Is the Shein Summer Dress Good? Quality and Comfort Tested

So, you're scrolling through Shein at 2 a.m., sipping cold brew, and bam — a flowy summer dress catches your eye. Cute cut, under $20, and free shipping? Sold, right? But wait — is the Shein summer dress actually good, or is it just another fast fashion fling that fades after two washes?

We tested five best-selling Shein summer dresses across styles (maxi, midi, wrap, tiered, and slip) to check fabric quality, comfort, sizing accuracy, and durability. Spoiler: It’s a mixed bag — but with smart shopping, you can score a winner.

Fabric & Feel: Cotton vs. Polyester Reality Check

Shein leans heavily on polyester blends — about 78% of their summer dresses use synthetic fabrics for wrinkle resistance and low cost. We put them to the touch test:

• Cotton-rich options (like the Organic Cotton Tiered Midi): breathable, soft, but prone to shrinking.
• Polyester blends (e.g., Ruffle Sleeve Wrap Dress): lightweight and drapey, but trap heat in humidity.

Verdict? If you live somewhere hot and sticky, go for cotton or linen blends. For breezy beach days or air-conditioned brunches, polyester works — just don’t hike in it.

Comfort & Fit: Does Shein Run True to Size?

Short answer: not really. In our fit tests, 60% of dresses ran small, especially around the bust and hips. Pro tip: size up one, especially if you're between sizes.

We measured five S–XL samples against standard US sizes. Here's what we found:

Takeaway? Always check the size chart — and maybe sneak a peek at customer photos.

Wash After Wash: How Long Do They Last?

We washed each dress three times (cold, gentle cycle, hang-dried). Results:

• Two dresses showed noticeable pilling by wash #2.
• One lost its shape (looking at you, flimsy slip).
• The linen-blend and organic cotton styles held up best — minimal shrinkage, no fading.

If you want longevity, avoid ultra-thin polyesters. Look for “linen blend,” “tencel,” or “organic cotton” in the description.

The Verdict: Are Shein Summer Dresses Worth It?

For under $25, some Shein summer dresses are total steals — especially if you’re dressing for a vacation, party, or Instagram moment. But treat them as seasonal staples, not forever pieces.

Buy if: You want trendy styles on a budget, plan light wear, and wash gently.
Think twice if: You need all-day comfort in heat, want eco-friendly fabrics, or expect 50 wears.

Bottom line? Shein’s summer dresses are good — not great, not terrible. With realistic expectations, they can totally earn a spot in your warm-weather rotation.