Don’t Be Like Me If You Shop Online
🛍️ Always Double-Check the Measurements
I just need to rant a little. Not to blame anyone, but simply to get this off my chest and maybe help someone avoid the same mistake 😮💨.
I recently bought a top from an online brand with no physical store. I followed the measurements on their site exactly, especially the PTP. It stated 15 inches for the smaller size, and the one I bought was listed as 17 inches. Since I’m around a 34 inch bust, I genuinely thought the 17 inches would be the correct choice. But when the top arrived… it was much looser than I expected 😭.
Looking back, I think the issue wasn’t only the number. The top has elastic bands at the back, a V-neck, and a bralet-style cut, which all affect how it fits in real life. There was no note on whether the PTP was stretched or unstretched, and nothing about the fit being looser because of the design. So the “17 inches” on paper didn’t translate to how it actually sits on the body 🤷🏻♀️.
And honestly… the size I should have chosen was the PTP 15 inches instead 😭. The one I bought felt too big, and with the stretchy back and the bralet cut, the smaller option would have made more sense. To be real, even the 14 inches might have fit me better than the 17 inches.
I tried requesting an exchange for a smaller size. I emailed them on the same day I received the item, tags still on. But because it was a sales period, the policy was strict with no exchanges at all. I understand that brands have rules to follow, and I wasn’t trying to get a refund or anything dramatic. I honestly just wanted the correct size that fits. So yes… it made me quite sad and frustrated 🥺.
I truly hope the brand reviews their sizing guide. Even small notes like “PTP measured unstretched”, “stretchy back detail”, or “looser fit due to cut” can help customers decide more accurately. It would really prevent this kind of issue for people like me.
And to anyone reading this… please don’t be like me 😓. When buying clothes online, especially from stores without a physical outlet, always ask questions first. DM them or email them to check if the fabric stretches, if the measurement is taken laid flat or stretched, and whether the fit runs loose or fitted. I should have done that. Lesson learned the hard way. 😖
Should I still buy from them? Sigh 😮💨
P.S. I need to sell the top now too 😭🫠
Understanding PTP (Pit to Pit) measurement is key to finding the right fit when shopping online, yet many shoppers don't realize how this measurement works or how it differs from other measurements like bust size. PTP measures the distance across the chest from one armpit seam to the other when the garment is laid flat. However, the actual fit on the body can vary greatly depending on the fabric, cut, and stretch. For example, a top with a stretchy back or a bralette style may have a PTP measurement that looks bigger on paper but fits snugly in reality due to the fabric's elasticity. Conversely, if the measurement is taken without noting whether it's stretched or unstretched, shoppers can easily misjudge the size they need. This is why it's essential to ask the seller for clarification before purchasing, especially if the brand has no physical stores to try clothes on. In my experience, contacting the seller ahead of time and asking questions about how measurements were taken and how the garment fits can prevent costly mistakes. Also, checking if the brand notes details such as "PTP measured unstretched" or "looser fit due to cut" can be a huge help. If exchanges are limited during sales or special periods, taking these extra steps before ordering could save you the disappointment and hassle of having to sell items later because they don't fit as expected. Ultimately, embracing mindful spending while online shopping means learning about measurements like PTP and how they relate to actual fit. My advice is to reach out directly to brands to confirm sizing and fit, use customer reviews for insights, and always check if there are detailed sizing charts with notes. This way, you can shop confidently and avoid the frustration of ill-fitting clothes.
