Joybuy Insights

Choosing women’s and men’s clothing online: a practical guide to size, materials and use

Buying clothes online seems straightforward: filter by size, choose a colour and place your order. However, photos and marketing copy do not always tell the whole story. For example, trousers may look generously cut but feel tight around the waist. A jacket may be described as water-repellent without making it clear how the fabric or seams have been finished.

With this guide to women’s and men’s clothing online, you can compare products based on verifiable details. This makes it easier to find clothing for everyday wear, work, formal occasions and outdoor activities without relying solely on appearance.

Three common pitfalls when buying clothes online

1. Looking only at the letter size

A size M is not the same across every brand or style. A trench coat, women’s cardigan and oversized sherpa jacket for women may be deliberately cut more generously, while a women’s dress may have a closer fit. Always check the size chart, fit and stated body measurements.

For trousers, look beyond the waist measurement and also check:

  • hip measurement;
  • inside leg length;
  • rise;
  • room around the thighs and calves;
  • the shape of the leg.

This is particularly important for women’s trousers, women’s chino trousers and wide-leg trousers. A roomy leg says little about the fit around the waist and hips.

2. Mistaking an attractive material for a suitable one

A lightweight fabric may feel comfortable when you are moving, but it may provide less warmth. A soft lining may feel comfortable, but that does not automatically make a jacket suitable for rain. Always look at the complete material composition and construction.

For jackets, relevant details include:

  • the percentage of polyester, cotton or wool;
  • mesh or other lining;
  • elasticated cuffs;
  • an adjustable hem;
  • zipped pockets;
  • sealed or taped seams;
  • a water-repellent coating.

According to The North Face’s own product information, the material of the NF0A8DY2 jacket is made from recycled polyester with a Non-PFC DWR finish and DryVent fabric. Always check the current description and care label on the product page.

3. Using the brand name as a substitute for product information

A Tommy Hilfiger trench coat, Urban Classics women’s clothing or JDY clothing may appeal because of its style, but the practical choice depends on the design, size and composition. The technical features of a The North Face jacket also vary from one model to another.

So do not compare brands alone. Look at:

  1. the exact product name and model number;
  2. available sizes;
  3. material and lining;
  4. care instructions;
  5. the type of use the garment is suitable for.

Which specifications should take priority?

Fit and sizing

Where possible, use a tape measure and measure over clothing similar to what you intend to wear underneath the new item. For a men’s outdoor jacket, extra room is useful if you plan to wear a fleece or jumper underneath. For a women’s dress, the relationship between the bust, waist and hips is often more important than the letter size.

Also look out for terms such as:

  • standard fit: generally a regular fit;
  • relaxed fit: more room through the body and shoulders;
  • oversized fit: deliberately roomier and often longer;
  • high waist: the waistband sits higher on the torso;
  • wide leg: the leg remains relatively roomy from the thigh downwards.

Protection against changeable weather

For walking, cycling or running in the Netherlands, the difference between water-repellent and waterproof is important. According to product information, a DWR finish helps moisture bead off the surface, but performance depends on use, wear and care. A product description is therefore not a guarantee of staying dry in every situation.

If you are looking for a waterproof men’s running jacket, it is best to check the fabric, seams, hood, ventilation and care instructions. A 3-in-1 men’s outdoor jacket offers greater flexibility because the inner and outer layers can be worn separately or together. This can be practical when temperatures change, but it often makes the garment heavier and bulkier.

Care and lifespan

Lifespan depends on how often the garment is worn, how it is washed and dried, and which material it is made from. Wash clothing according to the label, fasten zips before washing and avoid bleach where this is not recommended. On technical jackets, a water-repellent finish may become less effective over time. Some brands recommend reproofing; follow the manufacturer’s instructions when doing so.

Our recommendations by usage profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Women’s High Waist Wide Leg Chino Trousers Black 26

Women’s High Waist Wide Leg Chino Trousers Black 26

Why it suits this profile: These black trousers can be paired with a blouse for a smart outfit or with a T-shirt for everyday wear. This makes them a suitable first versatile addition to a wardrobe.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description states that these trousers have a high waist and wide-leg silhouette. Before buying, still check that size 26 matches your own waist and hip measurements.

Key benefit & advantages

Black colour, high waist, wide leg and, according to the product description, a lightweight and breathable material.

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

Tommy Hilfiger Heritage Single Breasted Trench Women Midnight S

Why it suits this profile: A women’s trench coat works well for the office, city wear and occasions where you want your coat to look polished. The midnight colour is easy to pair with dresses, trousers and knitwear.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product page lists specific bust, waist, hip and sleeve measurements. Use these details rather than relying solely on the S designation.

Key benefit & advantages

Single-breasted design, midnight colour and 100% cotton according to the stated product specification. Follow the care label for maintenance.

Suitable for: Layering enthusiasts in a changeable climate
THE North Face Men Jackets NF0A8DY2 Estate Blue M

THE North Face Men Jackets NF0A8DY2 Estate Blue M

Why it suits this profile: This men’s jacket is designed for training and outdoor use. The hood, zipped pockets and cuffs are practical details for running or walking in changeable weather.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The description mentions DryVent fabric, a Non-PFC DWR finish and 100% recycled polyester. This provides more information than simply calling it an ‘outdoor jacket’; also check the care requirements.

Key benefit & advantages

Hood, zipped chest and hand pockets, standard fit and sizes from XS to 3XL according to the product information.

Suitable for: Layering in a changeable climate
THE North Face Men Jackets NF0A84FC Estate Blue/TNF Black M

THE North Face Men Jackets NF0A84FC Estate Blue/TNF Black M

Why it suits this profile: The 3-in-1 design is practical if you want one jacket that can be adapted to the temperature and activity. According to the product description, the layers can be worn separately or together.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information identifies the separate outer and inner layers, adjustable hood, ventilation zips and taped seams. Compare these features with your own activities before ordering.

Key benefit & advantages

3-in-1 system, GORE-TEX outer material according to the product description, 550 fill power down, and adjustable cuffs 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.

Also useful for women and men

For a complete outfit, you can combine technical features with your everyday style. A women’s dress, for example, works well with a women’s cardigan for extra warmth. According to the product information, a cardigan such as the JDYCardiganCabernetSize M contains a blend of polyester, recycled polyester, wool, elastane and acrylic. Always check the care label for this type of composition.

For casual combinations, Urban Classics women’s clothing and JDY clothing are practical search terms. If you are looking for a jacket for city wear, also consider the collar, pockets, fastening and length rather than focusing solely on the brand name.

Frequently asked questions about women’s and men’s clothing online

How do I determine my clothing size when ordering online?

Measure your bust, waist and hips at the widest points and compare these measurements with the size chart on the product page. Also look at the fit and design. For clothing available in different sizes, the differences between two consecutive sizes can vary from one brand to another.

How long do clothes bought online last?

This depends on the fabric, how often the garment is worn and how it is cared for. Wash it according to the label, use the correct temperature and allow technical jackets to dry naturally when instructed. A jacket worn outdoors every day will generally require more care than a garment used occasionally.

Is more expensive clothing automatically better value?

Not always. Compare the material composition, construction, versatility and care costs. A jacket with two wearable layers, for example, may offer more ways to use it, while a simple pair of women’s trousers may be perfectly adequate for everyday wear. The right choice depends on how often and for what purpose you wear the garment.