It’s always interesting to see who purchases clothing online, and who doesn’t. There’s always a few of each in a crowd who are adamant about their stand on internet clothing purchases.
“I can’t try anything on, how am I supposed to know if it’ll fit?!”
“I can’t find things in stores that I can find online… Why settle when you could have exactly what you want?”
The arguments are endless.
As for me, I love buying stuff online. I love getting things for the lowest possible price and finding pieces that are handmade or independently designed. Clearly, I must have some kind of loyalty to the internet, as I’ve been running this site for over three years and have never posted about something not available online… But I see the points of those who oppose my perspective. I get the sizing thing, and can absolutely appreciate needing to feel fabric before dropping dollars.
And I definitely know the frustrations that accompany an anti-climactic, This Doesn’t Fit experience. I’m no stranger to the twitch-inducing act of silently kicking myself for not being able to try something on as the garment itself hangs off of or desperately clings to my body. And, while they say Taurus is a patient sign, I have yet to see evidence of this and 3-5 business days is long enough, thank you.
So, I’m curious… Do you shop online? If so, how often? And why?
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View Comments (11)
I don't shop online very often, but mostly it's an issue of discipline for me. I look at so many blogs and see so many lovely things I want every day that if I didn't exercise self-control, I would go on a buying rampage and clean out my bank account, as well as max out several credit cards. With "real life" shopping, I can exercise restraint by simply not going inside the store, but with online shopping, everything is right there at your fingertips. So I set boundaries for myself, and try really hard not to purchase things online.
I prefer shopping online but it seems to be a lot easier for me to go overboard online than I do in a mall. I also typically buy two of something online to make sure I get the sizing right, so I currently have pairs of some items because I either forgot or was just too lazy to return the wrong size.
I'm in love with the idea of shopping for clothes online, but I'm still not brave enough to try it. I get a lot more satisfaction out of thrifting, where I can make discoveries at my own pace, make sure that it looks as good on me as it does on the hanger, and go straight home with bags full of new pieces.
I try to balance this by buying pretty much everything else from websites - handmade soap and make-up is my weakness. It's actually a lot harder to find affordable, completely natural and/or vegan products in B&M stores that it is online. Plus it's more satisfying buying from a person than a string of companies.
I don't buy too much clothing online...I did order some custom-sized boots from England because of my extra-large calves last year. But if I go to the mall, I can try something on and have it now. If I order online, it's a big hassle because UPS/Fed Ex won't leave packages outside apartment buildings, so I always end up having to go downtown to the UPS center and picking up my package, but only between the hours of 7 and 8 or whatever...suffice to say, I browse the web sites of the stores I visit in real life, so I get the best of both worlds.
I think the main reason that I do not shop on-line is that I like to try on clothes. this is an experience you cannot get from buying online. Yes of course you can return the clothing if it doesn't fit, but then again you have to wait for the new size to arrive. I am the person who likes to wear new clothes right away!!!
Yet it could be convenient for me as I live in Greece and there are many brands that I totally love (All Saints for example) who do not have shops here...but I restrain myself as some ladies aboeve also added...or then I will go overboard!!
p.s. I found you through @holierthannow twitter and I follow you on twitter too! :)
Anna: I definitely understand. Trying on clothes is CRUCIAL, but online - you can get clothes from anywhere in the world. It's a tough decision!
Thanks for the follow!! :) Don't be a stranger!
Ebay and etsy are a weakness of mine, so most of my closet comes from online. Plus, I'm lazy and cheap so the internet is a perfect solution for me :)
But I know what a pain it is not to be able to see it or touch it, though I love the little videos that are on ASOS, those are genius and almost make up for not being able to try it on.
I've bought two Threadless tees and a Lands' End Canvas drss and sweater. I found the sizing to be nerve-wracking - I'm in Canada, so shipping back and forth can be expensive. Luckily all my purchases so far have pretty much fit me (the tees are tighter than I'd have liked, because the fabric has very litte stretch, and the sweater is meant to be oversized, but is still a bit bigger than I'd have liked). Even online, I've still had difficulty finding sales on specific items I want, because it's very rare that I'll pay full price for anything, especially online.
I like thrifting better. :)
Erin: Ohhh Ebay is soooo hard for me to stop. Everything in the WORLD in on there, and it's CHEAP!! I love the ASOS videos, too... 6pm has some similar ones for shoes, which I adore! I hope that becomes a mainstay in internet retail.
Meg: I've noticed that all the Threadless tees are a little snug. =\ I had 5 at one time and they were all one size larger than I usually wear, but like... tight. Tight tight. Sizing is definitely scary because it's SO varied! & sometimes I think they make the sizing charts look more fair than they really are. =\
NEVER pay full price online! There is simply no need. :)
I used to do more online shopping until I realized the stores charge more for clothing online. For example I got a cardigan on sale at the GAP for $13, but online it was on sale for $24. Another example at Limited w aas dress marked as on sale for $29 instore, but on sale for $35 online. This coupled with Shipping and handling makes online shopping more expensive.
Still we're purchasing online....