How to shop for clothes online in Uganda without being disappointed

Most disappointments with clothes bought online come from the same few gaps: the photo showed more than the seller said, the size was a guess, or nobody agreed on delivery before money moved. All of them can be closed with a few minutes of checking and one short message.

Look past the first photo

The first photo sells the piece. The others tell you what it is really like.

• Open the full picture. Zoom in on the fabric, the stitching and the print.
• Notice who or what is wearing it. A dress on a mannequin can be pinned at the back, so ask how it sits on a person.
• Expect some colour difference. Phone screens and shop lighting change colours. If the exact shade matters, ask for a photo in daylight.
• Check the condition. Ask whether the piece is new or used, and whether it has any marks or repairs.

If the photo only shows the front, ask to see the back.

Get the measurements, not just the size

A medium from one country can be a small from another. Ask for the chest, waist and length in centimetres or inches, then compare them with clothes that already fit you. Our guide to finding your size shows how to do it in about five minutes with a tape measure.

Ask these questions before you pay

1. Is this exact piece available in my size right now?
2. What is the total price, including delivery?
3. When will it reach me, and how?
4. What happens if it does not fit or is not what the photos showed?
5. Which number or account does the money go to?

A good seller answers these without any trouble. Keep the replies in your chat, so you have the agreement in writing if anything goes wrong.

Pay carefully

• Never share your Mobile Money PIN. Nobody needs it to receive money from you.
• Read the name on the confirmation screen. Before you approve, check that it matches who you agreed to pay.
• Be careful with pressure. "Pay in the next ten minutes" is a reason to slow down.
• Keep your payment message. It is your proof if there is a problem later.

Check the seller

See whether the seller has a real address and a phone number you can call. If they have a physical shop and you live nearby, seeing the piece in person is the surest check of all.

Give it a few days

Clothes bought in a hurry are the ones most likely to be regretted. When you see something you like, save it and come back to it later. If you still want it after a few days, it is worth asking the seller about. On Fashionate, tap the bookmark on any piece and it will wait for you in your favorites.