WomensStuff

I usually only buy online if the store has a very detailed / accurate size chart for their clothes (some places have generic size charts where the actual clothes sizes don't necessarily match).

Then I measure my body with a tape measure, and for a new place I make a small order usually with two sizes, usually of something I wouldn't mind having both sizes for.

(As others have said, usually I order from places online that have easy return policies, e.g. pact allows me to bring the clothes to any Ulta store nearby and they have a little kiosk that handles the return for me.)

Usually I have to figure out the size for tops and bottoms relative to the place.

But in general I prefer to buy clothes in person and to try them on before deciding.

Know your body measurements, but also the measurements of your clothing. For example, I have a 47.5" waist. So I assumed that a pair of pants laid flat with a waist measuring 23-24" would fit. Not so. When I measure the waist of the pants that fit me best, it's 21".

If the store you want to try is pricy, maybe you can find some of their items secondhand on places like poshmark or thredup to start. You still can't return, but at least you're not spending as much to figure out their sizing.

Take measurements. Try buying from shops that have generous return policies or especially local returns, like Nordstrom Rack or something.

I'm not a woman so I don't have much experience with women's clothes, but I my experience may still be useful. I generally don't buy clothes online because I'm worried stuff won't fit. Might seem like guy's pants should be the same since theoretically they are in inches. In practice, that's not been the case for me. Same problem with shoes.

Shirts, socks, and underwear are about the only things pretty safe to get online, assuming it's US sizing. If it's Asian sizing, very difficult to find out what will fit.

Aside from that, even if a site offered free refunds/returns, the amount of emissions caused by all the shipping really turns me off.

Hit or miss. I generally don't order online unless I've tried it on in a store, and if I do, I look for free shipping, coming and going.

Also, I've seen some stores indicate what sizes their models are wearing and it doesn't always seem accurate. I have no idea what reason they'd have to lie about that though.