E-commerce, in terms of the clothing industry, has come a long way. I might be slightly biased as I shop most of my clothes online, but statistically speaking, there's been a boom in the last few years. That further became noticeable during the pandemic when our visits to physical stores were limited. But, as expected, the popularity of online shopping and the increase in users also showed its flaws. I've lost count of the pants I bought online that were too long or loose. In the beginning, it was like I was gambling every time I purchased something online. Is it going to be how I expected it to be, or did it look good only on their model? However, I also saw how websites and apps have dramatically improved to accommodate the lack of haptic perception we experience during online shopping. Below are some of the features that changed the trajectory of online shopping for clothes forever.
I'm basing the features I will list on the clothing website and app, SHEIN. The first feature would be Detailed Product Descriptions and Images. In the website or app, every product page has detailed images and thorough explanations regarding the item's material, design, and features, helping users visualize the feel and quality of the products. They also show the size of the item the model is wearing along with their height, waist, bust, and hips measurements. It's a feature that has become necessary and useful in my shopping experience. For example, when browsing for a new dress, I could zoom in on the fabric and see the intricate details of the design and the colors, which gives me a better idea of how it would look and feel in person.
Other features I like are the Size Guides and Outfit Recommendations. SHEIN offers comprehensive sizing charts and fit recommendations based on past purchases and feedback from other customers, enhancing the accuracy of size selection and minimizing online shopping risks. However, I have had the experience of buying shoes that were too big, and maybe it was my fault. Still, it shows that there are risks in online shopping, especially in terms of sizing, so this part of it has room for improvement, but SHEIN specifically allows returns in cases of getting the wrong size. I still think it is a valuable feature, but it's just not perfect yet.
Lastly, the feature I unconsciously use often in online shopping is Customer Reviews. SHEIN motivates users to post reviews and share images of their purchases. The users are exchanged with shop coins depending on the reach level their reviews have received. They can use these coins as money for future purchases. From an abundance of customer reviews, users are given a perspective on the appearance and quality of the clothing.
As someone who is introverted, shopping online is my first option. I still shop in physical stores, especially if I need something in a rush or if I genuinely need haptic perception, as I agree it is crucial in shopping for clothes. However, I have seen the growth of online shopping, and although it is far from perfect, it has become a game-changer in the clothing industry. I am excited about what's more to come from it. In the coming years, innovations will come out that will further substitute the need for haptic perception or perhaps allow us to have a haptic perception of clothes. We never know, but I am looking forward to it.
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