How to Buy Clothes Online Without Size Mistakes
Buying clothes online saves hours of market trips and opens up small boutiques and designers you would never find otherwise. But it comes with two common disappointments: a size that does not fit, and a fabric that looks and feels different from the photo. Most of these are avoidable. This guide shows how to take your own measurements, read a seller's size chart, understand the fabric names used in Pakistan, know what to check on stitched and unstitched listings, and what to do if something does not fit.
1. Why letter sizes are not enough
Small, Medium and Large mean different things at different boutiques. One seller's Medium can be another's Large, and cuts vary from fitted to relaxed.
That is why the most reliable way to buy is to compare your own measurements with the measurements in the listing.
🔑 The key point
Ignore the letter. Compare the inches.
2. Take your measurements
Use a soft measuring tape, wear light clothing, and keep the tape snug but not tight. Measure in inches, since most Pakistani size charts use them.
| Measurement | How to measure |
|---|---|
| Chest / bust | Around the fullest part of your chest |
| Waist | Around your natural waistline |
| Hips | Around the fullest part of your hips |
| Shoulder | From one shoulder edge to the other across the back |
| Sleeve length | From the shoulder edge to where you want the sleeve to end |
| Shirt length | From the top of the shoulder to where you want the shirt to end |
| Trouser length | From your waist to where you want the hem |
💡 Worth knowing
Even easier: measure a piece of clothing you own that fits you well, laid flat, and compare it with the seller's garment measurements.
3. Read the size chart properly
Size charts show either body measurements (the size of the person the garment fits) or garment measurements (the size of the clothing itself). Garment measurements are usually a little larger, because clothes need room to move.
If the listing does not say which kind it shows, ask the seller.
- Match your chest or bust first for shirts and kurtas.
- Check the length — shirt lengths vary a lot between styles.
- Check the fit description — fitted, regular or relaxed.
- Look for stretch — fabrics with stretch are more forgiving.
4. Understand common fabric names
Fabric names tell you how clothing will feel and when to wear it. The same name can cover slightly different blends between sellers, so read the description too.
| Fabric | Feel | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Lawn | Light, fine cotton | Hot summer days |
| Cambric | Cotton, slightly thicker than lawn | Everyday warm weather |
| Cotton | Breathable and comfortable | Everyday wear |
| Linen | Textured; often used for cooler months | Spring, autumn and mild winter |
| Khaddar | Thick and warm | Winter |
| Karandi | Textured and warm | Winter |
| Chiffon | Sheer and flowing | Festive and formal wear |
| Silk and raw silk | Rich sheen | Weddings and formal occasions |
5. Stitched or unstitched?
For unstitched suits, check exactly what is included — shirt fabric length, trouser fabric, dupatta and any embroidered patches — so your tailor has enough fabric.
| Type | What you get | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Stitched (ready-to-wear) | Finished clothing in set sizes | Size chart, length and fit |
| Unstitched | Fabric pieces to be tailored | Fabric quantity, pieces included and dupatta size |
| Made to measure | Stitched to your measurements | How to send measurements and making time |
6. Check colours and details
Colours can look different on screens, and photos may be edited or taken in strong light. Look at every photo, including close-ups and any shots taken in daylight.
- Ask for a daylight photo if the exact shade matters.
- Check the embroidery — is it on the front only, or also on sleeves and back?
- Check whether the dupatta and trousers are included.
- Read care instructions — some fabrics need dry cleaning or gentle hand washing.
💡 Worth knowing
Browse Women's Clothing and Men's Clothing on dapxop.
7. Ask the seller before you buy
Small boutiques are usually happy to help — and a quick question is much easier than a return.
- Can you share the garment measurements for my size?
- Is this a fitted or relaxed cut?
- Does the fabric have any stretch?
- Can the length be adjusted?
- Is the colour in the photo accurate?
8. Check the return policy before ordering
Return and exchange policies for clothing vary. Some sellers offer size exchanges on unworn items with tags attached; made-to-measure and customised clothing is usually not returnable for a change of mind.
On dapxop, each listing shows its own return policy, so check it before buying. If an item arrives damaged, wrong or clearly different from the listing, you can open a dispute within 48 hours of delivery.
⚠️ Careful here
Try clothing on carefully as soon as it arrives and keep the tags attached until you are sure, so an exchange stays possible.
9. Order in time for occasions
For Eid, weddings and events, order well ahead. Check the seller's processing time, add delivery time, and leave room for a possible exchange or alteration.
Made-to-measure pieces need even longer, so confirm the timeline with the seller before ordering.
💡 Worth knowing
For personalised and custom orders, see How to Order Personalised Gifts in Pakistan — the same confirm-in-writing rules apply.
10. Your online clothing checklist
Run through this before every clothing order.
- Measure yourself or a garment that fits well.
- Compare with the seller's measurements, not just the letter size.
- Check fabric, fit and whether stitched or unstitched.
- Check what is included — dupatta, trousers, embellishments.
- Ask about colour accuracy if it matters.
- Read the return policy and order early for occasions.
Two minutes with a measuring tape saves a week of waiting for an exchange.
More buying guides
This guide is part of Handmade Buying Guides by Category, which covers how to choose products in every category.
Discover clothing from independent boutiques across Pakistan.
Browse clothing →Explore on dapxop
Frequently asked
How do I know my size when buying clothes online in Pakistan?
Measure your chest, waist, hips and preferred lengths in inches, then compare them with the seller's size chart rather than relying on letter sizes.
What is the difference between body and garment measurements?
Body measurements describe the person the clothing fits; garment measurements describe the clothing itself and are usually a little larger to allow movement.
What is the difference between lawn and khaddar?
Lawn is a light, fine cotton for hot weather, while khaddar is a thick, warm fabric worn in winter.
What should I check when buying an unstitched suit?
Check the fabric quantity for the shirt and trousers, whether a dupatta is included, and any embroidered pieces, so your tailor has enough fabric.
Can I return clothes that do not fit?
It depends on the seller's policy. Many offer exchanges on unworn items with tags, but customised clothing is usually not returnable. Check the listing's return policy before ordering.
Why does the colour look different from the photo?
Screens and lighting change how colours appear. Look at all photos, including daylight shots, and ask the seller if the exact shade matters.