9 tips to find the perfect fit when buying clothes online

More and more people are buying clothes online in Canada thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic but purchasing garments without trying them on first can be a challenge even for the most experienced virtual shopper. Here are nine tips to help you determine the right size before you click “add to cart” during your next online shopping spree.

[Photo Credit: Farknot Architect]

Since you can’t try before you buy when shopping for clothes online, having accurate measurements of your bust, waist, and hips can be immensely helpful. Use a flexible measuring tape (or a piece of string and a ruler, in a pinch) to determine your key measurements and keep these numbers on hand, so you can easily refer to them when shopping online.

We all know not all ‘mediums’ are created equally (thanks vanity sizing!), which is why many clothing retailers offer online size charts for when you can’t shop in store. Usually found on product pages, these useful guides can help you figure out what numerical dress sizes (4, 6, 8, and 10) or descriptive sizes (small, medium, large) translate to in actual inches – this is where knowing your measurements comes in handy!

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If you wonder how to buy jeans online – or any other pants for that matter – proper inseam measurements are key. In addition to your waist and hip circumference, measure the length of your inseam along the inside of your leg to determine if your body is considered short, regular, or tall based on a brand’s in-house size guide.

Customer reviews can provide you with helpful insights and feedback on how a product actually fits before you buy. Scan the comments on the product page or search for online reviews to see what people who’ve purchased garments from the brand in the past have to say in terms of the quality and fit, and whether items tend to run large, small, or fit true-to-size.

Look through your wardrobe to find the pieces that fit you just right – the figure-flattering skinny jeans, the collared shirt that never puckers, the billowy blouse that hangs perfectly – and take note of the sizes, styles, and brands. Sticking to labels you know and love means you’re more likely to find a great fit when shopping online.

Thanks in part to the body positivity movement, many retailers are starting to offer inclusive sizing on their e-commerce platforms. Select big-name brands show their products on models whose body types range from petite to plus-size to give online shoppers a sense of what a specific t-shirt or pair of jeans might look like on them, while savvy smaller retailers without a budget for professional models often use staff members to showcase clothing in different sizes.

If you’re shopping at a local small business, consider reaching out to them directly for help. Contact the retailer via email or social media to inquire about the fit of a specific product you’re interested in. Chances are they’ll be more than willing to answer your questions.

If you’re nervous about finding the right size online, it’s safer to invest in forgiving items in unstructured silhouettes and stretchable fabric – think baby-doll dresses, A-line skirts, athletic leggings, and oversized knit sweaters. When shopping for form-fitting garments such as tailored pencil skirts, tight body-con dresses, and swimwear, you might prefer to wait until you can visit a brick-and-mortar store for an in-person fitting room experience.

Before you start adding items to your virtual shopping cart, be sure to check out the retailer’s return policy. If you’re able to send back unwanted items without much hassle or added cost, consider ordering clothes in a variety of different sizes and keep the pieces that fit best.

Yellow Pages helps you shop local online

Yellow Pages has been connecting Canadians with local stores, restaurants, and service providers across the country for more than 100 years. YP.ca makes it easy to shop local online and support independent businesses in your neighbourhood; simply look for the shopping cart icon to find merchants that offer an e-commerce platform.