It seems that clothes shoppers are divided into two camps these days – those that love shopping online, and those who prefer to find stuff on the high street. Both options have their strengths and weaknesses, but on balance, I believe online clothes shopping to be head and shoulders above the high street experience. Read on to learn why I prefer online to on foot…
Online saves you energy
Well, there’s a clue right there, immediately. Online or on foot….You don’t half save a lot of energy, let alone shoe leather when you shop for clothes online. The exertion required for clicking a mouse is a fraction of that needed for a trip out to the actual, real world shops. On the high street or in the shopping centre you have to find somewhere to park, navigate your way around a maze of outlets only to find that none of them have exactly what you need. Not in your size, anyway. So often it can be a complete and utter waste of time that leaves you feeling frustrated and exhausted.
Speed queen
Shopping online is so quick. You really do cut to the chase straight away and home in on exactly what you want. If you’re looking for something very specific, for example short pink dresses, you can quickly pinpoint the best places to find them online. No traipsing around the shops, driving for miles to the nearest stockist etc… Once you’ve ordered, it’s often next day delivery, so you can try your new dress out for size with minimal delay.
The widest choice
The internet opens up a whole universe of goods to us. Not restricted by country or borders – we can order items from China just as easily as from around the corner. The world has shrunk in terms of shopping, and this is good news for the avid clothes buyer. I can look for short pink dresses all over the place, comparing prices, styles and delivery terms and more – all from the comfort of my sofa. You know how frustrating it is when you find a design or style you really love in a shop, but they’ve run out of your size? This scenario never happens in online clothes shopping – if they don’t have your size, they can either order it in really quickly, or you just move on to the next supplier who can meet your needs.
For those living in rural communities where the nearest shops are a long drive away, online clothes shopping is a real Godsend. You may live in the back of beyond, but that doesn’t mean you can’t access the highest quality clothing and design at great prices.
Avoid changing room horror
Clothes shopping online allows you to avoid the horror of the changing room. Whether it’s the walk of shame to show your mates or partner your latest outfit, the dreadful lighting and unflattering mirrors, the horrible sweaty smell that often pervades, or being eyed suspiciously by the sales assistant who assumes you have stuffed loads of extra clothes into your handbag – changing rooms suck. Full stop.
Instead, you can try new clothes on in the comfort of your home, admiring your reflection in mirrors you are familiar with and getting feedback from family and friends in a relaxed way. Another big plus is that you can try clothes on with other items you already own to see if they match or go well as an outfit.
Added extras
Online clothes shopping enables you to take advantage of great deals, discount codes, cash back deals and speedy often free delivery and free returns when clothes are not suitable for any reason. So really, if you are hesitant about buying clothing online because you like to feel the fabric in your hands and see it close up, these arrangements take the risk out of the transaction.
There are no queues or crowds to endure when you clothes shop online. This is especially fantastic at busy times such as Christmas when a seething mass of humanity hits the high street.
Online clothes shopping is one of the best inventions in retailing history as far as I’m concerned. The only good thing I could think of in favour of high street shopping was that it was a great way to spend a girlie day with my besties. But to be honest, the alternative of a boozy lunch in a great bistro is equally good – so we suffer that instead….
