Joybuy Insights

Buying clothes online: how to choose the right items for women, men and children

Buying clothes online may seem simple: choose a style, select your size and place your order. In practice, however, a garment may fit differently, be less versatile or require more care than the product photo suggests. By checking a few key points, you can compare women’s clothing online, men’s clothing online and children’s clothing much more effectively.

Common pitfalls when buying clothes online

1. Relying solely on the letter size

A clothing size S or clothing size L is not a universal standard. One manufacturer may use a looser fit, while another brand opts for a close-fitting design. With coats and hoodies, you also need to allow room for a T-shirt or sweatshirt underneath.

Always check:

  • the size chart for the specific product;
  • your chest, waist and hip measurements;
  • the stated fit, such as slim fit, regular fit or relaxed fit;
  • the length of the sleeves and garment;
  • whether the size is given in EU, UK or body measurements.

2. Confusing marketing terms with measurable properties

Words such as “breathable”, “antibacterial”, “waterproof” or “premium” only tell you something when the product information explains what the claim is based on. A product description is not a guarantee for every individual use case.

According to Nike’s own product information, the Team Park 20 Hoodie features Dri-FIT technology for moisture management. You can regard this as a product specification from the brand, but not as a guarantee that the hoodie will stay dry in all conditions. With a long-sleeved top or coat, it is therefore important to consider the material, construction and care instructions as well.

3. Ignoring care requirements and materials

A garment that cannot be tumble-dried takes more time to look after in everyday use. Also check whether the material may shrink, crease or run in the wash. The product information for several models recommends washing at a low temperature, not using bleach and drying naturally. This is particularly relevant if you wear the clothes frequently, for example for school, work, sport or travel.

Three parameters to check before buying

Size and fit

Measure yourself with a flexible tape measure and do not pull it too tightly. Compare the result with the product chart, rather than relying only on a garment you already own. For children’s clothing, age indications are merely a starting point; body height in centimetres is often more useful.

For example, the Tommy Hilfiger Heritage Single Breasted Trench has a separate table showing EU sizes and chest, waist and hip measurements. You should therefore compare the stated size S with the specified measurements. This is particularly important for a women’s trench coat, as a coat needs to fit over several layers.

Material and weight

Cotton generally feels soft and is suitable for everyday use. Polyester can be practical for sportswear and is often blended with cotton. For T-shirts and sweatshirts, check the fibre composition, the fabric weight when provided and the details that affect the fit.

The THE North Face Men T-Shirts NF0A8E4E is described as a 100% cotton T-shirt with a fabric weight of 160 g/m² and a relaxed fit. This makes it easier to judge whether the style is suitable as a loose casual shirt or a base layer.

Construction and care

Look out for details that make a difference every day:

  • ribbed cuffs and hems on hoodies and sweatshirts;
  • an adjustable hood and pockets;
  • reinforced seams or a double hem;
  • fixed or removable cups in women’s underwear;
  • washing instructions and restrictions on drying and ironing.

A functional detail is not automatically essential. An integrated cup may be useful under a blouse, but not everyone prefers the same level of support or fit. Therefore, consider the product photos, size information and description together.

Recommended choices for different user profiles

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
JDY Shirt Long Sleeve Oatmeal Size S

JDY Shirt Long Sleeve Oatmeal Size S

Why it suits this profile: The neutral colour and long sleeves make this shirt easy to pair with jeans, trousers or a skirt. It is a practical choice for everyday wear.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The description gives a clear use case and specifies the selected size S. Before buying, however, check that the stated measurements correspond to your body measurements.

Key benefit & advantages

Long sleeves, an oatmeal colour and plenty of options for creating casual outfits.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
Tommy Hilfiger Heritage Single Breasted Trench Women Midnight S

Tommy Hilfiger Heritage Single Breasted Trench Women Midnight S

Why it suits this profile: This women’s trench coat is designed for both casual and more formal outfits. The midnight colour works well with neutral clothing and smart workwear.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information provides details of the material, size conversion and body measurements. This means you do not have to rely solely on the brand name or product photo.

Key benefit & advantages

100% cotton according to the product information; available with specified sizing for women.

Suitable for: Specific use & frequent wear
Nike Team Park 20 Hoodie CW6894-463 S

Nike Team Park 20 Hoodie CW6894-463 S

Why it suits this profile: This Nike hoodie is designed for training, team sports and casual wear. The hood, kangaroo pocket and ribbed cuffs make it practical for regular use.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The description lists specific details such as an adjustable hood, kangaroo pocket, ribbed cuffs and machine washing. The Dri-FIT claim comes from Nike’s product information.

Key benefit & advantages

Polyester-cotton blend according to the product description; adjustable hood and front pocket; ribbed cuffs on the sleeves and hem.

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.

Two more practical choices to consider before ordering

Women’s underwear and close-fitting tops

With women’s underwear, fit is more important than colour alone. According to the product information, the Utree Women's Seamless Bralette Tank Top has built-in, semi-fixed cups, wide elastic shoulder straps and stretchy fabric. The manufacturer also mentions a fragrance containing camellia extract and antibacterial properties. These are claims from the brand’s product description; above all, assess whether the cut, size and care instructions work for you.

Children’s clothing for everyday wear

A children’s sweatshirt needs to allow freedom of movement and be easy to care for. The Tommy Hilfiger Essential Sweatshirt Kids is described as a gender-neutral style made from organic cotton, with ribbing at the collar, cuffs and hem. For children’s clothing, use the EU size in centimetres and compare it with the child’s height. Age labels alone may not provide enough guidance.

Frequently asked questions about buying clothes online

How do I determine my clothing size online?

Measure your chest, waist and hips, then compare these measurements with the chart on the product page. Also consider the fit. A relaxed-fit T-shirt may be roomier than a close-fitting style in the same letter size.

Is buying clothes online cheaper than shopping in a shop?

It varies by product, brand, size and delivery or returns terms. Therefore, compare the total cost and check what information is provided about delivery and returns. A low price is less appealing if the garment does not fit or is difficult to care for.

How long do clothes bought online last?

Lifespan depends on the material, seams, how often the garment is worn and how it is cared for. Wash according to the label, avoid unnecessarily high temperatures and follow the instructions for drying and ironing. For frequent use, ribbing, fabric composition and care instructions are useful points of comparison.