Most people love shopping, but with our busy lifestyles who has time to get out there and get it done. Online Shopping can provide a great new wardrobe while providing dual savings on both time and money affording the opportunity to shop at your own convenience, from the comfort of your own home or while on the go, not to mention at virtually any time of the day. Unfortunately, online shopping can also be a little intimidating and even tricky. There is always that slight chance that a garment purchased online will not fit properly and will have to be returned.  It is a horrible feeling to have invested the time and energy finding and purchasing a beautiful item online only to have to return it because it doesn’t fit! To save us all from ruining an otherwise glorious experience, I have put together a few tips to help navigate getting the right fit while cyber-shopping.

• Keep up to date measurements

Sounds very simple, but how many of us know our measurements right off hand?

Yet it is one of the most important elements in obtaining a proper fit. Make sure to have an updated list of your own body measurements. 

If you are a little out of date, try having  a professional do your measurements  this way the measurements will be more accurate because …. (Drumroll)…they are a professional.. and you will actually be standing normally.

So you say there is no professional available?  Well you can always have a friend or relative stand in.  Just remember to stand up normally, no sucking in your belly or standing up straighter than normal!

Last but not least you can do a self-measurement.  This can be helpful but may not be the most accurate when trying to find your correct size.

• Know what to measure

Measure your Bust – This means the fullest part of your chest

Measure your Natural waist- This means the slimmest part of your torso, not necessarily where your pants rest

Measure your Hip- This means the fullest part of your body at the top of the leg around an across your bottom, usually this is about 7 inches from your waist.

Measure your Inseam- This is the inner part of your leg, from groin to the length you feel comfortable like ankle or higher.

These measurements will be super helpful when looking at the size chart provided by the website.  Always remember that there are no universal sizing requirements between manufacturers, brands, and designers, so always, always look at the sizing chart provided and see how you measure up.

If no size chart is provided try looking at the pictures of the garment for your known trouble spots. For example, if shirts tend to be a little snug in the arm, take a look at the picture and see if the arms look like they will be a good fit.

• Pay Attention to the Fabric

Take note of the fabrics and materials of the items you are considering for purchase because some fabrics shrink and some give or stretch a little.  Be mindful of how you like your clothing to fit and sit on you.  If you don’t know how a material will feel or react it can be helpful to go through your closet and see what materials you have and note how you like the fit.

• Read the reviews

It is also helpful to read reviews provided on the item that you are considering.  The consumers providing feedback have a real perspective of the piece you would like to purchase.  Scan for comments that touch on size and fit.  They can let you know if an item runs small or large and other information that you are looking for.

• Read the Return Policy

Of course there is not a 100% guarantee that you will never have to send an item back so always read the return policies of the site. Take note of their exchange and refund policy as well so that you are not stuck with the wrong size.  Look for Free returns and exchanges (Like Lydia's Beryl) this means the retailer stands behind their product and wants you to be happy with your purchase. 

Yes there is some time that goes into preparation for your online shopping experience, but once done you can have peace of mind, be stress free, and save time and money.  Do your research, take and keep notes of what your measurements are, and the brands you like that fit well.  Shopping online should be fast, easy and fun! Hopefully, these tips will help you keep it that way.  Happy cyber-shopping!

-Nicole Salinas, Lydia’s Beryl