Never make a return again: Tips for finding the right sizes online

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We love all the upsides of shopping online: The stores are open 24/7, there’s no crowded mall parking lots or lines for dressing rooms and it feels like Christmas when the FedEx delivery package arrives at our doorstep. But, without being able to try on the clothes before buying, how can we be sure we’re selecting the most flattering fits for our body types?

Here’s a few tips for shopping online—and feeling like there’s a virtual fitting room to help you discover the most flattering finds.

• Virtual model trend? We’re taking note of what we hope to be a new online shopping trend. Just like you can choose an avatar to best represent you when you’re playing video games, sites like Sizeable (an Australian brand) are now letting you pick a model that best represents your body type. Then, when you shop, you’ll see what the dress or blouse or pants look like on that particular model — along with their body measurements and the sizes that they are wearing. Here’s what Sizeable has to say about the revolutionary idea: “Some of us are short and some are tall … Some are giving Beyonce a run for her money with their killer curves and some may feel self-conscious about their flat bum. So if we’re all so different then how are we expected to be able to find clothes that not only fit right but suit our body shape?” Preach.
• Read and leave reviews: Some stores get an A+ in our book for their customer review section. Anthropologie shoppers, for example, can fill out a profile to include their body type and how they would best describe their style, as well as post photos of their try-ons or purchases. Also, some sites like Loft will offer incentives—like gift cards—for leaving reviews.
• Take a look in your closet: Because most women are a different size in every brand, take a look in your closet to see what size you are at your favorite stores. Write down on a notecard what “cuts” of jeans look best on you and what size you tend to be in tops, pants, dresses and skirts at your top five fave stores. Also use a measuring tape to take your measurements as nearly all online clothing stores have a measurement guide for selecting the right sizes. Let the notecard serve as a personal shopping assistant when you’re browsing the new arrivals at your most bookmarked sites.