles.

Fabric Difference

This was the moment my opinion of both brands changed.

Halara fabrics:

• Soft, stretchy, and mostly comfortable
• Breathable and moisture-wicking in activewear
• Better stitching, flatter seams, thicker waistbands
• Keeps its shape after washing
• Less pilling in high-friction areas
• Not luxury, but reliable

Shein fabrics:

• Sometimes good, sometimes disappointing
• Some are thin or rough
• Some feel like costume fabric
• Compression leggings often don’t actually compress
• Activewear can become see-through
• Items lose shape or pill quickly

Before, I thought Shein was just “okay,” and Halara was decent. But after feeling Shein’s skinny leggings and rough seams, Halara started to seem more premium by comparison.

Durability – Halara Wins

I’ve had Halara leggings for over a year, and they still look clean and fit well at the waist. They’re no longer brand new, but they’re still comfortable and can be worn. 

On the other hand, my clothes from Shein didn’t last long; some seams frayed, straps stretched out, and one zipper broke the first time I wore it. While some items were okay, the inconsistency makes it hard to trust the brand for long-term use. 

Which is Worth your money?

Shein is the cheapest option. If you want to try out trendy styles, buy outfits for a special event, or experiment with different looks without spending a lot, Shein is the best choice. It’s like a fashion dollar store.

Halara costs more, but you get better quality and comfort. It’s not expensive luxury, but you can see more care in the stitching and fabric, making the clothes last longer.

Overall, even though Halara costs more upfront, it often saves money in the long run because the clothes last longer over time.

Style Difference on Halara vs Shein

Shein feels like the most enormous online closet, with thousands of new items added every day. If a trend appears on TikTok, Shein should have a version of it ready by next week.

Halara is different. It focuses on basic athletic wear like skirts, skorts, leggings, jumpsuits, and sporty dresses. Most of their designs remain on the site for years because they are intended to be everyday basics, not fleeting trends.

If you want a wide range of options, Shein is a better choice. If you want pieces that you can wear repeatedly, Halara is the better choice.

Which one is More Sustainable?

Both brands are fast fashion companies that rely on large factories in countries where labor is cheaper and less regulated. They are not transparent about working conditions, the materials they use, or their environmental impact.

Shein has faced numerous investigations and controversies, including accusations of harsh working conditions, questionable cotton sourcing practices, greenwashing, lawsuits over design theft, and environmental concerns.

Halara also has issues, including the use of mostly synthetic fabrics, limited transparency about their practices, copying viral videos from creators, and producing in low-wage countries.

Overall, Shein faces more public criticism, but neither brand can be considered truly ethical.

Customer Experience: Where Halara Surprised Me

Shein’s app is excellent. It’s quick, easy to navigate, and has lots of filters. They have points, flash deals, and many product recommendations. Shopping on Shein feels fun, like a game.

But returning items can be frustrating. Sometimes you have to pay for shipping, and refunds can take a long time. Customer service isn’t always helpful.

Halara’s website feels calmer and easier to use. They offer free shipping if you spend enough money, and returning items within 30 days usually works fine. Their customer service responds faster and helps solve problems more directly.

Final Thought

Trying Shein helped me see Halara differently. I don’t love Halara, but I trust it more than Shein. The stitches are better, the fabrics feel nicer, and the clothes don’t fall apart after washing.

Shein is fun to browse, but it’s not good for the long run. It’s a place to buy cheap variety, not quality clothes.

If I had to pick one for everyday wear, Halara would win easily. If I want to try a new trend for $5, Shein is fine.

Both have problems and complaints, and no one is perfect. But now, most of the clothes I reach for in my closet are from Halara.

Shein might have changed what I expect from clothes, but Halara has earned my trust.

FAQs

Q1. Is Halara as Bad as Shein?

Halara has better quality and consistency than Shain. Both are fashion brands that use synthetic fabrics and are not very transparent. However, Halara is a little better.

Q2. Is Shein legit?

Yes, Shein is a legit global store, but it has many problems. India altogether banned it. The U.S. and France permit it, but France has even paused some of its marketplaces temporarily due to safety and regulatory concerns.

Q3. Is Shein safe to order from?

Shein is usually safe to order from in the U.S., Canada, and similar countries. Shipping and payments typically work well, but the quality of the items can vary. Returning items can also be tricky.

Q4. Is Shein shutting down?

There is no official news that Shein is shutting down. Although they face numerous government rules and pressure in France, they continue to operate.

Q4. Which is Best for Comfort between Halara and Shein?

I’m not a big fan of Halara, but they always make comfortable clothes. Their CloudLuxe and ButterSense fabrics feel nice on the skin. The compression is light but stays in place, and the clothes don’t cut into your waist or roll down.