A run of bad luck?

[Tsukiko]

I am feeling a little bit put off lately after one too many unsatisfying purchases, but I need to replaces a few things for the winter season, maybe a couple of new pairs of bottoms and tops.
My most recent purchases have been dreadful - bad fit, extreme sizing deviation from how it was represented online, longer or shorter than online, or else a completely different fit altogether than shown online! It is really off putting.

I don't like endless returns, nor do I wish to spend a large sum up front just to try on jeans. Here are a few examples:

I purchased a lovely coat that made me look like the honey monster (the arms and shoulders were unnecessarily padded out and broad.

A pair of cords from White Stuff a size larger than my usual fit. Couldn't get them on!

2 organic cotton tees (for £30 each!) that had badly sewn seams at the shoulders.

High quality cords that has so much fabric at the crotch they made a large tent shape there when I sat down. The cords looked completely different online.

I am now somewhat paralysed by these (and more) disappointments, which seem far more repetitive than in the past. My body hasn't changed, and neither has my choice in style/shops. I have a fairly standard 'fashion' body shape so god knows what people who don't have are experiencing. Brands that I once trusted are all over the place with sizing.
I would be happy to travel to a city, but I don't like much high street stuff and would only likely visit a John Lewis.
Is it just me or should there be much better guides online regarding measurements and fit? This is an incredible waste of time and money, not to mention the impact of back and forth deliveries/fuel.
I feel like there is so, so much choice but soooo little that really works. I love clothes yet am feeling jaded. At this point I just think 'No, prob won't work' and so leave it.

I check the size guide for each item against my fabric tape measure and pay attention to reviews. I got better at deciphering the cut of an item from the website photo which can be tricky when they pin it back on models or have them posing so randomly and unnaturally.
I think it's knowing your body, your measurements and the brand. It's also helpful to go looking for a specific item than browsing open-mindedly because that's when I end up buying new random things just to try a new look. I know the fabrics, cuts and colours that suit me and I resist deviating from those.

I do check the return process before I order as sometimes the return courier isn't convenient for me to use or access.

I'm usually quite on the ball with this stuff, but since shapes and manufacturers keep changing it is difficult to really know your 'brand' anymore.

The White Stuff cords had amazing reviews, and most online stores do not give item measurements. I know that Poetry do, and yet the reviews still say they are way off. I think my issues is I have become wary of everything, and won't hit 'buy' anymore.

I like the look of slim straight jeans at Crew Clothing. They do different lengths and the style is great for me.
Some of the reviews suggest a recent (cheaper) change in manufacture and the fit is appalling, some say it's fantastic. I would pop along to JL but god knows if they'd even have much in store.