Online clothes shopping - questions from a novice

[MandarinOrange]

With 2 children and ever smaller amounts of time available for me to get to the shops, I would like to try online clothes shopping. I'm happy with buying presents, household goods and the weekly supermarket shop online, but I've always hesitated about clothes shopping because of not knowing if the style, sizing, cut or colour will be right. When I shop for clothes myself, I may buy only 5-10% of those I try on. I worry that returning 90-95% of clothes would be unfair on the retailer.

How do you ensure that the clothes you order online are the right size and shape?

And what proportion of clothes do you consider it reasonable to return?

If I did click and collect from, for example, John Lewis, would that be better for them than receiving a clothes package by post?

Thanks for your help!

I certainly wouldn't worry about what's best for the retailer
If you are going to be trying lots and returning lots (which is perfectly acceptable online buying behaviour) then mainly I would make sure I'm buying from retailers with a free returns policy otherwise it could be very costly for you. You must already have favourite brands where you know what suits, how sizing is, so stick to them and reading online reviews can help with sizing etc.

If the retailer offers online shopping, then they are happy to accept returns! Many even offer free returns. Don't worry, it's all built in to their pricing policy. There is no ethical issue with online returns.

I do virtually all my clothes shopping online. I often orderore than 1 size or colour. I return about 50% of what I order, not including where I have ordered several for size etc.

Thank you, that is very reassuring and I am feeling emboldened to take my first steps into this exciting new world.

Do it! The only problem is having shops 'open' essentially 24/7 - very costly!!

If you're close to JL or Waitrose I would do click and collect because 1) you don't have to wait in all day, you collect at your convenience and 2) you can return the item back to the store, they won't refund you there and there but you get a receipt and confirmation. Ps leave the bag unopened if returning via the store.

Dressippi website allows you to input your vital statistics, it works out your body shape and recommends clothes that may suit you.

You aren't limited to buying from those shops, but you will see a pattern as to the styles of clothes that suit you eg high wasted trousers and can look elsewhere if you want to.

I think knowing what suits you is half the battle when shopping online - I find I'm more disappointed when I order something online that I don't like as opposed to online shopping. Probably because you have to wait a few days for it to arrive and the anticipation builds it up to something exciting.

I shop online quite a lot and return at least as much as I keep. I do this particularly with Boden and make sure I always have one of their 'postage paid' return labels to hand. I find I have to try quite a lot of stuff on to find 'the' dress or top I've been looking for for any particular season.

Neither they nor any other retailers I know have a limit on how many things you can return.

Getting the right size can be a lottery but I do find reviews by other customers very useful for that - sometimes the comments are a bit strange and tell you more about the reviewer than the item, but usually you can get a pretty good idea on whether something comes up big, small, short, etc.

Agree click and collect a very handy option when offered -eg, by John Lewis, M and S.

I return at least half to two thirds of what I order - someone on here said to me that the shop will just be glad that I've only tried it on and not tried to wear it out and return it, and that reassured me.

Yes they will have to process returns, but they are not having to shell out on a city centre store with business rates etc, so it's swings and roundabouts.

Thank you very much for the many helpful responses.

I am glad to hear that I am not alone in considering the ethics of returning clothes which have been bought online. Your comments about returns being built into the pricing policy, relative value of unworn vs worn returns, the possibility of minimising postage via click-and-collecting, and the possibility that the shops could make more money from me if I buy a lot online all help to allay my concerns.

Also thanks for the strategies to increase successful strikes. I will start off with shops close by that have consistent sizing and often suit me. Waitrose, Monsoon, and M&S are all close. If that goes well, I will start thinking about shops that deliver by post only - always keeping a look out for the free postal returns and the comments!

bettykt - you recommend leaving the bag unopened if returning via the store, but then how will I will be able to try it on?

Thanks again, your help is much appreciated

Mandarin sorry I meant opened if you are returning items via click & collect at JL/Waitrose they will do the admin at the desk and will seal it for you with the necessary paperwork inside.

Next and ASOS are two that offer free returns. Also La Redoute (they will also give you free postage if you need to order a replacement/different size or style).

Alternatively, if you order from a High Street name then you can nearly always return free in store, even though you purchased online.

Watch out for return postage charges if you order heavy and bulky items (coats/shoes etc); it can be costly.