Plus-Sized Shopping: 9 Quick Tips for Asian E-commerce

E-commerce (noun): commercial transactions conducted electronically on the Internet. via: google.com

Shopping on websites based in Asia is becoming more and more common in our society. Shirts, pants, dresses, etc. can be bought for as little as $1! That’s hard to beat! So of course you swoop in and buy it, only for it to not fit at all. A burlap sack would have been more flattering. Ugh! Before you try and try again, let me help you with some quick tips to make sure your time and money are not wasted.

1. Size up.

First rule of all, when shopping on Asian websites, size up—unless you’ve measured yourself, as I will mention. The Asian XL will not fit an American XL. It will differ per website, but you’re normally good with going up 2 sizes.

2. One size does not fit all.

My favorite saying is, “One size fits all-but me.” When you’re shopping online, just a general rule, one size does not fit all. That size is a small-medium and sadly, it will not fit a plus sized shopper.

3. Measure yourself.

To save yourself from guesses, go ahead and measure yourself. Here is a handy guide here. Almost every site or item will have a measurement guide you can go by to see which size you will need and if it will fit you.

4. Research your store.

Look at website reviews. Just google [website name] reviews. Look for a pattern if sizes run smaller or bigger than the measurement charts (if they do at all). Plan accordingly with size. Look for patterns in fabric and if things are cheaply made. Also, be aware of how long things take to arrive if that does matter. If you are ok with returning things (it can be a butt) or are going to spend a lot of money, look for reviews about their communication and returns. There are places out there that will never get back to you and/or won’t refund you. Even if you don’t plan on returning something, stay away from those places. Don’t give them your business. What if something gets lost?

5. If it looks too good, it is!

I hate to say this one, because we all look for that amazing deal. We all want to have the sale story of the ages-and I understand. But, when it comes to online shopping, it’s the truth. If it looks super detailed and it’s only $5, it’s not worth that $5. If you think about it clearly, it makes sense. Why would you sell parts and labor for that much money? You just wouldn’t. The price you pay is the price of labor and parts, it will correlate. “You get what you pay for.”

6.If it’s not in English, skip it for now.

There are many amazing websites out there that are completely in another language. It doesn’t mean they’re bad, by any means! The problem is, they are a completely different rodeo and getting things right is a pain. Wait until you know the markets better. Do your research and get help if you can. Never give your information out to a place that you aren’t sure about!

7. Know a tailor or be one.

If you start ordering more expensive things (or really like a perfect fit) you will need to make sure a tailor is on hand to help things fit better. It will also help with measuring yourself.

Tips here. Do keep in mind, practice makes perfect!

8. Plan accordingly.

If you are ordering something you will need by a certain date, plan at least 3 months in advance. If you’re going to a convention in August and want to buy cosplay make sure you give 3 months for it to ship, 1 month if it’s going to be custom made, and 1 month for tailoring (just in case). So order your cosplay in March. If you really want to be careful, order it in February.

9. Know your body.

This will take time, but it’s worth it. Learn your body. How do certain cuts look on you? I know a peplum cut makes me look like I’m expecting quadruplets. I know that, and I hate that... but it’s true. Cuts are going to fit you the same as they always have. Just maybe worse.

Even with following all these rules, please remember, anything not accredited by a reputable source (aka BBB) is not something that is guaranteed. Sadly, I almost promise you'll still run into trouble here and there but if you expect it—it won't be as burdensome. Don't let this article deter you from shopping on those websites (unless it's for something as important as a wedding dress, I then recommend shopping elsewhere). These sites offer amazing deals that can't be beat elsewhere, it's at least worth a try!

Thanks for reading!

AB