How to Avoid Returns When Shopping for Clothes Online

Photo by Sincerely Media

There's a lot more online clothes shopping going on these days especially as more and more brick and mortar stores close.

There are a lot of benefits and conveniences to being able to shop online, but the pressure to get it right is on. Returns aren't fun and by mentally checking these tips every time you shop for clothes you can order with more intention to build a wardrobe that's truly you.

With that, you'll save time and money so there's more room for joy in your life.

*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click through and make a purchase I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. All posts and products promoted are done so in good faith. Read my full disclaimer here.

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1. Know Your Sizes

Ordering the wrong size is the number one reason why I end up having to return an article of clothing or just feeling down right disappointed. Because if it doesn't fit it clearly won't work. By the time you get it returned or exchanged you might not even need or want it anymore.

It can also be a pain in the you know what to go through online returns and can even cost more money. For me, it isn't usually too big of a fuss, but I find the fact that I now have one more thing on my to do list more of a problem than anything. 

Maybe ordering the correct size seems like something you should just nail every time, but trust me it can be tricky. Every brand is different in its own way and sometimes a size ten in one brand may actually be an eight in another. Not to mention, many of us wear different sizes for different types of clothing, like wearing a size medium in blouses and camis, but in coats and jackets preferring a size large. 

I recently took a brand's advice from the product info to size down when ordering a jacket because it ran large. I already size up in my jackets to a large and I didn't want to end up swimming in it. So I decided to size down this time. Sticking with my own personal sizing preferences would have been a better idea because I had to return the jacket. It was too tight and impractical because I wouldn’t be able to wear a sweater under. So just know what sizes you like and stick to that. 

My biggest issue with size though has been getting to know my body as my weight and shape have changed after having children. (If you can relate to this let me know how you feel in the comments.) I also find it very handy to keep a measuring tape around so that you can check the size chart with the item info. This is usually a very accurate way of knowing if something will fit you the way you like because the numbers don't lie. 

2. Know Your Fabrics

If you don't already, start playing attention to the kinds of fabrics that feel and work best for you. Do you like soft and stretchy or cool and structured? Do you want clothing that is easy to care for or do you like going to the dry cleaners?

You should also learn which fabrics you cannot stand, if there are any. Some are itchy and tight. Stretchy rayon is super soft and comfortable, but on the downside is a huge culprit of pilling.

Bear in mind the way fabric is woven or knit and the amount of each kind of fiber used can have an effect on its hand- the way it feels. Once you know what works for you always always always read the materials and care section on the item's webpage. It can make all the difference in whether or not you will actually wear something because the photos can be very deceiving. It can be easy to take one look at something online and say "Yup, I love it!" without even considering that you might actually hate the way it feels. 

3. Know Your Colors

I know you know your colors, (ROY G. BIV), but do you know your colors? We all have a unique skin tone, hair color, and eye color that either look beautiful and more vital with certain clothing colors or may clash, causing a feeling of disharmony.

I personally don’t look very good in teal or dark green despite liking these colors. Knowing what looks good on you and what looks eh is something to begin paying attention to if you don't already. Avoid those colors when ordering clothes online even if you find something that makes you feel really excited. Hold true to your personal knowledge. 

It should also be noted that despite the color in the photo being one you love and know works for you, it can still show up looking a little different. I just like to make sure that I could live with it being a shade lighter or darker.
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4. Know Which Styles Look Best On You

Whether we're talking about the cut of a top or dress or styles like preppy and boho, you should know what looks and feels best on you before you go ordering things online.

Some people hate wrap tops because they accentuate the waist line. Some people love them for that very reason. Petite women tend to like shorter dresses while women of average height like me may prefer midi length.

Thinking about your personal style helps you shop online too. Because if you go ordering a preppy pink gingham dress that doesn't really make you feel like you (even though you think it is cute) then its probably just going to sit in your closet unworn. What's the point in that?

5. Use Filters

This is a huge time saver that can help you immediately narrow down what a store has that works for you. There's no sense in scrolling through many pieces of clothing to find a piece you love only to see that its not available in your size. This can be frustrating and might even prompt you to try to squeeze into something or wear something that's too big. This is so easy to do with clearance shopping because when we come across an amazing bargain we want it to work.

A few months ago I ordered a set of pajamas that was on clearance and I absolutely loved the botanical floral print that was set on smooth black fabric. There was only one small issue... they were too big. "But sometimes I do wear a large," I thought to myself. So I ordered them. And guess what, they're too big and although I still wear them they really don't fit and they make me feel funny. 

6. Decide On Your Favorite Brands

Think about your favorite stores to shop from. What is it you like about them? Do their clothes fit you well? Do they run great sales? Does their style make you feel like you?

Choose about three brands you love and stick to those for most of your online shopping. Doing so can help refine your style because the styles sold by that brand are going to share a similar vibe and you'll naturally build a more cohesive wardrobe that is easy to mix and match. You'll also get to know how the different brands fit you so you won't be questioning this so much when you go to order. 

On top of that, this can help you clean up your email inbox because you won't sign up for discounts from as many different websites. 
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7. Envision Yourself

Again, its easy to see something super cute and then feel those strong feelings of desire for it. But it's always better to keep a calm, leisurely mindset when online shopping.

Something important to remember while you're shopping online is that it always looks great on the model, there's a reason why they put that person in it. But before you order, actually think about yourself in the piece.

Will it be comfortable for your lifestyle? Where will you go in it? What activities do you actually plan on doing in it? Picture the way something flowy may get caught on things you walk by. Do you really need another fancy dress for going out when you only go out like that every once in a while? Ultimately, ask yourself will I really wear this?

8. Check Your Closet First

You want to make sure you have something to pair with anything you're about to order, otherwise what's the point. So you'll want to see if you already own something to go with it and if not you'll want to go ahead and find something to purchase with it. Have you ever bought something because it was so cute and you couldn't live without it, but then it sat in your closet forever because you didn't have anything to go with it? I have.

Also, you don’t want to order something that’s really similar to something that you already own because…what's the point in that? Unless its like your favorite color and you want to wear it all day everyday or something like that. I myself cannot resist an olive green skirt. 
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9. Use A Styling Service

I am referring to clothing subscription boxes like Stitch Fix or Trunk Club, my two favorites. They aren’t something that I use all the time, but they can be a really great way to try things on before we purchase, but in the convenience and comfort of our own homes. 

If you have never used one before I really recommend these services as a way to add a few new pieces to complete your wardrobe and they're also great when you have a fun occasion to shop for. 

10. Shop From Stores That Offer Free Returns

Alright so in the grand scheme of things you won’t get it right every single time. If you can take ten things into a fitting room and only find a few that actually work the same goes for online shopping. Even though all of my tips will help you immensely in finding the right pieces for you the first time, you'll still have a few returns in store I'm sure. 

So with that, its a huge help to shop at online stores that offer free returns and even better stores that offer free shipping too, like Nordstrom. This is obviously great for your budget and it just makes things feel easier and more fun. I'm working on a list of those stores so you can know where to go and will update this post when its all ready. 

Lets chat, I'd love to hear about some of your online shopping mistakes in the comments!
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