Style Stop
By Linda Peavy
Online shopping has become a way of life. Not only is it convenient, but you have thousands of clothing options at your fingertips from stores worldwide. Wait about a week, and your prized garment arrives. Those are the pros. The cons? Potentially, a bad fit and poor quality can lead to exasperation! That darling garment that looked great online may not meet the smell, look or stretch test.
This scene is all too common for plus-size, petite or tall women. Plus-size women must return online orders due to an improper fit three times more frequently than straight-size women. Many brick-and-mortar retailers now limit the overall sizing carried in their stores, so even petite or tall sizes are often only available online.
But help has arrived! With these six painless steps, you can stop the merry-go-round of buying and returning.
1. The Size Guide is Your Best Friend
The question, “What size are you?” is deceptively simple. I have clothes in my closet ranging from a size 18 to a size 24, and everything fits. In women’s fashion, though, a size Large in one brand may be three times bigger or smaller than in another, so knowing your exact measurements is crucial.
If it’s still not 100% clear, order a size larger than you think you’ll need because you can always have it altered by a seamstress.
NOTE: Consider which country you’re ordering from. US sizes vary significantly from the UK, Australia and Asian countries.
2. Know Your Measurements
While each brand’s size chart will vary, they will all require measurements for at least the bust, waist and hips. When possible, enlist the help of a friend or tailor, as it is easier than taking your own measurements. Use a fabric tape measure, and don’t forget to wear the bra and shapewear (no clothes on top) you will wear with the outfit!
Bust: This measurement is different from your bra size! Position the measuring tape around the fullest part of your chest to avoid gaping and pulling.
Waist: Hold the tape measure at the fullest part of your midsection for the most accurate measurement, and don’t forget to breathe normally.
Hips: As with your bust and waist, wrap the tape measure around the fullest part of your butt. It should be approximately 8” to 9” lower than your waist.
3. Use the Model as a Point of Reference
Most online retailers state the size the model in the photo is wearing; some even give her exact measurements. This information is a huge help when choosing your size.
4. Don’t Forget Fabric
Different materials will have more stretch and movement than others. You have a little wiggle room if the item you’re ordering is made of spandex, elastane or lycra. You must fit the exact measurements if it’s made of unyielding denim, nylon or lace. And remember that lecture from your youth that cotton will shrink in the wash!
5. Read Those Reviews
Reviews are an excellent gauge for fit, quality and customer satisfaction. Many people will comment, “Love it, but it runs small,” which should tell you that it would be a good idea to order a larger size than you originally planned.
6. Accept the Reality of Returns
Study the store’s return policy carefully before buying, especially if you have never ordered from this retailer. If that dress doesn’t fit, how long do you have before it must be returned? Do you have to pay for the return shipping yourself? Do the tags still need to be attached? How long will it take to receive your refund? Will the refund be for your total price, or is there a percentage taken off? Will the refund come as a store credit, or will you return it to your original payment method?
Happy shopping.
