Shopping
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Choose swimsuit bottoms that feel tight around the bum when dry, as the fabric will stretch half a size bigger in water.
Uninterrupted fabric suffers from water bagging, leading to a loose fit.
- This does not apply to bikini tops.
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Buy bulk packs of single-use super glue tubes (e.g., 10 tubes for $2) for household repairs, treating each tube as good for one repair since they don't last long once opened.
The tubes don't last long once opened.
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Choose jeans with an elastic waistband if you buy them online.
The extra stretch allows the pants to still fit if your weight fluctuates by 10-15 lbs.
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Be cautious of estate sales as sellers may charge inflated prices compared to actual value.
The term 'estate sale' may give sellers license to charge up to ten times what the items are worth.
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Test pants by sitting down fully in the fitting room to ensure comfort, not just standing.
Pants that fit while standing may become tight when sitting or moving.
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- Test business shirts by sitting down to ensure they fit comfortably, as bellies can expand when seated.1
Consider arch length (distance between heel and ball of foot) when sizing shoes, not just overall length.
Arch length determines the point where your foot bends.
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Be skeptical of ads claiming 'Made in USA' or 'UK' for cheap online retailers.
Some scam sites use these labels but the goods are really from China.
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Buy the smallest quantity available for items you do not use regularly.
To prevent them from sitting in the fridge for a year.
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Include your bra size in clothing reviews for tops, dresses, and swimwear.
It is often the most important factor for fit in these garment types.
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If you buy used clothes, rely on your own body measurements rather than standard sizing labels.
It helps a lot with fit.
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Ensure skirts are long enough to cover knees when kneeling to prevent rug burn.
To avoid rug-burn.
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Consult directly with screen printing professionals for advice on fabric quality and design placement rather than relying solely on big-name brands.
They know the best tees, wear them, and can help meet specific needs better than generic premium off-brands.
- Printing single shirts can be expensive.
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Avoid buying used beds entirely due to the high risk involved.
The risk is considered far too great.
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Ensure the shoe's flex point matches where your foot bends to prevent holes from forming in the upper.
Holes develop when the flex point does not align with the foot's natural bend, indicating the size or fit is incorrect even if the length seems right.
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Perform a full squat while trying on pants to check for range of motion and seam integrity.
Pants may rip at the crotch during strenuous activity like adjusting machinery.
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Check reviews from people with similar heights and weights before buying on Asian clothing websites.
Clothes on these sites often run smaller than standard sizes.
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Shop at less expensive grocery stores rather than the closest ones, even if they aren't pretty.
You'll save a shitload of money.
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Shake second-hand items before purchasing them to check for hidden liquids inside.
One person discovered old milk gushing from an item after placing it in the sink.
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Buy identical socks in bulk at the same time to ensure consistent color and fit.
Older socks fade over time, causing them to no longer match new ones.
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Use spit as a free alternative to commercial anti-fog spray for goggles.
It works about as well as commercial sprays.
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Put your hand inside a plastic bag like a glove to grab packaged meat, then flip the bag over the package before placing it in your cart.
Prevents contact with meat juices on fingers and packages that may have been leaked on.
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Check the size tag sewn into the garment rather than relying on stickers or hangars.
Stickers and hangars can be way off sometimes.
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Buy mismatched dishes from local thrift stores like Goodwill.
They are available on the cheap.
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When shopping online for black items, view product photos in lighter colors to inspect stitching, texture, and construction quality.
Stitching, textures, and details are often obscured in dark photos but visible in beige or brown versions.
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Shop at thrift stores until satisfied with weight loss results before buying new clothes.
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Avoid buying clothes for adult partners due to individual fit and style preferences; instead, take them shopping or buy hobby-related gifts.
Fit and style are individually particular and hard to guess.
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Use lifetime warranties on workwear to repair items damaged by accidents, such as burns or rips.
Stores have honored warranties for severe damage like burned pant legs or ripped crotches.
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check household supplies like tampons during daily routines and reorder them immediately if low.
This prevents running out without the other person needing to track it.
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Read and consider laundry care instructions before buying clothes.
Having many special-care items can make laundry chores burdensome.
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Look for shoes with TPU (rubber-like) soles rather than EVA (foam) soles for greater durability, acknowledging that TPU takes longer to break in.
EVA soles are comfortable immediately but break down quickly.
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Buy skateboarding versions of sneakers (such as Nike SB) or those with vulcanized soles for greater durability.
Skateboarding shoes are designed to be more durable than standard sneakers.
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Check that the retailer has not subtly changed the sock design before repurchasing to ensure they still match your existing stock.
Manufacturers may change designs slightly, creating mismatched sets.
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Focus on fit rather than a specific clothing size, as sizing is arbitrary.
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Ignore numerical sizes on women's clothing tags as they are inconsistent and meaningless.
Sizes vary arbitrarily by brand and manufacturing batch.
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Hand wash swimwear using gentle detergent and never dry it in a dryer.
Heat damages lycra and elastic, causing pulling, twisting, and thinning; regular detergent degrades elastic.
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Visit ReStore to buy discounted building materials such as carpet tiles.
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