Things to Consider When Shopping for Clothes Online

Online shopping has gained much popularity during the months of isolation. While it is indeed more convenient, it has also become more difficult to gauge items since you don’t see them in person. This is especially true with clothes. How can you shop for the perfect articles of clothing when you can’t wear or feel them? Here are some things to keep in mind to save you from nasty surprises and headaches down the line:

Have a budget

Before anything else, it’s important to know how much you’re willing to spend. Even though you’d like to keep your budget as low as possible, remember that the price of clothes depends on style, fabric, and sometimes size. So don’t set a low budget if what you’re looking for is silk. Money Bliss’s guide to shopping for clothes on a budget suggests knowing your needs from your wants first to prevent unnecessary spending. Spending a bit more money for good quality is best, since if you keep buying the cheap deals for low quality clothes, you’ll end up having to buy clothes more often. A higher price also doesn’t necessarily mean better quality, so weigh your options

Check size guides

A “large” or a “medium” will have different measurements per brand and country, so always check size guides if you’re buying somewhere you haven’t tried before. If the online store is selling multiple brands, you’ll have to keep checking the guide for every brand. This might sound like a hassle, but it’s better than receiving clothes that don’t fit you. See if you can find any reviews that tell you if the brand is true to their size guide, or if they’re actually smaller or bigger. Measuring yourself is also helpful if you haven’t gone shopping for a long time. Size Charter’s guide to clothing measurement can help you determine what and how to measure the important parts of your body.

Read the fine print

As with any other purchase, it’s important to know exactly what you’re buying, but it becomes even more important when you’re buying clothes. Read through the listing to determine not just sizing and shipping specifications, but the material the clothes are made from as well. Research on fabrics you’re not familiar with, and look in your closet to see which fabrics you’re already comfortable with. PrettyMe’s guide to lingerie brands emphasizes the importance of choosing products made from high-quality fabric that’s gentle and smooth to prevent irritation or itch, especially when it comes to sensitive items like lingerie: “The brand of lingerie, no matter how renowned, should not precede the priority of comfort.”

Know the return policies

Usually, there are return policies for clothes, in case what you received came in the wrong size or color, or it was something that actually doesn’t suit you. Some stores might have amended their return policy because of the pandemic, so check again before you buy. Watch out for the return window and how the process will be. Will they ask you to choose a similar product or another product altogether for the same price? Private sellers usually don’t accept returns, but shops and retailers will. Sometimes, refunds will be made instead of replacements. This happens when the seller is unable to offer a replacement.


Online shopping doesn’t have to be stressful. Check these Lifestyle articles for more news and updates on how companies are continually striving to make your online buying experience better.