From your screen to your closet: tips for colour accurate online shopping

See true colours through your screen

Online shopping is a staple of life, offering a convenience and variety that physical stores can't match. Still, one major issue persists: the inability to make the colours on the product images are as real as possible. As a colour analyst, I’ll share some easy tweaks to boost your chances of nailing the colours when you shop online.

Adjust your display device

Monitor calibration: above all, you need a well-calibrated monitor. Use a tool like Datacolor Spyder or X-Rite's i1Display Pro, so colours can appear the way they should. If professional tools aren’t available, the calibration settings within your operating system can make a difference.

Cross-device comparison: do not rely on just one device. If possible, compare the images on your phone, tablet, and (if possible) another computer. This will give you the idea about how different the colours might look and help your purchase decision by considering these variations.

Lighting conditions matter

Lighting match: try to mimic the lighting conditions under which the product photos were taken. If the website shows the items in daylight, view them in natural light. Retailers may note this in the image caption. If not, you can observe this from the shadows and highlights in the pictures.

Avoid color-changing modes: most devices have a filter for blue light or a night mode that badly distorts colour with a warm overlay. Make sure this is turned off when you are browsing online stores.

Use tools for colour accuracy

Online calibration tools: tools like True Internet Color help you calibrate your screen specifically for web view. These tools adjust how your browser display colours to closely match real-world colours.

Contextual colour perception

Neutral backgrounds: when product images have a neutral background, colour accuracy is easier to determine. Bright or contrasting backgrounds might deceive the eye or cause colour spill, affecting your perception.

Compare views: if you're comparing several items, look at them under the same conditions: same lighting, same screen settings, and if possible, the same device to get a fair comparison.

Product descriptions and reviews

Product Descriptions: stores often include notes on colour accuracy or variations due to different screens. These details can guide your expectations.

Customer reviews: retailers like Amazon include user pictures in their reviews. Look for the ones with good quality and lighting conditions. I prefer natural daylight images to indoor pictures, simply because most homes have warm lighting that gives a yellow hue to clothes.

By adopting this tools and tips you will no longer be guessing about colours: you will have a solid idea of what you’re buying. This approach reduces the chances of returns due to colour discrepancies and makes online shopping an easier experience. Keep in mind, though, that while these tips help, no method is foolproof due to the fast changes in display technology. However, with these tools and tactics, you're well-equipped to see through the screen to the real thing!