Honest Brand Reviews

Shinesty Review

Written By Amy Evans on May 16, 2020

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About Shinesty

Shinesty is a novelty clothing and accessories brand specializing in all things colorful and bizarre. From crazy patterned suits and offbeat underwear to the most outrageous apparel imaginable for the beach or country club—Shinesty’s MO is to stand out, like a lot. This Shinesty review will help you decide whether this boisterous brand is worth your attention, with details on prices, promotions, customer ratings, and more. 

Overview of Shinesty

Shinesty was the brainchild of Chris White and Jens Nicolaysen, created when the two were students at the University of Colorado Boulder. Co-founders White and Nicolaysen launched the e-commerce brand in 2014, after realizing that millennials didn’t give up their love for theme parties after graduation. As a millennial, I can say this: whether it’s wanting to stay young, nostalgia for uni days gone by, or a bit of both, most of us do love a theme party (though most of us are now too mature for jungle juice). 

In the lead up to their launch, Shinesty established a solid social media presence. The day their brand went live, every product sold out immediately. Chris White reflected on Shinesty’s early popularity several years later: “we built a following by just being ourselves – authentic, crazy, unique.” His words are on point with Shinesty’s mission: to bring you the most outlandish collection of clothing the world has ever seen. 

@shinestythreads

In 2017, the Shinesty story was turned into a one-season comedic doc about the brand’s entrepreneurs. So if you want to learn more about their history, you’ll have to get MTV2. Today, Shinesty is recognized for its absurdly bold men’s suits, more than any other clothing they sell. Their styles are quirky and all over the place, like retro, 80s, and inspired by Chuck Norris. Shinesty’s mantra, stay weird & shine on, suits their collection perfectly. Self-confidence is mandatory to pull off Shinesty, and expect all eyes to be on you. 

Here’s a summed up version of our Shinesty review, and what we think about the brand:

Pros

Cons

Shinesty Underwear Review

Shinesty has the most variety when it comes to undies. We’re talking hundreds of pairs, so we’ll be spending some time below the belt in this Shinesty review.

For Men

Shinesty’s underwear for men is exclusively boxer briefs (with or without fly), and definitely some of the strangest you’ve ever seen. Animals, mustaches, politicians, pumpkin spice lattes, volcanos, leprechauns… It’s a lot of randomness, and so many ball jokes it’s nuts. Shinesty boxer briefs all have the same cut and tight fit, so the variety is in the colors and prints. 

They’re super comfy and lightweight, containing 95% MicroModal and 5% Spandex. This fabric is breathable and moisture-wicking, with a 4-way stretch that resists shrinking and fading. These Shinesty briefs have a soft, flexible waistband and Ball Hammock Technology (you see what I mean) to “prevent the twins from getting crushed in the grundle.” 

Shinesty men’s boxer briefs range from $17.99-$29.99 for a single pair, $44.99-$51.99 for 2, $53.99-$77.99 for 3, $89.99-$104.99 for 4, and $99.99-$129.99 for 5. 

For Women

Shinesty thongs, cheeky underwear, and bralettes for ladies have the same bright and playful vibes. Their cheeky underwear and bralettes are made of that same soft 95% MicroModal and 5% Spandex blend as the men’s boxers. The four-way stretch and flexible waistband offer a close and shaped fit, plus it’s reassuring knowing these tiny panties won’t shrink in the wash.

Shinesty thongs have a seamless, barely there design, containing 75% Nylon and 25% Spandex. Seamless is definitely the way to go if you want your thongs to actually be comfy—it’s nice to know that Shinesty isn’t completely focused on ball hammocks. 

The selection for women’s underwear is not as wide as the men’s boxers, but there are a lot of cute matching top and bottom options. Shinesty women’s underwear is $14.99-$17.99 for a single pair, $24.99-$29.99 for 2, and $52.99-$74.99 for 4, and all the bralettes are $29.99.

If you and your bf/gf want to be twins in the sack, Shinesty also has a collection of Couples Matching underwear.

shop shinesty underwear

Shinesty Underwear Subscription

Shinesty’s underwear subscription lets you save 35% per pair (if you’re a dude) or 40% per pair (if you’re a lady) with free shipping. When you sign up for the program, you choose between receiving underwear every month, every other month, or every three months. 

It’s pretty simple: you choose a style, and Shinesty sends you the newest version of that style. There’s no commitment to continue and you can swap out pairs you’re not crazy about for free. The program is really popular among Shinesty customers—more details later on in this Shinesty review. 

If you’re really into the idea of an underwear subscription, check out MeUndies. 

Shinesty Swimwear Review

For Men

Shinesty swimsuits for guys come in two variations: semi-fit trunks and provocative briefs. 

Shinesty trunks mostly come in mid-length, with a few shorter and boardshort options. Shinesty swim trunks and swim briefs are designed with quick-drying, lightweight polyester blends and drawstring waist ties. Their briefs are a tight fit (lots of cheek action), and Shinesty recommends sizing up. Shinesty swim trunks will set you back $24.99–$68.99, and all briefs are $39.99. 

For Women

Ladies can choose between bikinis, two-pieces, and one-pieces, in mostly USA pride, retro, and sporty styles. For bikinis and two-pieces, there’s a lot of low cut, tank, and halter tops, with a few strapless and thin strap pieces. Most Shinesty one-piece suits come with higher necks and they tend to fit tight. 

Cheeky bottoms are the main feature and everything’s fully-lined, containing quick-drying polyester blends with spandex or elastane. Shinesty women’s swimwear ranges from $14.99-$59.99, with one-pieces leading the way in price.

If you ever wanted to match on the beach with your paramour, there’s dozens of couples swimsuits to look into as well. 

shinesty swimsuits

Shinesty Pajamas Review

Shinesty definitely appreciates the whole jam out in your PJs on the weekends vibe. Silky smooth kimonos and cozy drawstring pajamaralls for everyone, including couples. Shinesty onesies and pajama pants are dedicated entirely to Christmas, but only the coolest can wear them all year round. Shinesty PJs will set you back between $64.99 and $89.99.  

view shinesty pajamas

Shinesty Tops Review

For Men

Shinesty men’s tops go from normal-ish tees and sweaters, to borderline absurd fleeces and flight suits. Vintage and tribal fleeces, faux fur coats, outrageous button downs, an entire section dedicated to Hawaain shirts. It doesn’t matter what party or theme event you go to, your shirt will be a talking point. Prices vary from $24.99 for tees to $179.99 for blazers and fur coats. That’s a pretty wide range but most tops, like the Hawaain shirts, are around $59.99.

For Women

You know by now that Shinesty is really into bf/gf matching, so yes, you two can wear twinning fleeces, Hawaain shirts, tees, and sweaters. Women have the edge with rainbow, striped, and USA crop top and pants sets. No flight suits for us, we have killer retro bodysuits instead. Shinesty tops for women range from $24.99 tees to $79.99 for vests and blazers.

shop shinesty tops

Shinesty Suits Review

Put office wear completely out of your mind, because these are not those kind of suits. In fact, Shinesty suits may be the most ridiculous you’ve ever seen. Short sleeve suit and shorts ensembles, sleeveless suit jackets, with styles from beach club to St. Patty’s. 

The Derby suits may be the best pieces I’ve seen on the Shinesty site. Classy yet outrageous country club/race day apparel. The USA pride and Christmas dinner suits are seriously festive. Shinesty’s fanciest blazers and suit jackets are generally $149.99-$249.99, but you can find single pieces for $74.99 and entire sets for $99.99.

view shinesty suits

Shinesty Dresses Review

Just picture the femme fatale on the arm of a guy wearing a Shinesty suit, and you’ve got a good idea of what their dress collection looks like. Strappy dresses, skirt/overall dresses, wrap, skater, midis, turtleneck, jumpsuits—yes, jumpsuits, they’re a mix between dresses and pants. Google it. Whatever novelty theme you’re thinking of, odds are there’s a dress for it. Shinesty dresses range from $49.99-$109.99, with most around $69.99.

shop shinesty dresses

More Shinesty

There is absolutely no way we can get to everything in this Shinesty review. Funky hats, beanies, socks, suspenders, and ties. Poncho rain jackets that people always seem to have at music festivals. Retro polarized and futuristic sunglasses. Ski suits that’ll have you reliving the 80s and 90s, people staring as a flash of neon streaks past on the slopes.

Most recently, you can get non-medical grade face masks. The CDC is recommending that everyone in the US wear face masks, and these ones are all hilarious. Definitely at odds with the somber nature of current conditions, but nice if you need a good laugh. Shinesty directs 20% of mask sales to producing PPE.

These are the prices you can expect for Shinesty accessories and ski apparel:

shinesty.com

Shinesty Review: What Do Customers Think?

@shinestythreads

Customers can leave a Shinesty review on the website, and they’re basically all positive. Product ratings across the board are in the 4 to 5/5 star range, described as comfy and perfect for themed parties. The underwear subscription is where Shinesty really shines. The men’s subscription is most popular, with a 4.5/5 rating from close to one thousand customers! The undies are described as hilarious, soft, well-fitting, and with great variety from shipment to shipment.

There aren’t very many Shinesty reviews outside their website, but I did manage to find some. In 2017, a Men’s Health article described Shinesty underwear as the “most comfortable” the reviewer had ever worn. Shinesty also has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, which shows that they truly care for their customers.

Our Verdict on Shinesty

@shinestythreads

Oh would you look at the time, it’s opinion o’clock. If we take the thousands of reviews on the Shinesty website seriously, it’s pretty safe to say that the clothes are comfortable (the underwear especially). The handful of reviews outside their website actually had nothing to do with the quality or feel of Shinesty clothes, just the brand’s apparent lack of organization. 

Shinesty seems like a great source for novelty stuff, if you want to be the best dressed at a themed event, frat party, NYE basher, etc. Their prices are mid range, so unless you’re thinking of getting a fur coat or a snowsuit, this brand won’t break the bank. If you want to go with Shinesty, you better pray that you chose the right fit, since their returns process is a mess. 

Shinesty doesn’t have a customer service phone number, because according to them, they can respond quickly and effectively through email… But do they actually? You’re taking a bit of a chance with Shinesty, but if shipping works out, you’ll likely be happy with your buy.

Shinesty Promotions & Discounts

We have an exclusive code for HBR readers. You can use code HONEST10 for $10 off orders $30+. This code is valid through 12/31.

Shinesty also has a Refer a Friend program that you can sign up for on their website. Share Shinesty with a friend and they’ll receive $20, then you’ll get $20 when they place an order.

Military and Responder members receive 12% off Shinesty orders using ID.me.

check shinesty sales

Where to Buy Shinesty

Shinesty products can be purchased through their online store, shinesty.com. You can also find some Shinesty items on Amazon, but the selection is very limited.

FAQ

Shinesty Shipping Policy

Domestic Shipping

Shinesty is based in the US, and all domestic orders are free. Shinesty can ship domestically as fast as one business day, with orders delivered through USPS, UPS, and FedEx. When you place an item in your cart and input an address, the site will estimate shipping times. Overnight shipping is available for orders placed before 12pm MST.

International Shipping

Shinesty ships to 194 countries worldwide via Fedex International. To determine if your country is available for delivery, add items to your cart on their website and select from that long list (have fun). Duties and taxes are charged for international orders, and these are included when you pay. Shinesty international orders take approximately 4-6 business days to arrive. Note that deliveries to international PO boxes are unavailable.

Shinesty Return Policy

All returns and exchanges are free within the US. For your return to be accepted, you have to meet these criteria:

Exchanges within the US can take up to 2 weeks to be processed and resent, including shipping times. US customers can begin the return process by visiting the Shinesty website. Swimwear can be returned for store credit, with some extra guidelines:

Items that cannot be refunded or exchanged for store credit: underwear, solo bikini tops and bottoms, damaged/worn items, free gifts or promotional items, shipping charges, import or VAT charges.

Shinesty does not provide return labels or exchanges for international customers. Return fees must be paid by the customer, and orders shipped to:

Shinesty Exchange Center

ATTN: Returns

5755 Washington St, Unit B

Denver, CO USA 80216

Contact Shinesty

If you have questions that weren’t covered in this Shinesty review, you can reach out to the team through:

If you’re into more low key style statements, check out these bold and bright brands:

ZeroUV Sunglasses

Soxy Socks

Amy Evans