Joybuy Insights

Buying clothes online: how to choose women’s and men’s clothing without costly mistakes

Buying clothes online is convenient, but an appealing photo and a low price do not tell the whole story. The right choice depends on the fit, material, sizing, intended use and when you plan to wear it. This applies to women’s clothing, men’s clothing, sportswear and casualwear.

If you focus only on the discount or brand name, you may end up with trousers that are too tight, a T-shirt that is unsuitable for intense exercise or jeans with a different fit from what you expected. These practical checks will help you compare more effectively and find clothing that suits your everyday life.

Common pitfalls when buying clothes online

1. A size label does not tell you everything

An L from one brand may fit differently from an L from another. Slim fit, regular fit, wide leg and oversized styles also affect how a garment sits. So do not rely on the label alone. Check the waist, chest, hip and inside-leg measurements whenever they are available.

For example, the Adidas Trefoil Essentials Pants IY7361 Black XL lists a waist range of 91–96 cm. This is more useful than simply seeing the size XL.

2. Marketing language can hide the fabric composition

Words such as “soft”, “premium” or “breathable” are difficult to assess without percentages. Check the composition and consider whether it suits how you intend to use the garment:

  • Cotton is generally comfortable for everyday wear and loungewear.
  • Polyester is lightweight and often used in sportswear and easy-care clothing.
  • Elastane can provide extra stretch, but the percentage determines how much stretch you can realistically expect.
  • 100% cotton can offer a sturdy, authentic texture, as with certain jeans, but it has less stretch than stretch denim.

A fabric blend of 70% cotton and 30% polyester, for example, is used in various pairs of sweatpants. This offers a different wearing experience from 100% cotton jeans.

3. Buying a garment for just one outfit

A striking dress or trendy colour may be appealing, but it may be worn less often than a neutral pair of trousers, blouse or T-shirt. Before buying, think of at least three outfits you can create with clothes you already own. Black, navy, grey and denim are often easy to combine with trainers, jumpers, hoodies and blouses.

The key specifications to check

Fit and measurements

Start by choosing the fit you want. A slim fit follows the body more closely, while a regular fit generally allows more room for movement. Wide-leg chinos have extra volume from the thigh downwards. With jeans, check both the waist size and the length, such as 32/32.

According to the product information, the Levi’s Women’s Jeans Blue 501 Collection in size 32/32 has a straight leg, a classic button fly and an inside-leg length of 76.2 cm. The product listing also describes non-stretch denim made from 100% cotton. If you want plenty of freedom of movement, you may therefore be better off looking for a stretch model or a looser fit.

Material and care

Always check the care label or care information. Washing at a low temperature, turning garments inside out and keeping dark colours separate can help preserve their colour and shape for longer. A garment that cannot go in the tumble dryer requires more attention than one that can be dried at a low temperature.

For the Adidas trousers, the care instructions include washing cold and gently, not using bleach, not tumble-drying and ironing at a low temperature. The Urban Classics Fluffy Sweatpants advise washing with similar colours and drying at a low temperature or in the air.

Intended use

For sportswear, freedom of movement, weight, fit and care requirements are important. According to the product information, the Nike Dri-FIT Park 20 Tee has a regular fit, short sleeves and a composition of 57% cotton and 43% polyester. Nike states that Dri-FIT is designed to wick moisture away from the skin; treat this as a brand claim and check whether the features suit the way you intend to use the garment.

For relaxing at home, an elasticated waistband, soft fabric and pockets are often more important. For work or everyday wear, chinos, blouses, dresses and dark jeans can be more versatile.

Recommended choices for different user profiles

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Urban Classics Fluffy Sweatpants Trousers - Sweat magnet XL

Urban Classics Fluffy Sweatpants Trousers - Sweat magnet XL

Why it suits this profile: These sweatpants are designed for relaxed days, leisure time and casual streetwear. The elasticated waistband makes them easy to style with a hoodie, shirt or trainers.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information lists an elasticated waistband, pockets and a 70%/30% cotton-polyester blend. This makes it easier to assess the fit and care requirements in advance.

Main benefit & advantages

An elasticated waistband, pockets and a clearly stated material composition in the product listing.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for top quality
LEVI'S Women's Jeans Blue 501 Collection 32/32

LEVI'S Women's Jeans Blue 501 Collection 32/32

Why it suits this profile: The straight leg and classic details work well in a wardrobe where one pair of jeans is styled with different T-shirts, blouses and shoes.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product listing specifies size 32/32, a straight fit and 100% cotton. This makes it clear that you should not expect stretch denim.

Main benefit & advantages

100% cotton denim, straight leg, button fly and five pockets according to the product information.

Suitable for: Specific uses & intensive users
Nike Dri-Fit Park 20 Tee CW6952-071 L

Nike Dri-Fit Park 20 Tee CW6952-071 L

Why it suits this profile: According to the product information, this T-shirt is intended for football, sports and casual wear. The regular fit and short sleeves are practical for activities that involve plenty of movement.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The size, fit, colour and fabric composition are listed. The moisture-wicking performance is a claim made by Nike and should be considered alongside the care instructions and your intended use.

Main benefit & advantages

Regular fit, short sleeves, dark grey colour and a 57%/43% cotton-polyester blend according to the product details.

Suitable for: Versatile everyday outfits
Women's High Waist Wide Leg Chino Pants Black 26

Women's High Waist Wide Leg Chino Pants Black 26

Why it suits this profile: The black colour and wide-leg fit work well for casualwear, work outfits and combinations with a blouse or simple T-shirt.

How this product avoids the pitfall

This choice is based on the listed black colour, high-waisted design and wide-leg cut. Before ordering, check that size 26 corresponds to your waist measurement.

Main benefit & advantages

High-waisted design, wide-leg silhouette, black colour and lightweight fabric according to the product description.

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.

How to compare price and overall cost

A low purchase price is not automatically the best value. Also check:

  • Care: a garment that needs to be washed at a low temperature may be less practical if you do laundry frequently.
  • Versatility: trousers that work with several T-shirts, blouses and pairs of shoes are likely to be worn more often.
  • Lifespan: follow the care label, avoid unnecessarily hot washes and only use the tumble dryer when permitted.
  • Sizing risk: check the returns policy before ordering multiple sizes, especially with non-stretch jeans.

When shopping in a clothing sale, it is particularly important to check the size, material and returns policy. A discount does not change the fit or care requirements.

Frequently asked questions about buying clothes online

How do I determine my clothing size when ordering online?

Measure your waist, chest and hips with a flexible tape measure and compare the measurements with the size guide for the specific product. Also check the fit: slim fit sits differently from regular fit or wide leg.

Which clothes are suitable for everyday wear?

Neutral T-shirts, jeans, sweatpants, blouses and simple dresses are generally easy to style. Choose the material and fit according to your routine: cotton for everyday comfort, a cotton blend for versatility and sportswear for activities that involve plenty of movement.

How can I make clothes bought online last longer?

Wash them according to the care label, turn jeans and dark clothing inside out and do not use bleach unless permitted. Air-dry clothing if the product information advises against using a tumble dryer. This helps reduce unnecessary wear to the colour, print and fibres.