Joybuy Insights

Buying clothes online: how to choose branded clothing that suits your everyday needs

Buying clothes online is easy, but a nice product photo doesn't tell you everything. The fit can be different from what you expect, the fabric might be thinner than it looks, and a brand name alone doesn't guarantee how comfortable a particular style will be to wear. As Joybuy's Product Recommendation Officer, I filter product information based on practical details, so you can compare women's clothing, men's clothing and children's clothing more effectively.

Common pitfalls when buying clothes online

1. Only looking at the brand name or appearance

Tommy Hilfiger clothing, Levi’s jeans, adidas sweatshirts and Reebok T-shirts all have a recognisable style. However, different styles from the same brand can vary in material, sizing and cut. Always check the fabric composition, size guide and fit of the individual product.

2. Confusing a size label with a fixed body measurement

A size 32/34 on jeans usually refers to waist and inside leg length, whereas an EU size on a sweatshirt or hoodie is applied differently. For children's clothing, the size is often linked to height, such as 104 or 128 cm. Compare the size guide with a garment that already fits you well.

3. Confusing durability with a single material claim

A mention of organic cotton or recycled polyester tells you about part of the composition, but it doesn't automatically tell you about the overall lifespan of the garment. Also pay attention to the seams, cuffs, fastenings and care instructions. According to the product information, the adidas Trefoil Essentials Crew Sweatshirt, for example, is made from 70% cotton and 30% recycled polyester. That is verifiable; you cannot simply draw conclusions about the total environmental impact from that alone.

Three things to check before you buy

Material and when you'll wear it

For comfortable casual wear, softness, stretch and warmth are often more important than a prominent logo. Cotton clothing can feel pleasant, while elastane adds extra stretch. A fleece sweatshirt may be more suitable for cooler days than a thin cotton sweatshirt.

Examples from the range:

  • The Tommy Hilfiger Essential Sweatshirt for children is described as being made from 100% organic cotton.
  • The Tommy Hilfiger Essential Hoodie Kids also has a main material of organic cotton, according to the product information.
  • The Wrangler WRA Trunks are made from 95% cotton and 5% elastane, according to the product specifications.
  • The Reebok Crew Neck T-shirts have a composition of 60% cotton and 40% polyester, according to the product description.

Choose the material based on how you'll use it: for school, the office, sports, relaxing at home or daily washing.

Fit and freedom of movement

A regular fit, straight leg or relaxed fit all give a different wearing experience. The Levi’s 505 men's jeans are described as having a regular fit through the thigh and a straight leg. The Levi’s 514 contains 2% elastane according to the product information, which can offer more stretch than a classic 100% cotton jean.

For children, make sure there is enough room at the shoulders, chest and hips. A ribbed collar, cuffs and hem can help a sweatshirt fit better, but they don't replace a good size guide.

Care instructions and maintenance

The care instructions determine how much effort a garment will need. Check the following:

  • maximum washing temperature;
  • whether it can be tumble dried or not;
  • ironing temperature;
  • use of bleach;
  • washing with similar colours;
  • instructions for prints or embroidery.

According to the product information for the adidas sweatshirt, washing on a delicate cycle, drying at a low temperature and washing inside out are recommended. For the Reebok T-shirts, it states that they are machine washable and should not be tumble dried. Always follow the label on the garment you receive if it differs from the online description.

Our recommendations by user type

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Reebok Crew Neck Tee Santo

Reebok Crew Neck Tee Santo

Why this suits the profile: A practical T-shirt for anyone looking for multiple colours and a simple fit for everyday wear.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The composition of 60% cotton and 40% polyester is clearly stated, as are the care instructions.

Key benefit & highlights

Short-sleeved crew neck, machine washable and available as a set with different colour combinations.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for top quality
Levi's Women's Jeans Dark Indigo 501

LEVI'S Women's Jeans Dark Indigo 501

Why this suits the profile: Ideal for anyone looking for a classic women's straight-leg jean with recognisable details.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The size chart lists waist, hip and inside leg measurements. According to the product information, the jeans are 100% cotton.

Key benefit & highlights

501 Original Fit, straight leg, button fly and five pockets.

Suitable for: Specific use & heavy-duty wearers
Adidas Trefoil Essentials Crew Sweatshirt

Adidas Trefoil Essentials Crew Sweatshirt IY4935

Why this suits the profile: A fleece sweatshirt for everyday wear on cooler days, on the go or as an extra layer.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information mentions fleece, regular fit and ribbed cuffs. This allows you to compare warmth and fit more concretely.

Key benefit & highlights

70% cotton, 30% recycled polyester, embroidered Trefoil logo and regular fit.

For children: sweatshirt or hoodie?

For school and playing outside, a sweatshirt and hoodie are practical options. The Tommy Hilfiger Essential Sweatshirt Kids has a round neck and ribbed details at the collar, sleeves and hem. The Tommy Hilfiger Essential Hoodie Kids adds a hood and a kangaroo pocket. Both styles are made from organic cotton according to the product information and have a gender-inclusive design.

When looking at children's clothing, pay particular attention to height and chest size. A size that is too big can be awkward during movement; a size that is too small will limit how long they can wear it. Also check the product page for the available size, as the same style may be offered in multiple variations.

Comparing underwear, socks and dark clothing

For men's underwear, the waistband, fabric composition and freedom of movement are important. The Wrangler WRA Trunks are made from 95% cotton and 5% elastane, according to the product information. The Lee Trunks Med Haxton-Rivet also use a composition of 95% cotton and 5% elastane and have an elasticated waistband.

For daily office or commuting wear, cotton socks can be a practical choice. Always check the source for claims such as "antibacterial". According to the product description for the Utree socks, the manufacturer makes specific claims about this; treat it as a brand claim rather than a proven health benefit.

If you are mainly looking for darker shades, you can also browse the range of dark clothing. When washing black and navy clothing, always follow the label to minimise colour fading.

Looking for more options?

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

Frequently asked questions about buying clothes online

How do I determine my size when buying clothes online?

Measure your chest, waist, hips and inside leg length with a tape measure. Compare these measurements with the size guide for the specific product. For jeans, always use the stated waist and length size, and for children's clothing, look at height and age guidance.

Is buying clothes online cheaper than in a shop?

That depends on the brand, style, size and any offers. Compare the total price, including any delivery or return costs. A cheaper garment is not automatically better value if the fit is wrong or the care requires a lot of effort.

How long does clothing last?

The lifespan depends on the material, construction, how often it is worn and how it is cared for. Wash according to the label, avoid unnecessarily hot washes and only use the tumble dryer when it is allowed. For jeans, some product descriptions recommend washing less often; always follow the official care label.