Joybuy Insights

Buying fashion online: how to choose clothes, shoes and basics without making a bad buy

Buying fashion online seems straightforward: filter by size, colour and price, click to order and you’re done. Yet many purchases disappoint. The fit may be different from what you expected, material information can be too vague, and an attractive multipack isn’t automatically good value if you don’t wear half of it.

Use this practical guide to focus on product details you can check. You can compare women’s and men’s clothing, children’s shoes and clothes, trainers, underwear and socks in a way that suits everyday life in the Netherlands.

Common pitfalls when buying fashion online

1. Relying on the product photo alone

A photo shows the colour and style, but not always the thickness of the fabric, its stretch or how the item really fits. Trainers and underwear in particular can look roomier or narrower on screen than they are in real life.

So always check:

  • the size guide and available sizes;
  • foot length for shoes;
  • material percentages;
  • the fit type, such as low rise, seamless or regular fit;
  • washing and care instructions.

2. Confusing marketing terms with measurable features

Words such as “breathable”, “extra comfortable” or “sustainable” don’t mean much on their own. Look for the specification behind the claim. For example, a shoe with an EVA midsole has a specific material listed. With a garment made from 95% cotton and 5% elastane, you have a better idea of what to expect than from a description that simply says “soft fabric”.

Performance claims are made by the product or brand. For example, the product description for certain Utree socks states that they have an antibacterial effect. This is based on the brand’s own product information and shouldn’t be read as a medical or health claim.

3. Buying a multipack without checking how you’ll use it

A clothing multipack can be handy for everyday wear, but check the size, colours and fabric composition first. A set of five men’s boxer shorts is only useful if the fit and rise suit your preference. With women’s briefs, the difference between cotton, elastane and polyamide can affect how they feel to wear and how you care for them.

The key factors to consider

Material and composition

The material affects how a garment feels, how quickly it dries and how it should be washed.

  • Cotton is a popular choice for comfortable basics and cotton socks.
  • Elastane adds stretch and freedom of movement.
  • Polyamide and polyester can contribute to a lightweight, durable construction.
  • Recycled fibres are relevant if you’re considering sustainable fashion, but always check what proportion of the product is made from recycled material.

The product description for the Lee Laminated Recycled Polyester lists recycled polyester as its main material. This is a product specification you can check; it doesn’t automatically mean that the entire garment or supply chain is sustainable.

Size, fit and measurements

Don’t just compare S, M, L or shoe size. Check the specific measurements too. For example, the Lacoste L003 trainers are available in EU sizes with corresponding foot lengths. This makes it easier to compare than relying on your usual size alone.

For children, age indications are only a guide. The product information for a Chicco vest top in size 140 associates it with an age of around 9–10 years. If your child is still growing, check their measurements and the fit again before ordering.

Care and how long items last in everyday use

An item’s lifespan doesn’t depend on the brand alone. Washing instructions, drying and everyday wear all play a part. Many products in this selection recommend washing at 30 or 40 °C and advise against tumble drying. Always follow the label on the item you receive, as the latest instructions take precedence.

For trainers, hand-cleaning is often a better option than machine washing. The Lacoste L003 0722 lists, among other details, a polyester mesh upper with synthetic overlays, an EVA midsole and a rubber outsole. These details help you decide whether the shoes are right for commuting, city wear or casual outfits.

Recommended choices for different shoppers

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Chicco 09011682000000 GIRLS LIGHT PINK 140

Chicco Tank Top 2 Pack Light Pink size 140

Why it suits this shopper: A two-piece set makes it easy to stock up on girls’ vest tops for everyday wear. The size is associated with ages 9–10, but check your child’s measurements before buying.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information clearly states the set size, colour, size 140 and composition of 95% cotton and 5% elastane.

Key benefit & highlights

Two vest tops, a cotton-rich main fabric and a clear size indication.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for top quality
Lacoste L003 0722 1 SMA WHT/WHT 46

Lacoste L003 0722 1 SMA WHT/WHT 46

Why it suits this shopper: These white Lacoste trainers work with a wide range of city and casual outfits. The product information lists a regular fit and EU size 46.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The materials are specified: polyester mesh, synthetic overlays, an EVA midsole and a rubber outsole. So you’re not buying on looks alone.

Key benefit & highlights

EVA cushioning, a rubber outsole and a versatile all-white colourway.

Suitable for: Specific needs & frequent wearers
Utree cotton socks multipack in black and white

Utree cotton socks multipack in black and white

Why it suits this shopper: This set is designed for the office, commuting and long periods of wear. The product information lists 100% cotton, excluding elastic fibres, and a size range of 24–26.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The set lists the material, size range, seamless toe finish and 3D heel shape. The antibacterial claim comes from the brand’s own product information and is not a medical guarantee.

Key benefit & highlights

Cotton-rich main fabric, a multipack and details designed to help the socks stay in place.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for sustainable basics
Lee Drew socks multipack

Lee Socks Drew multipack size 37–39

Why it suits this shopper: A good choice if comfortable basics and materials matter to you. The product description lists a blend of cotton, polyester and elastane, along with recycled materials.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information lists a three-pack, size 37–39 and a blend of materials. The sustainability information refers specifically to recycled materials, not to a general guarantee about the entire supply chain.

Key benefit & highlights

Three pairs, elastic fibres for flexibility and a choice that includes recycled materials.

Looking for more options?

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

Frequently asked questions about buying fashion online

What should I look out for when ordering clothes online?

Start with the size guide, material percentages and fit. Then check the returns policy and care instructions. For children’s clothes, body measurements are usually more reliable than the age shown on the label alone.

How do I choose the right size of trainers?

Measure your foot in millimetres or centimetres and compare the measurement with the model’s size guide. Also check the stated fit and width. EU sizing can vary between brands and models.

Are clothing multipacks better value?

A multipack can lower the price per item and is practical for basics such as Lee underwear, men’s boxer shorts, socks or vest tops. Still, compare the total price, size, colours and how many items you’ll actually use. That way, a low price per item won’t lead to an impractical purchase.