How to read a product page

Short answer: Three things decide whether an item suits you: the material composition, the size chart and what the item is meant for. All three are on the product page, and checking them only takes a moment.

The material

The fibre content tells you how soft and stretchy the fabric is. An item with some elastane gives more and holds its shape, while one without sits looser. When several fibres are listed, the largest share comes first. Learn to read it in how to read a textile label.

The size

Use the brand chart, not your habit. Sizes are not the same across brands, so the size you usually buy does not always fit. Find the chart on the product page or under the brand, and compare it with your own measurements. Then the choice rests on numbers. See the size guide.

What the item is meant for

A light summer quality and a heavier basic quality can look alike in a picture. So read the description, which tells you whether the item is meant for warm days, for wearing under other clothes or for everyday use all year. That decides whether it suits what you need.

The colour on screen

Colours look different on different screens. Brightness, settings and the light in the room all affect how a shade appears. A dark blue can look black, and a light grey can seem warmer than it is. Choose neutral colours if you are unsure, as they are the easiest to get right.

The pictures

The pictures show the fit on a model, not necessarily on you. A model has their own measurements and wears a certain size, so the item may sit differently on your body. Measure rather than judging fit from a picture. See for example the styles in bamboo T-shirt for women.

The description

The product description explains how the item is cut and what it is meant for. It often says whether it sits close or loose, whether it is long or short, and how to wash it. Read all of it, even if the picture looks right. The small details often decide whether the item stays.

The brand

If you like a brand, you can go straight to its collection and see the rest of the range. You will already know how its sizes run and how the fabric feels. That makes the next choice easier. See for example Copenhagen Bamboo, where the brand's items are gathered in one place.

If something is missing

If the page does not say what you need to know, contact customer service when you are unsure about a detail. It is better to ask before you order than to guess and exchange afterwards. Many questions are also answered in advance. See the frequently asked questions.

If it does not fit

If the item does not fit when it arrives, it can be exchanged for another size through the returns portal. It is always easiest to get it right the first time, though, so spend a moment on the product page first. How an exchange works is under returns and exchanges.

A fixed order

Read the product page in the same order every time. First the material, then the size chart, then the description of what the item is for, and finally the pictures. Once it becomes a habit, it takes only a minute, and you avoid most wrong purchases.