Joybuy Insights

Buying clothes online: how to choose comfortable clothing for sport, work and everyday wear

Buying clothes online might seem straightforward, but a nice product photo doesn't tell you everything. The fit can turn out differently than expected, material information can be limited, and a jacket described as waterproof needs an explanation of the technology used. With a few simple checks, you can avoid costly mistakes and find clothing that suits your needs here in the UK.

Common pitfalls when buying clothes online

1. Only looking at the brand or appearance

Nike clothing and The North Face clothing have a recognisable look, but the brand doesn't automatically determine whether a garment is right for your situation. A T-shirt for football has different properties to a casual T-shirt for the office. So always look at material, fit, sizing and care.

2. Confusing "comfortable" with the right fit

An oversized jumper can feel nice, but it's not always practical when cycling or playing sport. An athletic fit usually offers a closer cut, while a relaxed fit gives you extra room. So check whether the product information mentions regular fit, standard fit or relaxed fit.

3. Not checking functional claims further

Terms like water-repellent, waterproof and moisture-wicking don't mean the same thing. According to the product description of The North Face, the Estate Blue jacket uses DryVent fabric and a Non-PFC DWR finish. These are concrete product details, but the actual protection also depends on use, fastenings and care. When a brand makes claims about performance, treat them as information from the product description, not as a universal guarantee for every weather condition.

These specifications matter

Material and when to wear it

For everyday clothing, cotton and cotton blends are often comfortable thanks to their soft feel. Polyester can be lightweight and easy to care for. A 100% cotton shirt, like the The North Face T-shirt in this selection, feels different to a sports shirt with polyester and moisture-wicking technology.

Bear in mind:

  • 100% cotton: often soft and suitable for casual use, but can react differently when washed and dried.
  • Polyester: lightweight, generally shape-retaining and suitable for sportswear.
  • Cotton blend: combines properties of several fibres; always check the exact ratio.
  • Recycled polyester: tells you about the origin of the fibre, not automatically about fit or waterproofing.

Fit and size

Compare your body measurements with the size guide, not just the letter S, M, L or XXL. Especially with women's clothing and men's clothing, brands can use different size proportions. With jackets, also check whether you need room for a hoodie or jumper.

A product described as true to size can be a useful indicator, but it still depends on your preference. If you prefer roomier clothing, it's better to look for a relaxed or oversized style.

Care and lifespan

How long your clothing lasts depends partly on washing, drying and storage. Check the care label before you order. In the product information for various items in this selection, machine washing is mentioned, while bleaching, high tumble dryer temperatures or dry cleaning are sometimes advised against.

Practical rules:

  1. Wash dark colours with similar colours.
  2. Close zips and turn garments inside out.
  3. For functional jackets, only use the care method stated on the label.
  4. Avoid the tumble dryer when the instructions recommend air drying.
  5. For a jacket with a DWR finish, check whether reactivation or re-impregnation is allowed.

Recommended clothing by user profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Nike Dri-Fit Park 20 Tee CW6952-071 L

Nike Dri-Fit Park 20 Tee CW6952-071 L

Why this fits the profile: This short-sleeved T-shirt is ideal for anyone looking for one garment for both sport and casual wear. The product information mentions a regular fit and size L.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The fit and fabric composition are clearly stated. Do check the current specifications before purchase, as the product description contains different material references.

Key benefit & highlights

Nike Dri-FIT reference, crewneck and a regular fit. Machine washing is mentioned in the product information.

Suitable for: Shoppers seeking top quality
The North Face Men T-Shirts NF0A8E4E White Dune S

The North Face Men T-Shirts NF0A8E4E White Dune S

Why this fits the profile: A relaxed fit and cotton jersey make this T-shirt suitable for city wear, camping and as a base layer under a jumper or gilet.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information mentions 100% cotton, 160 gsm and a relaxed fit. This helps you better judge the weight and the amount of room you'll get.

Key benefit & highlights

100% cotton, round neck and sizes from XXS up to 2XL according to the stated size guide. Machine wash at up to 40 °C is indicated.

Suitable for: Specific use & intensive users
The North Face Men Jackets NF0A8DY2 Estate Blue M

The North Face Men Jackets NF0A8DY2 Estate Blue M

Why this fits the profile: This jacket is designed for running, training and outdoor use in changeable weather. The hood, zip pockets and standard fit are practical for active movement.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description mentions DryVent, sealed seams and a DWR finish. Check the care label to maintain the jacket's properties as well as possible.

Key benefit & highlights

100% recycled polyester, hood, chest and hand pockets with zip, and sizes up to 3XL according to the stated size guide.

Suitable for: Layerers and casual clothing lovers
JdyCardiganCabernetSize M

JdyCardiganCabernetSize M

Why this fits the profile: This women's cardigan is designed for everyday wear and can be worn over a T-shirt or under a jacket.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The fibre composition is specified: recycled polyester, polyester, wool, elastane and acrylic. So you know exactly which blend you're buying, rather than just relying on the colour.

Key benefit & highlights

Suitable for layering and made from a blended fibre composition including wool and elastane.

Looking for more options?

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

How to compare clothing before you order

When buying clothes online, use this quick checklist:

  • Does the garment suit the intended use: sport, work, walking or everyday wear?
  • Is the exact composition stated?
  • Is the fit regular, relaxed, standard or oversized?
  • Are chest, waist, hip and arm length measurements available?
  • Can the garment be machine washed according to the label?
  • Does an outdoor jacket have practical features like a hood, zip pockets and adjustable cuffs?
  • Is the price proportionate to the materials and features, without paying purely for the logo?

For sportswear, freedom of movement and care are important. For casual clothing, the combination of fit, material and wearing comfort matters most. If you're looking for a waterproof outdoor jacket, it's worth checking the construction, seams, fastenings and care instructions separately.

Frequently asked questions about buying clothes online

How do I determine the right clothing size online?

Measure your chest, waist and hips with a flexible tape measure and compare the results with the product's size guide. Also look at the fit. A relaxed fit is roomier than a standard fit, even when both show the same size.

Which clothing is suitable for everyday wear?

A combination of T-shirts, hoodies, jumpers and cardigans works for many situations. Choose cotton or a cotton blend for casual use, and for sportswear look for lightweight fabric, freedom of movement and the washing instructions.

How long does clothing bought online last?

That depends on the material, construction, how often you wear it and how you care for it. Wash according to the label, avoid unnecessarily high temperatures and don't use bleach when it's advised against. For technical jackets, proper care of the finish can be an important part of extending its lifespan.