Joybuy Insights

Buying sportswear and casual clothing online: how to choose clothes that suit how you use them

Buying sportswear and casual clothing online may seem straightforward, until your order arrives and the fit is disappointing, the fabric turns out to be warmer than expected or the size does not match your usual clothes. This is particularly common with women’s clothing, men’s clothing and sportswear, where product features are sometimes described in broad terms without making it clear which specifications you will actually receive.

So watch out for these common pitfalls:

  • Marketing names without measurable details: terms such as “performance”, “comfort” or “technical” mean little if the material, fit and care instructions are not provided.
  • Misjudging the size: a slim-fit T-shirt fits differently from a regular-fit sweatshirt. Size codes can also vary by brand or region.
  • Buying clothing for a different purpose: a casual T-shirt is not automatically suitable for intensive training. Yoga trousers may feel comfortable, but they may have different features from trousers designed for running or football.

Which specifications should you check?

1. Material and freedom of movement

Start by checking the fibre composition. Cotton generally feels soft and works well for casual T-shirts, sweatshirts and comfortable everyday clothing. Polyester is often used in sportswear because it is lightweight and easy to care for.

A blended fabric can offer a practical middle ground. According to the product information, the Adidas Trefoil Essentials Pants are made from 70% cotton and 30% recycled polyester. The fleece fabric, elasticated waistband, drawcord and ribbed cuffs make the intended use clear: leisure and everyday wear, rather than automatically being suitable for every intensive sporting activity.

Also pay attention to the fit:

  • Slim fit: sits closer to the body.
  • Regular fit: generally provides more room for everyday movement.
  • Straight leg: falls straight down and creates a less fitted silhouette.
  • High waist: the waistband sits higher, as with certain yoga trousers.

2. Sizing and measurements

Do not rely solely on the letter S, M, L or XL. Where possible, check chest, waist and hip measurements in centimetres. For the Adidas Adicolor Classics 3-Stripes Tee, a chest width of 48 cm is listed for size M. The size guide for The North Face women’s jacket includes chest, waist, hip and arm-length measurements, among others.

A practical approach:

  1. Measure a garment that fits comfortably and compare its width with the product details.
  2. Measure your body circumference with a flexible tape measure, without pulling it tight.
  3. Check whether the size guide uses EU, UK or US sizes.
  4. See whether the fit is slim, regular or loose.

This helps prevent you from ordering a women’s jacket, cargo trousers or jogging bottoms based solely on the product photo.

3. Care and conditions of use

Care affects how clothing looks over time. Check the recommended washing temperature, drying method and any restrictions relating to prints or logos. Several Adidas products recommend a delicate wash cycle, mild detergent and washing inside out. For dark clothing, washing separately with similar colours is also advised.

For outdoor clothing, additional details are relevant. The product description for The North Face Women Jackets NF0A8EGV mentions DryVent technology, with features relating to water and wind protection. This information comes from the product and brand description; practical suitability depends on the conditions, the layers worn underneath and correct care. Before buying, also check the material details and the garment label.

Recommendations by user type

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Adidas Adicolor Classics 3-Stripes Tee IA4845 Black M

Adidas Adicolor Classics 3-Stripes Tee IA4845 Black M

Why it suits this profile: A black cotton T-shirt is easy to pair with jeans, cargo trousers or jogging bottoms. This makes it a suitable first staple for a casual wardrobe.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information lists the material, slim fit, colour and size. However, check the 48 cm chest width before ordering.

Key benefit & advantages

100% cotton, ribbed crew neck and cuffs, black colour and care instructions for delicate washing.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for top quality
THE North Face Women Jackets NF0A8EGV Space XL

THE North Face Women Jackets NF0A8EGV Space XL

Why it suits this profile: If you go walking or spend time outdoors regularly, a technical women’s jacket offers more than an ordinary jacket designed for use in town.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The description specifies the intended use, outer fabric and zip-in system. However, check compatibility with other layers before using this system.

Key benefit & advantages

100% polyester, concealed hood adjustment, elasticated cuffs and zipped pockets. The product information mentions DryVent technology.

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: This Nike sports shirt is designed for football and sporting activities, but its crew neck also makes it suitable for simple casual wear.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product details specify the sport type, fit, size and material. The moisture-management performance is a claim from Nike’s product information and should not be interpreted as a guarantee for every user.

Key benefit & advantages

Regular fit, short sleeves, dark grey colour and a composition listed in the product details as 57% cotton and 43% polyester.

Extra considerations for women’s and men’s clothing

With women’s clothing, proportions can vary considerably between styles. A women’s jacket with a clear chest and hip size guide is therefore easier to assess than a product described simply as “true to size”. For yoga or fitness, a high waistband, such as the one on the Willit Yoga Capris, is a relevant product feature. However, the available description does not include a complete size guide, so it is worth checking the available sizes and returns policy carefully.

For men’s clothing, waist and chest measurements are important, particularly with jogging bottoms, sweatshirts and Reebok underwear. The Reebok Sports Brief Wiggins is offered as a 3-pack of stretch boxer briefs in size M. Before buying, check that the packaging, colour variant and washing instructions match your expectations.

How to compare the total value of your purchase

The lowest price is not always the best-value choice if a garment is unsuitable for how you intend to use it. Compare:

  • Price per wear: a 3-pack of underwear can be practical for everyday use.
  • Care: clothing that needs to be washed at a low temperature and without bleach requires suitable care.
  • Mix-and-match potential: black Adidas clothing, casual T-shirts and neutral sweatshirts are easy to combine.
  • Function: outdoor clothing, yoga trousers and cargo trousers each serve a different purpose.
  • Sizing risk: check chest, waist and hip measurements before completing your purchase.

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 sportswear and casual clothing online

How do I determine my clothing size when buying online?

Compare your body measurements with the size guide on the product page. Measure your chest, waist and hips as instructed by the guide. For T-shirts and sweatshirts, the garment width in centimetres can also be helpful. Also check the difference between slim fit and regular fit.

How long does sportswear and casual clothing last?

Lifespan depends on the material, how often the garment is worn, friction, the wash cycle and the drying method. Wash according to the label, use mild detergent and avoid unnecessarily high temperatures. With printed or embroidered clothing, washing it inside out can help reduce wear on the surface.

Is cotton or polyester more suitable for sportswear?

That depends on how you intend to use it. Cotton is often comfortable for casual T-shirts and leisurewear. Polyester is frequently used in sportswear because it is lightweight and has the properties brands attribute to the material. Always check the exact composition and choose based on the sport, season and preferred fit.