Buying Clothes Online Without the Guesswork
Online clothes shopping is mostly about reading carefully. Everything you’d learn in a fitting room is on the page, if you know where to look.
Remember this
- Check the fiber content and care instructions before judging the price.
- Use the store’s own size chart and, if listed, the garment’s measurements.
- Reviews that mention height, usual size and fit are the most useful.
- Read the return policy, including who pays return shipping and how long you have.
You can’t try clothes on through a screen, but a good product page answers most of the questions a fitting room would. Here’s how to read one.
1. Fabric and care
Look for the fiber content, such as “100% cotton” or “60% polyester, 40% viscose.” The FTC requires sellers to disclose fiber content and country of origin in online product descriptions, not just on the label inside.
Fabric tells you a lot: how the piece will drape, breathe and wear, and whether the price is fair. Check the care instructions too. A dry-clean-only blouse costs more to own than its price suggests.
2. Size chart and measurements
- Use the brand’s own size chart and compare it with your measurements.
- Look for the garment’s measurements, such as length, chest width or inseam.
- Note the model’s height and the size they’re wearing. It helps you picture length.
3. Reviews
The most useful reviews mention the reviewer’s height, usual size and how the item fit: “I’m 5’5”, usually a medium, and the medium was roomy.” Look for patterns rather than single opinions, and check customer photos for color and fabric.
Be careful
Be wary of product pages full of short, vague, five-star reviews. The FTC bans fake reviews, but they still turn up. Patterns of detailed, mixed reviews are more believable.
4. Returns, before you pay
Find the return policy and check:
- how many days you have
- whether returns are free or come out of your refund
- whether you get money back or only store credit
- whether sale items are final
Keep the tags on until you’re sure, and try things on soon after delivery.
5. Watch for fakes and lookalike shops
Very low prices for well-known brands, unfamiliar websites and payment requests by bank transfer are warning signs. See how to spot counterfeit fashion. If an online order doesn’t arrive, federal rules on shipping deadlines and refunds still protect you.
Because sizes differ between brands, it’s worth knowing why your size changes from store to store.
You asked
Q: Do online stores have to list fiber content?
A: Under the FTC’s textile labeling rules, online and catalog sellers must state the fiber content and country of origin, which tells you whether the item was imported or made in the U.S.
Q: What if the color looks different in person?
A: Screens vary, so colors can look different. Check customer photos, and if the color matters, make sure the item can be returned.
Q: Is it OK to order two sizes and return one?
A: Many shoppers do. Check whether returns are free first, and send back the unwanted size quickly.
This guide is general shopping information, not legal, tax or medical advice. Store policies, sizes and rules vary, so check the retailer’s details and official sources such as FTC.gov and IRS.gov.