Cheap clothes, read the return label first.
At fast-fashion prices, the item is rarely the expensive part. Shipping lines, return fees and short windows are. Here’s what each store charges when an order doesn’t fit.
SHEIN is the cheapest of the three, ASOS carries the most real brands, and Cider sits in between on price with more trend-led cuts.
The real difference is what happens after delivery. ASOS gives account holders 28 days of free returns. SHEIN and Cider give you a free first return per order, then charge for the rest, and Cider’s window is only 14 days.
Our picks, by what you need
01 / Picks- Lowest pricesSHEINHard to beat on price per item, as long as you clear the free-shipping line.7.6
- Brands & easy returnsASOSOwn labels plus hundreds of other brands, and 28 days of free returns with an account.7.8
- Trend piecesCiderMore styled than the ultra-cheap sites, but decide fast: returns close after 14 days.7.2
Fashion brands we’ve checked
02 / Reviews
ASOS
Own labels plus big brands. Premier and free returns, with a fair-use catch.
SHEIN
Rock-bottom prices. Know the shipping, points and return rules.
Cider
Trendier than the ultra-cheap sites. Short return window, so decide fast.
Side by side
03 / CompareFine print to check at any fashion store
04 / Checklist- Return window and fee. Check how many days you get and whether the second return from an order costs money. That fee can wipe out the discount.
- Free-shipping line. Add up the cart before you add filler. A $5 top-up item you keep beats a $10 shipping fee.
- Size chart in inches. Measure a piece you already own and compare it to the garment measurements, not the body chart.
- Fabric content. Search the listing for the fiber mix. “Cotton-feel” and “satin” usually mean polyester.
- Student and app offers. ASOS and Cider both work with UNiDAYS or Student Beans, and first app orders often get a separate discount.
Fashion shopping questions
Facts checked Sep 2026. Store policies change; the checkout page is final.
Which is cheaper, SHEIN or Cider?
SHEIN, on most basics. Cider costs a bit more per piece and leans on trend styling. Compare the landed cost after shipping and any return fee, not the sticker price.
Does ASOS have free returns in the US?
For most customers with an account, yes, within 28 days. Guest orders and customers flagged under ASOS’s fair-use policy pay a return fee.
Is ASOS Premier worth it?
If you order more than a few times a year, usually. It costs $19.99 a year and cuts the free-shipping line to $20. Heavy returners can be blocked from buying it.
How do I avoid return fees on fast fashion?
Put everything you’re unsure about in one order, since the first return per order is often free. Check the garment measurements before you buy, not after.