I am wondering how on-line shopping works & what is recommended. I need to try on lots of pants & shirts even though stated measurements should fit me- many are just too tight or too loose, the seat is too small or too baggy, etc. If I ordered something and it doesn't fit right, who pays to ship back & try again? Are any sites better than others? Or, should I just look at what I currently own that seems to fit and try there first for replacements.
OT: On-line clothes shopping
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Bigboote
That's big-boo-TAY
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On Amazon look for things that specifically free return shipping.
Some chains allow returns to physical stores. You can look for which allow this, order from one that has a store near you, and return after the social distancing is relaxed.
Some chains allow returns to physical stores. You can look for which allow this, order from one that has a store near you, and return after the social distancing is relaxed.
Bama fan
" As long as you lend a hand"
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My wife buys nearly everything online. Most places allow for no cost returns. And many shoppers review sizing and you can get a feel for the experience of others. I honestly cannot remember the last time I actually went to a store and tried an article of clothing on for size/fit. Just one warning though. Clothes do not fit the same since we have been distanced from everything but our fridge!
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I have some non-zero level of expertise in on-line shopping, although it is close to zero. Nonetheless...
Based on people I know who do LOTS of on-line clothing shopping, it works if you accept the trade-offs. Many, for instance will order 10 items knowing that 7 will be boxed up and returned. Once you get used to the routine, in the end it is less of a hassle than say going to the mall. You learn how various brands are sized and end up returning less as the learning curve grows. Free returns are common, often from your front steps.
I bought my last pair of tennis shoes on-line as brick and mortar stores don't carry them. They fit! I tried on and bought a pair of running shoes, liked them and got more of the identical shoe on line. This is my non-zero experience. So far so good.
Take the plunge, order a bunch of stuff, return some or all and repeat. If you hate it after that, well, the shirts and pants you have are probably just fine for another year. It's not like we can go anywhere anyway.
Based on people I know who do LOTS of on-line clothing shopping, it works if you accept the trade-offs. Many, for instance will order 10 items knowing that 7 will be boxed up and returned. Once you get used to the routine, in the end it is less of a hassle than say going to the mall. You learn how various brands are sized and end up returning less as the learning curve grows. Free returns are common, often from your front steps.
I bought my last pair of tennis shoes on-line as brick and mortar stores don't carry them. They fit! I tried on and bought a pair of running shoes, liked them and got more of the identical shoe on line. This is my non-zero experience. So far so good.
Take the plunge, order a bunch of stuff, return some or all and repeat. If you hate it after that, well, the shirts and pants you have are probably just fine for another year. It's not like we can go anywhere anyway.
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EBAY is an "interesting" site for buying clothes. You can find unbelievable deals and outright fakes. I've purchased a fair amount of top quality clothes at a small fraction of their retail price
(I would estimate about 1/10 the original price).
I'm fortunate in that I wear a standard size and have little trouble in finding clothes that fit well.
What I look for on EBAY is the following:
1) Seller's history
2) Return policy
3) Must have a detailed description of item for sale. Don't assume anything).
The most incredible deals can be had on used clothing. Other things to look for are:
1) Condition (If a specific description of it's condition isn't made, pass it by. If the description just says "used", pass it by)
2) "Make an offer" items usually means the seller is pretty flexible on price.
3) Detailed measurements.
I have purchased like new cashmere sport coats and 120 wool suits from top designers (Zegna, Kiton, Loro Piana) that I would otherwise never think about buying because of the price.
Incredible quality for the price
of an entry level suit from Macy's.
(I would estimate about 1/10 the original price).
I'm fortunate in that I wear a standard size and have little trouble in finding clothes that fit well.
What I look for on EBAY is the following:
1) Seller's history
2) Return policy
3) Must have a detailed description of item for sale. Don't assume anything).
The most incredible deals can be had on used clothing. Other things to look for are:
1) Condition (If a specific description of it's condition isn't made, pass it by. If the description just says "used", pass it by)
2) "Make an offer" items usually means the seller is pretty flexible on price.
3) Detailed measurements.
I have purchased like new cashmere sport coats and 120 wool suits from top designers (Zegna, Kiton, Loro Piana) that I would otherwise never think about buying because of the price.
Incredible quality for the price
of an entry level suit from Macy's.
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I am pretty sure that Amazon has a "trial period" for most clothing purchases and free return shipping if you decide to return any items. You probably have to make sure to save the original packaging.
triaddukefan
Tobacco Road Gastronomer
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I've been purchasing clothes and shoes online for years... only have run into one problem. Several years ago... I decided to spurge and buy an nice lacoste button down shirt. Well instead of letter sizes... the shirt uses a numerical system for its sizes... so i thought i was buying a size that fit me. I tried it on..... and it was a bit snug in the middle. Instead of trying to get a refund..... i figured... if i just lay off the burgers and pastries.... it would fit right and all would be well. Welp....five years later... the shirt is still hanging in my closet.... and I haven't worn it yet 
Darn shame.... cause its a GREAT looking shirt
Darn shame.... cause its a GREAT looking shirt 
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Evolution. If we stop wearing clothes for a couple hundred generations, we should develop enough body hair, or fur, that we won't need clothes anymore. How fun would that be.
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I always look for bellbottom shirts.I've been purchasing clothes and shoes online for years... only have run into one problem. Several years ago... I decided to spurge and buy an nice lacoste button down shirt. Well instead of letter sizes... the shirt uses a numerical system for its sizes... so i thought i was buying a size that fit me. I tried it on..... and it was a bit snug in the middle. Instead of trying to get a refund..... i figured... if i just lay off the burgers and pastries.... it would fit right and all would be well. Welp....five years later... the shirt is still hanging in my closet.... and I haven't worn it yet
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Shizzle would break.
Argonaut
No, not that Providence.
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I like to buy from stores where I know I can return in store. I’m terrible about returning things in the mail.
Gap, Old Navy, Kohl’s...
Sometimes I will order two of an item knowing I’ll return the other based on fit.
When things are less Corona-crazy, I have orders shipped right to the store and then I’m already there to do my necessary returns.
Stay away from eBay unless you know very specifically what you want and can’t find it elsewhere.
Gap, Old Navy, Kohl’s...
Sometimes I will order two of an item knowing I’ll return the other based on fit.
When things are less Corona-crazy, I have orders shipped right to the store and then I’m already there to do my necessary returns.
Stay away from eBay unless you know very specifically what you want and can’t find it elsewhere.
triaddukefan
Tobacco Road Gastronomer
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I've never had a bad experience with ebay... and Ive shopped there for many years, and bought plenty of items... from clothes, electronics, shoes, jewelry.