Staying updated with today’s latest fashion trends is as easy as 1-2-3, thanks to online shopping. Aside from the undeniable convenience that it provides, buying clothes via the Internet has become quite popular because it allows for lots of options at more affordable prices.

Of course, there are certain things you must remember to fully take advantage of these perks and avoid drawbacks like getting the wrong size of clothing. To help you out, here are four practical and smart shopping tips you must never forget when shopping online:

1.   Compare Your Measurements with Size Charts

Knowing your measurements is quite an obvious necessity, but there are times that people tend to neglect it. Even worse, they know what their sizes are but don’t compare it to size charts provided by online sellers as reference.

A size eight in one shop may be a size 10 in another. This is why it is crucial to check your measurements and the size charts. Using this reference will save you plenty of time compared to unwittingly closing the deal without looking at them.

When comparing your measurements with the size chart, be sure to check whether the bust, hips, and waist match. Since you don’t have the luxury of fitting the apparel before buying, you should also analyze the photograph of how the clothing looks when worn. The model’s appearance should give you a pretty good idea of the fit and length of the piece.

2.   Consider Product Ratings and Customer Reviews

One of the most useful features online shopping platforms have is the customer review and rating. It can provide you with a realistic insight on the item that you’re interested in. Remember that photos in e-commerce websites may not be an accurate depiction of how the clothing will look on you, so seek guidance from those who have already tried it out.

Determine the general consensus of past customers but take the things you read with a grain of salt. It also pays to listen to the Devil’s Advocate. Those who provide negative reviews often provide more detailed descriptions of the product and, thus, are more enlightening than positive ones.

3.   Research About Fabrics

Fabrics affect the feel, aesthetic, and overall quality of clothing. Because of this, it is crucial that you do your homework on what type of materials to avoid. For instance, it may be wise to avoid polyester as it doesn’t last long and tends to feel too warm when worn for extended periods.

Because you don’t have the luxury of feeling the fabric before the purchase, you should familiarize yourself with different materials based on what you have in your closet. Look for pieces that you love to wear most and those that are stuffy, itchy, and uncomfortable. Take note of their material compositions (check the labels) and use this as a guide for your purchase.

Another great tip about analyzing the fabrics is to check the item you like in lighter hues even if you want it in another color. This is because some details appear better in pastel and light-colored fabrics than in darker ones. White and black may also hide details you should be looking at.

4.   Check the Seams

One way to determine the quality of clothing (and predict whether or not it will last long) is to check the seams. Determine the patterns and look for details along the front and back of the clothes. If the seam patterns appear on the front but not on the back, the item is more likely to get worn down easily.

Shop the Right Way to Avoid Regrets

Buying products that make you look and feel beautiful online is one of the easiest ways to feel confident. It also satisfies your craving for shopping. To avoid regretting your decisions when purchasing items via the Internet, make sure you know what to do before heading to the checkout page.

AUTHOR BIO

George Azar is Co-Founder and CEO of HiCart.com. He has extensive work experience with blue chip multinational organizations on both regional and global levels. George is also the founder of companies in the fields of advertising and media buying, professional trainings and development.