TL;DR: After testing 17 Halara pieces across two different body types, our verdict is mixed. The pants (especially the tailored work pants) and athletic dresses and bottoms are the real winners here; they’re soft, affordable, and the pants are available in tall sizes. Other types of clothing are hit-or-miss, and sizing is inconsistent across the board. This is still fast fashion, so keep your expectations realistic.
If you’ve been on Instagram or TikTok in the past six years, you’ve probably seen Halara ads. They started with those viral tennis dresses with built-in bras and shorts, but lately they’ve been pushing their work pants and everyday basics hard.
So, are they actually worth it?
To find out, we put Halara to the test with two different body types. Elina (petite and curvy) tested six items, including athletic dresses, a skirt, shorts, joggers, and leggings, and I (tall and athletic) tested 11 items, including their newer pants and tops to see if Halara has expanded beyond activewear.
Between the two of us, we’ve tested 17 Halara pieces and have a lot of thoughts. If you’ve been tempted by the ads, keep reading our detailed Halara review for our honest take on what’s worth buying and what to skip.
Details
Halara Clothing We’ve Tested
Total testing time: 3.5 years, across 17 items and 2 body types.
Clothing Testers
– Mimi (tall, athletic): 11 items tested in late 2025 (pants, tops, accessories)
– Elina (petite, curvy): 6 items tested in 2022 (athletic dresses, skirts, shorts, leggings)
Our favorite Halara item that’s still in stock
DayStretch Straight Leg Work Pants (9/10)
Quality
Pants and athletic dresses are soft and comfortable; tops felt cheap. Quality is comparable to Amazon Essentials, or sometimes worse.
Website: https://www.halara.com/
Pros
- Very affordable.
- They use silky, smooth fabrics that are super soft and comfortable.
- Tall sizing available for many pants (though colors are limited).
- Fun color options you won’t find at most brands.
- Athletic dresses have functional built-in shorts and bra support.
Cons
- Sizing is inconsistent across items (some run small, others run big).
- Tops felt cheap and aren’t worth buying.
- All of their clothes are made from synthetic materials, some of which wouldn’t be that breathable in hot weather.
- Some items had a strong chemical smell that took multiple washes to fade.
- Styles aren’t always fashionable and odd design choices on some pieces (small back pockets, wide legging-style waistbands on jeans).
- Returns cost around $8 per order, and they default to gift card refunds.
- Marketing claims are often exaggerated. Their clothing has a lot of features listed that don’t always hold up in real-world testing.
- It’s still fast fashion with questionable durability.
What is Halara?
Halara is an online direct-to-consumer clothing brand that went viral for their stretchy athletic dresses with built-in bras and shorts. Founded by Joyce Zhang, they’ve since expanded into work pants, loungewear, and basics.
Prices average $30-40 per item. They ship from China (expect 1-2 weeks), and returns cost around $8, so keep that in mind if you’re ordering multiple sizes.
Halara Clothing Review: Our Experience With Halara Clothing
Mimi (left) and Elina (right) have both tested various Halara pieces over the past 3.5 years with mixed reviews.
Between the two of us, we’ve been testing Halara since 2022. Elina tested her six items starting in mid-2022, and I tested my 11 items at the end of 2025 to see how the brand has evolved.
There are a few things that stood out across both of our orders. Halara uses mostly synthetic materials (lots of polyester), which makes their clothes super soft, but breathability in hot weather is debatable.
One pair of pants I received had a strong initial chemical smell that took multiple washes to fade, which makes me question what type of dyes they use in their fabric and how they manufacture their clothes.
Halara offers more fun colors than most brands and tall sizing in pants, but tall sizes are limited to certain styles and colors. And some items had odd design choices that didn’t quite land. Tops were the biggest letdown and seemed like the brand’s cheapest-made pieces.
Below is a breakdown of all 17 items we’ve tested from Halara.
Halara Pants
High Waisted Pocket Baggy Wide Leg Washed Casual Jeans
These pants are very comfortable and great for early pregnancy and postpartum bodies, but they’re not the most fashionable, with that thick, stretchy waistband at the top. I guess these are considered jeggings, but I still don’t find them as versatile.
I tested the Wide Leg Washed Casual Jeans in Charcoal Black Denim, size medium extra tall.
Rating: 7/10
These wide-leg casual jeans are the Halara pants I’ve worn the most so far. They’re super soft, comfortable, and stretchy. The stretchy waistband is especially great for postpartum or early pregnancy since it gives you room for changing tummy sizes.
That said, there are some downsides. The legging-style waistband means I’d never tuck a shirt into these. They’re really more of a kick-around-the-house pants than something I’d wear out, and I usually like my closet staples to be more versatile.
Also, as a warning, these smelled strongly of chemicals when I opened them. Even after washing, they gave my crotch area a bad smell in the first few wears. That’s mostly gone now, but it was icky to deal with and disconcerting about what they put into their materials and dyes. Make sure to wash these multiple times before wearing them if you get them. That really goes for any Halara clothing.
These might be a good fit if you’re looking for a solid pair of jeggings (I know they’re in right now), they’re just not 100% my style.
DayStretch High Waisted Pocket Flare Yoga Leggings
Why, why, why would you put back pockets on yoga leggings, effectively ruining the design of an otherwise comfy pair of flare pants?
I tested the DayStretch Flare Yoga Leggings in Midnight Blue, size medium tall.
Rating: 5/10
I really wanted to keep these yoga leggings. The material felt great, the fit was flattering (my butt looked good), the flare silhouette was cute, and the dark blue color was perfect. The length worked well for my height too.
So why didn’t I keep them? Halara added these small back pockets that looked so strange, like they were trying to make leggings look like jeans (or jeggings?). It didn’t work. The pockets ruined an otherwise great pair of pants.
If they’d just left the pockets off, these would’ve been a solid 9 or 10, so it’s a frustrating design choice. Also worth noting is that they’re mostly polyester, like most of Halara’s clothing.
DayStretch High Waisted Pocket Straight Leg Work Pants
My favorite pair of pants from what I ordered on the Halara site. These are super comfortable and work well for work or travel.
I tested the DayStretch Straight Leg Work Pants in Forest Night, size medium tall.
Rating: 9/10
These straight-leg work pants are my favorite Halara pants and the only pair I’d 100% recommend. They have a nice tailored look without being too baggy, a flattering high waist, and a good length for my 5’10” frame (even a little longer than I need). They’re super soft, and I would actually wear these to work. In fact, I’m wearing them as I write this article.
The main downside to these is the limited color options for the tall length (so I didn’t get my first-choice color), and the material is synthetic despite feeling nice. But honestly, for the price, these are a solid everyday work pant. This is my favorite Halara item out of everything I’ve tried.
High Waisted Drawstring Pocket Wide Leg Linen-Feel Pants
These were a little short on me and too see-through. You can see on the right how much the tag shows through and the outline of my underwear (I wore a dark pair so you could see it better in photos).
I tested the Wide Leg Linen-Feel Pants in Whisper White, size medium tall.
Rating: 4/10
I was hoping these drawstring pants would be the perfect resort pants for an upcoming Hawaii trip. The length was pretty good, just a tad short, the fit was decent, and the material was super soft.
However, these were similar to some other Halara pants in that they poofed out in front when bending over or sitting down in an unattractive way, and they were too see-through in the light beige color (you might have better luck with darker shades).
Despite being marketed as “linen-feel,” they’re made from synthetic materials and are on the thicker side, so even though they were comfy, I could tell I’d overheat in them in hot tropical weather. This defeats the whole purpose of breezy vacation pants.
The only upside is that the synthetic materials mean these won’t wrinkle the same way linen does, so if that’s important to you, these might be worth it.
If you want actual linen or linen-blend pants for warm weather, though, look elsewhere. Quince offers a good option made with real linen at the same price as these. I’d personally go with those instead (or Old Navy if you need a longer inseam).
High-Waisted Pocket Wide Leg Waffle Work Pants
I’m all for the wide-leg trend these days, but these were just a tad too baggy for tailored pants. They weren’t as polished as I wanted them to be for work or travel. Plus, I didn’t think I’d realistically wear this color much.
I tested the High-Waisted Wide Leg Waffle Work Pants in Rose Tan, size medium extra tall.
Rating: 6.5/10
I actually liked these waffle work pants for the most part. The material is super soft, the stretchy waistband is comfortable, and the length was perfect in the extra-tall size. They also seem like they wouldn’t wrinkle much.
But a few things held me back. They only offer limited colors in tall sizes, so I ended up with a light pink that I knew I wouldn’t wear much as soon as I tried it on. I like the wide leg design, but the fit is also baggier than I’d like, with the front poofing out when you bend over. It gave me “first job out of college” vibes more than polished work pants.
Cloudful Air High Waisted Drawstring Joggers
Elina tested the Cloudful Air High Waisted Joggers in Black, size large, which have since been discontinued. This is the closest alternative on the Halara site.
Rating: 4/10
These joggers were the only real dud from my order. I expected a soft, jersey-like material based on the photos, but they’re the same slightly shiny, swimsuit-like fabric as everything else.
The fit is also off. I expect joggers to be loose, but these fit almost as tightly as leggings from top to bottom. The deep pockets show through lumpily on the thighs, which isn’t a great look.
They’re fine as pajama pants, but I won’t be wearing them outside. If you want true loungewear, look elsewhere.
Patitoff Pet Hair Resistant High Waisted Crossover Side Pocket Yoga Leggings
Elina tested the Patitoff Pet Hair Resistant High Waisted Crossover Side Pocket Yoga Leggings in Black, size large.
Rating: 8/10
As someone whose cat (Gertrude) is always in my lap, I was excited to test these “pet hair resistant” leggings. The crossover waistband is comfortable and flattering, and the side pockets are sleek.
So how do they hold up against cat hair? Decently, but not spectacularly. I can brush most of the fur off with my hands, though a little bit remains. They’re smooth enough to stay relatively fur-free, but don’t expect miracles.
Still, I consider these a win for everyday wear.
Halara Skirts & Shorts
High Waisted Ruched Flowy Maxi Casual Skirt
This skirt had no movement and was fairly heavy. It reminded me of a skirt I had in high school and early college years, not a modern style.
I tested the High Waisted Ruched Flowy Maxi Skirt in Tawny Port, size medium.
Rating: 3/10
I wanted to love this skirt, but it was too heavy and had almost no movement to it. Not the flowy, effortless vibe I was hoping for. It reminded me of something I would’ve worn in the early 2010s, and not in a nostalgic way.
I couldn’t see myself wearing this for travel or even just around the house, so I returned it. I recently got a similarly colored skirt from Quince for $10 more (their crepe skirt), and it’s everything I wanted this one to be. Skip this and opt for the Quince one if you’re looking for a flowy skirt that’s also travel-friendly and stylish.
Everyday Crossover Side Pocket 2-in-1 Tennis Skirt
Elina tested the Everyday Crossover Side Pocket 2-in-1 Tennis Skirt in Baltic Sea Houndstooth, size medium.
Rating: 9/10
This tennis skirt is easily my favorite piece from my Halara haul. The crossover design feels light as air, the waistband is super flattering, and the built-in shorts are incredibly comfortable. It’s on the shorter side, but the shorts underneath mean it never rides up, so I’m never worried about coverage.
It’s also great for the beach since the fabric is similar to swimsuit material and doesn’t get awkward wet spots when I slip it on over a damp bathing suit. As a bonus, the shorts act as a natural anti-chafing solution for hot weather and sand.
Mid Rise Drawstring Contrast Mesh 2-in-1 Flowy Running Shorts 3″
Elina tested the Mid Rise Drawstring Contrast Mesh 2-in-1 Flowy Running Shorts 3” in Blue Spruce, size medium.
Rating: 6/10
These shorts have a loose, swim-trunk-feel outer layer with soft bike shorts underneath. The built-in layer prevents riding up, which is a problem I usually have with shorts. They’re great for lounging at home but still put-together enough for quick errands.
I was between sizes and went with the medium, but the waistband runs a little tight (especially after a big meal). I’d recommend sizing up if you’re on the fence.
My only real complaint is no pockets, not even in the bike shorts. I end up tucking my phone into the waistband, which isn’t ideal.
Halara Dresses
Backless Twisted Active Dress
Elina tested the Backless Twisted Active Dress in Lavender Frost, size medium.
Rating: 7/10
This stretchy tennis dress has built-in shorts and bra cups. The thick, stretchy fabric paired with the removable pads offers decent support, similar to a low-impact sports bra.
The fit was almost perfect, but the bra pads had a slight pucker that looked a little odd. The built-in shorts also make it tricky to put on since you have to step into them from the top rather than pulling the dress over your head.
One thing to note is that this dress developed grayish stains after a few washes that I couldn’t remove. Not sure if it was a laundry accident or a fabric issue, but worth mentioning.
Flare 2-Piece Pocket Dance Active Dress
Elina tested the Flare 2-Piece Pocket Dance Active Dress in Grayed Jade (color discontinued), size medium.
Rating: 8/10
Unlike the other Halara dress I tried, this dress has separate shorts, making it much easier to put on. The open back was a lifesaver during a summer heat wave, since I could stay cool without feeling self-conscious about being braless.
The downside is the fit in the front. With so little back fabric in the back, the front tends to slump down at the waist, which can look unflattering depending on the angle.
I still like this dress overall, and I’ve been getting extra use out of the shorts by wearing them on their own.
Halara Tops
Round Neck Racerback Ruched Yoga Tank Top
This top was just meh, fairly see-through, and made of a cheap-feeling material that didn’t seem like it would last very long.
I tested the Round Neck Racerback Ruched Yoga Tank Top in Frost White, size medium.
Rating: 3/10
This tank was a miss for me. It was a bit see-through (not egregiously so, but enough to notice), and the material felt cheap right out of the package. Despite ordering a medium, it fit more like a small, possibly due to the ruched sides.
The fabric also struck me as something that would stain easily and not hold up over time. I didn’t feel confident that this top would last more than a few wears, so I ended up returning it.
If you’re looking for affordable basic yoga tops, I’d skip Halara and check out CRZ YOGA or Baleaf instead, where I’ve had better luck.
Ribbed Racerback Round-Neck Sleeveless Casual Bodysuit
Another top that was just okay, but nothing special. It also didn’t seem like it needed to be a bodysuit, and the material felt cheap again.
I tested the Ribbed Racerback Bodysuit in Black, size medium.
Rating: 4/10
This bodysuit was just… fine. Nothing special. It fit well through the torso even at my height (5’10”), which is always a win with bodysuits. But beyond that, it was pretty boring and unnecessary as a bodysuit. A regular tank would do the same job.
The material also felt cheap again, which has been a running theme with Halara tops, so I returned it.
Round Neck Ruched Skinny Cropped Casual Tank Top
I ended up keeping this top, but I’m not sure if I made the right decision. I haven’t worn it much because it’s very cropped and tight, which isn’t really my style these days. And again, the material feels pretty cheap.
I tested the Round Neck Ruched Cropped Tank Top in New Maroon, size medium.
Rating: 6/10
The color of this top looked more orange in photos, but arrived as a cherry red, which I actually liked more. That said, this top runs small. My medium fit more like a small, so size up if you don’t want it skin-tight.
I kept it because I loved the color, but honestly? I regret it. I haven’t worn it much. It’s a true crop, much more than the photos made it seem, and not very forgiving, especially for a postpartum body.
The material also feels cheap, and I think I could’ve found something of similar or slightly better quality from Amazon. I ended up buying a similar top in black from Aerie that’s way more comfortable and that I wear all the time now.
Ribbed Round Neck Basic Casual Tank Top
I tested the Ribbed Basic Casual Tank Top in Clear Green, size small.
Rating: 7/10
This was my favorite Halara top, though admittedly, that’s not saying much with the tops I tried. It’s soft, I love the color, and the length is pretty long, which could work well as a tuck-in shirt.
The weird thing is that I ordered a small and it fit with plenty of room, while other Halara tops in medium felt tight. It just shows that their sizing is all over the place.
I got this for travel, but I haven’t had a chance to take it on any trips yet to test how it does in hot weather. Overall, it’s fine, but I haven’t reached for it as much as I initially thought I would, which seems to be another theme with the Halara clothes I kept. It’s a bit more activewear vibes than I generally reach for day to day.
Halara Accessories
Halara Logo Casual Waist Bag (Freebie)
This freebie I got with my order is also sold on their site, but it’s just a cheap knock-off of the Lululemon belt bag. I probably won’t use it, so I don’t think it was worth getting, even though it was free.
I received the Halara Waist Bag in Berry as a free gift with my order.
Rating: 2/10
This waist bag was a freebie included with my order, and honestly, I wish I had unchecked the box to include it. It’s a knockoff of the Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag, but made with cheap material and flimsy zippers. The color is cute, but that’s about it.
I already own the Lululemon version, which is leagues better, so this one will just sit in a drawer. It feels wasteful. If you’re offered a freebie at checkout, maybe skip it unless you actually need a belt bag. Otherwise, it’s just clutter.
Halara Discounts & Coupons
Halara runs frequent sales and offers plenty of ways to save. You can get 20% off your first order by signing up for their email list, and there’s a “spin the wheel” pop-up for new visitors that gives you a discount code or free gift.
Students can get 15% off by verifying through Student Beans. And honestly, a quick Google search will turn up promo codes pretty much any time of year.
Free standard shipping kicks in at $59. If you’re close to that threshold, it’s worth adding something small to avoid the shipping fee. Overall, you should rarely have to pay full price at Halara.
FAQs About Halara
Is Halara similar to Lululemon? How about Girlfriend Collective or Outdoor Voices?
Halara is often compared to these brands, but there are key differences. Lululemon focuses on premium activewear at about twice the price, with better quality and more sustainability efforts (though their claims are vague).
Girlfriend Collective is the most transparent about ethical manufacturing and uses recycled materials, with prices between Halara and Lululemon. I just don’t like the fit of a lot of their clothes and their leggings always fall down.
Outdoor Voices makes the original Exercise Dress that Halara’s version is clearly inspired by, at about double the price. Halara is the budget option of the bunch, but you also get what you pay for.
How long does Halara shipping take?
Standard shipping takes about 10 days to 2 weeks since orders ship from Asia. Shipping is free on orders over $59. For orders under $59, shipping is $8.
What is Halara’s Return Policy?
Halara accepts returns within 30 days, but you’ll pay return shipping (around $8 in our experience). Items must be unused with original tags attached.
Important note: on the refund confirmation page, Halara defaults to “gift card” for refunds, so make sure you manually select the option to have the refund credited to your original payment method.
Where Can you Buy Halara Clothing?
Halara is primarily an online brand, available only through their website. However, they’ve recently opened pop-up stores in New York City (May 2024) and Los Angeles (2025), so keep an eye out if you want to try things on in person.
Is Halara a trustworthy brand? Is Halara a credible site?
Yes, Halara is a legitimate company. Your order will arrive and generally look like it does on the website (although colors might differ slightly).
That said, our experience was mixed on quality (pants and dresses were mostly good, tops were not), and some customers report frustrating return experiences, although the two that I did were pretty seamless (even if the $8 fee was annoying). The brand is trustworthy in the sense that it’s not a scam, but keep your expectations realistic.
Are the clothes from Halara actually good?
Honestly, it’s a mixed bag. We were impressed by the pants, athletic dresses, and one skirt, which are the items Halara has clearly put the most effort into. But the tops and accessories felt like an afterthought.
The fabric on everything is synthetic (mostly polyester), so don’t expect premium materials. And sizing varies wildly from item to item, so check reviews before ordering.
Where is Halara based? Is Halara from China?
Halara is headquartered in Hong Kong under its parent company, Doublefs. Products are manufactured in and shipped from factories across Asia, primarily China.
Does Shein own Halara?
No. Halara is owned by Doublefs, a Hong Kong-based company, and has no connection to Shein. Halara is generally better quality than Shein, though both are fast fashion brands with similar sustainability concerns.
Is Halara fast fashion?
Yes. Halara produces trendy, affordable clothing at a rapid pace, with designs often inspired by higher-end brands like Outdoor Voices.
They don’t make meaningful claims about sustainability or ethical manufacturing. If that’s important to you, consider Girlfriend Collective instead.
Conclusion: Is Halara legit and worth it?
Halara is legit, but whether it’s worth it depends on what you’re shopping for.
After testing 17 items across two body types over 3.5 years, our verdict is clear: stick to the pants and athletic dresses/skirts/shorts.
The DayStretch Straight Leg Work Pants (my favorite) and the Everyday Crossover Tennis Skirt (Elina’s favorite) are genuinely great. They’re soft, comfortable, flattering, and affordable. If Halara only sold those categories, we’d be big fans.
But the tops, accessories, joggers, some leggings, and non-athletic skirts fell flat. They had cheap materials, inconsistent sizing, odd design choices, and quality that didn’t feel built to last. You can find better basics at Aerie or Quince for similar prices.
A few other things to keep in mind is that Halara is fast fashion made almost entirely from synthetic fabrics. Returns cost around $8 each. And their marketing claims (pet hair-resistant, linen-feel, etc.) don’t always match reality.
Our overall rating for Halara is a 4.5/10. It’s not a brand I’d necessarily shop at again, especially when there are better alternatives out there, but I’m relatively happy with the clothing I kept, even if I don’t wear everything as much as I thought I would.
If you want to shop at Halara, I’d recommend the tailored work pants, stretchy casual pants, athletic dresses, and tennis skirts, and skipping the tops, accessories, and anything where you’re paying for a marketing gimmick.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mimi McFadden
Founder & Editor-In-Chief
Mimi McFadden started The Atlas Heart in 2013 to write about her travels abroad. After spending 15 years visiting 45+ countries, she realized she’d accidentally become a packing expert in the process. Now, The Atlas Heart is all about helping women figure out what to pack, what to wear, and what gear is actually worth it. When she’s not deep in a packing list or testing out new travel shoes, you can find her hiking with her son, reading in her chaise lounge, winning 3-point contests against her husband, and playing board games with friends.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Elina Ansary
Editor
Elina’s offbeat, colorful sense of style has been a mode of self-expression for as long as she can remember. As a visual artist, she travels the world, and her shoes have to keep pace. With an upscale NY art gallery exhibition today and research adventures in Italian ghost towns tomorrow, Elina has high standards and prioritizes style, versatility, and comfort. Her online shopping addiction has led her to test dozens of shoes over the past few years, and she’s always up to date on the latest trends.
Looking for more honest apparel reviews? Check out these related articles below!
Pin one of these images for future reference
I received a ‘free gift” with my order. It says on the package it is “halarabuttonpins” and they look like hat pins.
Are they literally just for decoration or do the serve some sort of purpose? I couldn’t pull them up on the website to read a description there.
Huh, I’m not sure, since I didn’t receive those as a freebie myself, but I’d imagine they’re meant for decorating hats and bags, or wherever you want to put them.
Hi,
I made my first order over on June 17th and have not received it yet. When I checked my email and read more closely about the products I ordered this is what it says:
Dear Valued Customer,
Thanks for shopping with us! Your order includes pre-sale item(s), which means we’ll have to wait until they are in stock before shipping your entire order. The expected arrival is within Standard Shipping(8-10 business days).
We operate on a near zero inventory model, meaning we only make items when they are ordered. This means that shipping times takes longer, but we believe that the future of our planet is more important. Using this near zero inventory model also allows us to make quality athleisure wear in premium fabrics at accessible prices.
To keep an eye on your order, we suggest downloading our app.
Thanks for your patience and understanding!
We’re also thrilled to share that our apparel will now showcase our logo, a step forward in showcasing the collective journey and the vibrant community we’ve built together with you. It’s important to note that during this transition, you might encounter pieces without the logo. We’re grateful for your patience and understanding as we make this shift towards a more unified brand presentation.
This is pretty concerning for me, as I dealt with a company like this once and it took me a month and a half to receive my merchandise. I do not love that, “zero inventory model” idea. It means they are using each person’s money up front to make the products which doesn’t feel like a proper clothing business model to me. There are other things I want to order, and they keep pushing them out to me to purchase, but I refuse to purchase anything else from them until I’ve received my first order and decide if I even like their stuff. Frustrating. I spent over $100. Hope it was worth it.
Hi Mel, I’m so sorry to hear about your experience. I haven’t experienced pre-sale items with Halara before, but I have with other brands, and it’s frustrating having to wait for your items, sometimes for months, and hope for the best. Did you end up getting the items in the end?