How are we supposed to buy trousers with all fitting rooms closed?

[babyguffingtonstrikesagain]

I went shopping the other day and it hadn't occurred to me that none of the fitting rooms would be open for use. I picked up a couple of tops as I'm pretty good at knowing by eye whether they will be a good fit but trousers I have no idea about. I've put on weight in lockdown which doesn't help but even usually I am terrible at knowing if trousers will fit until I try them on.

I was really looking forward to shopping,went to Debenhams, nearly everything on sale. Got 3 pairs of trousers, only one fitted, took 2 back and swapped sizes, both still didn't fit and took both back. Total of 3 trips of fuel and parking when i could have decided in 5 mins if i could have tried them on. Now i realise why people are ordering online, i won't be bothering again,!

It isn't perfect but it helps if you know your body measurements and bring a tape measure with you to the shops.

I am the same! I bought some jeans online though, just recently and miraculously, both fit really nicely. I don't know though, if I had been in the shop and comparing, if I'd have found a better fit... but I don't think so.

I think you have to buy styles and fabrics you are familiar with and take a punt unfortunately.

I measure beforehand. Use half the waist measurement and measure the waistband and half the hip measurement for the hips of the bottoms. It isn't an exact science but gives a good idea.

Or hold trousers up and see if the edges of the waistband fit in the middle of my waist comfortably.

But I've never tried on clothes in shops, it gives me the Heebies so I'm probably used to it, that and I tend to buy the same style and material so it's easier.

Buy and return if unsuitable

Probably easier to order online as most retailers have collect from home options, if it’s difficult for you to return store purchases to the store that is

It’s a total pain in the bum. I’ve been in shops where they won’t even let you try on shoes.

It’s also extra difficult for anyone who can’t afford to buy multiple sizes or who needs to wait for the money to go back into their account before buying a replacement.

Option:

• Buy and return as needed
• Stick to brands and/or styles you know work for your shape
• Go for elasticated waist/baggy/stretch options

It's a bloody nuisance

No wonder all the shops are going out of business

I simply do not have the time to keep returning stuff (am hard to fit) so I just don't bother

Normally I buy new stuff regularly

It's bloody stupid. I went to buy some clothes the day before going on holiday and I've lost some weight recently so don't know what size I am exactly. I just had to guess and hope for the best

I don't think there's any logic behind closing fitting rooms

I hear ya sister! I have purchased things and returned them a few times but I just can’t be bothered and it makes it way more hassle than shopping online.

Do what DH did with a top the other day. Buy it, walk out of the shop, try it on in the street outside the shop, when it doesn't fit walk back into the shop and exchange it.

Or just do what everyone else has been doing for the last decade and buy online.

I know some people who, once the public toilets opened, went in there and returned items that didn't fit. The shops didn't care

It's just silly. I won't get Covid from trying on clothes.

@Fatted

Do what DH did with a top the other day. Buy it, walk out of the shop, try it on in the street outside the shop, when it doesn't fit walk back into the shop and exchange it.

Or just do what everyone else has been doing for the last decade and buy online.

I have done that with a top (it did fit), however I am not trying on jeans in the street.

The returns palaver in some shops also annoys me. The clothes you’ve just picked off the rails (and been touching) they’ll happily handle at the till, but the clothes that have been quarantined in a bag for a week waiting to be returned are treated as if they'll cause them to instantly collapse from Covid and you have to hold out each label in turn for them to scan.

I've lost nearly four stone and I NEED to try stuff on. I've ordered and sent back so much in recent weeks as either it's too big, too small, not long enough (I'm tall) or it doesn't suit my new shape. I would kill for a day at the shops trying stuff on. Refunds take forever when returning stuff from online due to postal times etc.

I've decided I'm going to do what a PP said - head into nearest city, buy, try on in shopping centre bathrooms then return immediately if needed. Absolutely ridiculous.

Clothes shopping online is such a pain though, nothing ever looks or fits right, you wait for it, then you have to pack it all up again, send it back, wait for the money to refund. Instore is so much easier but not now.

I’m only shopping at places that have free or cheap and convenient delivery, or changing rooms open.

Eg just bought much needed bras at Bravissimo, rooms open.

I saw today that Bravissimo have their changing rooms open... Has anyone heard of anywhere else?

Lots of places had open changing rooms at the retail outlet we visited.

The annoying thing is some people don’t have the money to buy a load of different items or sizes. That’s why changing rooms are needed!

@WeKnowFrogsGoShaLaLaLaLa well done !

You deserve a proper shopping spree

I know, it drives me mad too OP. I’m
Going to need a new coat but can see that being a nightmare

I’m 30-40mins drive from decent shopping, there is no point going if I can’t try on. I reckon I have a 1 in 10 success rate from trying on clothes, I am awkward shaped.

I’m currently shopping only from John Lewis, click & collect to my nearby waitrose & I do return most of it. It’s a right pain.

I took my dds into town last week to buy stuff for school. There were a good few people trying on clothes in the shopping centre toilets. I guess they return what doesn't fit.

Thank you @AnyFucker, I bloody do don't I! 😂