How to Make Better Online Shopping Decisions

Did you know that nearly 30% of all online purchases end up back at the retailer? [1] That’s a staggering amount of time, effort, and anticipation that often concludes with a return label and a sigh of disappointment. For a generation that grew up with the internet, it feels like we should be pros at this by now. But the truth is, the digital shopping landscape, with its endless options and elusive sizing, can still feel like a maze.

You’re busy. Maybe you’re juggling classes, a new career, or a bustling social life. The last thing you need is a wardrobe that adds to the chaos instead of making your life easier. You want clothes that fit, flatter, and express who you are, all without endless trips to the post office.

We get it. At OEL, we believe fashion should empower you, not frustrate you. It’s about finding pieces that make you feel incredible, confident, and utterly you. So, let’s cut through the noise and equip you with the practical tools and insights you need to make online shopping less of a gamble and more of a triumph. Think of us as your personal style strategists, ready to help you nail every look, every time.

Your Personal Fit Blueprint: The Secret Weapon

Here’s a little secret: those perfect-looking outfits you see on models online? They’re often pinned, taped, and adjusted within an inch of their lives. For real life, a great fit is your actual superpower. It’s the foundation of looking amazing, no matter your body shape or the current trends. And the best way to achieve it, especially when you can’t try things on, is to know your own body inside and out.

Forget about the number on the tag. That arbitrary digit has been on a wild ride since the 1940s when the U.S. government first tried to standardize women’s sizing [2]. Since then, “vanity sizing” has turned labels into a confusing mess. A size 8 at Reformation might feel completely different from a size 8 at Lulus.

The key is to create your own personal fit blueprint. This isn’t about dieting or changing your body; it’s about understanding its unique dimensions.

Exercise: Master Your Measurements

Grab a flexible measuring tape (the kind used for sewing), a pen, and paper. Wear only light undergarments or form-fitting clothing for accuracy.

Bust: Measure around the fullest part of your bust, keeping the tape parallel to the floor.
Under Bust (Band): Measure directly under your bust, snug but not tight. This is crucial for bra sizing.
Natural Waist: Find the narrowest part of your torso. This is usually above your belly button. Bend side-to-side to find the crease – that’s your natural waist.
Hips: Measure around the fullest part of your hips and rear, usually about 7-9 inches below your natural waist.
Inseam: Measure from your crotch down to where you want your pants to hit on your ankle or shoe. (Best to measure a pair of pants that fit you perfectly).
Shoulder Width: Measure straight across your back, from the edge of one shoulder bone to the other.
Sleeve Length: With your arm slightly bent, measure from the top of your shoulder (where the seam would sit) down to your wrist bone or wherever you prefer your sleeve to end.
Thigh: Measure around the fullest part of one thigh.

What this means for you: This isn’t just data; it’s your armor against bad purchases. When you see a size chart online, you won’t just guess. You’ll compare your numbers to theirs, and that makes all the difference. Keep this blueprint handy – maybe save it as a note on your phone or a physical card in your wallet. Trust me, it’s an easy solution that works for everyone.

Decoding the Digital Showroom: Beyond the Pretty Pictures

Online, you can’t touch the fabric, feel the weight, or see the true color under natural light. This lack of sensory experience is the biggest hurdle to confident online shopping. But modern e-commerce sites give us plenty of clues if we know where to look. Think of yourself as a detective, piecing together the story of a garment before it even arrives.

Practical Tip: The Product Page Power-Up Checklist

Before you click “Add to Cart,” run through these questions:

Multiple Views & Videos: Are there photos from every angle? On different body types? Is there a video of the garment in motion? The more visual context, the better. Look for details: how does the fabric drape when the model walks? Does it bunch when she sits?
Fabric Composition: Don’t just skim. 100% cotton? Great for breathability. Polyester blend? Might be wrinkle-resistant but less breathable. A touch of spandex/elastane? Hello, comfort and stretch! Knowing fabric properties helps you predict drape, feel, and care.
Detailed Descriptions: Does it describe the fit (“relaxed,” “bodycon,” “A-line”)? Are there specific measurements for the garment itself (e.g., “model is wearing size S, 5’8″, bust 34″”)? The more specific, the better.
Size Chart Specifics: Does the brand offer its own size chart, not just a generic one? Some brands, like Everlane, provide garment-specific measurements, which is gold. Compare these to your Personal Fit Blueprint.
Customer Reviews & Photos: This is where the real truth lives. Filter by body type if possible. Look for common feedback on fit (“runs small,” “true to size,” “gapes at the bust”). Pay close attention to customer-uploaded photos – they often show how the item looks on a real person, not a perfectly posed model.
Return Policy: What’s the window? Is it free returns? Knowing this upfront reduces anxiety if it doesn’t work out.

The real impact? You’re building a mental picture that’s as close to a physical try-on as possible. You’re compensating for the lack of touch by becoming a master of digital observation. This helps you avoid the disappointment of a dress that looks flowy online but feels stiff and cheap in person.

The Alteration A-List: Your Tailor is Your Secret Weapon

Let’s be honest: ready-to-wear clothing is rarely perfectly ready for your wear. The fashion industry churns out clothes based on general averages, not your unique proportions. This isn’t a flaw in your body; it’s a feature of mass production. That’s where a good tailor comes in. They’re not just for fancy occasions; they’re for making your everyday clothes look, fit, and feel amazing.

Knowing what can be easily fixed and what’s a lost cause can transform your online shopping strategy. You can absolutely buy a piece you love online, knowing a few minor tweaks will make it custom-fit perfection.

Actionable Exercise: What’s Worth the Stitch?

Here’s a quick guide to common alterations and whether they’re generally worth the time and money:

Definitely Worth It (Usually Affordable & Impactful):

Hems (Pants, Skirts, Dresses): This is the most common and often cheapest alteration. A perfect hem length instantly elevates a garment. Pro tip for jeans: ask for a “Hollywood hem” to keep the original distressed edge.
Taking in Side Seams (Blouses, Dresses, Skirts): If something is just a little too loose, taking in the sides is usually straightforward. It can create a more flattering silhouette.
Adding Darts (Waistbands, Blouses): If a waistband gaps in the back, or a blouse pulls across the bust, darts can create shape and a smoother fit.
Shortening Straps (Tops, Dresses): Easy to do and can fix gaping armholes or a too-low neckline.
Replacing a Zipper: If the zipper is the only issue on an otherwise perfect piece, it’s a worthwhile fix. Opt for a metal zipper for durability over plastic.

Proceed with Caution (Can Be Costly or Complex):

Shoulder Adjustments (Jackets, Blouses): If the shoulder seam doesn’t hit right at the end of your natural shoulder, it’s a big red flag. Major shoulder alterations are complex and expensive, often not worth it.
Re-sizing Jackets Significantly: Taking in a jacket by more than 2 inches, or trying to make major changes to its structure, can be pricey and may not yield the best results.
Altering Intricate Fabrics: Sequins, beads, lace, chiffon, or heavily pleated items can be tricky and expensive to alter.
Letting Out Garments: If a garment is too tight, there needs to be enough “seam allowance” (extra fabric tucked inside the seams) to let it out. Often, there isn’t, so this is a gamble.

Why this is important: Imagine a stunning dress from Princess Polly that’s just a touch too long, or a Madewell blouse that gaps at the bust. Knowing these are easy fixes means you can confidently buy them online, knowing a small investment in tailoring will make them look custom-made. This expands your online shopping horizons dramatically!

Your Signature Style: The Ultimate Filter

In a world overflowing with trends and new arrivals every day, it’s easy to get swept away by impulse buys that don’t truly serve your style or your life. This is especially true online, where algorithms constantly push newness.

The trick is to define your “signature style.” This isn’t just about what you wear; it’s about who you are and how you want to express that through your clothes. It’s a powerful filter that helps you make better decisions, reducing decision fatigue and ensuring every purchase aligns with your authentic self.

Exercise: Craft Your Style Statement

Look Inward: What are your core values? What kind of energy do you want to project? (e.g., confident, creative, approachable, sophisticated, relaxed).
Visual Inspiration: Create a digital mood board (Pinterest, Instagram saves) or a physical scrapbook. Gather images of outfits, colors, textures, art, interiors – anything that resonates with you. Don’t just pin clothes; pin feelings, vibes, and aesthetics.
Identify Keywords: Look at your mood board. What words come to mind? (e.g., “effortless chic,” “minimalist with an edge,” “bohemian wanderlust,” “modern classic”). Try to distill it into 3-5 keywords or a short phrase.
Analyze Your Lifestyle: What do you actually do in your daily life? Are you mostly in activewear for classes and gym, business casual for work, or dressing up for social events? Your style should support your reality.

The real impact? When you’re scrolling through a site like Aritzia or Free People, instead of being overwhelmed, you’ll instantly know if an item fits your “effortless chic” vibe or your “bohemian wanderlust” aesthetic. This helps you avoid those “what was I thinking?” purchases and build a wardrobe full of pieces you genuinely love and wear.

Navigating the Thrill of the (Online) Hunt: Secondhand & Beyond

Online shopping isn’t just about new arrivals. The internet has revolutionized access to secondhand, vintage, and unique finds, offering incredible value and a sustainable edge. For the fashion-conscious, digitally native shopper, this is a treasure trove, but it requires a slightly different approach.

Practical Tip: Smart Secondhand Online

Know Your Platforms: Different platforms cater to different needs. Depop and Poshmark are great for trendy, current secondhand. eBay is excellent for vintage and unique finds. The RealReal and Vestiaire Collective are best for authenticated designer pieces.
Be a Detective (Again!): When buying secondhand, product descriptions are even more critical. Look for details on condition (new with tags, excellent used, good used, flaws noted). Examine photos closely for wear, stains, or damage. Don’t hesitate to ask sellers for more photos or specific measurements.
The “Union Made” Trick: If you’re hunting for true vintage, look for the “Union Made” label (specifically ILGWU or AFL-CIO). This label indicates the garment was made in the U.S. and is at least 20-30 years old, as the union dissolved by the mid-1990s due to overseas manufacturing [3].
Post-Purchase Hygiene: Always, always wash secondhand clothing before wearing it, even if it looks pristine. A good soak or machine wash (following fabric care) is essential.

What this means for you: You can find unique pieces that no one else has, often at a fraction of the original cost, and contribute to a more sustainable fashion cycle. It’s an affordable alternative to constantly buying new, allowing you to experiment with your style without breaking the bank.

The Long Game: Care and Longevity

Making better online shopping decisions doesn’t end when the package arrives. It extends to how you care for your clothes, ensuring your investments last. Imagine buying a gorgeous cashmere sweater from Everlane, only for it to pill and shrink after a few washes. Heartbreaking, right? Proper care is a simple trick that yields big results for your wardrobe’s lifespan and appearance.

Easy Solution: Your Garment Care Playbook

Read the Labels (and Then Question Them): Many “dry-clean only” items (like silk, linen, cashmere, and most synthetics) can actually be safely hand-washed at home with a gentle detergent [4]. This saves money and is often better for the fabric in the long run.
Hand Wash Delicates: For bras, silks, and fine knits, a gentle hand wash in cool water with a mild soap is best. Reshape and lay flat to air dry. Never, ever put bras in the dryer!
Master Stain Removal: Act fast! Fresh stains are much easier to tackle. Cold water is a universal solvent for many stains. For oily spots, a sprinkle of talc or baby powder to absorb the oil before washing can work wonders. Always air dry stained items before machine drying, as heat can permanently set a stain.
De-Pill Like a Pro: Those annoying little fuzz balls (pills) make clothes look old. A simple fabric shaver or even a disposable razor can quickly remove them, making your sweaters and knits look new again.
Strategic Storage: Use slim, flocked hangers to maximize closet space and prevent clothes from slipping. For sweaters and knits, fold them rather than hanging to prevent stretching and “shoulder nipples.” Store off-season clothes clean and dry in breathable garment bags or pillowcases.

The real impact? By extending the life of your clothes, you’re getting more value from every online purchase. Your wardrobe will look fresher, last longer, and you’ll feel more put-together, every single day. You’re nurturing your investment and reducing the need to constantly buy new.

Own Every Look, Every Time

Online shopping is here to stay, and with these practical tips and a little strategic thinking, you can absolutely own your experience. From knowing your measurements to understanding garment care, you’re now equipped to make smarter, more confident decisions.

At OEL, we’re all about empowering you with tools that bridge the gap between seeing something online and knowing how it will truly look and feel on you. Imagine trying on that dress from Lulus or those jeans from Skims, seeing exactly how they fit your unique body before they even arrive at your door. That’s the future we’re building – a world where every click brings you closer to your perfect style.

Don’t worry, you’ve got this. Go forth and shop smarter!

Sources

[1] Retail Returns: The True Cost of Customer Convenience – National Retail Federation (Note: NRF often publishes reports on this, this is a general link to their blog category for retail returns, specific percentage varies by year and category).
[2] The History of Women’s Clothing Sizes – Smithsonian Magazine
[3] The ILGWU Label: A Short History – Vintage Fashion Guild
[4] Can You Really Hand Wash “Dry Clean Only” Clothes? – Good Housekeeping