Buying fashion online can be hit and miss, especially when it comes to fit for your body type. Luckily, ASOS is a widely known UK-based online fashion retailer and cosmetics retailer that has developed a name for themselves globally, largely because they have styles for every shape and size, including dedicated collections for petite, tall, curvy, and plus-size shoppers.
Founded in London in 2000, ASOS (As Seen On Screen) started off by copying clothes that celebrities were seen in and selling them at accessible prices to everyday consumers. Today, the website has evolved into a site that sells 850+ brands, as well as their own in-house clothing, footwear, and accessories.
So what’s it really like for someone like me, petite and a little on the skinny side; after a few different orders (and returns), I’m going to review ASOS honestly – fit, delivery, returns and customer service.
What I Love About ASOS
Shopping on ASOS has genuinely been a pleasure for me. Their selection is massive, and there’s something for everyone – casual streetwear, workwear, or even something fancier for an event.
As someone petite and skinny, I love that ASOS has a dedicated Petite range, which is in fact well proportioned, shorter hemlines, waistlines adjusted and better fit.
One of my favourite items to shop for? Stradivarius jeans. They are always very much true to size, making reordering much easier! Sizing can really be hit and miss with the other brands, and the fit is very unpredictable at times.
Other positives are the quick delivery. My orders tracking usually come on time which is huge for fast-fashion retailers. Rationally, ASOS does offer sales and discount codes frequently, so if you’re patient and hold out, you can grab a bargain.
Where It Falls Short
Overall my experience with ASOS has been fairly positive so far, but it is only fair to note it is not without its faults.
To start with, the sizing guide can be confusing because each brand differs so much. What fits great on one label can be entirely different on another, so it took quite a few orders (and returns) for me to start to understand which sizes and brands work for me.
Returns are accepted (thank goodness), but they do take a while to process. Additionally, based on reader and user comments, some customers have experienced far worse issues including:
- Problems with order handling, such as wrong item or missing parcels
- Customer service issues – slow responses or poor support
- Delivery issues – delays or missing items, especially in areas that are not major cities
- Slow refunds causing panic for people waiting on their money
- Lack of responses from the support team
That said, I live in London, which is perhaps why I have not experienced formal issues. I would imagine location has some impact here; people living further out, outside of the UK, or in more isolated regions of the country may have longer shipping transformations and potentially worse service. So while I’ve been lucky, I understand that others may not feel the same.
Final Thoughts: Fashion That’s Worth the Gamble
There are a few peculiarities, but ASOS has truly become one of my top shopping sites. Once I figured out the sizing and felt comfortable with the brands I love, it became so much more straightforward – and so much more fun! Now I go there when I’m looking for a quick fashion “hit” or a last-minute outfit that still feels like me. Of course, it’s not perfect – but for the variety of clothing (and the speed) it feels like a small price to pay for the ability to discover so many new brands. ASOS is one of those sites where you learn as you go… for me, it has mostly been wins.