That's according to two Reuters sources, who say the firm founded in China has confidentially filed for the listing.

They say it's hired banks including Goldman Sachs to handle the IPO, and begun low-profile marketing to investors.

But analysts say the move faces numerous challenges, including a lackluster market for new share listings.

Recent months have seen four major IPOs in the U.S., with three disappointing investors.

German sandal-maker Birkenstock, food delivery app Instacart, and chip designer Arm Holdings all dropped below their IPO prices in early days of trade.

Shein also faces tighter scrutiny from lawmakers.

In August, attorneys general from 16 states asked regulators to check whether the firm used forced labor.

Its strategy of posting its low-cost clothes from China direct to consumers is also controversial.

The tactic allows it to avoid import taxes, as they aren't levied on very cheap items.

But critics in Congress have called for that loophole to be closed.

There was no comment on the IPO reports from Shein, which is now based in Singapore.

It was valued at over $60 billion in May, and has been growing fast by taking market share from rivals like Gap.

Any U.S. IPO would be the biggest by a China-founded firm since ride-hailing app Didi Global debuted two years ago at a $68 billion valuation.