Fashion 263 Correspondent

Black Friday is a name used for two unrelated occasions. 

It is now most popularly used in the US to refer to the day after Thanksgiving, which is often considered the first day of the holiday shopping season and is known for featuring discounts from retailers.

Although some other parts of the world now use the term, Black Friday is always the Friday after Thanksgiving, which is always the fourth Thursday in November. 

While many people believe the term Black Friday finds its roots in the sense of black meaning “showing a profit; not showing any losses,” this isn’t actually the case.

Historically, black has been associated with days of economic stress as opposed to days of booming commercial success. 

The first Black Friday occurred in 1869 after financier Jay Gould and railway businessman James Fisk attempted to corner the gold market, which ultimately resulted in financial panic and the collapse of the market. 

The true origin of the post-Thanksgiving Black Friday lies in the sense of black meaning “marked by disaster or misfortune.” 

In the 1950s, factory managers first started referring to the Friday after Thanksgiving as Black Friday because so many of their workers decided to falsely call in sick, thus extending the holiday weekend.

About 10 years later, Black Friday was used by Philadelphia traffic cops to describe the day after Thanksgiving because they had to work 12-hour shifts in terrible traffic. 

Visitors flocked to the city to start their holiday shopping and, sometimes this popular shopping day coincided with the annual Army–Navy football game. The term caught on among shoppers and merchants in Philadelphia, and from there it took off nationwide.

The 1980s brought the mythology of Black Friday as we know it today. 

While the phrases in the black and in the red are used in the business world to describe profits and losses, this explanation for one of the busiest shopping days of the year only came about in the 1980s, about 20 years after the phrase Black Friday was in regular use.

Black Friday is part of a series of unofficial holidays focused on shopping opportunities at what’s considered the beginning of the holiday season. 

This period begins with Black Friday, the oldest and most established of the days. 

Now, with Black Friday coming up, many people are looking forward to picking up a few items they’ve had their eye on. 

This includes clothing items.

While some people enjoy being in a store on sale day, others prefer to shop online from the comfort of their own home where they don’t have to deal with crowds and long queues.

The other great thing about online shopping is that it allows you to access stores you might not physically be able to get to.

Online shopping is so convenient, yet it can be overwhelming if you’re a beginner.

If you’re new to online shopping but want to get in on the specials, here are tips on how to successfully purchase clothing items online.

Get your measurements right

One of the most crucial aspects of online clothing shopping is knowing your measurements. Take the time to measure yourself accurately, including bust, waist, hips, and inseam.

Different brands may have varying size charts, so referring to your measurements will help you select the right size and avoid disappointment when your order arrives.

Read reviews and check ratings

Before making a purchase, read customer reviews and check product ratings. These insights provide valuable information about the quality and fit of the clothing item.

Pay attention to reviews that mention sizing, fabric quality, and overall satisfaction. This step will help you make an informed decision and minimise the risk of receiving a product that doesn’t meet your expectations.

Research the brand

It’s essential to research the brand before making a purchase. Look for information about the brand’s reputation, ethical practices, and return policies.

A reputable brand will typically have detailed product descriptions, high-quality product images, and clear size guides.

Check the return policy

Even with careful research and measuring, sometimes you might still not be happy with what you purchased.

Ensure you understand the return policy before making a purchase. Look for free returns or exchanges, as this gives you the flexibility to try the item on and return it if it doesn’t fit or meet your expectations.

Familiarise yourself with the return window and any requirements, such as keeping tags attached or returning the item in its original packaging.

Compare prices and shipping options

Take the time to compare prices and shipping options from different retailers. Some may offer free shipping, while others may have faster delivery times.

Remember to factor in the total cost, including any additional fees or taxes, when comparing prices.

This approach ensures you find the best deal and receive your clothing items promptly.