Bracketing is when you purposefully order a number of different sizes or colours of the same garment online, have them delivered to your home, determine which one works best for you and then send the rest back.
For example, you need a pair of new jeans but you just don’t know whether the size 14 or 16 will be the better fit, or if you should go for the straight or the skinny leg. So you order 4 pairs, keep the one that works best and then return the unwanted pairs a few days later..
It’s a bit of a hassle, but you got a positive outcome (and it was the size 16 straight leg that worked best!)
The problem is that on average, 40% of shoppers “bracket” their purchases which means an awful lot of stuff is being sent back (which can then often be burnt or sent to landfill as it’s cheaper than re-processing)
So what can we do about it as online shopping is the only method available to us right now?
One great starting point is to know your measurements. Dig out the tape measure and get up to date figures for your bust, waist, hips and inside leg. Then use the company’s size charts to find the best fit for you before you order. Remember, sizes vary so much even within the same shop, so knowing your measurements is a big help in working out how an item will fit. If you’re unsure how to measure, here’s a quick guide but in all cases, measure yourself on bare skin rather than over your clothes, make sure the tape is flat to your body and is neither pulled too tight nor too loose.
For your chest measurement measure the circumference of your fullest part of your bust.
For your waist measurement (and no sucking in here!) find your natural waistline. This is where a belt would happily sit but if you’re not sure, bend to the side and where the crease forms is the part we want.
For your hip measurement make sure the tape is over the largest part of your buttock.
For your inside leg measurement, take the distance from the uppermost inner part of your thigh down to the bottom of your ankle.
Make a note of all of these and then compare to the manufacturer’s size chart to help you decide which size is best.
Also read the reviews as they can be so helpful. These have been written by genuine customers and will often give real and honest insight into the product. For example, you might see “generous sizing so size down if you want a more fitted look” or “I have narrow feet and even I found these shoes tight across the toes” or “very disappointed - the fabric is so thin and see-through”. I know that reviews have influenced my decisions before so they are a useful added layer of information to take into account.
Lastly (when we’re allowed!) rather than posting your unwanted items back, take them to the physical shop for a refund as they are much more likely to make their way back onto the shop floor and eventually be sold. Plus, your refund will be processed quicker and the money will be in your account sooner.
Would love to know your views!