I buy as much as possible from a few sites that have easy, free returns. Amazon mainly and they have plenty of nice clothes!

I think the true fit guides that many website have are also very helpful.

We have no place to shop other than Walmart, one higher end men's store where they stock a small section of a couple of womens clothing lines. Very tailored type garments like suiting - blazers, pants, skirts. Closest alternatives an hours drive unless it can be found in resortwear at a beach boutique.

I find I do best when staying loyal to a few brands/designers. I might order sleepwear, socks etc from someplace like Penney's and their different brands. Rarely do I order something untried from a brand I haven't worn and know. Few surprises have taken place, although I can be disappointed with how I might underestimate how deep a V or wrap type top or dress might fall on my smaller frame. Modest on the pictured 5'10" model, but V'd to below the bra line is not a good look for lunch or grocery shopping.

Yeah Morz that's why I'm so frustrated. I used to "catalog shop" a lot back in the day, but I'm finding my old brands just don't work for me the way they used to and I haven't really found good alternatives. Also, the creative style maven in me feels the limits of just going with safe tried and true basics but the alternative is . . . last time I got a pair of cute sandals I must have ordered five or six pairs from Zappos to return most of them.

I have turned to eBay to find other colors in the brands/styles that I know work for me. I know some people don't like to buy used clothing, but most of what I have purchased is in very good condition, some still with price tags. Of course, the clothing isn't returnable, but I have a few staple pieces that I know exactly the brand/style and that's how I search the listings.

Back when I was working in a corporate job, I would make a quarterly trip to a large mall with stores that carried brands that I liked. I tried to time it when I knew the new seasonal merchandise would be stocked.

I like online shopping.

Except for: clothing, chairs and anything else I'd have to sit upon.

My big issue is clothing. You don't know if it fits if you don't try it on, and I'd rather not waste my time (and add to the waste stream) by having said items sent to my house to try - let me get this pain over with in a STORE, please!

Chairs and sofas have to be comfortable for your body and back, This can NEVER be determined by a photo in a catalog or a website. Y'gotta go there and sit there! Fortunately, I think I am set on chairs and on my sofa for the foreseeable future...

My big issue is that I'm six foot one - clothing stores around me don't cater to TALL. I order from Long Tall Sally, and I am not always happy with the fit - they actually were good about size for a few years, but the last things I ordered, meh. I wish there were a reasonably local purveyor of tall garments that I could DRIVE to, and test in person! I hate the whole "return" industry - most of that stuff gets trashed rather than re-stocked, especially on line. But I loathe that for slacks, especially, I am FORCED into online ordering.

On the other paw (ahem) I will note that I know that my size of running shoes from either New Balance or Saucony will fit me. Other brands I've personally tried will not be comfortable. So I am now comfortable picking from those on line.

I'll note that deciding COLORS on a monitor does not work. For countertops, tile and the related, I ordered a plethora of samples to decide in my house built. Then, ordered based on that. (Paint involved an in-person visit or more to my local Sherwin Williams - and conveying that info to my GC.)

That was one of the main reasons for all my returns, colors. Very difficult to match if you are trying to find something to go with what you already have. At least with "in person" shopping you can wear or bring the item along. Tried the monitor thing, it doesn't work . . .

I know a lot about Long Tall Sally Artemis, one of my best friends is 6ft. and she orders from them a lot. She loves to shop but gets really frustrated for her selections. If I think I have it rough I have to remind myself about her . . .

I used to make seasonal trips to larger cities to malls to shop for clothes, but the malls that even have a decent selection of clothing stores are getting fewer and farther between, with more spots closing all the time. This was well before the pandemic. I hope the pendulum swings back somehow. There is still a viable reason to shop in-person so seems like there would still be a viable market.

LIke many of us here, I've learned the very painful way NOT to order anything from those questionable pop-up companies! As for the rest, Soft Surroundings and Talbots are still my go-to's for online and in-store clothes shopping. But, I feel like I spent the past Covid year-plus at home in nothing but jeans, sweats and other sloppy, comfy clothes. And so, now it's like looking at brand new, pretty clothes when I go into my closet, as I'm starting to wear them again after soooooo long!

My biggest problem is the color thing. I don't want a whole new wardrobe, I just want to make what I have more versatile and functional. Good luck on that. And I see so many ads on here and FB and the clothes looks so pretty and unique, but I have no way of knowing how reliable the company is . . . plenty of click bait disasters. And a lot of start ups will not be around long, sad to say. I have been reading about how they start up and hope to generate enough interest to get bought up by a larger company . . . clothing has always been my nemesis in shopping . . . well basically I am terrible at shopping, one of the main reasons I hang out here, for all the hot tips!

It looks like we are heading to another shut down.

I am fortunate that there's a nearby mall with a Penneys, a Macy's and a Dillards, among other things. I can order online and when I need to return something, I can just take it back to the store. I find it easier to search for and find things online than inside a big store.

I did a huge bunch of personal shopping for my mom early last year, pre-lockdown and ordered a lot of clothing and shoes in varying sizes from Macys and returned most of it in store. After that I waited until they were again allowing in store returns and they waived the usual return deadlines. Bonus: I'm now a Gold member and get free shipping on all my orders 😃

And yes! to easy Amazon returns, but you need to read carefully when ordering. I don't know if every seller does it.

I do check the size charts carefully, and if the vendor doesn't provide one, I look up the manufacturer's website. Sometimes reviews can be helpful too, but again they need to be read carefully. I've often noticed some reviews seem to be for different items than the one being sold. I check for most recent too, since things can change over time.

If i didnt but the bullet and shop online, my wardrobe would be very limited.

I try to get free shipping back and forth as well as sale items only.

The only thing I might pay full price would be pants and shoes.

But…..I keep tracking and will usually catch when the price drops within the 2 week period.

I have a feel for what will work, but if it has to be returned or exchanged, so be it.

I do like returning to the store because I get the credit back quicker and there might be something I like in the store.

I have found two online stores, which I used to frequent in person, so I am confident about the size and quaity. Cleo and Plum - not sure if they are just in Canada. I love so many things from Soft Surroundings, but the exchange rate and exorbitant rates for shipping to Canada stop me from ordering. Too bad, because their clothing is totally my vibe.

I always had luck with Macy's online, and now I'm having a lot of luck with Amazon, thanks to all the reviews. Amazon has an amazing choice of clothing for all shapes and sizes.

I’ve actually decided I love online shopping versus in store shopping but I only buy from places that offer free shipping and free returns, unless there is a brick and mortar store I can return to.

What I like about online shopping is that there is typically a better selection than the brick and mortar store, I can try on at home and see how the item looks in different lighting, and for things like tops, I can try on with different coordinating pieces at home to make sure the fit is correct, the colors look good together, etc. Or for something like a dress, I can try on at home with spanx-like undergarments.

I’ve noticed recently, I’m sure due to Covid, that my brick and mortar stores are not carrying as much inventory as in the past which makes online shopping a bit more productive.

I never buy anything online that doesn't have easy return shipping included in the price of the product or something I can return locally. I live in a metro though where I do have the option of returning to a a bricks and mortar store. I bought quite a few clothes before the pandemic so don't need much in the way of clothes for a long time. I'm kind of a shoe addict and buy them online but usually a brand that I know my size and that has return shipping included.

A video about Amazon's free return policy, and what it ultimately leads up to:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1yqcagavfY

While toys and electronics might be recycled or re-sold, most returned clothing appears to head to landfills. Smaller enterprises may be more willing to re-stock, but I don't know.

Yup, that's another reason I hate online shopping. When I read that, I made a mental note to try and avoid it. Particularly a place like Amazon. I can hardly imagine them restocking anything really . . . hubs worked there. I have so many reasons to dislike it. I certainly appreciate the convenience for some things, but overall, it has some serious limitations. And I will add tracking the returns and the sometimes serious lag time and return errors to the list. And pretty much lack of customer service although some companies are notable exceptions.

I tried ThredUp and wasn't impressed but I do shop our local Goodwill. I might give Mercari a try.

Wow!

That CBC report was pretty stunning!! Heaps & heaps & heaps......of returns just........DUMPED.

Being in retail for almost 40 years, I kinda "Get it", from a Retailer pov. Returns are a P-I-T-A to deal with!!! Half the time, there's no receipt, damaged packaging, no tags..... & on & on...... Plus, there's our attitude of "Eeew. That was returned. I'm not buying THAT....."!

It often costs more to get something cheap "back on the shelf", than it does to just TOSS IT.....GET RID OF IT. On a massive scale like Amazon, the FREE RETURNS create a literal MT. EVEREST of junk.

SO MANY "Boxed items" are such cheap crap nowadays, there's no reason to fix anything. Throw it away & buy new.

This issue is gonna get WAAAAYYYY worse too......sadly.

Faron

If you are looking for T-Shirts, I highly recommend these: Cotton/spandex, they hold their shape really well, have not faded badly, and have held up to my barn and gardening abuse. I have ALL the sizes….lol.

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/blue-mountain-womens-short-sleeve-v-neck-t-shirt

I think I just sent the XL’s to the goodwill, or I would send them for you to try!

I've had phenomenal customer service from Amazon through chat and think they are the best with shipping, tracking and returns. I rarely buy through third party sellers though but occasionally do. I use prime 95% of the time.

Spring, I'm on the cusp between a M and an L. That's another problem for me. I can wear an M that runs large or an L that runs small. But I have no way of knowing what size I will wear unless I have bought a similar shirt from that maker before . . . and then there is shrinkage. I have had "growage" but I can still fit into my medium shirts IF they didn't shrink. But being the lover of cotton clothing that I am, many of my shirts have shrunk over the years. Those shirts in M I can't wear anymore . . . so now to replace some of my key shirts I have no idea what size to order, let alone how the color will match . . .

Ohhh, I’m sorry!!! For some reason….never mind. Please accept my apologies!!! If you decide to order those shirts, order the M. They are only 3/$20.

I wash my cottons in cold water and always hang dry, never in the drier.

Pink, you have to order two sizes. Even so i find that my size can go up or down within the same brand. Vanity sizing so that people can feel they are smaller size in something.

Yeah I wash cotton in cold too and line dry. They don't shrink right away, they shrink over time. I think a tiny bit by bit. My newer medium shirts usually fit but the old ones sometimes no. Depends on the shirt. Sometimes it's not that they don't fit, but if they have gotten considerably shorter the style just looks off . . .

Unfortunately I'm now usually wearing an "L" shirt that looks baggy or an "M" shirt that looks a tad too small . . .

Springroz- I love t-shirts and have dozens. I am going to try those you posted. For the price it seems worth it if all I do is wear it while cleaning etc. I read all the reviews and it stated they are not clingy and one indicated that it gave the tummy area enough room. From that description I will order a large.

Hcbm- if you have any T-shirts from Old Navy, these are at least 3 times better than those!! I like these because the arms have some room. I only wear V-Necks, but they have a crew neck, too, and do a long sleeved version in the Fall. Hope you like them!!

Springroz, I don't have any from Old Navy but some from both LL Beans and Lands End. Many from Talbots and an assortment from Tommy Hilfiger. Talbots mishapen and becomes saggy pretty quickly, TH are great if you don't have a tummy, which I do. Both Lands End and LL Beans are good, but really expensive to wear cleaning, hiking, gardening etc... I will go to Tractor Supply near my second home and see what they have in person. If I like them I wil buy more colors on line.

I inherited a lot of "L" Talbots sleeveless tanks and a few with sleeves from my late mother. The colors on those have been very good, and the fabric high quality, they have generally worn well but do have the shrinkage issue. Which since they were "L" was not a problem for me. But I have noticed a downgrade in the few things I have recently ordered from Talbots, thinner material and not as good proportions, at least for me . . . and the sizing is not predictable. I can often easily wear an "M" in some styles but in others need an "L." So frustrating. That's why trying on in person I find so much easier and better.

Speaking of t-shirts, Target has cotton v-neck tees with a nice fit that are quite inexpensive. I have a bunch in various colors. They're meant to look lived-in, which may not be everyone's style.

https://www.target.com/p/women-s-short-sleeve-v-neck-t-shirt-universal-thread/-/A-81499682?preselect=80317032#lnk=sametab

I've come to the conclusion that new t-shirts have a one year lifespan. I have very old ones that have fadded but still fit, don't look mishapened or have holes. All new t-shirts, even the Land's End and LL Bean shirts only seem to last a year or two if really lucky. And with the amount I own (20-30) and the fact that I don't wear them everyday of the year, they should still be in good shape. Yes, to I pinkmountain's late stage shrinkage. It's truly weird that something I have washed ten times is suddenly too short. The annoying sudden apperance of tiny holes and droopy necklines after the first or second washing is junk cotton. I have read that very little cotton is produced in the USA and the Chinese cotton is spun from tiny lengths resulting in fraying, weak cotton fabrics.

I am one who loves online shopping! I do not like shopping in general. I hate the big shopping malls, outlet malls, etc. We do have one shop in our vicinity I will visit and I do actually find some things there. But I do at least 90% of my shopping online. You do have to know what brands/size to buy and I stick to those. I've even had good luck buying shoes online. Many stores have a good return policy and there are a few who even have free returns (very few, but still). I don't mind so much to pay to return something if I've gotten free shipping. You might look into shoprunner. Some credit card companies offer it for free and you can get free shipping with it. Otherwise, you pay a yearly fee; but depending on the fee and how much you buy online, it might be worth it.

Agree online shopping for clothing and furniture is dreadful. Luckily with clothing I live near a mall where I can make returns, as 90% go back this is a necessity. Do not order from stores that I can not return locally.

I am also very distressed by the low quality of clothing. Even doubling my budget does not improve the quality. Last week I went to the mall trying to spend money on new tops and shorts, shopped the entire mall came home with nothing. Either junky or did not like the fit. Just looking for basic shorts that are not cargo shorts.

Talbots quality is usually good, but finding items that I like can be difficult. The fit can also be off. Recently ordered shorts, fit well though my waist and hips but the legs were way to wide and the style would not alter well. Back they go:(.

FWIW, I like Old Navy's twill shorts. They're classic and cotton and come in different inseam lengths. Mine have lasted years.

This is the 7", which I prefer:

https://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=551184032&cid=35158&pcid=35158&vid=1&nav=meganav%3AWomen%3AShop%20Women%27s%20Categories%3AShorts%20&cpos=70&cexp=2223&kcid=CategoryIDs%3D35158&cvar=16849&ctype=Listing&cpid=res21072413228287763534247#pdp-page-content