Try Before You Buy” in the UK: Which Stores Let You Try Clothes at Home?
Author: Stylist at TellarDate: 2025
Online shopping is booming, but one major drawback remains: the inability to try on clothes before committing. Lucky for UK shoppers, several retailers now offer Try Before You Buy (TBYB) services via platforms like Harper and The Fold—perfect for fitting into your lifestyle.
1. Harper Concierge – Across Multiple Mid‑to‑Premium Brands
Harper acts as a bridge between online convenience and in-store experience—no credit check, no upfront payment, and you only pay for what you keep
kitristudio.com+3thefoldlondon.com+3French Connection UK+3harperconcierge.com.-
UK-wide Coverage: Most UK mainland and Northern Ireland (exceptions apply)
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Try‑at‑Home Model:
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Pick up to 6 pieces (some brands allow 7)
thefoldlondon.com+3kitristudio.com+3kitristudio.com+3French Connection UK+2Nobody's Child+2thefoldlondon.com+2. -
Pay delivery upfront, try for 5 calendar days.
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Return unwanted items using the returns portal—pay only for kept items
harperconcierge.com+8thefoldlondon.com+8RIXO London+8. -
Charges apply only for items kept; returns late/unworn may be charged
ME+EM+10Nobody's Child+10RIXO London+10.
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Concierge In‑Home Option (Greater London):
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A Style Concierge delivers your selection for a 40-minute try-on at home.
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You pay only for what you keep; fees vary by brand (e.g. £14.95 for KITRI)
ME+EM+10RIXO London+10kitristudio.com+10Temperley London (UK)+4kitristudio.com+4kitristudio.com+4. -
Typically includes same-day returns pickup for unwanted items.
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Participating brands include: Temperley London, RIXO, KITRI, ME+EM, Nobody’s Child, and more
ME+EM.2. The Fold London – In‑Store & Postal Try Before You Buy
The Fold offers its own TBYB service through Harper, merging postal shopping and in-store personal service
Nobody's Child+8thefoldlondon.com+8harperconcierge.com+8.-
Choose 4 items online, pay only delivery.
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Try for 5 days, return via portal—no credit check, purely pay for kept items
The Scottish Sun+12thefoldlondon.com+12ME+EM+12. -
London-based concierge appointments available.
3. Kitri – Independent Brand with Harper Integration
Kitri brings TBYB to its capsule wardrobe via Harper
thefoldlondon.com+7kitristudio.com+7Temperley London (UK)+7.-
Up to 6 pieces can be tried over five days.
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Free standard delivery options; pay only for keepers.
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Concierge service available in London for personal styling at £14.95
Reddit+6kitristudio.com+6French Connection UK+6kitristudio.com+1RIXO London+1.
4. RIXO, Temperley, ME+EM etc. – Premium Brands on Harper
These premium UK-origin labels also support Harper’s TBYB both through postal and, in London, personal concierge
Temperley London (UK)+1Temperley London (UK)+1.-
Typically allow trying 4–6 items for five days.
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Postal delivery with upfront shipping cover; returns via portal.
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Concierge appointments with same-day returns pickup in greater London
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5. Outfittery – Men's Personal Styling with Home Try
Although not strictly TBYB, Outfittery (a German infunki) sends curated outfits for you to try at home—keep what fits, return the rest
outfittery.co.uk+1Wikipedia+1. Delivery and returns are free; since it’s not pay-before-try, it works like a TBYB.6. Subscription & Rental Boxes
Several UK services (e.g. Trunk Club, Thread, stylist boxes) offer a try-before-purchase model. You receive a curated box, try all items, keep what you like, return the rest. It’s a hybrid of rental and purchase
. Delivery is free; keepers are billed post-try period.7. High Street Innovation
Some high street retailers are piloting grab-and-go or reserve-with-try-in-store. Others offer virtual try-on tools (ASOS, River Island)
, but post-COVID, very few full-scale TBYB programs.✅ Comparison of TBYB Options
Brand / Service |
Try Items |
Try Period |
Concierge? |
Delivery Fee |
Return Fee |
Charge Only for Keepers |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Harper (multiple lines) | 4–7 |
5 days |
Yes (London) |
£0–£9.95 | £3–£5.95 shipping | Yes RIXO London +2kitristudio.com+2kitristudio.com+2theguardian.com+12thefoldlondon.com+12harperconcierge.com+12French Connection UK+1RIXO London+1 |
The Fold |
4 |
5 days |
Yes (London) |
Standard |
As above |
Yes |
Kitri |
6 |
5 days |
Yes (London) |
£2.95–£9.95 |
Free Returns |
Yes |
Rixo, Temperley, etc. |
4–6 |
5 days |
Yes (London) |
Various |
Free Returns |
Yes |
Outfittery (menswear) |
Full box |
Established service |
No |
Free |
Free Returns |
Yes |
Subscription Boxes |
Box |
Varies |
No |
Usually free |
Free Returns |
Yes |
Why TBYB Is a Game-Changer
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Eliminate Fit Guesswork - Using your wardrobe as reference ensures sizing accuracy.
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No Upfront Cost – Pay only for what you keep—lower financial risk.
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At‑Home Spin on Try‑In‑Store – Keep the comfort of your environment, avoid queue pressure.
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Optional Styling Help – Concierge sessions add expert fit/style guidance.
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Great for Premium Picks – Especially useful when shopping sustainability-minded or niche designer pieces.
Tips Before You Hit TBYB
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Check Eligibility – Ensure your postcode/region is covered.
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Read the Rules – Know how many items, days to return, and fees to avoid surprises.
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Protect Garments – Return items unwashed/unworn and with tags.
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Use Styling Knowledge – Use Tellar’s guides to mix statement and basics before trying.
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Track Cost‑Per‑Wear – Use your purchase history to find real value in pieces.
Explore smart styling solutions:
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Neutral basics & where to buy (Tellar link)
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Everyday layering brands (Tellar link)
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Capsule collection tips (Tellar link)
Final Verdict
Yes—Try Before You Buy is alive and well in the UK, especially for mid-to-premium brands and style services. If you’re after better fit, less waste, or new brands, Harper-enabled services (The Fold, Kitri, RIXO, Temperley, ME+EM) deliver the closest-to-in-store experience, with major convenience. Outfittery and subscription boxes offer similar benefits in the menswear and rental space.
Tellar can help you navigate choice and size across these options, so your TBYB experience is informed and seamless.
Stay Connected with Tellar
Follow for daily fit fixes, styling drops, and brand tips:
Instagram: @Tellarsizing
Twitter/X: @Tellar100
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