Remember that sweater with the dancing bears that your grandma gave you for your 14th birthday? We’ve all been victims of the good intentioned, yet un-wearable clothing gift at some point or other. Even though it might seem like a bad idea, buying clothes as gifts can still be done, and done right. All it requires is some simple planning and a small amount of homework. With these guidelines, you’ll be able to give loved ones clothing gifts that they’ll like—and want to wear.

Knowing is knowing

The most important and basic rule is to know the type of person that you’re going to be buying the clothes for. This way, you won’t be scratching your head (at least not too much) trying to decide what to purchase. Simple facts, such as size, favourite colours or patterns, brand loyalties, etc. can go a long way in choosing the right clothing gift.
The following are some basic guidelines to consider when purchasing clothing gifts:

Kids

• Luckily with children, they are blunt and honest. So go ahead and ask the child directly what they like or dislike. Simple and effective.
• Know the right size, especially if the child is still growing.
• Try and find out their favourite colours, styles, and characters. This way, you’re bound to make them happy with your choice.
• Figure out what specific items, brands, stores, or fabrics that the child likes or doesn't like.

Keep in mind that buying clothes for teenagers can be particularly difficult, given their ever changing preferences and size. So just ask. Asking them for their input or presence is the sure- shot way of making sure your clothing gift is going to be the right one. Otherwise, your gift could end up being another “ugly sweater gift” story!

Friends

Buying clothes as gifts for women can be an incredibly ambitious and adventurous attempt. But it can be done. Just remember the following:

• Size: You don’t want to buy an item that happens to be the wrong size, whether it be too small or too large—always make sure you’re certain of the size, otherwise, don’t take the chance.
• Try and be absolutely sure about a woman’s particular fashion sense, her likes and dislikes. Otherwise, it might be difficult to buy certain things, even if you know the right size. Making an assumption of what you think she might like is a risky move. Purchase what you know she likes and will want to wear. Knowing is half the battle!
• Play it safe and stick with accessories like a matching hand bag to go with her favourite red dress, a nice fall pashmina, scarves, and gloves. This way, you don’t have to worry about getting the wrong size.

Men

Sure, the saying that men tend to be less picky and easy to shop for is generally true. But men are much more likely to get a gift of clothing and simply throw it into a drawer or in the back of the closet and forget it—Especially if they don't like it, or it happens to be the wrong size. So try and stick to these easy tips:

• Socks and underwear. They’re not the most glamorous gifts, but they are the most necessary and functional. And it saves them from having to make a shopping trip to purchase them. If you do decide to go this route, just make sure they’re not the centerpiece gift that you’re giving them.
• Ties and belts. When thinking about ties, try a new, bold colour that he wouldn’t normally wear. Or a unique, fashionable pattern that would work for a number of his dress shirts. Remember, as long as they’re not clip-ons, you’ll fare well! Try and match the ties with nice belts that help enhance the whole look.
• T-shirts. Men love T-shirts; especially one’s with quirky, funny, witty images and messages. Favourite sporting team t-shirts are also great gift ideas.

Follow these rules and you’ll be well on your way to being a good clothing gift shopper. And remember, if all else fails, you can always consider buying a gift card to their favourite store—that’s a clothing gift that can’t go wrong!