Buying clothes online is convenient, fast, and often offers more choice than visiting a store. But beware: behind the beautiful photos and flattering descriptions, some practices can mislead you.
Here's a 10-point guide to shop smart and avoid pitfalls, inspired by a real inspection carried out by the DGCCRF.
This government service has also written an "Online Buyer's Guide". We highly recommend reading it before starting your Christmas shopping. It's clear, well-made, and useful! Our tutorial complements it on specific points and aspects related to the clothing market.
1. 🌱 "Eco-responsible" claims: beware of greenwashing
Terms like "eco-responsible", "environmentally friendly" or "good for the planet" are forbidden if they are not justified by solid evidence. An "eco-responsible" t-shirt without certification? That's deceptive marketing.
2. 🧵 The word "artisanal": not just a pretty label
The term "artisanal" and its derivatives are regulated. They can only be used if the company is registered in the craft trades register and the product is genuinely made by a craftsperson. Otherwise, it's a deceptive commercial practice.
3. 🐄 "Genuine" leather: check the origin
A site selling you a "buffalo leather" belt when it's actually "cowhide"? That's forbidden. And the term "genuine leather" is useless: all leather is supposed to be genuine! Otherwise, it's fake leather, and that must be specified.
4. 💸 Fake promotions: not such good deals
A crossed-out price must correspond to the lowest price offered in the preceding 30 days. If the site displays a promotion on a price that has never been applied recently, it's a disguised scam.
5. 🔥 Denim fabric: yes if it's cotton
Linen denim? It exists, but it's misleading because you shouldn't confuse linen jeans with denim jeans. Jean fabric can be woven from cotton, wool, linen, and even hemp thread. However, denim, from Nîmes, is a 100% cotton fabric with a twill weave, very tightly woven and strong.
6. 👖 Clothing composition: it must be accurate and legible
If the label says "100% cotton", "pure cotton" or "all cotton", but the fabric is actually composed of 99% conventional cotton and a little elastane or lycra for example... that's false. And if the label is illegible (too pale print, misplaced) or not written in English, that's also a problem.
7. 📞 Telemarketing: you have the right to say no
If a site asks for your phone number, it must inform you of your right to register on the telemarketing opposition list (Bloctel). If it's not mentioned, that's a failing. Be vigilant!
8. ⚖️ The consumer mediator: your ally in case of dispute
Every sales site must provide you with the contact details of a consumer mediator. This has been mandatory since 2016. If you can't find any information on this, it's a bad sign. In case of a problem, you must be able to call on this mediator free of charge.
9. 🛠️ Legal guarantees: they are not optional
Before buying, the site must clearly inform you about:
- The legal guarantee of conformity (2 years),
- The guarantee against hidden defects,
- And any commercial guarantees.
A regulatory box must be present in the General Terms and Conditions of Sale (CGV). If it's missing, be wary!
10. ✅ In summary: good practices
- Read the T&C and the legal notices.
- Check certifications (organic, artisanal, etc.).
- Beware of dubious claims and vague or too good to be true promises.
- If in doubt, consult the DGCCRF website of Bercy Infos or use SignalConso to report a problem.
Buy clothes online, yes, but with full transparency! Of course, and this was verified during an inspection carried out by inspectors from the competition, consumption, and fraud repression services this year, Le Beau Jean respects all the vigilance points for consumers listed here, and as we are proud of our customers' trust, we cherish it!
