No Regrets: Understanding, Avoiding and Dealing with Shopping Mistake Guilt

We’ve all been there, standing in front of our full wardrobes, thinking about the things we’ve spent our hard earned cash on, that we don’t actually need or want. It’s easy to stand there and feel like, “what was I thinking?”

It can be overwhelming. But there is another way. We’ll explore why we end up with clothing regrets, how they affect us emotionally and financially, and most importantly, how we can overcome them and make sure our wardrobes reflect our best decisions. Plus we’ll cover what to do with the things we don’t want, to make sure our regrets don’t impact the environment.

Are you ready to make wiser wardrobe choices?

Why Do We Regret Clothing Purchases?

Impulse Buying

Look, companies pay people to persuade us to buy things. So don’t feel too bad if you end up succumbing to great marketing or an unbeatable price once in a while.

Finding a bargain or a must-have item gives us a rush of adrenaline that feels amazing. It’s only later on once we’ve got something home and our cortisol levels have balanced out, that we suddenly realise that maybe that neon green faux fur jacket wasn’t quite such a good idea as we’d first thought.

The Pressure to Conform

Keeping up with trends can feel like an impossible task these days, but it doesn’t stop us from being swept up all of a sudden, and making purchases because something is “the” item of the moment.

The pressure to keep up with trends and look like the Instagram influencers we follow can lead to hasty clothing purchases, when we buy into styles that may not suit us or align with our values, resulting in regret.

The fast speed of fleeting fashion trends is the opposite of the slow fashion that we advocate as being best for the planet (buying things we know we’ll wear again and again for years to come).

Misjudging Fit or Comfort

We’re just as guilty as anyone else of sometimes making misjudged purchases, or falling into the trap of prioritising something looking good over being comfortable.

Those shoes that seemed comfy in the shop end up giving you blisters on their first outing, or the trousers that fit you when you tried them on don’t seem accommodate for you having dinner any time in the near future.

Sometimes trying something on once just isn’t enough for us to realise that it isn’t going to be something we want to wear. 

Online Shopping Pitfalls - On Screen vs. Reality

If you can shop from the comfort of your sofa, why not? The advent of internet shopping has brought us so much convenience and allowed us to avoid busy shopping streets and never have to rush about wasting time finding any specific item. 

However, without the ability to try before you buy, it can end up being a bit of a gamble to work out if something is going to fit well, and look good once it arrives in the post. It can lead to regret, and items piling up that aren’t going to be worn the way we once thought they might.

That’s why we have a 30 day return policy - we know sometimes you just need to see it to really know if you need it. 

The Effects of Regrettable Purchases

Money 

Regret is not a good feeling, and one we want to avoid as much as possible when it comes to our shopping habits. It often comes hand in hand with feelings of guilt, and a sense of waste - wasting money, time, resources and energy.

You might end up thinking of the money you’ve spent on something as a missed opportunity to buy something more meaningful.

Self-Esteem and Body Image

It’s never nice when something doesn’t fit properly, and our clothes can play a significant role in how we perceive ourselves. Regrettable purchases can impact our self-esteem and body image, making us feel less empowered and confident in ourselves.

The Stress of Clutter

A  wardrobe overflowing with unworn clothes can be stressful. The clutter reminds us of those past impulsive choices, and breeds a sense of chaos and guilt.

How to Avoid Regretful Purchases

There are a few ways we can avoid the unnecessary stress of money not-so-well spent. Here are some of our tips to change the way you shop.

Do Your Research 

Take some time to research, read reviews and get the information you need before you make a purchase.

Always check the fabric composition and size chart if you’re shopping online. That will give you a better idea of how something’s going to fit and feel, and stop you from falling into the trap of ending up with something that doesn’t look like it did on the website.

Size wise, different brands and companies use different measurements, so you might find that a size medium for one brand fits like a small in another. Checking the measurement chart and comparing it to your own measurements will help you find the perfect fit.

Try it on in Different Lighting and Angles. 

If you’re trying something on in a shop, don’t be afraid to come out of the changing room and walk around the shop floor - trust us, it might feel embarrassing, but it’s a great way to avoid mistakes.

Seeing something in daylight can elicit a very different idea of it than the kind and forgiving lights of the changing room, and often once we walk in something we can feel if it’s not quite right. 

Plan, Plan, Plan 

It’s so exciting to find something you never knew you needed and simply have to have, but when it’s not on your shopping list, it can often mean that it’s not something you actually need. 

Keep a running list of things you notice you need, and take it with you when you go shopping. If you find something that isn’t on the list, mentally plan a couple of outfits with it from your wardrobe (do you actually have any trousers that will go with this colour of top?) and ask if you’ll wear it more than 30 times. 

This will stop you from being led by excitement and wasting money on things you don’t need.

Get a Second Opinion

To avoid being swept up in a regretful bargain buy, get a second opinion before you make a purchase, and you might end up being talked out of a mistake. 

Because they aren’t the one who’s swept up in the excitement, they’ll be able to help you make a more logical decision about whether something will fit into your lifestyle and budget.

The beauty of modern technology is that it’s never been easier to send a quick photo to a loved one and get their honest feedback. 

What to Do With Clothing Regrets

Regrettable clothing purchases don’t necessarily need to be money down the drain.

1. First, check if you’re still within the returns window for the thing you’ve bought. You might be able to send it back to the place you purchased it, and the money you spent returned to you. It’s important to remember that oftentimes our returns aren’t actually able to be resold by a brand for a variety of reasons, so whenever we’re able to avoid buying things we will probably return, we should try to.
2. Gift them to someone you know will appreciate them. Do a good deed by passing on something that you regret buying to a friend or family member who you know will love it the way you wanted to. You can save this kind of thing for a birthday or special event, or just spring a spontaneous gift on someone you love. 
3. Sell them online. If money is the main factor causing you to regret buying something, and you’re not able to return it, all is not lost. Pick an online selling platform like eBay or Vinted and pick your price. You might not get back the full amount you paid for something, but it’ll be out of your hair and at least there will be some compensation. 
4. And if you love the brand, but chose the wrong item, why not donate it to our takeback scheme, and you’ll be rewarded with a generous voucher for the brand. 

In essence, we’re likely to come across a purchase we regret once in a while, and that’s okay.

Understanding, avoiding, and dealing with clothing purchase regrets is all about making mindful choices.

By acknowledging the factors that contribute to regret, you can empower yourself to make decisions that align with your values and bring you lasting satisfaction. So, the next time you're tempted by that shiny "Add to Cart" button, remember the lessons learned here.

Your future self will thank you.

Check out our blog for more insights on sustainable living and mindful spending.