Joybuy Insights

Buying clothes online: how to choose women’s and men’s clothing without getting it wrong

Buying clothes online may seem straightforward, but a good product photo tells you little about the fit, fabric or practicality of a garment. A jumper may look thick on screen but turn out to be thin. A jacket may be described as waterproof, but its seams, zips and care instructions are what really determine how well it performs in the rain.

Use this practical checklist to look beyond logos and marketing copy. It’ll help you find affordable women’s clothing, men’s clothing and everyday wear that suits your size, comfort and activities.

Three common pitfalls when buying clothes online

1. Getting the wrong size because of international size charts

A size M isn’t the same across every brand. Some product pages mix EU, UK and US sizes with body measurements. So don’t just go by the letter or number: compare your own chest, waist and hip measurements with the size chart for the specific item.

For jackets, also allow room for a jumper or sweatshirt underneath. A jacket that fits well without an extra layer may feel too tight in cold weather.

2. A fabric name without the full composition

‘Soft fabric’, ‘warm fleece’ and ‘comfortable cotton blend’ aren’t full product specifications. Check the percentages of cotton, polyester, polyamide, wool or elastane. This will help you judge how a garment feels, hangs and needs to be cared for.

A cotton blend can feel comfortable in jumpers and sweatshirts, while polyester is often used in outdoor jackets and sportswear. That alone doesn’t tell you everything about quality. The lining, weave and finish matter too.

3. Mistaking technical claims for guaranteed performance

Waterproof jackets may come with claims about a high hydrostatic head, breathability or abrasion resistance. According to PELLIOT’s product description, for example, the jacket in question has a hydrostatic head of 35.900 mm H₂O, an MVTR rating of 16.000 g/(m²·24 uur) and abrasion resistance of more than 40.000 rubbing cycles. These are stated product specifications; how the jacket performs in practice also depends on fit, seams, zips, layers and care.

Product descriptions for The North Face jackets may also refer to DryVent technology or a DWR finish. According to the manufacturer, these features are designed to protect you in wet and windy conditions. Always check the care instructions, as washing the jacket incorrectly can affect its finish.

Which specifications should you check?

Size and fit

Follow these steps:

  1. Measure your chest, waist and hips against your body, without pulling the tape tight.
  2. Compare your measurements with the chart on the product page.
  3. Check whether the fit is regular, relaxed, oversized or close-fitting.
  4. Decide whether you’ll need room for layers.
  5. Check the sleeve and garment length, especially for jackets and blazers.

For a dress or blazer, shoulder width often makes a big difference to comfort. For joggers, the waistband, leg width and pockets matter more than the size label alone.

Fabric and lining

According to the product information, the U.S. Polo Assn. crew-neck jumper is made from 70% cotton and 30% polyamide. It has long sleeves, ribbed trims and an elasticated hem. It’s suitable for layering over a shirt, but before buying, check that the listed size matches your measurements.

According to the product description, the adidas Trefoil Essentials Crew Sweatshirt is made from 70% cotton and 30% recycled polyester. It has a regular fit, a fleece lining and ribbed trims. Here, ‘recycled’ refers to the 30% recycled polyester in the fabric composition; it isn’t a general claim about the garment’s overall environmental impact.

Weather protection

For a raincoat or outdoor jacket, check the following:

  • Hydrostatic head: a technical measure of the pressure at which water can pass through the fabric.
  • Breathability: often shown as MVTR, but how breathable a garment feels in practice varies depending on your activity and the layers you wear.
  • Taped seams: can help seal the seams against moisture.
  • Hood, cuffs and hem: adjustable features can help keep out draughts and rain.
  • Care: washing, drying and reproofing can affect the water-repellent finish.

A fleece jacket is usually designed as an insulating layer, not necessarily as a raincoat. A trench coat is often better suited to commuting and smart outfits than to long walks in heavy rain.

Clothing recommendations for different needs

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
US POLO ASSN Knitwear US42173048 378 L

US POLO ASSN Knitwear US42173048 378 L

Why it suits this profile: A blue crew-neck jumper is easy to pair with jeans, chinos or joggers. It’s designed for everyday wear and layering.

How this product avoids the pitfalls

The 70% cotton and 30% polyamide composition is listed, along with the instruction to wash at a maximum of 30 °C. This makes it easier to check the fabric and care requirements before you buy.

Key benefits and features

Crew neck, long sleeves, ribbed trims and an embroidered logo; ideal for casual outfits.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
THE North Face Men Jackets NF0A84FC Estate Blue TNF Black M

THE North Face Men Jackets NF0A84FC Estate Blue/TNF Black M

Why it suits this profile: The 3-in-1 design is practical for changeable weather and walks where you want to adjust your layers.

How this product avoids the pitfalls

The product description lists the wearable layers separately, as well as adjustable cuffs, an adjustable hem and finished outer seams. Check the latest product information and sizing before you buy.

Key benefits and features

3-in-1 system, 550 fill power down according to the product information, and recycled polyester on the outer layer.

Suitable for: Specific needs and active users
PELLIOT Fleece-lined jacket for Woman Purple M

PELLIOT Fleece-lined jacket for Woman Purple M

Why it suits this profile: The 3-in-1 design is intended for camping, walking, commuting and other outdoor activities where layering is useful.

How this product avoids the pitfalls

The product description gives specific figures for hydrostatic head, breathability and abrasion resistance. These figures are more helpful than vague terms such as ‘all-weather’.

Key benefits and features

The outer layer and lining can be worn separately or together; adjustable hood, hem and cuffs.

Suitable for: Casual comfort at home and on the go
Urban Classics Fluffy Sweatpants Trousers Sweat Magnet M

Urban Classics Fluffy Sweatpants Trousers - Sweat Magnet M

Why it suits this profile: These joggers are designed for leisure, working from home and casual streetwear. The elasticated waist makes them easy to pair with hoodies and sweatshirts.

How this product avoids the pitfalls

The product information lists an elasticated waist, pockets and a composition of 70% cotton and 30% polyester. This makes its practical features clear before you buy.

Key benefits and features

Elasticated waist, pockets and a cotton blend; ideal for leisure and streetwear.

Looking for more options?

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

A handy checklist before you order

Use this quick checklist on the product page:

  • Is the full fabric composition listed?
  • Is the size chart based on body measurements or garment measurements?
  • Does the fit suit how you’ll wear it: slim, regular, relaxed or oversized?
  • Are the pockets, zips, hood and cuffs described?
  • Are the washing and drying instructions clear?
  • Can you see the colour in several photos?
  • Check the returns policy and any costs before you pay.

For smart outfits, browse dresses, blazers, cardigans and trench coats. For a sporty wardrobe, adidas clothing, sweatshirts and joggers are practical options. If you spend time outdoors, you can filter by outdoor jackets, waterproof jackets and fleece jackets. Tommy Hilfiger clothing, U.S. Polo Assn. clothing, Urban Classics clothing and JDY clothing are also easy to compare by style and occasion.

Frequently asked questions about buying clothes online

How do I work out my clothing size when ordering online?

Measure your chest, waist and hips, then compare these measurements with the chart for the product you’ve chosen. Also check the fit and allow for layers under jumpers, sweatshirts and jackets. Only use a previous purchase as a guide if it’s from the same brand and a similar style.

How long do clothes bought online last?

It depends on the fabric, construction, how often you wear the garment and how you care for it. Follow the label, fasten zips before washing and avoid tumble-drying if the care instructions say not to. Fleece, elasticated trims and water-repellent finishes can all wear or change more quickly if cared for incorrectly.

Is more expensive clothing automatically a better choice?

No. Compare the features with how you’ll use the garment. A cotton blend may be enough for everyday wear, while for walking, layering, ventilation, seams and rain protection are what count. A higher price is no substitute for the right fit and clear product specifications.