As a tactic, buying stuff from Shein to see if their clothes are as poor quality as people say is about as clever as shooting up to see if heroin is bad for you. I’ve never tried heroin but I can tell you that Shein is seriously addictive. 

In fact, the site is designed to make people come back and back and back. Not only because of the extremely cheap prices; the discounts are very alluring, the range of products is staggeringly huge, and people are enticed to purchase more and more by Shein’s very clever social media strategy. 

The first time I went on the site to buy underwear, I felt super uncomfortable, like I was doing something illicit and immoral — arguably I was doing the latter. 

When I went back to buy a nightdress, it seemed much easier and more normal. 

By my third order (once I’d realised I’d have to get some new items for the experiment to work) I was raring to go, and waited impatiently for the parcel to arrive. 

Two more orders followed of things I’d forgotten previously, after which I had to cut myself off and block access to the site. 

And it seems I’m definitely not the only one. There are numerous Reddit threats dedicated to the issue, one asking simply “Anyone else addicted to buying things from Shein?” 

One respondent warns the unwary when she replies: “Please don’t look into it if you aren’t familiar with it, it’s very triggering.”

She adds: “I always buy things from them at least once a month. Also usually with the method afterpay. I always feel embarrassed when my bf discovers I bought some stuff again and sees me unwrapping the package like crazy because I always get super exited… I can’t be the only one here?”

“I can completely relate to this,” says another poster. 

“[E]ver since I came across it several of months ago I have spent so much money on items. I’ve justified the purchases by telling myself that I am buying work clothes when in reality I’ve hardly been back to the office … The cycle is non stop.”

“Y’all aren’t alone… if you came here to ask this same question OP did. You’re not alone,” another shopper reassures her. 

“Every time my package is almost here, I go back on the app to get another package of things ready. It’s the feeling of anticipation and excitement of waiting for the new package to arrive with a box full of goodies. That’s also the reason why we spend and shop where we do …  anticipation builds up within that time frame that it becomes almost addicting and you want to wait again for another one.”

She adds: “It’s like Christmas morning getting that package!”

Often, the novelty itself is a bigger incentive than actually needing a particular garment. 

As one commentator says: “It’s fun and it’s easier than leaving the house. The garments may not last, but I don’t need them to. I get bored easily.” 

Some gave estimates of how much they’re spending on Shein, which has become a monthly — or even weekly — event. 

“I order every other month or so and my total is always between $100-160.” 

“I think I’ve already spent $300 in the course of one month… it may be time to slow my roll.”

“I think I have a small Shein shopping addiction as in I will go online about once every couple weeks and buy like $500 worth of stuff… which is a lot of stuff since Shein is so cheap.”

“I spent $2k this year already on shein and thats way more than my budget”

“I’ve spent between 4-7 hundred a month since I put the app on four months ago.”

“omg every since i came across shein 3 months ago I have spent thousands of dollars. I am soooo mad at myself. It’s like once I start looking I can’t stop. I go on to do a return and end up buying $400 worth of clothes each time. This is turning into a problem.” 

And finally, one user urges others not to go down this road: 

“Please i’m begging you, get (the fuck) out!!”

Everything I wore on Day 20:

SHEIN LUNE Eyelet Embroidery Knot Front Tee, white

Dazy-Less Drawstring Waist Cargo Wide Leg Denim Pants Baggy Jeans

Dazy-Less Women’S V-Neck Drop Shoulder Long Sleeve Sweater, green

Beige trench coat (thrifted) 

2024 New Style College Wind Black & White Outdoor Sports Shoes for Women

Allover Leaf Graphic Drawstring Backpack

Fashionable Sunglasses

DAZY Women’s Floral Print Sleeveless Round Neck Sleep Dress

Fashionable Color-Block Lingerie Set, bra and pants

Quick note to add — it’s visible from the photos that the green sweater is expanding! I now have to roll the sleeves up and it keeps getting caught on door handles. I haven’t dared to wash it yet.