HOW TO: ONLINE SHOP LIKE A PRO
We’ve all been there.
You order something online, you wait days, weeks, even, and when you finally tear open that package, it doesn’t fit. You’re in an utter state of confusion. Disbelief. Your roommate is wondering what that banging sound was. (It was your body hitting the floor — you passed out from sheer shock because that mini skirt doesn’t fit you anywhere near the way it fit the 5’11”, 130lb model on the website.)
It’s got little to do with you, believe it or not.
Shopping by itself can already be a mind f*ck, especially if you struggle with body image. It is extremely difficult to determine your size based on a model on a website, especially when, oftentimes, we look absolutely nothing like that person. Something I wish someone had told me much earlier is that every brand determines “size” differently. You could be a size large in a brand like Alice & Olivia, but at the same time, be a size medium in a brand like Danielle Guizio. No two size charts are the same. Why is that?
How brands determine their size charts…
…is in large part dependent on:
The brand’s target consumers
Analysts find this by using data to discover who is buying the brand, what they’re buying, their size, whether or not they return items, etc.
Vanity sizing
Labeling clothing with a size that’s smaller than the actual cut of the garment in order to psychologically trick consumers by implying that they fit into a smaller size.
Different fit models
Brands use whichever type of model best aligns with their idea of their target customer.
Sooo wtf am i supposed to do?
A very valid question, at that.
In order for me to answer it, it is first up to you to decide what clothing you have that you do like. Think about how those pieces fit you, and what specifically makes them flattering on your body/what you like about the fit.
You should wear whatever makes you happy.
With that being said, what makes me personally happy is dressing for what I know looks good on my body type and shape. For example, I am of the opinion that, if you have a short torso (and if you want it to look longer), you should be wearing a mid or lower rise bottom to elongate it, rather than a high rise, which will make it appear shorter. But it all depends on your preferences.
A step-by-step guide on finding your perfect fit: online
Measure, measure, measure!
Take your measurements. A quick Google search will tell you how, but lucky for you, I think of everything.
how to take your own measurements
While wearing only undergarments, take sewing measuring tape and wrap it around your bust, waist, and hips. These are the most important measurements for a well-fitting piece. Keep these measurements in your phone so you don’t have to re-do this every time you want to order something online. (Which, if you’re me, is constantly.) If your height is often an issue with clothing, your inseam measurement will tell you what fit is ideal for you.
2. For god’s sake, look at the ‘size chart’ option for your brand of choice.
Almost every brand has a specific size chart, tailored to the factors we’ve already discussed above. It is extremely important to check every size chart per brand. Don’t get yourself down if you’re a larger or smaller size than how you see yourself or how you appear — remember that brands create their size charts based on what works for them, not you. Compare your measurements to their size charts and choose what matches best.
3. when thrifting online, ask questions.
Sites like Depop and ThreadUp can feel daunting (that no return policy is truly a kicker), but not when you know your measurements and ask the seller questions! When measurements aren’t listed for an item, send the seller a direct message and ask them to take some. Even asking questions about the material (knowing if the item stretches or doesn’t) will help you determine whether or not you should click ‘purchase’.
Happy shopping!!
I hope this little guide helped you out. Everyone deserves to find that perfect fit! (And to not have to return like 8 thousand packages.)
