Joybuy Insights

Buying clothes online: how to choose comfortable clothing without getting it wrong

Buying clothes online seems simple: choose a style, select a size and check out. But a photo can give the wrong impression. A sweatshirt may be thinner than you expect, a blouse may fit differently than you thought, and a jacket may not offer enough protection from the British weather.

Use this practical guide to compare women’s clothing, men’s clothing, sportswear and casual clothing based on features you can check in advance. That way, you can focus less on marketing claims and more on materials, sizing, how you plan to wear the item and how to care for it.

Three common pitfalls when buying clothes online

1. Focusing only on the photo and brand

A well-known brand doesn’t automatically mean a garment is right for the way you plan to wear it. A football T-shirt may have different features from a cotton T-shirt for everyday use. Always check the fabric composition, fit and garment measurements.

2. Comparing sizes across brands

A size S or L doesn’t mean the same thing everywhere. Some styles have a slim fit, while others are regular or oversized. Size charts can also vary by brand and product. Check the chest, waist and hip measurements in centimetres and compare them with a garment you already find comfortable.

3. Treating functional claims as a guarantee

Terms such as waterproof, breathable, antibacterial and thermal sound clear-cut, but the evidence behind them varies from one item to another. According to PELLIOT’s product description, a particular jacket is listed with a water column of 35.900 mm H₂O, a breathability rating of 16.000 g/m²/24 hours and more than 40.000 abrasion cycles. These are verifiable product specifications, but your actual experience will also depend on how you use the jacket, what you wear underneath and how you care for it.

When it comes to brand claims, a feature may be described based on the brand’s own research or product information, but you shouldn’t automatically expect the same results in every situation.

What should you check before buying?

Material and when you’ll wear it

The fibre composition matters when choosing comfortable clothing:

  • Cotton feels soft to many people and works well for casual clothes such as T-shirts, sweatshirts and blouses.
  • Polyester is often used in sportswear and outdoor clothing because it is lightweight and, according to product information, quick-drying.
  • Recycled polyester tells you something about the source material used in that part of the fabric, but it isn’t, on its own, a complete measure of how sustainable a garment is.
  • A cotton-polyester blend can combine comfort with shape retention.
  • Wool, elastane and acrylic in a cardigan can add warmth, stretch and structure. Check the exact percentages.

Fit and ease of movement

A slim-fit T-shirt is closer-fitting than a regular-fit one. This may be what you want for your commute or a smart-casual outfit. For travel, layering or sport, extra room to move is often more practical.

Look out for details such as:

  • shoulder width and sleeve length;
  • chest measurement in centimetres;
  • neck, cuff and hem finishes;
  • room for an extra shirt or thermal layer;
  • adjustable cuffs, hood or hem on jackets.

Care and lifespan

An item that needs to be washed carefully takes more attention than a garment for everyday use. Check the care instructions before buying. Several items in this range are recommended for washing on a delicate cycle at a low temperature. Some products shouldn’t be tumble-dried or dry-cleaned.

Wash dark colours separately, turn printed garments inside out and don’t iron directly over a design. Good care can help a garment keep its fit and appearance for longer, but it doesn’t replace assessing the quality of the fabric or construction.

Recommended choices for different types of wearer

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Adidas Adicolor Classics 3-Stripes Tee IA4845 Black M

Adidas Adicolor Classics 3-Stripes Tee IA4845 Black M

Why it suits this type of wearer: This black T-shirt is easy to pair with jeans, chinos or a cardigan. Its slim fit is ideal if you’re after a close-fitting casual look.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information lists 100% cotton and a slim fit, so you don’t have to rely on the styling photo alone.

Key benefit & highlights

100% cotton; contrasting details; easy to style for casual outfits.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for top quality
Adidas Trefoil Essentials Crew Sweatshirt IY4932 Black S

Adidas Trefoil Essentials Crew Sweatshirt IY4932 Black S

Why it suits this type of wearer: A practical choice for cold days, working from home, travelling and informal plans. The regular fit gives you more room than a slim fit.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The description specifies a fleece construction, regular fit and ribbed trims. That gives you more to go on than the word ‘comfortable’ alone.

Key benefit & highlights

70% cotton and 30% recycled polyester; embroidered logo; can be worn as a layer or on its own.

Suitable for: Specific activities & frequent use
PELLIOT Fleece-lined jacket for Woman Purple M

PELLIOT Fleece-lined jacket for Woman Purple M

Why it suits this type of wearer: Designed for walking, camping, cycling and commuting in changeable weather. The 3-in-1 design gives you several ways to wear it.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product page gives specific figures for the water column, breathability and abrasion resistance. Check that these features suit your activity and care routine.

Key benefit & highlights

Outer and inner layers can be worn separately; adjustable hood, hem and cuffs; fleece lining.

Suitable for: Active everyday wear
Nike Dri-Fit Park 20 Tee CW6952-071 L

Nike Dri-Fit Park 20 Tee CW6952-071 L

Why it suits this type of wearer: For football, the gym and active days when you want a lightweight top. This style has a regular fit and short sleeves.

How this product avoids the pitfall

According to Nike’s product information, Dri-FIT is designed to wick away moisture. Also check the stated fabric composition and care instructions.

Key benefit & highlights

Lightweight design; regular fit; suitable for sport and casual wear.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about buying clothes online

How do I find the right clothing size when ordering online?

Measure your chest, waist and hips with a flexible tape measure, then compare the figures with the size chart for the specific product. Check the fit too: slim, regular and oversized styles all fit differently. If you’re between sizes, consider whether you want to wear the garment as a layer over other clothes.

What clothes are suitable for everyday wear?

T-shirts, sweatshirts, cardigans, blouses and casual jackets are often practical for everyday wear. Choose cotton for a familiar feel, a polyester blend for better shape retention, or a technical fabric for sport and outdoor activities. Always check the care instructions and make sure there’s enough room to move comfortably.

How long do clothes bought online last?

How long they last depends on the fabric, seams, how often and intensively you wear them, and how you care for them. Follow the label, avoid unnecessarily high temperatures and only use a tumble dryer if the care instructions allow it. Products covered by the statutory conformity guarantee in the EU generally come with a minimum two-year legal guarantee; additional rights may apply under the relevant national law.