Online Shopping Tips

While online shopping was a luxury before, it’s a necessity now with so many stores and boutiques closed because of Covid and lockdown.

I love to try things on so more often than not ventured into stores when I was looking for something. There’s no better way to know how something will fit and feel other than putting it on.

But now online shopping is it for getting that pair of jeans, top or dress. It’s also probably the only way you’ll be stocking up this Winter.

So to prevent you sending back everything you buy online, I’ve put together this list of things to do before you pick size, add to cart and checkout.

1. Trusted brands

If you’ve bought from a certain brand before and it fitted well, now is the time to be loyal and go with that brand again. Stick with what works to avoid disappointment and having to make a trip to the post office to return your items. Returning things is just so disappointing.

2. Measure and measure again

If however, you see something you absolutely love, that you can’t stop thinking about and just must have (even though it’s a brand you’ve never owned before) check the measurements.

The piece usually has measurements about how long it is if it’s a dress, the pant length such as the inside leg or the length of the coat or jacket as a few examples. 

There’ll also be information about what size the model is wearing, how tall she is, her bust, waist and hip measurements for comparison.

Sometimes on an online shopping site you can enter your height and weight to get a recommended size and sometimes there’s a size chart to guide you.

Use a tape measure to measure yourself if you’re in doubt. If you don’t have one use a piece of string or a shoelace and find an online tape measure.

3. Read the product details

There are also going to be details about the item such as the fabric or material, the fit - whether it’s slim, stretchy, relaxed or high waisted - and the neckline or cut.

This will give you a good understanding of how it’s meant to fit and sit. You can also read reviews about whether the sizing runs big or small from people who’ve shopped at the store before.

4. Check the returns information

If it’s on sale, you might not be able to return it. Some online stores will only let you return something if it’s faulty. Sometimes you can only get a credit. Sometimes you have to pay for the return shipping.

Make sure you’re aware of how long you have to return something too. A lot of stores have changed their return policies so you might have longer now than before.

If you have any other questions, please get in touch here.

You should also check out the other blog post I wrote featuring my favourite online shopping spots. There’s info in there on what they stock, their shipping and returns policies. Click here to read it.

I hope these tips have helped and happy online shopping.

Pic: Simona R Photography