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ASOS First Try-On Haul: My Honest Experience with the Fashion Giant
After years of hearing friends rave about their ASOS deliveries and scrolling through countless Instagram posts featuring those distinctive black and white packages, I finally took the plunge. As someone who has always been slightly sceptical about online fashion shopping—particularly when it involves multiple brands and inconsistent sizing—this felt like rather a big step. But with a special occasion on the horizon and a wardrobe that desperately needed refreshing, I decided it was time to see what all the fuss was about. Here’s my comprehensive first try-on haul, complete with all the triumphs, surprises, and lessons learnt along the way.
Why I Finally Gave In to the ASOS Temptation
Let me set the scene: I’m a woman in my thirties who values both style and comfort, but frankly finds high street shopping increasingly exhausting. The combination of harsh changing room lighting, queues, and the inevitable disappointment when that lovely top doesn’t quite work had worn me down. ASOS had been on my radar for years, but I’d always found reasons to avoid it—mostly centred around concerns about fit, quality, and the potential hassle of returns.
What finally pushed me to place an order was a combination of factors. Firstly, the sheer range of brands available on the platform meant I could access labels that aren’t stocked in my local shops. Secondly, the promise of free delivery and returns removed much of the financial risk. And thirdly, I’d heard genuinely positive experiences from friends whose style opinions I trust. So, with a mixture of excitement and trepidation, I sat down one Sunday evening with a cup of tea and began browsing.
The Ordering Experience: Navigating the Digital Department Store
My first impression of the ASOS website was overwhelmingly positive. The interface is intuitive, with filters that actually work and categories that make sense. I particularly appreciated the ability to filter by brand, price range, size, and even specific features like sleeve length or neckline—genuinely useful when you’re looking for something particular.
What Made It Into My Basket
After approximately two hours of enthusiastic browsing (time well spent, in my opinion), I settled on eight items that represented a mix of occasions and price points:
- A midi dress from the ASOS Design collection for an upcoming wedding
- A blazer from Topshop for work meetings
- Two tops from Warehouse for everyday wear
- A pair of wide-leg trousers from Collusion
- A cosy knit from Weekday
- A statement earrings set from ASOS Design
- A crossbody bag from Mango
The total came to just under £200, which felt reasonable for what I hoped would become wardrobe staples. I opted for standard delivery, which was free over a certain threshold, and received confirmation immediately. The anticipation had officially begun.
The Unboxing: First Impressions Matter
Three days later, the distinctive ASOS parcel arrived. There’s something undeniably exciting about receiving a large package filled with potential new favourites, and I’ll admit to feeling a flutter of anticipation as I collected it from my neighbour who had kindly taken delivery.
The packaging itself was straightforward—no excessive tissue paper or unnecessary frills, but everything arrived neatly folded and in good condition. Each item was individually wrapped in clear plastic, which whilst not the most environmentally friendly approach, did mean nothing was damaged or marked. I made a mental note to recycle everything appropriately.
The Try-On: Hits, Misses, and Surprises
Now for the moment of truth. I cleared space in my bedroom, positioned a full-length mirror, and prepared myself for honest assessment. Here’s how each item fared:
The Clear Winners
The ASOS Design Midi Dress (£65): This was my wildcard choice—a floral print that I worried might be too bold for my usual style. However, upon trying it on, I was delighted. The fabric had a lovely weight to it, the length was perfect (hitting just below the knee on my 5’6″ frame), and the wrap-style bodice was flattering and secure. The sizing was accurate to my usual high street size, and I immediately envisioned wearing it to the wedding with nude heels and a clutch. A definite keep.
The Collusion Wide-Leg Trousers (£42): I’d heard mixed reviews about sizing in the Collusion range, so I’d consulted the size guide carefully. The result? Absolutely brilliant. These trousers were comfortable, well-structured, and made from a substantial fabric that didn’t cling in unflattering places. The high waist was particularly flattering, and I appreciated the thoughtful details like proper pockets. These quickly became my favourite item in the entire order.
The Mango Crossbody Bag (£35): Sometimes accessories can feel disappointing in real life compared to photographs, but this bag exceeded expectations. The leather felt genuine and supple, the hardware was substantial rather than flimsy, and the size was perfect for everyday essentials. A pleasant surprise that demonstrated the value of having multiple brands in one place.
The Near Misses
The Topshop Blazer (£75): Oh, how I wanted to love this blazer. The colour was exactly as pictured, and the structure was impressive for the price point. However, the shoulders were slightly too wide for my frame, and whilst not unwearable, it didn’t feel quite right. I’ve decided to keep it with the intention of having minor alterations made—something I wouldn’t have considered with a cheaper item.
The Weekday Knit (£48): This was lovely in terms of softness and colour, but the cropped length didn’t quite work with my existing wardrobe. I’ve kept it, but it’s prompted me to think more carefully about how new purchases integrate with current pieces.
The Returns
Both Warehouse Tops (£28 and £32): These were my biggest disappointments. One was significantly more sheer than the photographs suggested, and the other had a peculiar fit around the arms that made movement uncomfortable. Both went straight into the returns pile—more on that process shortly.
The Statement Earrings (£18): Beautiful in the images, but in reality, they were heavier than I’d anticipated and the fastening felt insecure. Another return, but thankfully a straightforward decision.
Sizing Insights: What I Learnt
For anyone considering their first ASOS order, here’s what I discovered about sizing across different brands:
- ASOS Design: True to size, with helpful detailed measurements on each product page
- Topshop: Slightly on the smaller side, particularly in jackets and blazers
- Collusion: Generous sizing—I could have sized down
- Warehouse: Inconsistent between styles, so definitely check individual measurements
- Weekday: Accurate but with a more relaxed, Scandinavian fit
The lesson here is clear: always consult the size guide for each specific item rather than assuming consistency across the platform.
The Returns Process: Surprisingly Straightforward
I’ll admit that returns were my biggest anxiety about online fashion shopping. However, ASOS has made this remarkably painless. Through their website, I selected the items I wanted to return, chose my preferred method (I opted for a local drop-off point), and received a QR code. No printing required, no complicated forms, and I received confirmation of my refund within five days of dropping off the parcel. For a first-time customer, this removed much of the hesitation about future orders.
Quality Assessment: Value for Money?
Of the eight items ordered, I kept five—a 62.5% success rate that I consider quite respectable for a first attempt. The quality of kept items has been genuinely impressive, with fabrics that feel substantial and construction that suggests longevity. The blazer, in particular, looks far more expensive than its price tag would suggest.
What struck me most was the variation in quality between brands, which reinforces the importance of reading reviews and managing expectations based on price points. The ASOS Design range particularly impressed me as offering excellent value—comparable quality to much pricier high street alternatives.
Final Verdict: Will I Be Ordering Again?
Absolutely, yes. My first ASOS try-on haul was overwhelmingly positive, with enough successes to outweigh the disappointments. The convenience of accessing multiple brands in one transaction, combined with the straightforward returns process, makes this a viable addition to my shopping routine.
Top Tips for First-Time ASOS Shoppers
- Read the reviews: They’re genuinely helpful for sizing and quality insights
- Check the fabric composition: Natural fibres generally indicate better quality
- Use the save for later feature: Give yourself 24 hours before purchasing to avoid impulse buys
- Order multiple sizes if unsure: The free returns make this risk-free
- Sign up for emails: Discount codes appear frequently and can significantly reduce costs
- Check the ‘New In’ section regularly: Popular items sell out quickly
My ASOS first try-on haul has converted me from a sceptic to something of a fan. Whilst it hasn’t replaced my occasional high street browsing entirely, it’s certainly become a valuable tool in my fashion arsenal. For busy women juggling multiple responsibilities, the ability to try
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