Science has spoken. Retail therapy works – and is now needed more than ever. Here are the 20 best online clothing stores to mindlessly scroll through, justified – of course – through the benefits of online shopping.
The global spread of COVID-19 has caused a rapid shift in consumer behaviour – whether it be panic-induced bulk-buying or online shopping for a dose of some much-deserved retail therapy. In particular, the implementation of social distancing measures as well as sudden business closures have impacted the way consumers are shopping for good.
Previously plagued by negative impressions of long shipping times, sizing issues, and poor quality control, many e-commerce brands have broken down these barriers of entry through improvements in the logistics process and return policy, establishing consumer confidence in online shopping. With a shifting mindset, the recent number of online consumers has skyrocketed, with many bricks and mortar stores now seriously recognising e-commerce as the future of retail.
Before we divulge our top 21 sites to get your fashion fix, we’ve listed out 7 of the main benefits of online shopping – to help naysayers make that almighty switch.
7 Benefits to Online Shopping
1. Accessibility and convenience
For those having to work around a busy schedule, the convenience of online shopping provides one of the biggest draws. Granting instant access to all your favourite clothing stores 24 hours, 7 days a week, online shopping removes the need to wait in line and take time out of your day to physically visit the store. On top of that, AI advancements have transformed customer service for the better, with many online stores now offering visual search engines, individualised preferences, and product recommendations, taking the retail experience to a whole new level.
2. No crowds
It’s no secret that clothing stores and shopping malls often become overcrowded during peak shopping hours, making for a pretty unenjoyable shopping experience, if you ask us. In today’s current climate, this lack of human-to-human interaction is perhaps the greatest benefit of them all.
3. Time-saving
The convenience of shopping through electronic devices, use of automated accounts, and saved payment details means that a typically time-consuming purchase can instead be made within minutes.
4. Cost-saving
Being able to shop at home can be cost-saving, thanks to the wealth of discount codes and vouchers available online. Plus, it’s much easier to compare prices and find the best possible deal.
5. Informed buying decisions
Many clothing stores now provide useful information such as material composition and international sizing charts to ease the online shopping experience. Spaces left for customer reviews serve as a testimony to product quality. If that’s still not enough, recently developed AI tools further assist consumers by offering suggested sizes based on their previous purchases.
6. Quick delivery times
With options for next-day or express home shipping, the long-held stigma of lengthy delivery times has effectively been erased. Many retail stores now also have the capacity to cover delivery fees (both local and international) beyond a certain spending threshold.
7, Easy Returns
Equally, return policies have been simplified and made easier than ever, often only requiring a fill-out form and a trip to your nearest post office or 7-Eleven. Refunds are often processed and returned to your bank account within a week of receipt, though this may differ from brand to brand.
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The 20 Best Online Clothing Stores
Ready to shop online? Scroll on as we take you through our favourite online shopping sites for women.
Aanya
Designed for free-spirited adventurers, Aanya’s bold, bohemian designs will be sure to catch your eye. Feminine and memorable, Aanya aims to empower local artisans and grass-root organisations, with all their pieces ethically sourced and sustainably made in India. Aside from the beautifully curated jumpsuits, dresses, and kimonos, they have a unique selection of handmade accessories to tie your whole look together.
Price Range: USD 50-200
Delivery: Free local shipping (Hong Kong). Free international shipping on orders over USD 100 to select countries including Australia, Japan, Singapore, and Taiwan
White Fox Boutique
Simple, bold, and unapologetic, White Fox Boutique provides the ultimate dream wardrobe fit for your vibe – from basics to custom prints, formal dresses to athleisure – the choice is all yours. Priding themselves in diversity, this iconic Australian brand produces a wide selection of trendy clothing and accessories that inspires girls to embrace their own style – and all without breaking the bank.
Price Range: USD 20-100
Delivery: Free local express shipping on orders over USD 52 (Australia). Same day delivery available in Sydney (USD 10). International shipping available to select countries, including Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore
aanya.com.hk
IG: @whitefoxboutique
Grana
Focused on simple, modern-day essentials made from luxury materials, Grana pieces are a timeless classic. The brand firmly stands by the ideal of providing ‘quality for all’, sourcing the finest fabrics from around the world and bringing these to you at fair prices. If you’re looking to create a perennial wardrobe with clean-cut silhouettes, look no further.
Price Range: USD 25-300
Delivery: Express and international standard shipping available to select countries
Fayth Label
Fayth is designed with the modern stylish woman in mind. Embracing natural hues, pastel colours, and subtle prints, many of their pieces feature feminine silhouettes and floral prints, striking the perfect balance between a professional and a laid-back look. Given their affordable prices and full range of sizes, you’ll be sure to find a piece fit for any occasion.
Price Range: USD 10-50
Delivery: Local shipping available for USD 2 (Singapore). International shipping available across Asia and Australia for USD 15
IG: @granacom
IG: @faythlabel
V Apparel
Providing functional athleticwear you’ll never want to take off, V Apparel introduces a line of activewear that perfectly hugs your body in all the right places. As a body-positive brand featuring chic prints and designs, V Apparel presents a wide collection of tops, sports bras, and bum-sculpting leggings guaranteed to make you look and feel good.
Price Range: USD 45-150
Delivery: Express local shipping for USD 2 (Hong Kong). International standard shipping available
Princess Polly Boutique
Targeted towards a slightly younger demographic, Princess Polly is the prime destination for women looking for street-savvy, boho-inspired clothing – without breaking the bank. Featuring daring renditions of all the latest and upcoming trends, this Australian favourite is fast becoming the go-to store to shop the newest looks and is one of our top picks for playful summer dresses and casual daytime attire.
Price Range: USD 30-80
Delivery: Express shipping worldwide!
IG: @vapparelofficial
IG: @princesspollyboutique
A.C.F Clothing
Rooted in sustainability, A.C.F Clothing prides itself on its bold use of colour and gender-neutral design. More than just another vegan fashion label, this Hong Kong-based brand is on a mission to promote urban streetwear with a clean conscience, while simultaneously breaking societal conformities by exploring the connection between masculinity and femininity to create unique, genderless collections.
Price Range: USD 99-360
Delivery: Free standard shipping on full-priced items and/or orders above USD 100
MANGO
Dressing the modern urban woman, Spanish fashion retailer Mango is our go-to for refined, on-trend pieces suitable for all ages. Inspired by the colours and textures of the Mediterranean coast, their collections are effortlessly stylish and typically feature lightweight fabrics, neutral-tones, and casual silhouettes. The perfect addition to any woman’s wardrobe, Mango is equal parts sophisticated and inexpensive, making it one of our absolute faves after payday.
Price Range: USD 10-100
Delivery: Free standard shipping available to select countries, including Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand
The Thread Theory
Based in Singapore, The Thread Theory caters towards the romantic inside all of us. From kidswear to womenswear, office looks to wedding dresses, this online women’s boutique sustains its signature whimsical look through its subtle colour palette and feminine silhouettes. Boasting locally-designed apparels that are self-manufactured, The Thread Theory focuses on quality, elegant apparel that your wallet won’t hate you for buying!
Price Range: USD 20-60
Delivery: Express and standard shipping available locally (Singapore) and internationally
Siva Active
Branded as functional wear for active living, Siva Active is a consciously created athleisure brand that seamlessly blends athletic wear into your everyday wardrobe. At its very core, Siva Active aims to create simple, long-lasting staples that are equal parts versatile and functional. Constructed by designers with active lifestyles, Siva Active utilises relevant industry knowledge to handpick fabrics that maximise athletic performance and meet your sporting needs.
Price Range: USD 35-55
Delivery: Free local shipping (Hong Kong). Free worldwide shipping on orders over USD 180
IG: @thethreadtheory
IG: @sivaactive
& Other Stories
Stocking collections from design ateliers in Paris, Stockholm, and Los Angeles, & Other Stories draws inspiration from French romanticism, Scandinavian pragmatism, and that Californian carefree spirit. Providing a contemporary, timeless collection of clothing, swimwear, and lingerie, & Other Stories aims to empower women through freedom of expression. Striving towards greater environmental ethics, they have plans for all materials to be either recycled or sourced in a more sustainable way by the year 2030.
Price Range: USD 25-450
Delivery: Standard shipping available to select countries
Free People
Created for boho-chic wanderlust souls, Free People offers a trendy line of clothing catered towards avid adventure seekers. Featuring effortless ethereal styles, its vintage romanticism is often embellished with a modern twist, utilising lightweight designs to maximise comfort. Known for its playful femininity, Free People provides great variety in their clothes, activewear, intimates, and swimwear, and is guaranteed to turn heads with its colourful palette and bold, striking patterns.
Price Range: USD 30-1000
Delivery: Free standard international shipping on orders over USD 150
IG: @andotherstories
IG: @freepeople
Reformation
Standing at the forefront of businesses driving the movement towards greater ethics in the fashion industry, Reformation is perhaps the best-known sustainable fashion brand. Describing their target customer as “a badass urban creative type that lives freely but not neglectfully”, Reformation pieces exude sophistication with a twist of bohemian femininity. Using minimalist cuts to create effortless silhouettes, the clothes celebrate figures of all shapes and sizes. Despite its heftier price tag, the brand distinguishes itself through its admirable commitment to environmental sustainability and boasts a celebrity clientele that includes Rihanna, Hailey Bieber, and Taylor Swift.
Price: USD 50-600
Delivery: Free express shipping worldwide!
ZALORA
Dubbed as ‘Asia’s leading online fashion destination’, ZALORA has a particularly strong presence in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taiwan. Offering everything from in-house to designer labels, ZALORA is stocked with a comprehensive collection of clothing and accessories suitable for every occasion. Aside from clothing, ZALORA also offers an extensive selection of accessories and cosmetic products, making it a one-stop destination to meet all your shopping needs.
Price: USD 10-1000
Delivery: ZALORA only offers delivery to countries they currently operate in, namely Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, and Australia. Note that the Australian site is named ‘The Iconic’ instead
Zara
No introductions necessary. This quintessential Spanish brand has dominated the industry and is currently the world’s largest apparel retailer. With access to cutting-edge technology, Zara consistently matches the pace of ever-changing trends, exceeding customer expectations at affordable prices. With a renewed focus on online retailing, consumers can only expect to further reap the benefits of their technological innovations being applied to the e-commerce world.
Price: USD 10-250
Delivery: Next-day delivery, store pick-up, and/or various drop point options available online
Revolve
Featuring a staggering lineup of over 500 brands, Revolve is home to a whole host of coveted apparel, shoes, and accessories, earning its spot as a firm favourite amongst shoppers far and wide. A one-stop shopping destination for everything luxury, Revolve is said to have pioneered the concept of using influencer marketing to sell fashion and is currently one of the most powerful online retailers in the world.
Price: USD 20-1500
Delivery: Free shipping worldwide on orders over USD 100
ASOS
As a more affordable British counterpart, retail giant ASOS caters towards a larger demographic, stocking over 850 global brands, as well as its very own range of clothing and accessories. The great variety of curated brands sold on ASOS paves the way for many exclusive collaborations fit for every occasion, from loungewear to formal dresses. Priding itself in diversity, ASOS brands offer more than 30 sizes in its ongoing commitment to body positivity, giving you the confidence and opportunity to dress however you choose.
Price: USD 5-680
Delivery: Free shipping available worldwide
The R Collective
Rescue. Reuse. Reimagine. Setting out to minimise waste in the fashion industry, pieces from The R Collective are a beautiful reimagination of textile waste. Creating clean-cut silhouettes constructed from upcycled materials, The R Collective’s commitment to sustainable fashion is nothing short of revolutionary. Perpetuating an image of the classic working woman, this brand is redefining the age of sustainable fashion through its timeless and versatile designs.
Price Range: USD 75-450
Delivery: Standard shipping available worldwide
Our Favourite Pre-Loved Clothing Stores
Vestiaire Collective
Largely considered to be one of the best second-hand fashion sites around, Vestiaire Collective’s online resale marketplace is firmly on most fashionistas’ radars these days. Offering pre-owned fashion at 30 to 70% discounts off original retail prices, this global site not only has a huge range of products and commendable customer service, but it also comes with quick shipping and the promise that every piece is authenticated by their team of experts before being shipped to your doorstep.
Price: USD 15-30,000
Delivery: International shipping. For orders from a seller living in your country, items will be delivered after a minimum of 7 days. For orders from a seller living abroad, items will be delivered after a minimum of 10 days
HULA
Shop for a good cause at fashion hub The HULA where 5% of all profits go to charity. Aiming to build a sustainable fashion community where members can discover top designer pieces and consign the items they no longer need in return, this Hong Kong-based company offers the best designer brands via their carefully curated (and verified!) selection of womenswear. Fashion has never felt so good!
Price: USD 40-3800
Delivery: Free shipping within Hong Kong. International shipping available
IG: @vestiaireco
IG: @joinhula
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