Fed up

[Gettingbysomehow]

The last two weeks I ordered 6 items for my 2 week holiday and have had to return ALL of them for a refund.
They have all been quite expensive items and have either been very poor quality, either two sizes two big (I always order a 14) or so small I can't get one leg in them. One cardigan was noticeably shorter at the back than the front panels so it looked ridiculous on. What's going on?
Has anyone had a similar problem recently, I've only had to return one thing before.
Cotton Traders is the biggest culprit, I always used to buy basics from them such as jeggings and teashirts but their quality has taken a huge dive.
I bought some shoes from them size 6 and they would have fitted a size 7 at least, the leather was not shoe leather it was more like jacket leather - all floppy, and they were described as white but were sprayed randomly with silver paint. Awful.
I bought the exact same shoes three years ago, they fit perfectly, the leather was great and they were plain white.
Needless to say I now have no holiday clothes so will have to make do. There is no time to reorder anything.
Mrs Cross of Somerset 💩

I've just bagged up a return to ASOS. Everything was miles too long and too big. I'm a 10ish but 12 is comfortable in trousers based on my m&s wear from 4 years ago. I ordered 12s and I think they are closer to 16s. I'd love to think I'm oh so svelt but they are nothing like the trousers I have in the cupboard!

I also wanted slightly wide legged but every single pair were 6 inches too long. I'm 5ft5 so not petite and had ordered regular length.

So now I have to, in a rush, find some clothes and every single shop near me (in a city) never has any 10s or 12s in stock.

I hate post COVID clothes shopping!!

I feel your pain.

I'm a similar height to a pp and trousers are crazy long - I have to get petite in M&S these days. I have quite long legs too, for my height.

I have recently bought a nice dress from ASOS though.

I've had similar issues with clothes and shoes recently, I can't seem to get my size right and it varies between about 4 sizes. I'm biting the bullet and taking myself on a shopping trip so that I can actually try things on and see what they're like in real life.

Have you got time for a quick trip to the shops before you go? Supermarkets have some nice bits at the moment but they never have changing rooms available which feels pointless.

I'm always sending stuff back. It's so hard to judge online (most sites, not all) fabric quality, fit, length, rise, colour. Clues in reviews are useful, if available. Shopping IRL is much more satisfying but then you run into size/availability issues. I often either order things to collect (try) in store before going to the shops or go to the shops and come home and order things in my size.

It isn't as simple as just going on a shopping trip though. I am size 6 and can't find a thing in my size anywhere locally. I thought I would have more success in London but went the the massive M&S off Oxford Street and it was as bad. It is really frustrating when I need something, have money to spend and can't find anywhere to try things on.

I've just returned some Skechers pumps, ordered a UK size 4, they arrived and were massive...i actually measured them and they were an inch and a half longer than all my other size 4 footwear.

Returned them and Skechers replied to my message saying they are made for the American market and to order a size smaller...I argued back that I'd ordered a UK size 4 but they were loads bigger than all my other shoes, and was told I should have ordered a 3

Skechers are always big. I always size down.

Hi - can anyone find me something similar to this dress please? Summer night/boho style, short sleeve, midi length. TIA

I only stick to retailers that either provide flat measurements of their items or have very consistent, true to size sizing. This means that 99% of my wardrobe comes from 3-4 brands, most of them small independent ones which also means that the quality is excellent. I have no time for buying clothes that fall apart after one wear and I’d rather buy one, well-made and well-fitting dress than 5-6 made of polyester that shines like my grandmother’s apron in 1980s.

Are they online? Can you share? My issue is I can't get to the shops. I work 40-50 hours a week and anytime I'm not working I have DC with me who just won't tolerate me trying on more than one pair of trousers before whining to leave.

I can’t believe there was a time in my life when you could just go into your local town centre which would minimum have at least 5 or so big clothing brands and you could just try them on immediately and usually your size was available or if not you’d likely find something similar at one of the other stores.

And you’d get your steps in! 😅

Yes, online.
I like Uniqlo for basics - every item has flat measurements provided, the quality is fab for the price. I have shirts that I bought in 2016 that I wear regularly and they still looks new.

Brora because it’s very much my style, the quality is excellent, and the sizing is very consistent, I have been buying things same size for years and I have only made one return in 5 years.

Offon clothing is a small Lithuanian brand, the things are made to order but the quality is great and they also provide flat measurements in the description of every garment.

Justine Tabak is my favourite for dresses, really great quality, and I write to them and ask for flat measurements, the sizing is consistent and I return to the same style (Saltaire dress is my favourite)

This is Somerset. I'd have to drive for an hour to Taunton to find any big shops.