While browsing social media, reading magazines, or taking a leisurely stroll, you may see clothes or clothes that look attractive. Luckily, you can do an online search for discounted or similar products to replicate the look you want. There are also apps that can be downloaded to identify clothes in the form of images.
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Method 1 of 3: Identifying What You're Looking For
Step 1. Do an online search by describing the item in question and adding keywords
Do a specific search because websites that sell these products must use certain keywords so that their products appear in online searches. Enter the product name, color, fabric material, and other characteristics.
- For example, if you see a picture of a unique pair of jeans in a magazine, you might do a search by typing “torn acid wash jeans with floral pockets”. Look for similar products in your search results.
- You can also search for the name of the person who submitted the image or include product images in the magazine you're viewing for more specific results.
Step 2. Tap the image to see the designer or product name listed if you saw it on social media
Most social media and Instagram influencers are required to include the name of the designer or brand providing the product as content. Just tap your finger on the image to see if a particular designer or brand is listed on the photo.
- Some fashion bloggers and influencers usually put the name under the image so people can see it. For example, if the shirt image uploaded is Fendi, he may tag the shirt image in the content.
- Trademarks and business accounts on Instagram usually upload photos with a link so you can buy the product online. Tap your finger on the image, then look for the white square that shows the product name and price. After that, you can tap on the square to visit the website that sold it.
- Check the captions and comments of the image. Sometimes, the account owner also gives a special tag for the clothing brand there.
Step 3. Contact the person who uploaded the image if you found it online
Most bloggers and influencers are happy to answer questions from their followers and fans. Head over to their social media pages and post pictures of clothes that catch your eye. Briefly explain what you mean, then ask for the price of the product.
For example, you could say “I love the shoes you uploaded yesterday! Where can I buy it?”
Step 4. Visit a celebrity clothing account if the product you are looking for belongs to a famous person
There are tons of Instagram accounts that upload pictures of celebrity outfits along with links to buy them. Find the photo, then look for photos tagged with a specific designer or brand. Usually, a link or details about the designer will be listed in the caption section.
- For example, “@SelenasCloset” on Instagram uploads a photo that Selena Gomez has used, and includes a price and a link to buy it. Similar to this account, “@HausOfRihanna” posted pictures of Rihanna's outfits, while “@KendallJennerCloset” provided information about Kendall Jenner's outfits.
- These accounts also provide links for products that are not featured on the celebrity's social media accounts. They usually upload pictures taken by paparazzi or magazine photographers.
Method 2 of 3: Using Apps to Search for Clothes
Step 1. Download an application that uses special image recognition software to recognize different types of clothing
Accounts that upload images of celebrity outfits use apps like Wheretoget, ScreenShop, SiBi, and The Hunt. Go to the app store on your phone to search for it, then tap “download” or “get”.
Almost all of these applications can be used for free because the developer already gets a commission from visitors who come to the linked website
Step 2. Save the image on your phone, then upload it to the app
Find an image that you like, then hold your finger on the image so that the option to save it appears. If the image is on Instagram, take a screenshot and crop it so that only the image remains. If you find a picture of it in a magazine, take it as clear as possible. Focus the camera on the product you are looking for.
Some image recognition apps, such as ScreenShop and SiBi, allow you to upload photos to the app. If you see someone wearing a cute outfit or nice shoes, you can take a photo through the app and the software will search automatically
Step 3. Upload the photo to the app and wait for the software to find the location that sells the clothes
Look for the button in the app that will allow you to upload a photo, then select the photo you want. The search for these items can take up to 24 hours. So, be patient while waiting.
Some applications also offer alternative products if the product you are looking for cannot be purchased anymore
Step 4. Follow the link provided by the app to buy the product you want
When the app has found the item you are looking for, click on the link to visit the seller's website. After that, you can complete your purchase or look for other items of interest.
- Keep in mind that some apps take a commission from the recommendations provided. So, use the link given earlier. Usually, these links are customized so that the seller of the product knows that you visited his store through a certain application.
- For example, if a clothing search app provides a link to buy something from a Matahari department store, opening the link through the app will let Matahari know that someone visited its website through an app.
Method 3 of 3: Finding Similar Outfits
Step 1. Use general keywords if you want to search for similar items
To find products that are similar to the image seen, use general keywords to describe the product. List the color, product type, and material in the search field. Do not write down a specific brand in order to get more diverse results.
For example, if you see a post of a celebrity in a cute red dress, you could do a search for “red short sleeve button-up dress” to find similar products
Step 2. Look for counterfeits of the product you are looking for for a cheaper option
If the item you're after is too expensive, look for a similar product online. Do a brand and product name search while including the words “kw” or “imitation” to see if anyone else has a similar product.
- For example, if you're looking for tennis shoes that look like Adidas Originals, search for “Adidas Originals kw” or “Adidas Original-like shoes” to see what imitations are available.
- Understand that some “kw” products are intentionally sold to resemble the original product so they are considered illegal goods. If an item is labeled as genuine, but is not sold through the manufacturer's official website, ask for proof of product authenticity, such as a purchase receipt or a genuine manufacturer's certificate of authenticity.
Step 3. Adjust price, size, brand in search results filter to get accurate results
If your initial search returns too many results, try narrowing it down as needed. Add product sizes to the search field, and include specific brands. If you are looking for a cheaper alternative product, include the word “cheap” or “discount” in the search.
