5 Tips For Online Shopping When All Brands' Sizes Are Different

Online shopping is amazing, but it's filled with traps. From the notorious case of the blue and black dress to the recent cases of flagrant fraud, online shopping is a bumpy road.

Just think of all the cases when you ordered clothing online, and then when it arrived, it didn't fit you. So, you returned it and ordered another size, but found the other sizes were already sold out.

Every brand of clothing has (not so) slightly different fits in the same size, which is a fact that has been proven again and again. This can definitely be confusing for someone who is shopping online. On top of this, brands tweak their promotional photographs so they fit the model better in the photos.

Now, if you are a plus-size woman shopping online, it's 100 times harder. How could they even think there are only size 8 women out there?

Anyway, this article is about helping you navigate the world of online shopping.

So, here are some tips to reduce the troubles and misfitting:

1. Take advantage of the free shipping and returns policy.

This one is a smart trick few women use. When the site offers free shipping and returns, you should take advantage of this policy by ordering multiple sizes of the same item of clothing. This will give you the freedom to choose from different sizes, just like you would do in a shop. The only thing you need to be aware of is, refunding might take a long time.

2. Take a close look at the fit notes.

Reputable online shopping platforms have fitting notes, where they say the size of the model and the size of the clothes she is wearing. Read them closely and analyze the image. If the model is taller than you, the clothes will look longer. If she is shorter than you, the clothes will look shorter on you.

Make sure you analyze the body type of the model, as this is very important. Regardless of whether the model is plus-size, if she is pear-shaped and you have narrow hips, the clothes won't fit you like they fit her. So, make sure you look at the model's body type.

3. Mind those seams.

Being plus-size often comes with big boobs, so you have to take the “girls” into consideration when you are online shopping. Never pick something with seams under the boobs because the seam will almost always fall in the wrong place. You'll end up with a seam across your boobs, or in the worst-case scenario, the item may not zip or button.

4. Look for versatile pieces.

Online shopping is great because it offers more options than traditional shopping. So, invest more time, and look for versatile pieces. In this case, this means clothes with adjustable straps, a stretchy fabric and an outline similar to your body shape.

I don't have to explain the benefits of adjustable straps. They simply work on most body types and allow you to tweak the item of clothing until it fits perfectly.

Clothes that seem to be something else are also great. Who doesn't love a pair of pants that can also look like a mid-length skirt?

Dresses that mimic your body shape are going to be a lot easier to fit and alter. For example, if you're curvy, but you have a waistline and beautiful legs, look for the classic hourglass-shaped dress. If you have wide hips and narrow shoulders, look for an A-line dress.

5. Tailor.

Online shopping might give you the opportunity to find amazing clothes, but there is no doubt you have to rely on a skilled tailor to make them really fitted to your body. After you buy the clothes, head to the dry cleaners where you can find good tailors to adjust your clothes for a reasonable fee.

The more similar the clothes are to your body, the easier the job of the tailor will be. So, all the previous tips can save you a lot of money and time.

Now that you know how to deal with online shopping, start shopping!