Tellar
Search

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

+3

thefoldlondon.com

+3

French Connection UK

+3

harperconcierge.com

.

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

+8

thefoldlondon.com

+8

harperconcierge.com

+8

.


3. Kitri – Independent Brand with Harper Integration

Kitri brings TBYB to its capsule wardrobe via Harper

thefoldlondon.com

+7

kitristudio.com

+7

Temperley London (UK)

+7

.


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)

+1

Temperley London (UK)

+1

.

  • Typically allow trying 4–6 items for five days.

  • Postal delivery with upfront shipping cover; returns via portal.

  • Concierge appointments with same-day returns pickup in greater London

    .


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

+1

Wikipedia

+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

+2

kitristudio.com

+2

kitristudio.com

+2

theguardian.com

+12

thefoldlondon.com

+12

harperconcierge.com

+12

French Connection UK

+1

RIXO 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

  1. Eliminate Fit Guesswork - Using your wardrobe as reference ensures sizing accuracy.

  2. No Upfront Cost – Pay only for what you keep—lower financial risk.

  3. At‑Home Spin on Try‑In‑Store – Keep the comfort of your environment, avoid queue pressure.

  4. Optional Styling Help – Concierge sessions add expert fit/style guidance.

  5. Great for Premium Picks – Especially useful when shopping sustainability-minded or niche designer pieces.


Tips Before You Hit TBYB

Post Image

  • Check Eligibility – Ensure your postcode/region is covered.

  • Read the Rules – Know how many items, days to return, and fees to avoid surprises.

  • Protect Garments – Return items unwashed/unworn and with tags.

  • Use Styling Knowledge – Use Tellar’s guides to mix statement and basics before trying.

  • Track Cost‑Per‑Wear – Use your purchase history to find real value in pieces.

Explore smart styling solutions:


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

Facebook: Tellar Sizing

The Tellar Fashion Hub is the UK's Largest, 100% Free, Fully searchable, Fashion Library. Filled with 4000+ Honest & Unbiased posts, written by our expert stylists.

No adverts, no sponsored posts, no subscriptions. We are 100% free to use.

We are paid by affiliates, but we never allow brands to influence our recommendations.

Honest, Unbiased, Accurate & Free.