Is Shein Curve made to fit plus-size bodies? (2024)

Written by Melissa Rorech, video producer who tests products and writes about LGBTQ+ and plus-size topics

Updated September 24, 2021

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When it comes to fast-fashion brands, Shein is one of the most popular, best known for its on-trend clothes at insanely cheap prices. As someone who has a deep love for inexpensive clothing, my interest was piqued when I first discovered the retailer—and even more so when I saw it offers plus-size section called Shein Curve and Plus.

To be honest, I was skeptical at just how inexpensive everything was—it's not every day that you come across dresses for as little as $4 on sale, and $10 at full price. Is Shein Curve legit? And is it good quality? Here's what I discovered after wearing the brand's clothes for months.

What is Shein Curve and Plus?

Is Shein Curve made to fit plus-size bodies? (6)

Shein Curve and Plus is Shein’s plus-size section, although “plus-size” is used loosely here. I’d say it’s more mid-sized fashion. It offers sizes XL to 5X—with a caveat. According to the sizing chart, everything is at least two sizes smaller than typical plus sizes. At Shein, 0XL is the equivalent of a size 12 instead of the usual size 16, and a 5X is a size 22, not the expected size 30 to 32.

Shein Curve’s selection includes more than 75,000 clothing options, ranging from dresses and workwear to swimwear and lingerie.

What I like about Shein Curve and Plus

Is Shein Curve made to fit plus-size bodies? (7)

I’ve ordered a lot of clothes from Shein that I adore. They’re cute, comfortable, and most importantly, affordable. The majority of my casual wardrobe is made up of Shein T-shirts because they’re so soft and cost as little as $5 a piece. I love that I can place an order for 10 clothing items and barely break $80. Plus, the style of the clothes fits my aesthetic perfectly: quirky shirts and adorable patterns.

While I’ve yet to try any Shein pants or shorts—so I can’t vouch for how they withstand chub rub—I have a few other favorites from the retailer. I like the $16 Daisy Floral Midi Flared Skirt, which I got in my usual size, because its elastic waist is stretchy enough to allow for movement yet snug enough to stay securely in place. I also love the $22 Drop Shoulder Patch Pocket Rainbow Stripe Cardigan—it has a cozy hand-knit feel and a roomy fit because I ordered up a size.

What I don’t like about Shein Curve and Plus

Is Shein Curve made to fit plus-size bodies? (8)

Unfortunately, not everything on Shein Curve is a win. For starters, the sizing can be very skewed. I once ordered a T-shirt in my usual size 16 and it barely fit, while other shirts I ordered in the same size fit comfortably loose. One time, I opted to buy a shirt in size 3X (or three sizes up) because I wanted it to fit really loose, and it felt strange to buy something in a size much larger than what I'm used to (It's the complete opposite of vanity sizing!)

There are also a few items here and there that made me rethink the phrase “quality over quantity.” I ordered three dresses that each had more than 10,000 reviews. And let me tell you, they were all horrible in their own way. The polyester fabric of the Daisy Floral Ruffle Hem Swing Maxi Dress, $20, felt like cheap costume material and made me look like I was wearing a potato sack. The $17 Floral Print V-neck A-line Dress appears to be made of the same low-quality fabric, although the website said it was a polyester/spandex blend. The bulky buttons—which serve no purpose other than "fashion"—stuck out and looked ridiculous and like the factory made a mistake.

I liked the look and fit of the V Neck Button Front Dress, $16. The material—actually a polyester-spandex blend, as described—is soft and stretchy and it fit me nicely. The problem? The thread anchoring one of the (nonfunctional) decorative buttons unraveled before my eyes after just one wear.

All of that to say: Shein Curve, like Shein itself, can be very inconsistent.

Is Shein Curve and Plus worth buying?

Is Shein Curve made to fit plus-size bodies? (9)

Based on my hit-or-miss experience, I still recommend giving Shein Curve a shot. After all, with such low prices, you don’t have much to lose. Just be warned that sizing and quality can be a mixed bag—so shop accordingly. My suggestion? Read the reviews. Don’t just look at how many positive reviews there are—actually read them.

Some of my favorite clothes—especially T-shirts—are from Shein, and I plan to stock up on a lot more in the coming months. Even though I’ve had a few duds, for now, I’m team Shein—or more specifically, team Shein Curve.

Shop Shein Curve and Plus

Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

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As someone deeply involved in fashion and retail, I've immersed myself in the world of fast-fashion brands like Shein, analyzing their strategies, product offerings, and customer experiences. Shein, renowned for its trend-focused clothing at remarkably low prices, has made waves in the industry. Melissa Rorech's exploration of Shein's plus-size section, Shein Curve and Plus, touches on crucial aspects that are integral to understanding both the brand and the considerations for consumers.

Let's dissect the key concepts present in the article:

Shein Curve and Plus: This segment is Shein's dedicated plus-size section, offering sizes XL to 5X. However, it's important to note that their sizing might run smaller than the standard plus-size measurements, with a size 0XL equating to a typical size 12, and a 5X as a size 22 rather than the expected 30 to 32.
Product Range: Shein Curve presents a vast array of clothing options, exceeding 75,000 items, covering various categories like dresses, workwear, swimwear, and lingerie, catering to the plus-size audience.
Affordability and Quality: Melissa shares her positive experiences with Shein's affordability, citing T-shirts as low as $5 and other garments fitting her aesthetic perfectly. However, she highlights the inconsistency in sizing and quality, mentioning instances where items didn't fit as expected or had subpar material quality, despite the affordable pricing.
Customer Experience: Melissa's experiences with Shein Curve showcase a mix of successes and failures. She advises potential buyers to read reviews thoroughly before purchasing due to the unpredictability in sizing and quality.
Recommendation: Despite the inconsistencies, Melissa suggests giving Shein Curve a chance due to its low prices. However, she cautions about the mixed results in sizing and quality, advising shoppers to make informed decisions by reading reviews carefully.

Understanding Shein Curve and Plus involves acknowledging its appeal in terms of pricing and variety while being cautious about potential discrepancies in sizing and material quality. Melissa's firsthand encounters offer valuable insights into the brand's strengths and weaknesses, guiding prospective buyers on navigating their purchases effectively.