# Buying Clothes Online...Dumb or Brilliant? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [October 23, 2009, 2:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-clothes-online-dumb-or-brilliant/514854 "2009-10-23T14:09:59Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 16\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Zsofia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/7bcc69/32.png) [@Zsofia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zsofia)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2009, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-clothes-online-dumb-or-brilliant/514854/21 "2009-10-23T16:20:10Z")
> [@pbbth](#): > > Good idea! > > _pokes mod_ > Hey, can you change the thread title please? Thanks! > I think the Chinese plus-sized dress site appeals to me because it is actually dress styles that look good on plus sized women. The other sites I’ve seen have mostly A line stuff which, while pretty, doesn’t really fit women with my body type very well and it isn’t a good look if you are trying to hide or minimize extra weight. Maybe I should just print off some pictures and take them with me while shopping. Yes, PLEASE don’t wear that strapless A-line dress that is the only wedding dress you ever see these days. My college roommate wore one like that, and she’s a pretty big girl, and also not a very tall girl, and my boyfriend poked me and whispered “How much money do you think she spent to look like she wrapped a towel around herself when she got out of the shower?” He was not wrong. ---
**Author:** ![Oakminster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/77aa72/32.png) [@Oakminster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oakminster)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2009, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-clothes-online-dumb-or-brilliant/514854/22 "2009-10-23T16:26:50Z")
Male here, so discount comments accordingly. A wedding dress generally seems to be more important to women than say, a pair of jeans. For that reason, I say buy something you’ve actually tried on and know you’ll be happy with on the big day. May cost a little more, but it’s likely worth it, especially if the mail order dress turns out to be…not quite as nice as expected. ---
**Author:** ![pbbth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f9ae1b/32.png) [@pbbth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pbbth)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2009, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-clothes-online-dumb-or-brilliant/514854/23 "2009-10-23T16:48:04Z")
I love [this dress](http://www.lightinthebox.com/A-Line-Halter-Court-Train-Satin-Plus-Size-Wedding-Dresses-for-Bride-X087_p22503.html). Also [this one](http://www.davidsbridal.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplayView?storeId=10052&catalogId=10051&categoryId=-49995489¤tIdx=15&subCategory=-49999486%7c-49998998%7c-49995489&catentryId=6123308&sort=). And [this one](http://www.davidsbridal.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplayView?storeId=10052&catalogId=10051&categoryId=-49995489¤tIdx=11&subCategory=-49999486%7c-49998998%7c-49995489&catentryId=6096815&sort=). I also love [this dress](http://www.sydneyscloset.com/asp/product.asp?categoryid=34&catalogid=2019), especially the purple one. You know what I keep finding in stores? Variations of [this dress](http://www.davidsbridal.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplayView?storeId=10052&catalogId=10051&categoryId=-49995489¤tIdx=2&subCategory=-49999486%7c-49998998%7c-49995489&catentryId=6110579&sort=). They should just call this one “the eternally pregnant bride” or something else completely horrid. ---
**Author:** ![CrazyCatLady](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/dfb087/32.png) [@CrazyCatLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CrazyCatLady)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2009, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-clothes-online-dumb-or-brilliant/514854/24 "2009-10-23T17:18:45Z")
**ZipperJJ** , mine wasn’t a wedding dress. It was a bridesmaid/prom dress that was actually in a couple of other mall stores at the time, but those stores didn’t carry it in plus sizes and wouldn’t order it for me. (And, quite frankly, the clerks I spoke to at those stores were quite rude about the whole thing.) It was just a tank-style bodice with a ballgown skirt, in ivory and gold brocade, somewhere between ankle and floor length depending on whether you got it in misses or plus sizes. Based on the dresses you’ve linked that you really like, I’d say you’re way better off going with a bridesmaid dress or generalized formal than an actual wedding gown. ---
**Author:** ![TheMerchandise](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/b487fb/32.png) [@TheMerchandise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheMerchandise)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2009, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-clothes-online-dumb-or-brilliant/514854/25 "2009-10-23T17:53:56Z")
Oooh! The dress with the red on the bodice is \*really \*pretty! ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2009, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-clothes-online-dumb-or-brilliant/514854/26 "2009-10-23T17:59:56Z")
> [@CrazyCatLady](#): > > **ZipperJJ** , mine wasn’t a wedding dress. It was a bridesmaid/prom dress that was actually in a couple of other mall stores at the time, but those stores didn’t carry it in plus sizes and wouldn’t order it for me. (And, quite frankly, the clerks I spoke to at those stores were quite rude about the whole thing.) It was just a tank-style bodice with a ballgown skirt, in ivory and gold brocade, somewhere between ankle and floor length depending on whether you got it in misses or plus sizes. Ah, well then I recommend Penny’s again 🙂 I’ve never bought a wedding dress myself but I have bought several fancy dresses at the Penny’s outlet - so they definitely have them in all sizes! ---
**Author:** ![pbbth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f9ae1b/32.png) [@pbbth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pbbth)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2009, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-clothes-online-dumb-or-brilliant/514854/27 "2009-10-23T18:08:53Z")
> [@TheMerchandise](#): > > Oooh! The dress with the red on the bodice is \*really \*pretty! I know! It is so gorgeous but it is $449. I couldn’t justify that kind of purchase to myself unless that dress was able to do chores around the house after the wedding. ---
**Author:** ![Hockey\_Monkey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a183cd/32.png) [@Hockey\_Monkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hockey_Monkey)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2009, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-clothes-online-dumb-or-brilliant/514854/28 "2009-10-23T20:14:53Z")
The one good thing I see about the site you posted **pbbth** , is that they used actual honest to og plus size models. You can see how a particular dress looks on a similar body to the one you have instead of a size 0 model. Most of the dresses are gorgeous and they are certainly priced well, but with the no return policy, I’d say no to this retailer. ---
**Author:** ![TheMerchandise](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/b487fb/32.png) [@TheMerchandise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheMerchandise)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2009, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-clothes-online-dumb-or-brilliant/514854/29 "2009-10-23T20:40:59Z")
> [@pbbth](#): > > I know! It is so gorgeous but it is $449. I couldn’t justify that kind of purchase to myself unless that dress was able to do chores around the house after the wedding. So then I guess [this](http://media.onsugar.com/files/ons1/307/3075859/21_2009/12ad681a1bf3d11b_2009_Plus_Size_Wedding_Dress_Trends.jpg) plus [this](http://www.balloontwisting.co.uk/shop/images/RedSharpie.png) is under consideration? 😛 ---
**Author:** ![sugar\_and\_spice](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e8c25b/32.png) [@sugar\_and\_spice](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sugar_and_spice)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2009, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-clothes-online-dumb-or-brilliant/514854/30 "2009-10-23T20:49:49Z")
Just it case you didn’t realize this already, those Chinese websites are selling knock-offs of major bridal/prom designers. The photos that look professionally staged are almost certainly ones that they swiped off of the original designers website. For example: > **[A-line Strapless Chapel Train Satin Plus Size Wedding Dresses for Bride X096...](https://www.lightinthebox.com/en/p/A-line-Strapless-Chapel-Train-Satin-Plus-Size-Wedding-Dresses-for-Bride-X096_p22484.html)** > > I like this. Do you think I should buy it? [http://www.alfredangelo.com/Collections/ProductDisplay.aspx?productID=54b1ccd5-1706-427c-b32a-e67fcc9cdf1c&categoryID=1af402e9-205f-4b7b-9d22-6fec77b3d187&pg=0](http://www.alfredangelo.com/Collections/ProductDisplay.aspx?productID=54b1ccd5-1706-427c-b32a-e67fcc9cdf1c&categoryID=1af402e9-205f-4b7b-9d22-6fec77b3d187&pg=0) (and yes I did waste part of my friday afternoon looking for a match … ) ---
**Author:** ![pbbth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f9ae1b/32.png) [@pbbth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pbbth)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2009, 3:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-clothes-online-dumb-or-brilliant/514854/31 "2009-10-24T03:56:17Z")
> [@TheMerchandise](#): > > So then I guess [this](http://media.onsugar.com/files/ons1/307/3075859/21_2009/12ad681a1bf3d11b_2009_Plus_Size_Wedding_Dress_Trends.jpg) plus [this](http://www.balloontwisting.co.uk/shop/images/RedSharpie.png) is under consideration? 😛 Hehe. I mentioned it to the SO and he laughed and said you’re awesome but I don’t think a sharpie is a proper way to decorate a wedding dress. ---
**Author:** ![BaneSidhe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/c5a1d2/32.png) [@BaneSidhe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BaneSidhe)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2009, 4:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-clothes-online-dumb-or-brilliant/514854/32 "2009-10-24T04:30:31Z")
I really hate shopping for clothes and very rarely do I go into a brick and mortar store. I’ve been buying a lot of my clothes online [eBay especially] and like it a lot. I’ve had a few screw ups but they’re few. For something as important as a wedding gown, I wouldn’t buy it online unless it was from a BnM store’s site. ---
**Author:** ![Wisp00](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/977dab/32.png) [@Wisp00](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wisp00)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2009, 5:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-clothes-online-dumb-or-brilliant/514854/33 "2009-10-24T05:22:55Z")
From the [Mary’s Bridal](http://www.marysbridal.com/faq.htm)FAQs page: > [@](#): > > _(Q) There are some internet sites located in China or ship directly from China that sells your dress. The prices are unbelievably cheap. Are they authorized distributors?_ > > (A) No. In the last few months, many Chinese web site have popped up with every designer’s picture. Basically, it’s a site that steals all the major manufactures’ picture from other web sites and tries to lure you with their pricing. They claim they can copy over 2000 different bridal designs from just looking at the little picture that you also see from the internet. Unfortunately, what they think looks like a similar copy is not. You will lose your money, Customs Duties and you have to return what you don’t like to China. In addition, all the affiliation they list like Better Business Bureau are fake. > > Google that web site address and the word ‘complaint’, then you will find what kind of company you will be dealing with." Mary’s Bridal dresses go up to size 30, although they are probably more expensive and probably more over the top then you’re interested in. ---
**Author:** ![Wisp00](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/977dab/32.png) [@Wisp00](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wisp00)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2009, 5:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-clothes-online-dumb-or-brilliant/514854/34 "2009-10-24T05:39:05Z")
Actually, you should take a look at their bridesmaids collection: [Wrap around A-line $170-200](http://www.marysbridal.com/bridesmaid/m1657.htm) [With pick-ups $170-200](http://www.marysbridal.com/bridesmaid/m1671.htm) [Black Lace $280-320](http://www.marysbridal.com/bridesmaid/m2005.htm) [Embroidered $230-260](http://www.marysbridal.com/bridesmaid/m2004.htm) [Layered Bodice $390-440](http://www.marysbridal.com/bridesmaid/m2052.htm) Those are just the ones I thought looked more like wedding dresses, but I didn’t make it past the first page, so I’m sure there are more. They all come in white, too. ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2009, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-clothes-online-dumb-or-brilliant/514854/35 "2009-10-25T02:07:40Z")
If I ever get married, I’m hoping to have my dress made by the seamstress at [Past and Present Creations](http://moviegowns.com) I really like her [lace version](http://moviegowns.com/galleryindex.php?&g2_itemId=1289) of the one dress from _Titanic_. I know Tracie from online, and she has an excellent reputation. And if I needed alterations, I’d probably go to my aunt. ---
**Author:** ![MeepersC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/meepersc/32/12088_2.png) [@MeepersC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MeepersC)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2009, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-clothes-online-dumb-or-brilliant/514854/36 "2009-10-25T22:06:16Z")
> [@pbbth](#): > > I love [this dress](http://www.lightinthebox.com/A-Line-Halter-Court-Train-Satin-Plus-Size-Wedding-Dresses-for-Bride-X087_p22503.html). Also [this one](http://www.davidsbridal.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplayView?storeId=10052&catalogId=10051&categoryId=-49995489¤tIdx=15&subCategory=-49999486%7c-49998998%7c-49995489&catentryId=6123308&sort=). And [this one](http://www.davidsbridal.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplayView?storeId=10052&catalogId=10051&categoryId=-49995489¤tIdx=11&subCategory=-49999486%7c-49998998%7c-49995489&catentryId=6096815&sort=). I also love [this dress](http://www.sydneyscloset.com/asp/product.asp?categoryid=34&catalogid=2019), especially the purple one. You know what I keep finding in stores? Variations of [this dress](http://www.davidsbridal.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplayView?storeId=10052&catalogId=10051&categoryId=-49995489¤tIdx=2&subCategory=-49999486%7c-49998998%7c-49995489&catentryId=6110579&sort=). They should just call this one “the eternally pregnant bride” or something else completely horrid. The second dress you posted was my wedding dress! I was a size 18/20 at the time I got married, and the size 20W David’s dress fit me to a T. I recommend David’s for plus-sized brides; they do have the best selection of dresses for us. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-clothes-online-dumb-or-brilliant/514854.md?page=1)