Shopping for Clothes Online – How to Get the Right Fit

In recent years, online shopping has grown steadily across the globe. According to the prediction of industry experts, the number of online shoppers is projected to rise to 2.14 billion by 2021.

This offers greater opportunities for both merchants and consumers. For sellers, this simply means tapping into new markets. For consumers, online shopping provides them with a slew of benefits including:

• Convenience- You can shop right at the comfort of your home, 24/7. With your items delivered right at your doorstep, you can eliminate common shopping hassles like crowds and traffic.

• Easy Arrangements- Apart from carrying a wide selection of products to cater to your every whim and fancy, online shops can also help you send gifts to loved ones and friends with greater ease. Forgot your niece's birthday? Busy schedule at work? Shop online.

• Quick Access to Customer Reviews- Make more intelligent shopping decisions by leveraging customer reviews. Use the actual experience of people who have previously bought an item you are eyeing to buy to know ahead if that item is worth your money.

• Best Prices- With just the tip of your fingertips, you can find and compare similar items and choose the best deals. Plus, you can forgo other expenses associated with shopping in brick and mortar stores like parking fees and meals.

• Fewer Distractions- No more pushy salespeople. No more mindless shopping. No more crowds. All you have to do is log on, find the item you are looking for, pay, and then wait for your order to arrive.

Overcoming a major caveat

One segment of the online marketplace that is predicted to continue growing is clothing. But with that growth comes a major stumbling block for shoppers – finding the right fit.

Indeed, shopping for clothes online can allow you to gain access to items that may no longer or have yet to be made available in a brick and mortar store. Plus, you can avoid the hassle of pushy salespeople, traffic, and finding a parking space.

However, buying clothes online can be a hit or miss affair simply because you can't try on the garments you want before purchasing them.

Getting the right fit

Does this mean you should abandon the idea of online clothes shopping altogether?

No. Not if you follow these tips for ensuring that you buy clothes that fit perfectly:

Know your measurements

Clothes manufacturers have their own distinct sizing schemes. That means that a size 10 or a medium from one fashion label will not necessarily be the same for another fashion label.

As such, the easiest and most important way to make sure that the clothes you buy fit you well is to know your actual measurements. There are two ways to go about this.

Enlist the help of the pros

The next time you shop for clothes in your favorite boutique, ask the salesperson to take your measurements. Or, if you know a tailor or seamstress, drop by their shop for a few quick measurements.

DIY

Alternatively, you can simply take your own measurements or ask for the help of a family member or friend.

However, you have to make sure that you do not change your posture or hold in your gut. This can only lead to inaccurate measurements.

For pants, pay special attention to your waist size, inseam, and your height. For tops, focus on your chest/bust size, neck size, and sleeve length.

Whether you take your measurements by yourself or with the help of a professional, it is highly recommended to retake your measurements every six months to take into account changes in your body, whether you’ve lost or gained weight.

Look for the sizing chart

Now that you have an accurate measurement of your own vitals, the next thing you need to do is to find the online store sizing charts. If the store sells clothes from different brands, you should check the sizing charts from each one of these. Also, pay attention to sizing notes if these are available.

 

It also pays to take a survey of reviews from previous customers. This will give you a better glimpse of the sizes offered by the merchant. Other customers can tell you whether the clothes run smaller or larger than usual.

 

Take notes

Once you have found an online seller or specific brand that fits you well, keep records about sizing and fit. This will allow you to forgo the step involving looking at the sizing charts the next time you shop for clothes online.

Get your clothes altered

Perhaps you've bought an item that is a tad too big. You can try returning it to the merchant, or you can simply go to your local seamstress or tailor and have that piece of clothing altered to fit you perfectly.

Clothes that fit all the time

Shopping for clothes online should never be an exercise in futility.

By following the simple steps outlined above, you can minimize, if not totally eliminate, the chances of buying poorly-fitting clothes.