These days, far more people are shopping for clothing online than ever before. It makes sense – online shopping is far easier and more convenient than traipsing up and down the High Street. It allows you to track down bargains more easily and even try on items in your own home, with items from your wardrobe, without having to queue up in a stuffy shop.
There are a few things you need to know about online clothes shopping, however, before you can be let loose with your credit card online. Follow these 6 top tips to help you get the most from your online shopping experience:
1. Measure yourself and know your size
When buying online, you can’t try things on before you purchase them. This means you need to know exactly what size you are. Take some measurements, getting a friend to help if necessary, and compare the results to size guides online. Whilst some items should definitely fit if bought in the right size, others will need to be tried on and can differ in the fit from person to person. When buying disco pants online, for example, you won’t know if they fit until they arrive.
2. Check the delivery rates
Cost of shipping can vary from site to site, so you should always check this before placing an order. You may even be able to get a discount on shipping, or get next day delivery, if you spend over a certain amount.
3. Check the returns policy
If you aren’t happy with anything in your order, you will need to send it back. Some websites offer free returns or returns via the convenient Collect+ service, but others will require you to cover the cost of returns yourself. This may affect how much you choose to order.
4. Look for discounts, voucher codes and cashback
You can often get free delivery or money off your order by checking for discounts online, or by signing up to the site’s email newsletter.
5. Get as much information as possible about each item
Ideally, you need to know about the fabric, the washing and care instructions for the item and also the size the model wearing the item on the website image has on.
6. Always read the fine print
You should always check the terms and conditions, as well as the FAQs, of a particular website before placing an order. This little bit of research will inform you about delivery and returns, secure shopping, complaints and exchanges, as well as any other policies you need to know about.
Christine Felton is a writer at Fashion Union provider of on trend women’s clothing in the UK.