How to Get the Most Out of a Subscription Fashion Service by Joan Cleet

Subscription boxes are a hot trend. After all, what could be better than getting handpicked goodies delivered right to your door every month? Name a product, and there's a subscription box for that. Wine? Check. Snacks? Check. Pet products, beauty products, DIY projects? Check, check and check! While subscription boxes are a relatively recent phenomenon (many credit 2010's Birchbox with kicking off the trend), product subscription clubs have actually been around for quite a while. For instance, the Book of the Month Club dates back to 1926 with many other "of the month clubs" to follow ranging from music to potted plants. Subscription boxes took the idea to a whole new level by marrying the ideas of monthly subscriptions and gift baskets, sending not just one particular product but an entire themed package of related items. This has been a win-win for everyone, especially for people who enjoy the finer things in life but just don't have time to curate. Subscription boxes for men's and women's fashion are wildly popular at the moment. If you've been considering signing up for one yourself, the following tips will help you get the most out of your subscription fashion box.

Get the Right Size

There's nothing more disappointing than ordering clothing online and waiting for it to arrive only to discover the clothes don't fit. The best way to avoid this is by knowing your size. Start by measuring yourself around the hips, waist, bust and inseam (the length from your crotch to the bottom of your leg). Many online clothing retailers have size charts so you can match up your measurements with that clothing brand's sizes. No size chart? There are a few ways around that:

• Read the comments. You can often get a feel for how clothing fits by the comments customers leave on a clothing retailer's website. Look for comments on the size and quality of the clothing.
• Visit the designer's website. Track down the designer of the particular clothing you're interested in. The designer's website may have sizing information when the retailer does not.
• Try the clothing on. If there's a brick and mortar store near you that has the brand of clothing you like, take the time to try it on to get a feel for the sizing.

Get the Right Style

If you're not sure which fashion subscription service you want to go with, do an internet search and then scope out each subscription's website to get a feel for the types of clothing and accessories they offer. That way, you'll at least have some idea if that service will be a good match for your tastes. If a service asks questions about your style and can put together a personalized profile, even better.

If you already do a lot of clothes shopping online, you're probably familiar with which of your favorite fashion websites offer subscription services. In that case, you're ahead of the game. If you like the majority of what you see at the online store, you'll probably be happy with what shows up in your mailbox.

Get the Right Service

Before signing up, make sure you're familiar with the terms of the subscription such as shipping costs or fees, return policies, what to do if the clothing doesn't fit or if you simply don't like it, how often boxes are sent out, and when and how to cancel.

Keep these tips in mind and you're sure to find a subscription service that makes you look and feel like a million bucks.

About the Author: Joan Cleet is a busy fashionista and contributing writer who loves connecting people with the subscription boxes of their dreams.

Online Article Marketing Specialist.