Buying Sports Clothing and Footwear Online: Fabrics, Fit and Returns

Fit is the main reason activewear and sports shoes get sent back, and technical fabric jargon doesn't help. A few checks before you order make a good fit much more likely.

Understand technical fabrics

Product pages often describe fabrics as "moisture-wicking", "breathable" or "quick-dry". Here's what the common materials are generally like:

Things to look for on the label:

• The fabric blend (for example, "78% nylon, 22% elastane"). Higher elastane usually means more stretch.
• Fabric weight or thickness, especially for leggings, where thin fabric can become see-through when stretched. Reviews from buyers who mention this can help.
• Seams. Flat seams are less likely to rub on long runs or rides.

Sizing activewear

Sizes vary between brands and even between product lines from the same brand.

1. Measure yourself: chest or bust, waist, hips and inside leg.
2. Use the size chart for that exact item, not a general chart.
3. Check the intended fit. "Compression", "fitted" and "relaxed" fits are cut very differently. A compression top in your usual size will feel tight by design.
4. Watch US and UK sizing. UK women's clothing sizes usually run higher than US numbers for the same fit (a UK 10 is roughly a US 6), but check each brand's conversion.
5. Read reviews for fit comments such as "runs small" or "long in the leg". Our guide to spotting fake reviews helps you tell which ones to trust.

For sports bras, check the band and cup chart and the support level (low, medium or high) for your activity.

Running and training shoes: fit basics

Shoes are the hardest item to get right online. These general fit points apply to most styles; they're not a substitute for advice from a professional if you have pain or an injury.

• Measure your feet late in the day, when they're at their largest. Stand on a sheet of paper, mark heel and longest toe, and measure the distance.
• Leave some room at the toe. Many fitting guides suggest roughly a thumb's width between your longest toe and the end of the shoe.
• Check the width. Some models come in narrow, standard and wide fittings.
• Heel should feel secure, without slipping as you walk.
• Match the shoe to the surface. Road shoes, trail shoes (with deeper grip) and gym or court shoes are built differently.
• "Drop" or "offset" is the height difference between heel and forefoot. If you're used to one style, a big change can feel very different.

US, UK and EU shoe sizes

Shoe size systems don't line up exactly. As a rough guide, US men's sizes run about one size above UK sizes, and US women's sizes about two above. EU sizes use a different scale altogether. Each brand's conversion chart can differ slightly, so if the brand lists foot length in centimetres or inches, use that rather than converting sizes yourself.

If a pair already fits you well, the same model is the safest reorder.

Care so your kit lasts

• Wash in cool water and follow the care label.
• Skip fabric softener on technical fabrics. It can coat the fibres and reduce wicking.
• Air-dry where possible. High tumble-dryer heat can damage elastane.
• Let shoes dry naturally away from direct heat, and remove insoles to help them dry.

Returns: read the policy first

• Try items on indoors on a clean surface. Many stores won't accept shoes with worn soles or clothing that's been exercised in.
• Keep tags and packaging until you're sure.
• Check for free returns or exchanges. For shoes in particular, a free size exchange makes ordering much less risky.
• Some items can't be returned for hygiene reasons, such as swimwear without its liner or some underwear. Check before ordering.

Before buying from a store you don't know, use our checklist for whether an online store is legit, and if a return goes wrong, see our guide to refunds and chargebacks.