When choosing clothes from an online store, many people have probably worried at least once, "Is the size right?" It's hard to convey the thickness of the material, how comfortable it is to wear, or how it fits to your body through photos and text alone. That's why, even if you find clothes you like, you might hesitate to buy them because you're unsure about the size.
To alleviate this anxiety, we recommend measuring the size of the clothes you usually wear and keeping the numbers handy. Having a standard pair of clothes to compare with the sizes listed on the product pages of online stores will help you make a purchase decision without hesitation.
When actually taking measurements, keeping a few small points in mind will help you get more accurate measurements. Lay the garment flat and gently smooth out any wrinkles before measuring. When doing so, it's important not to pull the fabric too tight. Also, depending on where you're measuring, you'll need to measure in a straight line or along the seam. By being mindful of which method you use, you can prevent discrepancies and get a more accurate idea of your size.
When measuring a top, you should basically check the length, bust, shoulder width, and sleeve length.
Length: Straight distance from the beginning of the collar to the hem
Bust: Double the straight line distance between the seams under both armpits
Shoulder width: The straight line distance from the seam to the seam at the shoulder seams
Sleeve length: Straight distance from shoulder seam to cuff
*For drop shoulder shirts, do not separate shoulder width and sleeve length; measure the sleeve length from the center of the collar tag to the cuff.
Additionally, it's a good idea to measure the armholes and cuffs as well to be extra safe.
Armhole: Double the distance from shoulder seam to side seam
- Cuffs: Double the straight line distance from end to end of the cuff
Measuring the neck width and depth will also help you visualize how the jacket will fit around your neck.
Neck width: The straight line distance from the widest part of the collar
Neck depth: The straight line distance from the deepest part of the collar to the shoulder line
For bottoms, check the waist, rise, inseam, thigh width, and hem width.
・Waist: Double the straight line distance of the waist width
Rise: The straight line distance from the top of the waist belt to the inner thigh
Inseam: The distance along the seam from the inner thigh to the hem
・Thigh: The straight line distance between the inner thighs
・Hem width: The straight line distance between both ends of the hem
It's convenient to keep a record of your measurements on your smartphone or in photos. Organizing them by tops and bottoms makes it easier to look back at them later, and you can easily compare them the next time you're shopping for clothes online. For example, if you organize them by numbers, such as "Length: 65cm" and "Bust: 110cm," you can easily compare them with the measurements on the product page.
Product pages on online stores also include information on the model's height and the size they are wearing, as well as images of the garment being worn. These provide hints about the actual silhouette and length, which can be difficult to understand from numbers alone, so compare them to your own height to get an idea of what the length will be and what the shoulder line will look like. Images of the garment being worn are also useful for getting a sense of the sleeve length and overall balance. This type of visual information can help you get a clearer picture of what the garment will look like after purchase, especially for clothing that is meant to be layered or has a loose silhouette.
It's also important to imagine what occasions you'll want to wear the outfit for. Is it a light, everyday piece you want to wear on its own, a winter outfit you'll layer with an inner layer, work wear you'll wear for long periods, or going out with friends? The amount of room and length you need will naturally change depending on the purpose. For example, a knitted piece you want to wear relaxing on the weekend will be more comfortable if it has a little room, while if you're wearing a shirt that you want to look neat in the office, it's a good idea to carefully check the shoulder width and sleeve length.
Furthermore, material and design are also essential points to consider when choosing a size. The same measurements can affect comfort depending on the stretch, thickness, and firmness of the material, such as wool, cotton, or linen. While a thin shirt can be easy to move in even if it's the right size, a thick knit may feel more comfortable with a little more room. The fit can also vary depending on the design, so be sure to read the product description along with the measurements.
Choosing clothes online may seem a bit time-consuming. However, you can measure a reference garment, save the measurements on your smartphone, and imagine how you'll wear it while looking at images of the garment being worn. Just by being aware of this process, choosing a size will be much easier. The moment you receive the garment and realize it's just as you expected and is comfortable, you'll surely find the enjoyment of online shopping even greater.
Think about the occasion you'll be wearing the item and compare the numbers with the clothes you have on hand. Small details like this can make choosing clothes online a more familiar and comfortable experience.