As much as we love the holidays, we can’t deny how crazy it gets around this season. They don’t call it holiday madness for nothing! Crowded malls, traffic jams, and spending at least 20 minutes to find parking space–yep, it’s enough to make us think twice about stepping out of the house. Luckily, we don’t have to contend with all that when we shop online. But if you’re still skeptical about buying clothes you can’t immediately try on, here are some useful tips to put those fears to rest.
1. ALWAYS check the return and exchange policy of the online store.
This is the most important rule. Before buying anything, make sure you can have items returned or exchanged. Most online stores have a very reasonable return and exchange policy with no extra cost. You can almost always exchange an item for a new size if you discover that it doesn’t fit you. Some stores offer a chargeback if you are not satisfied with the product, while others will accept returns in exchange for store credit.
2. Refer to the size charts.
The US size chart is the most commonly used size reference in the Philippines. However, some merchants have their own sizing so you need to check their guide. In some cases, you can be XS (extra small) in one brand and S (small) or M (medium) in another.
3. When shopping for shoes, take note of the style.
Sandals and other open-toe styles are usually safe buys. Pointed-toe and closed shoes are sometimes smaller than your regular size (though some brands adjust accordingly)–in which case, you may need to buy a half size or one full size up. Again, always check if you can return or exchange the shoes in case they don’t fit you.
4. Know the material and fabric used.
Some fabrics like cotton, denim, vinyl, neoprene and jersey are materials that can be stretched unlike chiffon, silk, tulle and organza. Remember this when considering the cut of the clothes you buy online.
5. If a model is wearing the garment, check for her size.
Some online stores include information of the model wearing the clothes, such as her height, how tall her heels are, and the size of the garment she’s wearing. So if she’s wearing a dress that falls mid-thigh and her model info says she’s 5’9", there’s a probability that the dress will fall to your knees if you’re about 5’2". Don’t make that mistake.
PHOTO: Pixabay
