SHEIN Spreadsheet: A Single-Brand Store Against AliExpress's Marketplace

How is SHEIN different from AliExpress?

The difference in business model explains most of the practical differences you'll notice:

Sources: Wikipedia (Shein); ConsumerAffairs (Aug 21, 2026); AliExpress Buyer Protection page.

SHEIN's single-brand model makes it predictable: a medium is roughly the same medium across the catalogue. AliExpress's marketplace makes it broader but less predictable: two stores selling what looks like the same hoodie may cut it differently. Neither is better in general; it depends whether you want consistency or choice. If you already know your SHEIN size, that knowledge transfers across its whole catalogue, which is worth something on a large order.

Verdict: Basics in your usual size: SHEIN. A particular style or brand: AliExpress, reading each store's size chart.

SHEIN sizes against Chinese labels

People who search for a SHEIN spreadsheet often end up comparing SHEIN pieces with items on Chinese marketplaces bought through agents, and sizing is where they trip. SHEIN uses S–XXL with a centimetre chart. Chinese domestic listings use labels like 175/92A: a wearer 175 cm tall with a 92 cm chest. A Chinese L often wears like a Western M.

The label format follows China's national clothing size standard. Cuts vary; always compare with the seller's centimetre chart.

AliExpress stores fall in between: many convert to EU/US letters, some leave Chinese sizes, and a few list both. The size converter maps all three and does the same for shoes.

SHEIN returns against AliExpress returns

SHEIN's return rules, per ConsumerAffairs in August 2026:

Source: ConsumerAffairs (Aug 21, 2026).

Like Temu, SHEIN rewards sending everything back in one go. AliExpress charges nothing for each eligible return but gives you half the time. For a single item, SHEIN's longer window is kinder; for a large order with several misses, AliExpress can be cheaper to fix. An agent route has no after-delivery returns at all — its protection comes before shipping, through QC photos.

Where an agent fits alongside SHEIN

Where do agents come in? SHEIN doesn't carry the independent Chinese labels and Weidian shops that fill most community spreadsheets. If a 'SHEIN spreadsheet' you've found is mostly Weidian links, those are agent purchases:

Verdict: SHEIN for its own basics, AliExpress for broader choice, an agent for specific Weidian finds.

Comparing a SHEIN price with an AliExpress price fairly

A fair price comparison between SHEIN and AliExpress needs three adjustments. First, shipping: SHEIN sets free-delivery thresholds by country, while AliExpress stores each set their own, and Choice items often ship free. Second, import tax: both platforms collect VAT at checkout for EU and UK buyers, and both now show US import charges in some form, so compare the checkout totals rather than listing prices. Third, returns cost: a SHEIN order with two returns costs $7.99 more than one with a single return; AliExpress's eligible returns are free each time.

Once those are in, the differences are usually small for basics, and the choice comes down to consistency (SHEIN) or range (AliExpress). For a particular style from a small Chinese label, neither may stock it, which is where the clothes sheet and an agent come in.