Dress shopping online can be a nightmare. There are thousands of options for women’s dresses, and since sizing standards aren’t consistent, finding the right fit can drive you insane. To stop you wasting your time and money, we’re sharing a few tips to help you find the perfect fit every time you shop for women’s dresses online.
Understanding your measurements
Perhaps the best piece of advice we can offer is to understand your measurements. Not all dress sizes are the same, so it is usually a good idea to check the size chart against your bust, waist, and hip measurements. Most of the time, this will get you the perfect fit.
To take accurate measurements, you’ll need a flexible roll of tape measure. That’s because it can easily fit around your body’s natural curves, giving you the most precise dimensions. If you use anything else, you can take inaccurate readings and get an uncomfortable fit.
Decoding size charts and brand differences
Retailers frequently use different sizing standards, which can make finding the right fit a challenge. A size 8 for one brand might be a size 10 at another. Thankfully, when looking online, many do also include a size chart so you can see what size your measurements will correspond to.
With your measurements to hand, line them up with the chart. Hopefully, your measurements should all fit into one size bracket, but if not, you might want to pick the option closest to your size.
Reading reviews and fabric descriptions
Something that’s always worth checking is the reviews and the description for the item you’re looking at. Something may look good on the model, but when it arrives, you realise the fabric simply doesn’t suit you.
To avoid this, look at what previous purchasers have said, with a focus on 2, 3, and 4-star reviews. These reviews can give you a more realistic idea of what to expect when the garment arrives,
Knowing the fabric can also help you visualise how you’ll look when wearing it. For instance, a pleated skirt in heavy fabrics can look nice and full, while lighter fabrics make it look flat. Of course, fabric can impact fit just as much as design, which is why you might need to consider different sizes depending on materials, too.
Making the most of flexible returns
Of course, even if you check everything online, purchases can still be a gamble. That’s why we recommend checking the company’s returns policy before you buy. Most of the time, it’s fairly generous and allows you to try your new dress on. Unfortunately, some online retailers don’t offer this same level of customer care. That’s why we always recommend buying from trustworthy, reputable companies.
