How to Shop for Pants Online: Avoiding Sizing Mistakes

Shopping for pants can be one of the trickiest tasks, especially when you’re doing it online. Unlike trying clothes on in-store, online shopping removes that tactile experience of feeling the fabric and checking the fit in a mirror. Even worse, sizing can vary significantly across different brands, making it a challenge to figure out which size will work best for you. Whether you’re a seasoned online shopper or new to the game, learning how to navigate pants sizing online can save you a lot of time, frustration, and returns.

We’ll walk you through the steps to avoid common sizing mistakes, offer tips on how to take accurate measurements, explain how to read size charts, and share strategies for buying pants online without the stress. We’ll also answer some of the most frequently asked questions regarding online pant shopping. Let’s dive in and make online pant shopping a breeze!

The Challenges of Buying Pants Online

Shopping for pants online may seem like an easy and convenient way to update your wardrobe, but it does come with its fair share of challenges. The most obvious hurdle is that you can’t try the pants on before purchasing them, which leaves a lot of uncertainty about fit. Here are a few challenges that come with buying pants online:

1. Sizing Variability Across Brands

Each clothing brand has its own sizing system, and these systems are rarely standardized. A size 8 from one brand might fit like a size 10 in another, or a size 32 waist in one pair of jeans might feel completely different from another pair in the same size. Sizing inconsistency can be frustrating, especially when you’re unsure how different brands’ sizes translate to your body.

2. Fabric and Fit Issues

Another common issue is that fabrics behave differently when worn. What looks good in the product photos might not fit or feel the same way when it’s on your body. Some pants have stretch material that conforms to your body, while others are made from more rigid fabrics that don’t offer the same flexibility.

3. No Visual Fit Check

Trying on pants in a store allows you to see how they fit, check the rise, inseam, and how they sit around your hips. Without this experience, it can be tough to gauge how well a pair of pants will actually fit once they arrive at your doorstep.

By learning a few strategies and understanding how to measure yourself properly, you can make the online pants shopping experience much smoother and less stressful.

Know Your Measurements

To avoid sizing mistakes when shopping online, you need to have accurate measurements of your body. These measurements will help you find pants that fit your body shape and size correctly. Here’s how to measure yourself properly:

2.1 Measuring Your Waist and Hips

• Waist: To measure your waist, use a flexible measuring tape and wrap it around the narrowest part of your torso, usually just above your belly button. Keep the tape snug but not tight, ensuring it’s parallel to the floor. Record this measurement in inches or centimeters, depending on your preference.
• Hips: To measure your hips, wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your hips and buttocks, making sure it’s level across your back. Again, keep the tape snug but comfortable, and record the measurement.

2.2 Measuring Your Inseam

• Inseam: The inseam is the length of your inner leg from your crotch to your ankle. If you have a pair of pants that fit you well, you can measure the inseam from that pair by laying them flat and measuring the inside leg seam. If you don’t have pants to measure, try to measure your leg from the crotch to the ankle while standing straight with your feet about six inches apart.

For a more accurate measurement, consider having a friend assist you. This will help you avoid mistakes and ensure that the measurement is precise.

Understanding Size Charts

Every brand or online retailer has a size chart that outlines how their pants are sized. These charts typically include waist, hips, and inseam measurements. It’s crucial to refer to these charts because different brands have their own way of determining what constitutes a “size 8” or “size 10.”

Here’s how you can make sense of size charts:

1. Convert Your Measurements to the Correct Size

Once you have your waist, hips, and inseam measurements, refer to the size chart provided by the retailer. Be sure to check the specific size chart for each brand because sizing can differ. For instance, a “size 30 waist” might be equivalent to a medium size in one brand but a large in another.

2. Take Your Body Shape Into Account

Some brands may have additional size charts for specific body shapes, such as curvy or athletic fits. Pay attention to these charts, as they can help you find pants that are designed to fit your shape better.

3. Look for Size Ranges

Some retailers list pants by size ranges (e.g., 28-30 waist or 32-34 waist). If you’re between sizes, it’s a good idea to opt for the range that fits your measurements best.

How to Choose the Right Fit

While accurate measurements are important, you also need to consider the type of fit that will work best for your body and personal style. Pants come in a variety of cuts and fits, so knowing the difference can help you select the best pair.

1. Slim Fit

Slim fit pants are narrower through the leg and sit closer to the body. These pants are ideal for those who want a more modern, tailored look.

2. Regular Fit

Regular fit pants have a straight cut from the waist to the ankle and provide more room in the thighs and seat. This is a classic, comfortable fit for most body types.

3. Loose Fit

Loose fit pants are more relaxed and have extra room in the seat and thighs. They’re ideal for those who want a laid-back, roomy fit.

4. Skinny and Bootcut Fits

Skinny pants are tight-fitting from waist to ankle, while bootcut pants flare out slightly from the knee. Bootcut pants are ideal if you’re wearing boots and want a bit more space around the ankle.

Checking the Return and Exchange Policy

Even with the best planning, sometimes pants just don’t fit right once they arrive. That’s why it’s essential to check the store’s return and exchange policy before buying. Many online retailers offer free returns or exchanges within a specified period (often 30 days), which is incredibly helpful if the pants you ordered don’t work out.

Before making a purchase, be sure to review:

• Return window: How many days you have to return or exchange the item.
• Condition requirements: Whether the pants need to be unworn, unwashed, and with original tags.
• Return shipping fees: If you are responsible for return shipping costs or if it’s free.

Knowing the return policy gives you peace of mind and makes online shopping much easier.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When shopping for pants online, there are a few common mistakes that can lead to sizing issues. Here are some things to keep in mind:

1. Ignoring the Size Chart

Always refer to the size chart before purchasing. Don’t rely on your usual size in other brands, as sizes may differ significantly.

2. Underestimating Fabric Stretch

Many pants, especially jeans, contain stretchy materials like spandex or elastane. These fabrics can change how the pants fit after a few wears, so be cautious when buying if you’re uncertain about stretch.

3. Not Considering the Rise

The rise (low, mid, high) can drastically affect how pants fit. Be sure to check the rise measurement on the product page, as it can influence how comfortable the pants feel around your waist and hips.

4. Not Knowing Your Inseam

The inseam is just as important as the waist size. A pair of pants may fit your waist perfectly, but if the inseam is too short or too long, the fit will be uncomfortable or awkward.

Tips for Buying Pants Online

1. Take Your Time: Don’t rush when selecting pants. Take accurate measurements, review the size chart, and read product reviews.
2. Order Multiple Sizes: If you’re unsure about the fit, order two or more sizes and return the ones that don’t fit.
3. Check Product Reviews: Customer reviews often include helpful insights about fit, sizing, and the quality of the fabric.
4. Consider Stretch Fabrics: If the fabric is stretchy, you may want to size down or stick with your regular size depending on the desired fit.
5. Look for Detailed Product Descriptions: Read the product descriptions to ensure you’re choosing the right style, fit, and material.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I know what size to buy online?

Use a brand’s size chart and measure your waist, hips, and inseam to find the corresponding size. Pay attention to fit preferences (e.g., slim, regular) and fabric type (e.g., stretchy).

2. How do I measure my inseam?

To measure your inseam, measure the inside leg from the crotch to your ankle, either with a friend’s help or by measuring a pair of pants that fit you well.

3. Do pants sizes vary across brands?

Yes, sizing can differ between brands, so always refer to the specific size chart provided by the retailer for the most accurate fit.

4. Should I order a size up or down if I’m between sizes?

If you’re between sizes, consider your preference for fit. If you prefer a looser fit, size up; for a more snug fit, size down.

5. What if the pants I order don’t fit?

Check the return and exchange policy of the retailer to see if you can easily return or exchange the item for a better fit.

6. What is the difference between rise and inseam?

The rise refers to the distance from the crotch to the top of the waistband, while the inseam is the length of the inner leg from the crotch to the ankle.

7. How can I ensure the pants won’t shrink after washing?

Look for pants made with pre-shrunk fabrics or those with stretch material. Always check care instructions to prevent shrinking.

8. Can I trust product reviews for fit and sizing?

Yes, product reviews are often helpful for understanding how pants fit in real life. Look for reviews from people with a similar body type to yours.

9. How can I avoid ordering the wrong size?

Take accurate measurements, refer to the brand’s size chart, and read product descriptions and reviews for the best fit.

10. Is it better to buy jeans online or in-store?

If you know your measurements and are comfortable with sizing charts, buying jeans online can be just as easy, if not easier, than shopping in-store.

Conclusion

Shopping for pants online doesn’t have to be stressful or confusing. By taking accurate measurements, referring to size charts, and understanding how different pants fits work, you can confidently purchase pants that fit well and feel great. Remember to also check the return and exchange policy in case things don’t work out. With the right approach, online pant shopping can be an enjoyable and successful experience!