LightInTheBox Review - Must Read This Before Buying (2024)

Clothing May 04, 2023

Written by Susie Johnson

Susie Johnson

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Edited by Colin Dempsey

LightInTheBox Review - Must Read This Before Buying (2)

Colin Dempsey

I write about fitness, health, nutrition, fashion, and more. Sometimes I write about these topics well. Other times I write about them really well.

Edited on May 4, 2023

Read about our editorial guidelines

Edited by Susie Johnson

Susie Johnson

Edited on

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Table of Contents

About LightInTheBox

LightInTheBox is an global online retailer catering to anything your heart desires. Consider it a major competitor for the behemoth, Amazon, with the principle of cutting out the middleman so the customer gets all the savings.

Similar to Amazon, the main purpose behind LightInTheBox is to provide people around the world with great quality at wholesale pricing.

Their large inventory includes clothing, sporting goods, home goods, wedding items, lights, jewelry, electronics, and LightInTheBox handbags—and that’s not all! You can spend hours on their site discovering even more.

Since their options are different than Amazon’s, they’re an outlet for less-common items. And in a world where there are more than 200 million Amazon Prime members who are all shopping from the same website, it helps to stand out.

Founded in 2007 by co-founders Alan Guo, Liang Zhang, Kevin Wen, Jun Liu, and Chit Jeremy Chiu, the group wanted to create a company that could build on the growing manufacturing and supply chain industry in China.

And with that, the company grew exponentially, going from 220,000 products in 2013 to adding over 14,000 every month.

Of course, all the good attention can only take you so far but does the brand really live up to the hype? This LightInTheBox review will give you a good hard look at the popular brand—its policies, products, customer reviews, materials, and more—to see whether they’re worth your time and money.

First, let’s examine their pros and cons.

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Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Wide variety of products: LightInTheBox offers a wide range of products, including clothing, electronics, home goods, and more.
  • Competitive prices: The company offers competitive prices on many products, which can make it an attractive option for budget-conscious shoppers.
  • Global shipping: LightInTheBox ships to over 200 countries, which can be convenient for international shoppers.
  • Customizable options: Some products, such as clothing and wedding dresses, can be customized to fit individual preferences.

Cons:

  • Quality concerns: Some customers have reported receiving low-quality or defective products from LightInTheBox.
  • Shipping delays: Due to the company’s global shipping network, some customers have reported long shipping times or delays in receiving their orders.
  • Customer service issues: Some customers have reported difficulty reaching customer service representatives or receiving satisfactory resolutions to their issues.

Materials

LightInTheBox offers a wide range of clothing items, including formal wear, wedding dresses, and everyday apparel. The specific materials used in these garments can vary depending on the item, but some common materials include:

  • Cotton: a soft, breathable fabric that is commonly used in casual clothing items.
  • Polyester: a synthetic fabric that is known for its durability and wrinkle resistance. It is often used in dressier clothing items.
  • Silk: a natural fiber that is known for its luxurious feel and lustrous appearance. It is often used in formal wear and high-end clothing items.
  • Lace: a delicate fabric that is often used as an embellishment on clothing items such as dresses and tops.

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Features

Before I progress deeper into my LightInTheBox review, let’s examine some of the brand’s key features that separate them from the competitors.

  1. Mobile app: LightInTheBox has a mobile app that allows customers to shop from their smartphones or tablets. This can be a convenient option for customers who prefer to shop on-the-go.
  2. Deals and discounts: LightInTheBox offers a variety of deals and discounts on its products, including flash sales and coupons. This can be a draw for bargain hunters who are looking for a good deal.
  3. Fast shipping: Many customers report that their orders arrived quickly and in good condition.
  4. Easy-to-use website: The LightInTheBox website is user-friendly and easy to navigate, which can make the shopping experience more enjoyable.
  5. Quality materials: Many customers report that the clothing they received from LightInTheBox is made of high-quality materials.
  6. Accurate sizing: Customers appreciate that LightInTheBox provides detailed sizing charts and measurements to ensure that the clothing fits properly.
  7. Fast shipping: Customers report that their clothing orders arrived quickly and in good condition.
  8. Unique designs: Some customers appreciate that LightInTheBox offers clothing with unique and interesting designs that are not commonly found in stores.

Does LightIntheBox Run True to Size?

Based on what I read while researching my LightInTheBox review, most products run true to size. They also provide sizing charts for all their clothing items.

6 Best-Selling LightInTheBox Products

Every wardrobe needs dresses you can return to again and again, without stressing about how they look on you. That’s where LightInTheBox shines!

In this section of my LightInTheBox dresses review, I’ll go over a couple of their best sellers to show you the incredible range of styles they offer.

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LightInTheBox Women’s Wrap Dress Review

A good bohemian maxi dress is something every boho chic woman would love to have in their closet. It’s comfy, they know they look good in it, and it’s easy to throw on at a moment’s notice, perfect for any spring or summer outings.

This LightInTheBox Women’s Wrap Dress is made from satiny fabric with elasticity so it flows over your body with ease. The v-neck dress even has the belt included to help break up the print and give you a beautiful waist.

Available in two colors, the brown has a paisley print on a light blue background, while the red has sweet flowers emblazoned on a white background. The dress comes in US sizes S to 3XL.

Step into your boho chicness with this dress for $35, currently on sale for $24.

Customers say: “This dress is so worth the money. Perfectly made and soft material. I love the vibrant colors. It’s a little long but perfect with heels. I’m on the short side. 5”4 and 120 lbs.

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LightInTheBox Mermaid / Trumpet Wedding Dress Review

A silhouette to rival Kate Middleton’s wedding outfit, you will definitely feel like a princess in this stunning dress.

The Mermaid/Trumpet Wedding Dress is ideal for those who want to embody the royal vibe on their wedding day. With its easy silhouette that contours to your body, it has a Sabrina neckline that displays your collarbone to perfection. Its three-quarter length sleeves will keep you warm for those winter wedding nights and the chapel train is elegance personified.

Made from satin, this custom-made wedding dress is available in US sizes 00 to 16, and 16W to 26W (which come with a surcharge of $8). It also comes in eight colors:

  • White
  • Ivory
  • Blushing pink
  • Candy pink
  • Champagne
  • Red
  • Royal blue
  • Black

The Mermaid/Trumpet Wedding Dress retails for $280, currently on sale for $140.

Customers say: “The dress was nice and fitted well for the price. I do however feel the sleeves could have been sown better to dress have a seamless appearance as it appears in the model photo.

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LightInTheBox Wig Blonde Long Light Review

The quintessential wig that needs to live in every woman’s closet. When you’re in the mood to dress up your look with balayage hair, this Blonde Long Light Golden Wig is the perfect way to do it without putting down the big bucks.

Made from synthetic hair, this machine-made cap comes straight but since it’s heat resistant, you can use a curling iron on it without any issue. The only thing you can’t do is perm it. But with this middle part wig on, you will look like you belong in a magazine as you walk down the street.

Coming in a variety of colors, including:

  • Light golden
  • Dark brown
  • Light brown lace
  • Watermelon red
  • Bleached blonde
  • Black

This 28-inch wig is the perfect addition to your growing or beginner wig collection. The wig retails for $52, currently on sale for $26.

Customers say: “Flattering colours and beautiful texture. Very elegant.

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LightInTheBox Boho Bohemia Beach Flat Sandals Review

Nothing says ‘I live a carefree life’ more than a pair of Boho Bohemia Beach Flat Sandals. With its artistic flair, this pair of shoes will have you walking like the beach goddess you are.

This easy slip-on and off pair of sandals will last you as long as you stay by the beach. The beautiful woven detail over the instep will add that extra bit of sparkle to your walk, and its simple thong-like style leaves your other toes as free as any other bohemian. The artificial leather upper is comfortable and the rounded toe will have you dancing into the night.

Available only in green, this boho beach flat comes in US sizes 5.5 to 10. The Boho Bohemia Beach Flat retails for $28, currently on sale for $19.

Customer say: “I absolutely love these sandals very affordable and very comfortable and I get so many compliments on them!!

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LightInTheBox Open Toe Wedding Sandals Review

Having a beach wedding means not wearing heels, or else you’ll just be fighting with the sand the entire time! Luckily, you can say goodbye to wedding stress with this pair of LightInTheBox Wedding Sandals.

These Open Toe Wedding Sandals will save you a lot of headaches, beach wedding or not. No one can handle high heels for over five hours. The delicate lace decorations across the ankle and instep will coordinate well with any wedding after-party. With their fake leather soles, you can definitely put these LightInTheBox dancing shoes on and party the night away.

Pick up these sandals for $24, currently on sale for $17.

Customers say: “The shoes are soft and comfortable. They fit me nicely. Love them.”

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LightInTheBox Feng Shui Pixiu Black Obsidian Wealth Bracelet Review

Whether you’re missing out on some luck or need a bit more, this Feng Shui Pixiu Black Obsidian Wealth Bracelet will be right up your alley. This lucky bracelet has many features, most importantly the dragon, which is an important symbol of luck, power, and strength.

The gold-plated dragons and obsidian beads are strung together on an elastic band so it’s easy to pull on and take off. With multiple variations to the design, you can be sure this bracelet is popular.

Bring in more luck with your new wealth bracelet for $8, currently on sale for $4.

Customers say: “Very nice, without defects, carefully worked and well packaged.

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Who Is LightInTheBox For?

Anyone reading my LightInTheBox review will find the site is for bargain-hunters. The inventory carries anything you could possibly think about and all of the prices are priced competitively.

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Alternatives

Now that you have an idea of what the brand offers, this section of my LightInTheBox review will present you with three alternative choices:

  • NihaoStyles: A smaller fast fashion company offering affordable clothing in modern Asian styles.
  • Shein: One of the most popular brand-to-consumer shopping sites, known for their incredible prices and contemporary styles.
  • Wish: A San Francisco-based e-commerce site that connects shoppers with smaller brands. Users can interact directly with manufacturers.

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LightInTheBox Reviews: What Do Customers Think?

Though the brand’s website boasts impressive 5-star ratings for nearly all their products, my LightInTheBox review will give you an actual behind-the-scenes look at what their customers are really saying.

As of May 2023, LightInTheBox holds a 4.1/5-star rating from over 191,000 reviews on TrustPilot. It appears people are pretty pleased with the company. Gary M. writes, “Cool products at reasonable prices, and a nice coupon to boot!”

Customers were equally as enthusiastic about the brand on SiteJabber. There, a total of over 7,500 LightInTheBox reviews gave the company an average score of 3.8/5 stars as of May 2023.

Most positive LightInTheBox reviews there centered on the affordable prices. Shoppers felt like they were getting quite a deal when using the service, with one customer stating, “Product was exactly what I wanted at a very reasonable price.”

The impressive LightInTheBox review scores continued on Consumer Affairs. As of May 2023, the company held an average score of 4/5 stars from more than 1,200 customer ratings.

One woman was happy with her purchase, saying, “Bought several tiaras from LITB for a photoshoot and some friend’s birthdays. Everyone commented on how high quality and expensive they looked (my friend got annoyed because she thought I’d spent so much money!!) They arrived very quickly and in perfect condition. Would purchase from here again.”

However, not all LightInTheBox reviews were celebratory, as some customers reported issues with shipping and delays. Some said it cost more to return a purchase due to shipping fees than it did to buy their product in the first place, discouraging them from shopping for clothes since they couldn’t try them on beforehand.

That being said, there were more than fair number of shoppers who said LightInTheBox were speedy with their orders and refunds, so they didn’t mind if something went awry with their order.

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Is LightInTheBox Worth It?

When it comes to good deals online, there is always some trade-offs, including delivery times, quality, or an overall bad experience. The question you need to ask yourself is: is it worth your time and money to buy something cheap online?

With that in mind LightInTheBox is worth it if you know what to expect. We recommend that you give them a try and see for yourself.

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How to Choose the Best LightInTheBox Product

Since LightInTheBox ships from China and you can’t see the product in-person before purchasing, you should do some research before placing an order. Here are some steps to take to ensure you’re getting your money’s worth.

  1. Read product descriptions carefully: Carefully read the product descriptions, including materials, measurements, and any other relevant information, to ensure that the product meets your needs.
  2. Check customer reviews: Check the customer reviews for the product to see what others have said about its quality, fit, and durability. Pay attention to both positive and negative reviews to get a well-rounded view of the product.
  3. Look for photos: Look for customer-submitted photos of the product to get a better idea of how it looks in real life. This can be especially helpful for clothing items and accessories.
  4. Consider customization options: If a product offers customization options, such as size or color, make sure to carefully review the options to ensure that you are ordering the right configuration.
  5. Check shipping options and prices: Make sure to review the shipping options and prices to ensure that the product will arrive in a timely manner and at a reasonable cost.
  6. Contact customer service: If you have any questions or concerns about a product, contact LightInTheBox’s customer service team for assistance. They can provide additional information about the product and help you make an informed decision.

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LightInTheBox Promotions & Discounts

There are several promotions and discounts going on at the moment:

  • To code HAW2 lets you:
    • Receive $5 off for orders over $45
    • Receive $10 off for orders over $80
  • When you order through their app, you receive 10% off orders over $10
  • There are flash sales where you can get certain items at 50% off

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Where to Buy LightInTheBox

LightInTheBox products are exclusively available through their website.

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FAQ

Where is LightInTheBox based?

LightInTheBox is based in China. It has two head offices in Shenzhen and Beijing, China.

Where is LightInTheBox made?

LightInTheBox is manufactured in China. This is also where all of the products are shipped from.

What sizes does LightInTheBox have?

LightInTheBox offers an online shopping guide that contains all of the details about sizing for menswear, womenswear, and children’s apparel you can access here.

What is LightInTheBox’s Shipping Policy?

LightInTheBox offers the following shipping methods:

  1. Global Postal Service (No Tracking): 10-20 business days (best for smaller packages)
  2. Global Postal Service-Tracking: 10-18 business days
  3. Global Expedited Postal: 5-8 business days (best for orders over $60)
  4. Priority Line: 4-7 business days
  5. Global Expedited Express: 3-4 business days (best for orders over $40)

The company recommends you purchase the Duty and Tax Insurance so any additional customs charges can be covered. The shipping costs will vary depending on the weight of the item, shipping destination, and how you want it to be shipped. All of the costs are calculated when you checkout.

What is LightInTheBox’s Return Policy?

You have 30 days from the day you receive the order to return items that fit the specific criteria the brand has laid out:

  • Any broken, damaged, or dirty items that arrived in that condition
  • Incorrect sizing or color

Otherwise you have a 1-year warranty for the following items:

  • Faucets
  • Lights & lighting category (not including light bulbs, LED strip lights, string lights, décor and night lights)

The brand does offer a 7-day return (no questions asked) from the day you receive your order, but only if the items have not been worn, are unwashed, and are in the original packaging.

Any swimwear, covers, or cases have a 14-day return window from the day you receive your order.

Any returns have to be approved by the LightInTheBox team first.

How to Contact LightInTheBox

There are a couple of ways to contact LightInTheBox:

  • Live chat option through their website
  • Through their Help Center on their website

Want more options for women’s clothing? Check out these brands below:

Pretty Little Thing

Lacausa

Nasty Gal

Yoins

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LightInTheBox Review - Must Read This Before Buying (2024)

FAQs

Can you trust Light in the Box website? ›

Is LightInTheBox legit? Yes. LightInTheBox was founded in 2007, trades on the New York Stock Exchange, and serves customers all over the world. Some reviewers who have reported difficulty with customer service say the company has cleared up their issue.

Is it safe to buy in light in the box? ›

Buying from LightInTheBox is 100% safe as the company provides shipment tracking and seven-day returns on all orders. LightInTheBox also provides buyers with an estimated processing and shipping time for all products.

Where do orders from Light in the Box come from? ›

Lightinthebox is a China-based company that sells online apparel products, small gadgets and home and garden equipment. Lightinthebox's business model is based on a maximum reduction in the supply chain and so most suppliers are based in China.

Is Light in the Box a Chinese company? ›

Online retailer Light In The Box, also referred to as LITB, is based in Beijing, China. Despite having its physical headquarters in Beijing, Light In The Box operates internationally, catering to clients from all over the world.

Is LightInTheBox a US based company? ›

LightInTheBox primarily serves the ecommerce industry, providing a platform for customers to purchase a range of lifestyle goods. It was founded in 2007 and is based in Beijing, Beijing.

Is LightInTheBox an American made company? ›

LightInTheBox Holding Co., Ltd. is an apparel e-commerce retailer that ships worldwide. LightInTheBox operates its business through mobile applications and multiple websites. The company is headquartered in Singapore and has additional offices in California, Shanghai, and Beijing.

What are the issues with LightInTheBox? ›

I bought two mens shirts from Light in the Box and both were very thin material and one was much tighter than the other even tough both were the same size! I bought three mens shorts and the material was very thin and the shorts were too long. I am trying to return most items and it seems impossible to talk to anyone.

What is the customer rating for LightInTheBox? ›

Customer reviews
5 star11%
4 star8%
3 star7%
2 star6%
1 star69%

How does LightInTheBox work? ›

Light in the Box is a global online retail company that delivers products like clothes and shoes to customers worldwide. The company was founded in 2007 and has offered customers a convenient way to shop for a wide selection of lifestyle products at exceptional prices through its website.

Is shipping free at LightInTheBox? ›

Even though it operates as a global retailer, Light In the Box customers get free shipping but with their Light In the Box promo code or a membership. There's no free shipping based on purchase size. However, the right coupon gets you free shipping with 80% off at times.

How long does it take to get an order from LightInTheBox? ›

Light In The Box Shipping Options

The couriers charge a fixed tracking fee per package. Additionally, it varies from country to country and can take 10 - 18 business days (14 - 26 week days). Global Economy Express is a new shipping method we are proud to offer to give you more options in shipping.

What happens when you cancel order from LightInTheBox? ›

Most of our products can be cancelled up until they are shipped for a full refund. If your order status is Draft or Pending, you can easily delete/cancel your order by yourself.

Who is the competitor of the LightInTheBox? ›

The closest competitor to lightinthebox.com are colisexpat.com, miniinthebox.com and mywifequitherjob.com. To understand more about lightinthebox.com and its competitors, sign up for a free account to explore Semrush's Traffic Analytics and Market Explorer tools.

Does Light in a Box accept returns? ›

Customer Service will approve your return and send you the Return Instruction. Please fill it out completely and send your item(s) back to us as soon as possible. When we have received your package, your return will be processed in 3 to 5 business days and then your refund will be issued.

Who owns LightInTheBox company? ›

Image of Who owns LightInTheBox company?
LightInTheBox Holding Co., Ltd. is an apparel e-commerce retailer that ships worldwide. LightInTheBox operates its business through mobile applications and multiple websites. The company is headquartered in Singapore and has additional offices in California, Shanghai, and Beijing.
Wikipedia

Is box a secure website? ›

By default, access is private to the account holder. All communication with Box from your computer or mobile device is encrypted using SSL. Data is encrypted in storage using 256-bit AES encryption. Other security features include file-level password protection and access notification.

Is LightInTheBox similar to Shein? ›

They're Not the Same, But Both Are Trendsetters

First off, Light in The Box and SHEIN are two separate companies. Both are powerhouses in the online fast-fashion world, but they operate independently of each other. Each has its unique flair and strengths in the fashion industry.

How long does it take for LightInTheBox to ship? ›

It typically takes 3 - 4 business days (5 - 7 week days) to arrive and is carried by one of the following global express shipping companies: DHL, UPS, FedEx, and TNT.

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