Buying branded clothing online may seem straightforward: choose a brand, select your size and check out. However, an appealing product page can hide important details. A logo tells you little about the fit, material or care requirements. By checking the right information, you can avoid a sweatshirt shrinking, a jacket not fitting properly or a pair of joggers turning out to be unsuitable for sport.
In this buying guide, you’ll learn what to look for when buying women’s clothing, men’s clothing, sportswear, jackets and leisurewear. Afterwards, you’ll find a selection for different uses.
A brand name provides context, but it does not automatically tell you about comfort or intended use. For example, a Nike hoodie may be designed for everyday wear, training or teamwear. So check the product description, fit and composition before ordering.
Pay particular attention to:
An S, M or XL is not equally generous across every brand. Some products also provide chest, waist or hip measurements. Compare these with a garment you already own that fits you well. Jackets need extra room if you plan to wear a jumper or sweatshirt underneath.
The size guide for the Adidas Trefoil Essentials Crew Sweatshirt IY4932 Black S, for example, states a chest width of 48 cm. That is more specific than simply giving the size as S.
Words such as ‘warm’, ‘breathable’ or ‘waterproof’ should be considered in the context of the product information. According to The North Face’s own product information, certain jackets use DryVent material and a DWR finish. This tells you about the construction used, but your actual experience will also depend on the fit, care, wear and weather conditions.
Also check the care label. A garment that is not washed or dried correctly may lose its shape or finish more quickly.
The fibres determine how a garment feels and how you should care for it.
A proportion of recycled material is a verifiable product specification, but on its own it does not provide a complete assessment of a garment’s environmental impact.
For everyday use, a regular or relaxed fit is often practical. For running, training or cycling, a close-fitting cut, elasticated cuffs and an adjustable waist may be more comfortable. With a hoodie or sweatshirt, check that the ribbed trims at the neck, sleeves and hem fit securely without feeling restrictive.
On joggers, an elasticated waistband, drawstring and ribbed cuffs are functional details. According to the product information, the Under Armour Men's Tricot Jogger features an adjustable drawstring, several pockets and tapered legs.
The purchase price is not the only cost to consider. A garment that requires special cleaning takes more time and money than one that can be washed in the machine at a low temperature.
Before buying, check:
Why it suits this profile: A simple sweatshirt for everyday wear, at home, on the go or for a casual occasion. The regular fit allows freedom of movement without being overly loose.
The composition, fit and care instructions are clearly stated. This means you do not have to rely solely on the brand logo or product photo.
70% cotton and 30% recycled polyester; fleece construction; ribbed neck, cuffs and hem.
Why it suits this profile: Suitable for anyone looking for a women’s jacket for walking, cycling or changeable weather who values technical details such as an adjustable hood and taped seams.
The product information specifies the material, size range, lining and care instructions. According to The North Face’s own information, the jacket features DryVent material and a DWR finish.
100% polyester outer layer; mesh lining; adjustable hood, cuffs and hem; two zipped pockets.
Why it suits this profile: A practical choice for training, warming up and everyday wear. The tapered legs and pockets are useful when freedom of movement and storage space are important.
The size guide states the waist and inside-leg measurements. According to Under Armour’s own information, the fabric wicks moisture and dries quickly; check whether these properties suit the way you intend to use it.
100% polyester; external drawstring fastening; back pocket, open side pockets and internal phone pocket; ribbed cuffs.
Why it suits this profile: Ideal for anyone who wants to wear one hoodie during light training, team activities and leisure time. The hood and kangaroo pocket are practical for everyday use.
The product information specifies fit details, material and care instructions. According to Nike’s own information, Dri-FIT helps manage moisture; this is a brand claim, not a guarantee that every user will have the same experience.
Adjustable hood; kangaroo pocket; ribbed cuffs and hem; designed for sport and casual wear.
We’ve compiled a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
Don’t just look at the available size; also check how the measurements were taken. A chest measurement may refer to your body, while chest width indicates the width of the garment measured flat. For trousers, check the waist, inside-leg length and, where applicable, hip measurement. With jackets, also compare the shoulder width and sleeve length.
For women’s clothing, EU and UK sizes can differ considerably. Men’s clothing is sometimes offered using suit sizes or inch sizes. So keep the size guide for the specific product and don’t automatically choose a different size simply because another brand previously fitted you in the same size.
It varies by product, brand, stock levels and special offers. Compare the total price, including any delivery costs and returns policy. Also consider the material, fit and care requirements: a lower price is less appealing if the garment does not fit properly or is difficult to care for.
Measure your chest, waist and hips with a flexible tape measure and compare the results with the product’s size guide. When measuring for a jacket, wear the clothing layer you plan to wear underneath it. If you’re unsure, the stated product measurements are more useful than the letter size alone.
Lifespan depends on the material, how often you wear it, friction and care. Follow the instructions on the label, use a suitable programme and avoid unnecessarily hot washing or drying. Also check the seams, trims and fabric before buying; these details tell you more than the brand alone.