It seems like just yesterday that I was shopping for clothes online, comparing garment after garment, trying to find the perfect dress for the red carpet that is. Now my wardrobe staples are purchased digitally and my closet is full of luxury brands that I can access whenever I want. In fact, the list of brands that I love and trust is so big that it could easily double as a shopping guide.
In some ways, the fashion industry has changed for the better. When Amazon and other online marketplaces introduced their luxury goods brands to the mainstream, it forever changed the game. Suddenly, the most popular items were affordable and quality control was at an all-time high. The demand for luxury brands grew exponentially and, as a result, so did the prices. It was a match made in heaven.
However, despite the industry growth and all of the convenience that the digital age has brought, some facets of the traditional fashion experience have taken a backseat. For instance, while online marketplaces have revolutionized the way we buy clothes, they have not yet made a significant impact on the way we try them on or how we feel about the overall fit. Additionally, going to a physical retail store to try on clothes is almost a thing of the past. It’s still vital that we do this to try on the luxury brands that we can’t try out digitally. However, with the rise of online-exclusive brands and fashion mega-chains, this is becoming less and less of a necessity.
Even so, there are still many reasons why we should all consider shopping for clothes online. Here are some of the best:
The Overall Fit Is Better
Shopping for clothes digitally means that we can guarantee that the garment will fit precisely. This is especially beneficial for those with a different body type than the one that the brand or style is designed for. It’s quite likely that the clothing brand itself will offer a different size in a different fabric so that you can have it altered to fit you perfectly. This is not always the case when you’re buying clothes in retail stores where the size and style variations are limited. In these instances, you’ll have to find a size that’s suitable for several different people.
For instance, if you’re an athletic girl looking for a sporty outfit, you’ll most likely have to settle for a large because the regular size doesn’t fit you well. It’s always advisable to order a size up regardless of whether you’re online or offline because, in the end, it’s more comfortable to wear something that’s a little big rather than a little small. This is especially beneficial if you have a big bandage behind your ear because the smaller the bandage, the bigger the earrings will appear. This could cause a serious imbalance in your overall look.
Prices Are More Reasonable
One look at the prices on most major online marketplace sites and you’ll see that fashion has come a long way. Once the stigma of luxury goods wore off, people saw the opportunity to get quality items at unbeatable prices. It’s no mystery that the demand for luxury brands went up while the prices lowered. This trend continued as more and more people got on board and it made a significant impact on the industry. Today, you’ll find a wide range of luxury brands and items, from affordable fashion houses to expensive accessories. It’s all about finding the balance that you can afford based on your budget. This trend is not going to slow down anytime soon.
No Need To Waste Time And Effort In The Store
Shopping for clothes online is much more convenient. You can do it at your leisure from the comfort of home. There is no need to get out of your pajamas or shower before you head to the store. You can also do your homework and read online customer reviews before making a purchase. This way, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting into and whether or not it’s worth it. It’s all about finding the best possible option for your needs and your budget. You don’t have to waste time and effort in the store trying on clothes that do not fit you well or that you’re not thrilled with.
Fashion Is More Accessible
One of the biggest benefits of shopping online is that it is much more accessible for people with accessibility issues. This is especially beneficial for those who are visually impaired or have poor eyesight. However, even those with perfect vision can take advantage of this feature because most sites offer an audio version of the shopping guides that they publish. In this way, you can still follow the steps and find the items that you’re looking for even if you can’t see the text. It doesn’t get much simpler than that.
If you have accessibility issues, it can be quite arduous to navigate a store physically. This is why online marketplaces have risen as a safe and comfortable option for people with limited mobility. Sometimes, it’s the little things that make a difference and this becomes apparent when you try on an item that you’ve purchased online but that does not fit you well. In these instances, going to the store to try on different sizes and fabrics is not only inconvenient but it can also be dangerous because of the stairs and escalators that you’ll have to navigate. Going up and down these things makes it difficult to keep your balance and injury is always a possibility. In some ways, this sort of injury can be quite frustrating because it means that you’ll have to take a break from your normal routine and, as a result, it limits what you can do.
Quality Is Greater
Most luxury brands make high-quality fabric and employ skilled tailors and seamstresses to ensure that each item is made to a tight tolerance. This is not always the case when you’re purchasing clothes from a retail store where the quality can vary and the warranty does not always apply. It’s worth pointing out that many luxury brands offer one-of-a-kind pieces that are made completely by hand so the chances of you receiving something of low quality are minimal.
You Can Be More Confident
Shopping for clothes online makes you feel more confident. This is because you’re not restricted by the size and style options that are available in retail stores. In some instances, you’ll have to settle for something that is not quite what you had in mind and this can bring up all sorts of anxiety issues. This is why it’s imperative that you read reviews and do your research before making a purchase. In this way, you’ll feel calmer and happier with your decision because you’ll have everything written down on paper and the chances of you receiving something that’s defective are minimal. In contrast, when you’re shopping for clothes in retail stores, there is always a chance that you’ll get something that’s not up to par and this brings up all sorts of questions about whether or not it’s worth it to purchase the item.
Technology Is Improving The Way We Shop
It’s always a pleasure to shop online because the technology improves with each passing year. In some ways, it’s like taking a step back in time and being able to try on clothing from the 50s or 60s. This is made possible because of the advancements in e-commerce and digital marketing where brands can provide a better and more comfortable shopping experience for their customers. Even so, it’s not always easy to find the right piece of clothing without proper guidance and this is where the review and research come in.
It’s The New Normal
Shopping for clothes is a normal and expected part of life for everyone. In some ways, this is changing the game because it’s making mundane tasks such as finding clothing that fits you, appealing and even enjoyable. In the end, it comes down to quality control and cost effectiveness where you’ll have to find the balance that you can afford on your budget. In most cases, the clothes that you purchase are going to be of good quality so you’re not sacrificing much financially. Additionally, it’s important to note that you’re not confined to the brands and styles that are available in retail stores because the options are endless when you’re buying clothes online. In some instances, you’ll have to settle for something that is not quite what you had in mind but, in most cases, this is going to be a modest trade-off because the quality is so good.
If you’re looking for a way to spend less time and effort in the store, searching for the perfect outfit is no longer a chore because it has become so easy to do online. With a little bit of research and proper guidance, it’s still possible to have something unique and befitting of your looks. In the end, quality counts and this is why it’s still worth it to purchase from a high-quality brand even if it costs a little more money than a regular store.