Smart Shopping for Apparel, Fabrics & Everyday Wear
Buying clothes online saves time, but photos can hide thin fabric, loose stitching and inconsistent sizing. Our fashion guides show you how to read product descriptions, choose fabrics that suit your local climate and avoid the most common reasons for returns.
Last reviewed: 27 October 2026
Our fashion guides
Men's everyday wardrobe
- •Tees, polos, shirts and chinos
- •Pieces that survive frequent washing
Best for: Building a reliable basic wardrobe
Women's ready-to-wear vs tailoring
- •When ready-to-wear is worth it
- •Checking embroidery and tailoring
Best for: Everyday and occasion dressing
Cotton and lawn quality
- •Thread count and print sharpness
- •Colour fastness and shrinkage
Best for: Summer fabric buyers
T-shirt GSM guide
- •What 160 vs 220 GSM means
- •Combed vs carded cotton
Best for: Buying tees online
Winter jackets and hoodies
- •Fleece weights and layering
- •Zips and shells
Best for: Mild, cold and snowy climates
Kidswear sizes and fabrics
- •Age vs height sizing
- •Skin-friendly fabrics
Best for: Parents
Five habits that prevent bad clothing buys
- 1
Measure a garment you love
Lay it flat and measure chest, length and shoulders, then compare with the size chart instead of relying on S/M/L.
- 2
Read the fabric line
'100% cotton', 'cotton-poly blend' and 'cambric' behave differently. Missing fabric details are a warning sign.
- 3
Zoom in on photos
Look for stitching, print edges and fabric texture. Ask the seller for real photos if only studio images exist.
- 4
Check the return policy first
Many stores exclude sale items or unstitched fabric from returns.
- 5
Wash carefully the first time
Wash dark and printed fabrics separately in cold water to check for colour bleeding.
Shopping by season
| Season | Typical fabrics | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Hot weather | Lawn, cotton, cambric, voile | Light colours, breathable weaves |
| Wet or humid weather | Quick-drying cotton blends | Avoid heavy fabrics that stay damp |
| Autumn | Cotton flannel, linen blends | Good for layering |
| Cold weather | Cotton flannel, wool blends, fleece | Layer for indoor and outdoor |
Got a clothing order that doesn't fit?
How to return it