Buying designer clothing online is mostly about avoiding three expensive mistakes: the wrong size, an item that is not what you expected, and charges or return costs you did not plan for. All three can be checked before you pay.
Start with the size chart and the fabric composition on the shop’s page, then look at the shop itself: who it is, where it ships from, what delivery and returns cost, and how you will be refunded if the item goes back.
On this site, each product links to the shop that sells it. The price and stock come from the shop and can change, so the shop’s page is always the final word.
Read the listing carefully
A good listing tells you most of what you need. Look for:
- The full product name and code. Many designer listings include a style code, such as the letters and numbers in Dolce & Gabbana titles. You can use it to compare the piece with photos elsewhere.
- Size and size system. Italian brands use IT sizes, shoes are often in EU sizes, and some listings combine both (IT 48, M). Our Italian size guide and shoe size guide explain the conversions.
- Measurements in centimetres. Garment measurements, if given, are more reliable than any label.
- Fabric composition. Silk, wool, viscose and elastane behave very differently. Composition also tells you how the piece will need to be cleaned.
- Colour. Screen colours vary. If the listing names a colour such as “bordeaux” or “multicolour”, check every photo.
- Condition. Most listings are new, but check for words such as sample, outlet or pre-owned.
Check the shop
| What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Company name and contact details | You need to know who you are buying from |
| Where it ships from | Shops outside the UK may add import VAT, duty or handling fees |
| Delivery cost and time | Designer items are sometimes sent by courier with a signature |
| Returns window and cost | Some shops charge for return postage or exclude certain items |
| Refund method | Full refund, store credit or exchange only |
| Payment options | Card payments give you more protection than bank transfers |
Since 2021, goods sent to Great Britain from abroad can attract import VAT and sometimes customs duty. Some shops include these in the price; others leave them to be paid on delivery. If the listing or the shop’s delivery page does not say, ask before you order.
Spotting a risky listing
Most risky listings share a few signs:
- A price far below every other shop for the same current piece.
- No company name, address or returns policy.
- Only stock photos and no product code.
- Payment only by bank transfer or gift card.
- Poor spelling across the whole site, not just one listing.
If something looks wrong, buy elsewhere. A genuine discount on an older season piece is common; a brand new, sought after piece at a fraction of its usual price is not.
Price, sales and older stock
Designer prices vary a lot between shops and seasons. Discounted pieces are often from earlier collections, which is a good way to buy a label for less, but it also means sizes may be limited and a piece may sell out quickly. Prices on this site come from the shops and can change, sometimes several times a day. Some listings show both a current and an original price; the shop’s page is where the real price is set.
After it arrives
- Try it on straight away, with tags on, on a clean surface.
- Check stitching, zips and lining.
- Compare with the listing: colour, code and composition.
- Keep packaging and tags until you are sure you are keeping it.
- Send returns within the window and keep proof of postage.
Caring for designer pieces
- Follow the care label exactly; many tailored and embellished pieces are dry clean only.
- Hang jackets and dresses on shaped hangers.
- Store knitwear folded to stop it stretching.
- Keep leather shoes and bags away from heat and direct sun, and use dust bags.
Brands such as Dolce & Gabbana and Hogan list care advice on their labels and in product descriptions. The tops and skirts ranges include labels such as Pinko, Desigual, Guess and Elisabetta Franchi at a range of prices.
Quick checklist
- Size chart and centimetre measurements checked.
- Fabric composition and care read.
- Product code compared with other photos.
- Shop name, address and returns policy found.
- Import charges and delivery cost clear before payment.
- Paid by card, not bank transfer.
- Item checked on arrival with tags still on.
Common questions
Will I pay customs charges on designer clothes?
If the shop sends the item to the UK from outside the country, import VAT and possibly customs duty can apply. Some shops include these in the price and others leave them to be paid on delivery, so check the shop’s delivery information before you order.
How can I tell if a designer item is genuine?
Buy from shops with clear company details and returns, compare the product code and photos with other listings, and be wary of prices far below the usual range. If in doubt, contact the shop before paying.
Can I return designer items bought online?
Usually, within the shop’s returns window and as long as the item is unworn with tags attached. Some shops charge for return postage or exclude items such as underwear or earrings, so read the policy first.
