You cannot touch fabric through a screen, so buying clothes online takes a little detective work. These practical checks help you judge quality from photos, descriptions and the first unboxing.
Before you order
- Look for the fabric name. “Silk”, “georgette”, “cotton-linen” are informative; a vague label like “premium fabric” is not.
- Zoom into the photos. Look at weave, embroidery edges, seams and borders. Clean, even stitching is a good sign.
- Check multiple colours and angles. Photos of each colour help you avoid surprises.
- Read what is included. Is the blouse piece included? Is the set two pieces or three?
- Compare the price with the claim. Very low prices for “pure silk” or “handloom” deserve questions.
- Read the return policy. It shows how confident the seller is in the product.
Colour will vary slightly
Screens, lighting and camera settings mean colours can look a little different in person. Deep shades like maroon, wine and bottle green are the hardest to show exactly. Treat photos as a close guide, not an exact match.
When the parcel arrives
- Record an unboxing video if you can – it makes any damage or mix-up easy to resolve.
- Feel the fabric: is it smooth, soft or crisp as described?
- Check seams and hems for loose threads or uneven stitching.
- Check embellishments such as sequins, stones or zari are firmly attached.
- Hold it to the light to see the true weave, opacity and any flaws.
- Do a small wash test on a hidden corner of dark or printed pieces if you are unsure about colour bleed.
A few terms worth knowing
- GSM (grams per square metre) describes fabric weight; higher GSM means a heavier, thicker cloth.
- Blend means more than one fibre, such as cotton with linen or silk with polyester.
- Handloom / Silk Mark labels are official certifications in India; genuine products carry them.
If something is not right
Contact the seller quickly with photos. A reputable store will explain its return or replacement options clearly. At Achinova we show the fabric name, colours and price on every product page, and offer Cash on Delivery so you can order with confidence.