I can’t be the only one. Surely girls with busts larger than a 34 and butts “big enough to sit a cup on“ can understand the frustration that online shopping can pose. And even if your trunk isn’t packing that much junk, you, like myself, might have questioned whether you need a size up in that Gold Summer Romper because you want to be serving Lemonade vibes all summer. You don’t want to run the risk of the medium being way too small if you plan on attending a party sometime in the near future. What if the measurement chart doesn’t provide enough information? Most people can’t look to the model for a realistic fit (seriously, she’s 5’10 and wears a small).

But online shopping has it’s perks. It helps to reduce the pressure to spend and to manage impulsive shopping habits. To that end, it completely eliminates the likelihood that you’ll be followed around the store or smothered to death by “outstanding” customer service. You can also fill your cart with 10 items or more without feeling bad for the poor girl in the fitting room who has to do go-backs at the end of her shift.

So, what do we do? I suggest these alternatives:

Check the product reviews

Product reviews are like asking your best friend what the pros and cons are of an item before you purchase. You’ll find out if the product fits true to size, if it stretches after a couple wears or has no wiggle room at all, and they’ll be honest and tell you if the material is trash.

And if there are no product reviews….

Compare similar items you’ve previously purchased from the site

Be mindful that sizing can vary between brands, but if you’re a frequent shopper with a certain online retailer, simply try on something similar and guesstimate.

Buy two sizes and return the one that’s less flattering

If you have the patience — and the funds — go ahead and get the sizes closest to your preferred fit and wait that 7 to 10 days for your item to arrive. You’ll have to take a trip to the post office to drop off the unwanted size or visit the closest retail location, but at least you’ll be happy with your decision.

Submit a query

Asking questions is never a bad idea. Be very detailed and direct. The last thing you want is to get frustrated with redundant responses from some cyber bot.

Bring awareness to the issue

It’s not like theres a shortage of models varying in sizes and color. And there’s most definitely no shortage of black women spending their coins with online retailers who are happy to take their money. But there is a shortage of opportunities for models of color in a market that ignores all but one type of consumer. Share you stories in a detailed email or mention them on Twitter to address your issue. It doesn’t hurt to at least have your voice heard.

Find a trustworthy tailor

When it comes to getting my pant legs tighter or the waist of my Levi’s shorts taken in, I’m always happy I have my tailor’s number on speed dial. So, when I decided on the large, received my romper and it fit like excess skin, I wasn’t completely devastated. I didn’t want to go through the trouble of sending it back, so I just opted to have it altered.

If it’s sale, it’s a steal

All bets are out the window when the item in question is on sale. If it’s discounted, it’s a deal. Just get it! And if you hate the fit again, take it to a tailor or check the return policy. Whichever you decide, the extra money you saved automatically qualifies as a win,

What have your online shopping experiences been like? Let us know in the comments below.

Measurements

Get relevant content delivered to you once a week