Joybuy Insights

Buying clothes online: how to choose comfortable, affordable clothing without making the wrong purchase

Buying clothes online is convenient, but a great product photo does not tell you everything. Especially with loungewear, blouses, T-shirts, underwear and children’s clothing, small details can make the difference between a useful purchase and a garment that ends up unworn at the back of the wardrobe.

When comparing products, do not focus solely on discounts or brand names. The fit, available size, fabric information and care instructions all determine whether a product is suitable for your everyday needs.

Common pitfalls when buying clothes online

1. Choosing a size without checking the size guide

Sizes vary by brand, style and country. An S in a blouse may not have the same fit as an S in a women’s loungewear set. With children’s clothing, height is often more important than age alone.

Always check:

  • your chest, waist and hip measurements;
  • your height in centimetres;
  • whether the fit is close-fitting, regular or loose;
  • whether the stated size corresponds to EU, international or brand sizing.

A product in a fixed size, such as a blouse in size S, requires extra attention. Before ordering, check that the available size corresponds to clothing you already find comfortable to wear.

2. Confusing “comfortable” with a proven material property

Words such as soft, breathable and kind to the skin regularly appear in product descriptions. These terms give you an indication, but they are not a guarantee for every wearer. Start by looking at the specific information: fibre composition, stretch, layer construction and fastening.

For example, the Urban Classics Nirvana band T-shirt lists a composition of 95% cotton and 5% elastane. This gives you more to go on than simply describing it as “comfortable stretch jersey”. For other products, the composition is not fully provided in the available product information. In that case, it is best not to assume properties that are not stated on the product page.

3. Underestimating care requirements

A garment may look great, but washing it incorrectly can affect its shape, colour or elasticity. Always check the care label. The Reebok and Wrangler boxers mentioned above are described as machine washable, with instructions not to bleach, tumble dry or iron at a high temperature.

Before ordering, ask yourself:

  • Can I wash the garment according to the instructions?
  • Is it suitable for frequent use?
  • Does it need to be air-dried?
  • Might the print or elasticated waistband require extra care?

The key specifications to compare

Fit and size range

For everyday wear, freedom of movement is often more important than a fashionable cut. A loungewear set should not feel restrictive when sitting or relaxing. With boxers, the waistband, leg length and close-fitting cut are all relevant. A blouse should provide enough room around the shoulders and arms.

For children’s clothing, the Chicco size guide is particularly useful. For the Chicco leggings in size 104, size A4 is stated, with a height indication of 104 cm. The guide also provides chest, waist and hip measurements. Ideally, measure your child before ordering, as age is only a guideline.

Material and freedom of movement

Pay attention to the balance between natural and elastic fibres. Cotton can feel pleasant against the skin, while elastane provides extra stretch. For a multi-layered product, such as the Purcotton double-layer gauze loungewear set, the layer construction is a specific product feature. The available options are linked to specific body measurements, including top 165/88A with bottom 165/72A and top 160/84A with bottom 160/68A.

Is the material composition not listed? Base your choice on the stated size, design and intended use, and avoid making assumptions about properties such as hypoallergenic or medical benefits.

Intended use

Choose clothing based on where and how you plan to wear it:

  • At home and for relaxing: a women’s loungewear set with a loose, practical fit.
  • For work or everyday outfits: a comfortable women’s blouse that can be worn with jeans, trousers or a skirt.
  • For sport and active days: boxers with an elasticated waistband and plenty of freedom of movement.
  • For leisure time: a stretch T-shirt, such as a Nirvana band T-shirt.
  • For children: leggings that match their height and are easy to style.

Our recommendations for different types of shoppers

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Purcotton Women's Double-Layer Gauze Loungewear Set

Purcotton Women's Double-Layer Gauze Loungewear Set

Why it suits this profile: This set is designed for wearing at home, relaxing days and comfortable everyday use. There are options with specific top and bottom sizes, so you do not have to rely solely on a general S or M label.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The two separate size details for the top and bottom help prevent you from choosing a set based on one inaccurate standard size.

Key benefit & highlights

Double-layer gauze design, off-white base with purple bow print, and a complete top-and-trouser combination.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for top quality
Urban Classics Merchcode Lithium Series Nirvana Band Print Short Sleeve T-Shirt

Urban Classics Merchcode Lithium Series Nirvana Band Print Short Sleeve T-Shirt

Why it suits this profile: If you value clearly stated materials and a recognisable print, this product provides detailed information to help you make your choice. The shirt is suitable for casual outfits and looks great with jeans or shorts.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The stated composition of 95% cotton and 5% elastane makes the material choice verifiable, rather than relying solely on general comfort claims.

Key benefit & highlights

95% cotton, 5% elastane, stretch jersey and a detailed size conversion chart including larger sizes.

Suitable for: Specific uses & intensive users
Reebok RBK Sports Trunks 3-pack

Reebok RBK SPORTS TRUNKS MED BENJI-BLACK/ACID YELLOW PRINT/GREY-S

Why it suits this profile: According to the product description, these Reebok men’s boxers are designed for everyday wear, sport and active days. The pack contains three pairs, which is practical when changing regularly.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The size is clearly stated, and the product description mentions a flexible waistband and care instructions. However, check that S is suitable for your waist measurement.

Key benefit & highlights

3-pack, flexible waistband, movement-focused fit and machine washable according to the product information.

Suitable for: Families who shop by size
Chicco tracksuit bottom leggings 104 orange

CHICCO TRACKSUIT BOTTOM LEGGINGS 104 ORANGE PRINTED

Why it suits this profile: These children’s leggings are designed for everyday wear and combine a striking orange colour with a print. The size guide links size 104 to a height of 104 cm.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The available body measurements help prevent you from choosing based solely on age or colour. Also compare the waist and hip measurements with the chart.

Key benefit & highlights

Size 104, orange print and a size guide with height, chest, waist and hip measurements.

More options for women, men and children

If you are looking for comfortable clothes for everyday wear, you can compare different product types side by side. An ONLY blouse, for example, is easy to style with jeans, trousers or a skirt. The product description says that this model is suitable for everyday styling, but does not provide detailed material information. Check the product page and label before ordering.

For men’s underwear, you can compare Wrangler men’s underwear alongside Reebok. The Wrangler WRA Trunks Canva in size M is described as having a close-fitting cut, elasticated waistband and smooth finish. The product information also lists care instructions such as machine washing, not bleaching and not tumble drying. Take a look at the Wrangler men’s boxers if you are looking for a classic style.

Looking for more options?

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

Frequently asked questions about buying clothes online

How do I determine my size when buying clothes online?

Always use the size guide for the specific product. Measure your chest, waist, hips or height and compare these measurements with the stated centimetres. For boxers, pay particular attention to your waist measurement, and for children’s clothing, check height.

How long will clothes bought online stay looking good?

That depends on the material, how often the garment is worn and how it is cared for. Wash according to the label, use the recommended temperature and avoid tumble drying when it is not permitted. Prints, elasticated waistbands and stretch fabrics can be particularly sensitive to heat.

Is buying clothes online cheaper than shopping in a shop?

Not always. Compare the total price, any delivery costs, the number of items per pack and how often you expect to use them. A 3-pack of men’s boxers can be practical if you change regularly, while a single blouse may offer better value if you are mainly looking for a versatile garment.