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How to Shop Online for Clothes: A 2025 Guide to Finding the Perfect Fit

I’ve been hearing from our community about how challenging online shopping for clothes can be. Between inconsistent sizing, overwhelming options, and frustrating return policies, it’s no wonder many people feel like they’re wasting time and money.

So today, I’m sharing my best tips to help you navigate the world of e-commerce with ease—so you keep more of what you buy and avoid unnecessary trips to the post office.

The Current State of Retail

Retail has been shifting for years, and while the pandemic accelerated some changes, the landscape continues to evolve. Many beloved brick-and-mortar stores have closed, and even department stores that survived have significantly reduced their in-store inventory.

Retailers are pushing online shopping more than ever, offering incentives like deep discounts, free shipping, and hassle-free returns. But those conveniences come with their own set of challenges. The in-store experience is increasingly rare, and finding the right fit and style online requires a strategy.

That said, online shopping offers undeniable advantages. The ability to browse an entire collection from the comfort of your home, compare prices instantly, and avoid the stress of crowded stores makes it a game-changer. Plus, you get to try on clothes in your own space—without harsh dressing room lighting or rushed decisions.

Here’s how to make online shopping work for you in 2025.

My Best Tips for Shopping Online

best online shopping tips

1. Know Your Personal Style

Before you start shopping, get clear on your personal style. This will prevent impulse purchases and help you build a wardrobe you love.

  • Create a Style Vision: Use Pinterest or a saved Instagram folder to curate outfits and pieces that match your aesthetic.
  • Stick to Your Palette: Identifying colors and silhouettes that work for you will make online shopping much easier.
  • Ask: Does This Fit My Style? Every time you consider an item, compare it to your inspiration board. If it doesn’t align, skip it.

[Need help finding your style? Check out How to Find Your Personal Style and Build a Wardrobe You Love.]

2. Know Your Measurements

Standard sizing no longer exists. A size 8 in one brand may be a size 12 in another. To shop successfully:

  • Take Your Measurements: Bust, waist, hips, shoulders, and inseam are key.
  • Save Them in Your Phone: Keep them handy for easy reference.
  • Use Size Charts: Compare your measurements to the retailer’s guide—every brand is different.

3. Check the Retailer’s Size Guide

Each store has a unique fit. To illustrate:

  • A 38″ bust may be a large at Old Navy but a medium at J.Crew.
  • A size 10 at Talbots may fit more generously than a size 10 at Theory.
  • UK and European brands use different size scales than US brands.

Always cross-check with the retailer’s guide before ordering.

4. Read Customer Reviews

Reviews offer insight into:

  • Fit and Sizing: Does it run small or large?
  • Fabric Quality: Is it itchy, stiff, or see-through?
  • Real-Life Photos: Customers often share images that give a better sense of the piece.

Ignore complaints about shipping delays or personal preference—focus on fit, fabric, and quality.

5. Check the Return Policy

Retailers continue to adjust their return policies. Many now offer:

  • Longer return windows (some up to 60 days)
  • Free returns with prepaid shipping labels
  • In-store returns for online purchases

But some online brands make returns a hassle. Before you buy:

  • Read the fine print on return timeframes.
  • Check if returns require original packaging or tags.
  • Avoid brands with convoluted return policies—they’re often red flags.

New services have emerged to make returns easier than ever. Many retailers now partner with companies like Happy Returns or Return Bar, allowing you to drop off unwanted items at designated locations without needing a box or label. Additionally, some major stores offer doorstep pickup for returns, where a carrier picks up your items directly from your home, eliminating the need for a trip to the post office.

6. Beware of Social Media Brands

Brands that rely solely on Instagram or Facebook ads often have poor quality, long shipping times, and confusing return policies.

Before buying, do a quick check:

  • Search for independent reviews.
  • Look for an “About” page. If they don’t list a physical address or customer service number, be cautious.
  • Avoid brands with overly vague descriptions or stolen influencer images.

7. Follow the “Wear It Three Ways” Rule

Before checking out, ask yourself:

  • Do I love it? Will I be excited to wear it?
  • Can I style it at least three ways? If not, it’s probably not a great investment.
  • Is it a wardrobe staple? Some basics (like a white button-down or a great pair of jeans) are worth having in multiples.

Online shopping allows you to take your time, compare options, and avoid impulse buys.

8. Enjoy the Benefits of Trying Clothes on at Home

One of the biggest perks of online shopping is the ability to try things on in your own space:

  • Better Lighting: Dressing room lights can be unflattering, but at home, you can see how the clothing looks in natural or soft indoor lighting.
  • Your Own Mirror: Instead of relying on warped mirrors, you can check out the fit in your best full-length mirror.
  • Pair with Your Wardrobe: See how new pieces work with items you already own, ensuring better outfit combinations.
  • No Sales Pressure: You can take your time to assess whether the item works for you without a salesperson hovering.

FAQs: Online Clothes Shopping Tips

1. What is the best way to find your size when shopping online?
Compare your body measurements to the retailer’s size guide and read customer reviews.

2. What are the best stores for online clothes shopping with easy returns?
Retailers like Nordstrom, Madewell, and J.Crew offer hassle-free returns.

3. How can I tell if an online clothing store is legit?
Check for verified reviews, clear return policies, and a customer service contact page.

Final Thoughts

Online shopping doesn’t have to be frustrating. By knowing your style, using size guides, reading reviews, and being mindful of return policies, you can shop smarter and keep more of what you buy.

And remember, shopping should be fun! Take your time, use resources like The Well Dressed Life, and build a wardrobe that makes you feel confident and stylish. 

How to Shop Online for Clothes: A 2025 Guide to Finding the Perfect Fit
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MEET THE AUTHOR

Megan Kristel

Megan Kristel is an entrepreneur, working mom, and former personal stylist. Tired of the one-dimensional portrayal of women online, she founded The Well Dressed Life as a resource for other professional women.

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NATALIE K

Thursday 26th of January 2023

It's so true that on-line shopping is the best!!! I just about only shop on-line except for purses, shoes, accessories and fine jewelry!!!! Being disabled has affected my decision to shop almost exclusively on-line!!! I'm simply unable physically to shop the stores as I once did!!! I do really enjoy shopping for fine accessories!!!

Vicki Friedland Coss

Wednesday 26th of January 2022

Thanks for this good information. I wear petite sizes and since 2020 they are nowhere to be found in stores. Initially I was upset about it, but now I can really say that I prefer shopping online. There are 2 sites, Old Navy and the Loft where I know I can find great sales and reasonably priced on trend petite clothing. They have easy return policies too. I have also explored Short Story, a shopping service for petites. I have had reasonable results. Sometimes you just have to let go of the old ways of doing things and explore the new!

Megan Kristel

Thursday 27th of January 2022

Other good petite options are at Nordstrom, Banana Republic has a LOVELY selection and Talbots for basics.

Jenka

Friday 21st of January 2022

I just can’t get through your posts anymore because of SO. MANY. ADS. Seriously, it’s awful. Please consider mobile readability/usability. Better yet, try it on your mobile device first for a firsthand user experience. It damages your brand.

Megan Kristel

Saturday 22nd of January 2022

This is a free website, running ads is the only way we are able to generate a regular income. There is no site without them.

Valerie

Wednesday 19th of January 2022

My only problem with online shopping, and maybe you have some tips, is quality. How can you tell the quality is good just by looking at something online?

Megan Kristel

Wednesday 19th of January 2022

You can't. You have to read reviews, shop stores and brands you know and already wear, find trusted online resources like our site that vet products for you. It's still a chance you won't like it, but with a little bit of work, those buys will be rare.

Silvia

Tuesday 18th of January 2022

Thanks for the tips! I've been doing a lot of online shopping recently with varying results. Do you have any thoughts on the "True Fit" recommendations? I ordered a jacket from Talbots using their size charts and it was huge on me. When I looked at the True Fit recommendation, I should have ordered 2 sizes down.

Megan Kristel

Wednesday 19th of January 2022

I'm not sure. Talbot's in particular is notorious for running full sizes large so in that case, yes. I like reader reviews so much more, maybe the answer is using a combination of the two?

Cathy Johnson

Tuesday 18th of January 2022

I always look forward to your posts, read them start to finish and find this one to be most helpful. There is always a nugget of information to make life easier. Thank you!! I order on line a lot but only keep about 50%, I will use these tips and hopefully have better success.

Megan Kristel

Wednesday 19th of January 2022

Thanks so much Cathy!!

Rita

Tuesday 18th of January 2022

Thank you for this helpful post. I wish more retailers provided garment measurements. That would make online shopping so much easier.

Kathy

Tuesday 18th of January 2022

I have a question. I’m a large busted woman of 71. Do I measure my bust size without a bra for support or with one. Thank you.

Megan Kristel

Tuesday 18th of January 2022

I would measure wearing the bra you typically wear. :)

Tracy

Wednesday 10th of March 2021

I did purchase several items from stores that I have always found what I liked and the fit was perfect However my online purchases were not as successful. I don’t know why but sizes I usually fit in and arrived and were either toot small or too big. It was frustrating. I should have read the comments from others and figured out what size I should be purchasing g. Thank you for this guideline.

NATALIE

Tuesday 9th of March 2021

I order on-line and prefer it this way. I am disabled and find walking around a mall very difficult and a frustrating event. I wear women's clothing and in-store options are few. I order from a few catalogs. I know their fabrics and fit plus I find soooo many more clothing options. I've made it a point to do business with businesses that meet my need and want my business!

Peggy

Tuesday 9th of March 2021

I would add to all the above, to check for how to care for the clothing item. I've run into the occasional label which provides no care information online. Dry cleaning is a deal breaker for me for most things, and I won't order items that don't provide this information.

Linda M

Tuesday 9th of March 2021

I do most of my shopping on line, and did so before the pandemic, because plus size options are better in cyberspace. I’ve found I buy most of my clothing from 3-4 retailers, and because I do this, I have a good idea of how the items will fit based on the pictures and reviews. I avoid retailers who charge for shipping on a return. With the original charges, that can amount to a $20 try on. Also, if you find you like a retailer, you are likely to buy enough to get free shipping, as, for example, I do on any purchase made at Macy’s. Another good tip is to sign up to be whatever the brand calls its “insider” group. That usually is free to do and can result in free shipping. Finally, if you call the bricks and mortar store, they can place your order and the shipping is free to your home. I do this often through my local Talbots.

Julie

Tuesday 9th of March 2021

Thanks for such an informative post! I miss regular in store shopping- it’s been such a big part of my life that doing it all online is just not as fun! BUT- I can adapt and your guidelines are so helpful. I did see Kohl’s now carries LandsEnd not sure if you can return online LandsEnd orders to Kohl’s or not.

Jocelyn Reid

Tuesday 9th of March 2021

Unfortunately, you can only return Lands End items to Kohl's if you purchased them through the Kohl's website. Otherwise, they either have to be mailed back or returned to a Land's End store

Luann

Tuesday 9th of March 2021

Unfortunately the fabrics never look as good in person as they do on the websites. I'm usually disappointed with online purchases.

Terri

Tuesday 9th of March 2021

Thank you Megan...very helpful! I especially like your tip to keep personal measurements in “notes” on your device. I miss the old days of social shopping but I am adjusting.

Eileen

Tuesday 28th of April 2020

Great article! I must add, the measurements aren’t correct on the charts, my waist measurements say i should wear a 6-8 in the waist of a fit and flare dress style, but 4 actually fit, in Talbots, Tommy Hilfiger, Anne Klein, Gal Meets Glam, and Boden. I also have from Target their plain white cotton shirt in both small AND medium, the measurements are exactly the same. If stores really want our business they need to actually measure the finished garments, instead of a size chart, it also addresses how tight or loose each person wants their fit to be on them. I noticed Uniglo gives garment measurements, and jeans on Nordstrom, but the “ size charts” seem outdated to me, in the world of online shopping.

Kendra McGuire

Monday 27th of April 2020

Megan - this is so thoughtful and helpful! I think you have captured our current approach to shopping and what possibly lies ahead. Love your blog! Thank you!!

Sandy

Monday 27th of April 2020

Great article. I agree with Rita on the scam companies out of China. I try to google the company name and find out where the item is coming from. I have had the same problem when ordering on Amazon. Try and find out where the company is located that you are buying from. Megan thank you for the great information that you are providing.

Rita

Monday 27th of April 2020

Thank you for this very helpful information especially the “Who and What to Avoid” section. There is a scam company out of China with popup ads of beautiful unique clothes. Most of their ads are stolen photos of clothing sold by reputable companies like Sundance Catalog and other specialty sites. The scam company changes its name frequently to mislead people. Beware of the popup ads of clothes with prices that look too good to be true!!!! Thank you for your many well thought out and informative posts. Your blog is the BEST!!!!

Heidi

Monday 27th of April 2020

Thanks Megan for the helpful hints for online shopping. Your post is very timely given that yesterday I was totally frustrated with Kohl's and how they handle returns. I'm generally not a Kohl's shopper for women's clothes, but due to being home and numerous ads inundating my email, I decided to order some items from Kohl's. They didn't work out and need to send them back. Well, Kohl's return policy is return to the store or your on your own for shipping. They don't even give you one of those pre paid labels that they would charge a fee for like some other stores do. So, given I am not going to the post office or UPS or waiting until the store opens in a few months, I had to get a box, weigh the box, measure the box and figure out how much it would be through UPS. Then pay and print the label and finally put it out for the UPS guy to take. All that said, beware of the Kohl's returns.

Kris

Monday 27th of April 2020

Wonderful insight! I'll have to make a checklist and keep it next tu o my computer. For those items with the extended return dates, I add a reminder/appointment in my calendar. It is especially handy for the cosmetic items that give you 60 days satisfaction guarantee. It also reminds that I can throw away the box the item came in if I'm not going to return it.