A dress is one of the harder things to buy without trying it on. Length, waist position and fabric all change how it looks on you. This checklist keeps the risk low.
Measure yourself first
Take your bust, waist and hip measurements with a soft tape, over light clothing. Write them down in centimetres. Retailers list their size charts in either inches or centimetres, so note both if you can.
Read the size chart, not the size label
A medium at one brand is not a medium at another. Compare your measurements with the chart for the exact dress. If you sit between two sizes, check whether the fabric has stretch. A woven fabric with no stretch usually needs the larger size at the bust or hip.
Check the length in centimetres
Listings often give the dress length, and sometimes the height of the model. Hold a tape against your own body to see where that length lands. A dress that is knee length on a taller model may be closer to mid-calf on you.
Look at fabric and lining
The fabric line tells you more than the photo does. Cotton and cotton blends breathe well in humid weather. Polyester holds a print and resists creasing, but can feel warm. A dress in a light colour with no lining may show what is under it.
Read the return terms before you pay
Check whether the retailer accepts returns for the category, how many days you have, and who pays for return shipping. Some categories are exchange only. Take a screenshot of the terms on the day you order.
Read the reviews with a filter
Sort customer reviews by the ones with photos. Look for comments about fit and colour, since those are the two most common reasons for a return. Treat a single strong opinion with caution and look for a pattern across several.
What to do when it arrives
Try it on soon, before you remove any tags, and check the seams and zip. If it is not right, start the return straight away so you stay inside the window.
