Question for my readers, particularly (but not limited to) women: do you shop for clothes online? And if you do, which retailers do you recommend and why?
Once again, I'm in desperate need of new clothes. With Covid infection rates still through the roof here I've been putting off shopping in person for anything non essential. All of a sudden, not only could I really use some new clothes for work (we go back in person on Monday), but all of my lounge-around-the-house clothes are wearing out. I need things like pajamas, socks, jeans, and t-shirts just as much as I need business casual, maybe more. I need new sneakers, too. I've hesitated to order online because most things need to be tried on, but I think I'm going to have to bite the bullet and be prepared to just return things that don't fit.
I actually steeled myself to it and went out today, to try to do a little shopping as safely as possible, but that didn't go so well. There were crowds everywhere, and even when people were wearing masks properly I still felt like I was taking my life into my hands being in proximity to so many strangers. A couple of places were just too crowded or else had too many maskless people milling around and I just walked right back out. I ended up buying one sweater and three pairs of underwear, nothing that had to be tried on, because I couldn't stand the thought of going into small changing rooms. It was a less than satisfying experience.
So do you recommend any places? Preferably with great customer service and easy returns. Thanks in advance!
Well speaking as one of your gay girlfriends Jen, only shop with a online company if your familiar with them. For example, where you usually shop, do they have an online website to order, because then you'll be familiar with sizing. I have heard to many horror stories of friends ordering from these never heard of before clothing companies, because of the cheap prices, only to have the goods never show up, or they completely fall apart for a month or more of wearing.
ReplyDeleteOf course I'm not an online shopper and like you only shop a place in person. I stick to my same shops. They may be a little more money, but I want quality. I believe store should be letting shoppers in by appointment only...because to many stores I hear are letting in to many people. The Bloomies I worked at is by appointment only now, after they had two store outbreaks of the virus. Is there any local shops you can go that have by appointment only? I haven't been in any stores either other then food markets, pharmacy or two trips to Home Depot.
I have bought clothes from here before and found them true to fit: https://www.blair.com
ReplyDeleteif I ruled the world, we'd all be naked.
I never buy clothes online, so I go to my regular spots, and if they aren't crowded, I go in. I agree with MM that places like clothing stores should be appointment only.
ReplyDeleteI buy my jeans and my sneakers online, Amazon, sizes are usually right on. If you shop for anything with a color, remember your screen is backlit and colors will look different in natural light.
ReplyDeleteOld Navy for budget clothing, Nordstrom for better quality clothing
ReplyDeleteJ
You can buy a lot of stuff at Amazon. And if you have a Kohl's nearby returns are super-easy. You just bring them there. Lands End has good quality basics. I'm plus size and buy all my clothes online.
ReplyDeleteBasics like tshirts and leggings are great from Amazon. Check reviews. For the rest, I know what I like and from where. If I can’t try on, I will repeat buy a Jean or shoe from the original source.
ReplyDeleteI've bought everything online for a few years now, though "everything" doesn't amount to much.
ReplyDeleteI'm always looking for ethical clothing and once the algorithms know what you want, more of it shows up.
There are also loads of great things new or near new on marketplace because people are too lazy to return the things they don't like
Jennifer I'm reading these comments and taking notes because I have the same problem! Not only that, the few clothing stores that I would go into here have closed. I need to get the hang of buying clothes online but I really need to try things on. We have Amazon Prime so I tried ordering a few things on Amazon. So far I have only ordered T-shirts, some underwear and socks but those worked out okay. I did just order a new coat from Columbia and it was okay except the color was not what I expected. I saw that Dave mentioned that and he is right. I thought the color was a blush pink but it turned out more of a purple. It is okay though and I'm keeping it. It's like the pandemic has thrown us into this new world and we have to find our way around in it!
ReplyDeleteShocking to think that there are so many shoppers out and about when America is dying from COVID. Why are the shops open anyway? You should indeed bite the bullet and try a few online purchases. Surely, if the items need to be returned it will not be at your own expense.
ReplyDeleteI buy online from shops I know, like our major Spanish Department store El Corte Inglés. Otherwise directly from brands or their official sellers. If I buy clothes from an Amazon seller, I check their ratings and reviews.
ReplyDeletejjill.com has nice clothes, but I only buy when they are on sale, or in the sale/clearance section. onehanesplace.com sells under things.
ReplyDeleteI buy from Gap because I know how they will fit and online store is pretty good for bargains. Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack have been quite good. I second Amazon for underwear. They are well made and inexpensive. I have only been buying shoes on line for years because of my big feet and Zappos is a life saver with the most amazing return policy ever. I am not a big returner but with shoes you often must. They make is so easy. Sometimes I buy several pair knowing that I will only keep the one that I like best. The only downside of Zappos is, don't look for bargains, but with my feet I am just lucky to find cute enough, comfortable shoes that fit
ReplyDeleteI've bought from Land's End online, and it's generally worked out OK.
ReplyDeleteI forgot about Land's End. Some of the best online purchases we've made.
DeleteI agree with Maddie, stick to places you would usually shop in person. Then venture out slowly. I bought a pair of shoes on line recently from Banggood. They were cheap and surprisingly they fit and were alright for the price. I don't know how other things from there would be. I think most clothes these days are shootie compared to clothes 10 years ago.
ReplyDeleteI am in need of a jacket and am dubious to purchase one on-line.
ReplyDeleteI"m told Land's End is good viz. if it isn't what I want it is an easy return.
Can you look at the tags on your favorite clothes that are in your closet now. If they fit well, check the size and go online to order. Google the name brand and see what comes up. That would save you from going to a store.
ReplyDeleteI have shopped at Target and Kohls but I am retired so I can go when it is not crowded. You don't have to try on at the store if you don't want to. You can always return or exchange if you want.
Good luck!
Nothing has ever made women's clothing sizes uniform. Don't worry about returns, most even send a return postage (or UPS) paid sticker. My bit of advice is worry about finding who makes what fits you, and give them your custom! I have worn Gloria Vanderbilt jeans for ten or fifteen years, because I know in every style of her pants, my size is always the same.
ReplyDeleteLost a great deal of weight this past year, so had to buy all new clothes--all online. I only buy when items are on sale (hate paying full price). Nordstrom has free shipping and free returns. Only buy from sites that offer detailed sizing charts (esp as I am a petite so leg and arm length matters). Some other decent sites: JCrew (shirts), Chicos (pants) and Lands End for t-shirts and coats. LLBean is a good retailer for certain things, but they rarely have sales. Target is a good site for underwear and loungewear. Macy's also has frequent sales. Have had pretty good luck with my purchases and only needed to return a couple of items.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I can be much help (then why don't I just keep my big mouth.. uh, keyboard shut!). I shop women's sizes (apparently you're not a woman until you get fat. I mean fluffy), or plus, if you will. I shop Roaman's because they have the crinkle dresses I like. They were very good at taking back the one thing I had to return. I don't know name stuff and classy things. I bought nice boots on Amazon. Cute size elevens are hard to find. Not much help, I know. I agree with Anne Marie about Blair. Their stuff always fit nicely. Wishing you the best in your clothes buying endeavors.
ReplyDeleteI have no sartorial talent so will remain silent
ReplyDeleteI buy all of my clothes and shoes online. I like White House Black Market, ModCloth, and Keds. WHBM has some shoes, and for comfort, it's hard to beat Keds. ModCloth has shoes and clothes. And there's always Macy's.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Thank you all for so many great suggestions! I plan to read back over them carefully and then do some shopping. Time is short this week, I'm back at work, and haven't had time to respond to each comment individually, but I really appreciate all the input!!
ReplyDeleteWe haven't been in a shop since last March. I can't recommend any outlets as they're probably different over here in the UK. Mrs C did find a local clothes shop was now doing mail order though. A lot of smaller local businesses here have started posting/delivering. It took me a while to realise that if I phoned the shop I usually use for something, I'd probably find they were doing this!
ReplyDeleteHi Jennifer, late to the party (only recently found your blog) but I highly recommend Uniqlo for on-line shopping. Winter is almost over but their merino and cashmere pullovers are great value for the money. My husband loves their socks and boxer shorts, and returns are easy.
ReplyDelete