Five Singles’ Day (11.11) hacks to help you save time and money, and make good choices
- Writing down a list of things you would like to buy may sound obvious, but it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement and lose focus shopping online
- Check the latest trends online, and seek the advice of experts so you’re ready

It is Singles’ Day on Sunday, and for 24 hours keen shoppers will be hunting down top bargains on various Chinese e-commerce platforms. There is nothing worse than going into it unprepared, so here are some tips for how to spend smarter and avoid expensive mistakes.
Do your homework beforehand
Like any major project that requires research, shopping needs to be planned and organised. Write down a list of items you would like to buy. You might want to include details such as brand names, styles, colours and prices. This may sound obvious, but remember: it allows you not only to target your purchases effectively but to save time (and money).
Have your size measured
Will this skirt be too big for me? How will I look like in this hoodie? J. Crew sizing is different from H&M sizing, and retailers can be inconsistent across their own lines.

It is better to take a cloth measuring tape and measure your own body accurately. Stats for chest, waist and bust are for tops and dresses; measure hips and inside leg for bottoms and jeans. Bear in mind that you can also consult online retailers for help.