Buying clothes can be a dreadful experience if you don’t know what to look for, especially if you’re shopping online. But, shopping online can actually be more fun than going to a physical store because you can actually see everything that’s available. Regular stores only display select items and the rest is stuck on the rack for you to search through endlessly.
There are a few other perks to shopping online, too. You can save time and money, not to mention that you don’t even have to get out of your pajamas if you don’t feel like it.
If you’re wondering how to buy clothes online, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’re discussing how to shop online for clothes so you can get the right fit. Keep reading to learn more.
How to Buy Clothes Online
Never again worry about how to shop for clothes, online or not. This handy guide will help you learn everything from how to buy dresses online, to shirts and pants that make you feel like a model during fashion week.
Men and women alike can benefit from this guide. Of course, we know you guys aren’t interested in purchasing dresses, but what about slacks and sweaters? Every different type of clothing has its own perks and drawbacks depending on your preference.
It’s important to know what you like before jumping in. And, as long as you know what you’re looking for, we’ve got the rest covered right here.
Get Your Measurements
One of the first things you need to do before shopping for clothes online is to get your proper measurements. This will help you determine what size you need in a particular garment, as well as how it will fit you when it arrives. Not all clothes fit the same, regardless of their labeled size, especially from different retailers and manufacturers.
You can take your measurements yourself with a sewing tape measurer or enlist the help of a tailor or seamstress. If you plan to do it yourself, it would be wise to have a friend or family member help you with the hard to reach places, like inseams for men and bust lines for women.
Choosing Retailers
It’s important to choose retailers that you’re familiar with. If you’ve already purchased clothes from a brick and mortar store, you’re more likely to know how those clothes will fit you. Also, look for retailers that offer style guides to help you figure out how to pair certain items with others.
You can also find online boutiques like Salewunder that specialize in online sales where you’ll find better deals and save a bit more money.
Check Sizing Charts
Most stores offer sizing charts or guides to help you understand how a garment will fit. Remember, just because you wear a size medium top from one retailer, doesn’t mean you will wear the same size from another. Sizing charts offer specific diagrams and style guides to help you find the perfect fit.
You can also use the size of the model in a picture to help you learn how the clothes are worn. A 5′ 10″ model that wears a size small may wear a garment differently than a shorter model that wears a larger size.
Research Materials
Of course, you should know what kind of materials you prefer before making a purchase. Cotton and denim are comfortable, but will they keep you warm in the climate where you live? You may be better off opting for wool or polyester in some cases.
Always read the clothing description to find out what the clothing is made of and watch out for items that may be dry clean only or have other specific instructions for care.
Take Notes
It’s a good idea to keep a small notebook or journal of the clothes you buy online so that you can use it as a guide for the next time you shop. Keep note of materials that you like and dislike as well as sizes from different retailers. You may notice that some sites have better deals than others, too.
You can also mark which brands you prefer so that you can continue purchasing items that you already know you’ll love.
Read Reviews
Customer reviews can be extremely beneficial in helping you determine whether or not to shop with a particular retailer. They can give you perspective on items that you’re considering as well as comments about how customer service works to remedy problems with shipping or otherwise.
Get a Tailor
Remember what we said about getting your measurements? A tailor or seamstress can be your best friend when it comes to shopping for clothes online. You can always buy a little large and have your trusted tailor bring it in a notch.
Your tailor can also keep notes for you so that you can easily reference different types of clothes to your specific sizing requirements.
Edit Your Cart
One of the drawbacks to shopping online is that you can get caught up in impulse buys. Don’t do that. Instead, edit your cart as you shop.
If you find something that you think you’ll like, go ahead and put it in your cart. But make sure to review all of the items in your cart before you click the purchase button. Many retailers will leave items in your cart for sixty days so you’ll have the option to come back and review it later before you make an impulse decision.
Know the Return Policy
Of course, there may be a time when you receive an item that just doesn’t complement your wardrobe as you thought it would. In this case, you’ll probably want to return or exchange the item.
It’s important to understand the terms and conditions of a retailer’s return policy including whether or not they charge a restocking fee and how to go about getting an item back to them. Make sure to read through the return policy thoroughly before you make a purchase so you’re not stuck with something that you don’t need after all.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to buy clothes online will help you find exactly what you’re looking for without hassle. You’ll save time from trying things on just to find out that they don’t fit as you’d prefer. You can also save money as many online retailers offer steep discounts in comparison to brick and mortar stores.
It’s time to stop wondering about how to find clothes that fit and get down to business. All you need to do is keep these tips in mind and shop with patience so that you can fill your wardrobe with clothes that you’ll love.
If you’re shopping for gifts, it may be best to consider gift cards so that your friends and family can shop according to their own tastes and sizing requirements. Don’t forget to share these tips with them so they can enjoy online shopping just as much as you do.
