Before you go shopping at H&M again, here's everything you need to know: the list (2023)

Shutterstock

VonNishi Amaratunga/August 28, 2020 11:13 a.m. m. EST

You've probably heard of H&M, whether you're a regular customer or not. After all, the brand was partially responsible.Meghan Markle's shocking pregnancy style. H&M has grown dramatically since its humble beginnings as a one-stop-shop for women's clothing in Sweden in 1947. According to the H&M website, the store was originally called Hennes, which means "your" in Swedish. When Hennes became a chain, later acquiring a retailer called Mauritz Widforss and introducing men's and children's clothing in 1968, the Hennes name changed to Hennes & Mauritz. It was shortened to H&M in the 1970s, and the company thatCEOWORLD MagazineConsidered "one of the biggest names in global fashion retail", it was launched in the United States in 2000.

If you've been shopping at H&M retailers or online for years, you'll think you know everything there is to know about the brand. And you might be surprised to learn that there are some little-known facts about H&M that can make a big difference to your shopping experience and your bank account. Read on to find out everything you need to know before the next time you step foot in H&M (or shop online at H&M).

Shutterstock

There's a reason it seems like there's new clothes in the store every time you visit H&M. While some popular brands take several months to design and produce their clothing lines, H&M does it much faster, sometimes in as little as two weeks, according toBusiness Insider.

The publication reports that this is due to a four-pronged approach. First, the brand hires over a hundred designers who watch fashion trends and design clothes accordingly. "Inspiration comes from many sources, but runway shows by well-known designers, the media and competitor [lines] all play a significant role in shaping future collections," Morgan Stanley analysts noted, as shared byBusiness Insider. A team of "designers, buyers and pattern makers" then determines inventory levels based on projected demand and suitability for each market. The brand's couture clothing is produced sparingly to increase demand and reduce the likelihood of delays. After that, H&M's suppliers make the products. Finally, the products "are shipped to one of H&M's distribution centers around the world before making their final journey to the stores."

While we like the hustle and bustle, this fast pace can beThe reason why women's clothes are so thin compared to men's?

Jeremy Möller/Getty Images

Did you know that several brands are owned by the H&M Group? The company's website lists eight affiliated brands. The best known is H&M, the fashion brand we know and love. Those who appreciate homewares are probably familiar with H&M HOME, the company's 'design-driven home brand', launched as an online brand in 2009 and available in select H&M stores. The brand also has several independent stores dedicated to delicious housewares and interior products.

Some of the company's lesser-known brands are just as notable. ARKET focuses on durable, high-quality "Men, Women, Kids & Home Essentials". Weekday sells clothing inspired by "youth culture and street style." COS reinvents essentials for its shoppers and collaborates with artists, Monki "blends Scandinavian modern with creative street style" to offer trendy clothing at great prices, and Afound offers popular fashion brands at discounted prices. The H&M Group also owns the & Other Stories brand, created for lovers of footwear and accessories.

Shutterstock

If you consider sustainability a determining factor when shopping for personal clothing, you can rest easy knowing that H&M takes sustainability incredibly seriously. The brand's website illustrates how it uses its "impact to support positive transformation in the fashion industry, driving innovation, collaborating with others, driving greater transparency and rewarding sustainable action." The brand aims to embed sustainability into all aspects of the business.

H&M also prides itself on using "only sustainably sourced or recycled materials" in the manufacture of clothing, making climate-conscious choices and promoting fair working conditions. Remarkably, H&M aims to use 100% renewable electricity by 2030 and "achieve a climate-friendly value chain, one that has a positive global impact on the climate" by 2040. H&M can definitely be added to your list of sustainable retailers. , helping you to update your wardrobe.

Shutterstock

If you frequently visit H&M to look for discounts, you might suspect that there's probably a better way to discover deals in H&M stores, and you'd be right. Like most tech-savvy brands, H&M has an app that can be downloaded from both the App Store and Google Play. If you've ever been burned by a disappointing app and hesitated to download another, don't, because it's worth having the H&M app at your fingertips.

Knoxville News Sentinelreported that there are some great perks offered through the H&M app that aren't available in-store. It could be "Exclusive offers and coupons, including free shipping and percentage off coupons." If you activate push notifications, you also want to be informed of the latest offers in real time. If you want an extra discount, sign up for the H&M newsletter; you'll get 20% off a single item and free shipping.

Shutterstock

H&M has gone one step further to create a sustainable global fashion culture through aclothing collection program. Best of all, those who get involved and contribute to H&M's fashion recycling efforts are rewarded with discounts on future purchases.

This is how the program works. Customers are encouraged to donate unwanted clothing and other fabrics. These items can be of any brand, and H&M has no status requirements. For every bag of beloved clothing and fabrics donated, there's a 15% discount coupon to contribute to H&M's sustainability journey. The donated items are then sent to one of the brand's ecopoints, where they are separated by condition. Items in good condition are sold as second-hand. Unusable items are repurposed into products like cleaning wipes. Items that are not suitable for resale or reuse are sustainably recycled.

Think about this program the next time you're organizing your closet and get rewarded for recycling unwanted clothes. But before you make a decision on where to take your old t-shirts, do some research first.Places where you should and shouldn't donate your clothes.

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

If you want high fashion designer clothes but can't afford the high price tag, shopping at H&M can get you one step closer to the designer wardrobe you want, for just a fraction of the price. OKFashion, with which H&M has partneredCreative Director of ChanelKarl Lagerfeld in 2004. While his designs are often priced high, the garments in his H&M collaboration, all geared toward women, averaged $102.33 each and sold in 19 countries.

Since then, H&M has collaborated with various haute couture designers. Big names who have worked on exclusive lines for H&M so far include Stella McCartney, Roberto Cavalli, Jimmy Choo, Versace, Alexander Wang, Balmain, Kenzo and Moschino. H&M often advertises collaborations on its website and social media, so keep an eye out for some great designer goods at great prices.

Shutterstock

Homeware lovers, rejoice! The H&M housewares brand has taken a revolutionary step. H&M HOME has expanded its already fantastic offer by launching exclusive online promotions. OKhousing etc, which includes "a few select discoveries from smaller brands."

H&M HOME's curated online collection includes stylish home lighting options, including floor lamps, chandeliers inspired by a bygone era, and many pendants and wall lamps. You'll also find a beautiful collection of Abstract House prints, frames and posters, as well as products from The Fine Bedding Company for those passionate about reducing their environmental impact, one comforter at a time. OKhousing etc, H&M announced that it will "start offering a curated selection of third-party branded products on [its] website." This could mean that even more small brands will appear in the H&M HOME online store.

Shutterstock

No matter how much you love your new purchases, sometimes exchanging or returning an item or two is unavoidable. Not all stores offer a smooth return process, but H&M certainly does.

H&M Return and Exchange Policystates that they offer complimentary returns and exchanges at their stores. To be eligible, customers must return items along with a receipt within 30 days of purchase. If you intend to return or exchange swimwear, you must ensure that the hygiene seal remains intact. Unfortunately, underwear cannot be exchanged or refunded, presumably for hygiene reasons.

After the 30-day return period expires, customers will only be able to exchange items at the current retail price.Online purchases can be returnedusing the prepaid return label included in the package. H&M typically deducts a return fee of $5.99 from your refund. H&M HOME items purchased online can only be returned and exchanged by post.

Shutterstock

If you're a regular shopper of H&M clothing, you may have noticed that the brand's women's sizes are a bit different now than they were in the past.H&M has changed its women's sizesgiven the feedback received. They now look more like normal US measurements, which means that if you are a certain size in most US stores, chances are that size will also fit you at H&M.

The H&M website has detailed instructions on how to measure your body so you can find the size that fits you best. They recommend placing a tape measure across your chest while wearing a well-fitting bra to determine your bust measurement. When trying to determine your bra size, H&M recommends measuring the area just below your bust. Your waist should be measured at its narrowest point and your buttocks should be measured at its fullest point. The inseam should be measured from the highest point on the inside of the leg to the point where the foot touches the ground. The site also lists additional measurement requirements for items like shoes, maternity clothes, accessories, and petite clothing.

Shutterstock

Fashion enthusiasts probably know the pain of finding the perfect outfit online and heading to the local store to try it on (Read this before trying on clothes in a store) and discover that your size is out of stock. The good news is that there is an easy way to find out if the clothes you want are available at local H&M stores and if your exact size is also available.

To find out, first download the H&M app or go toits website. Then find the outfit (or accessory) of your choice. You will probably see a"find in store"Option just below the color options. If the text is gray, it means that the item is not available in stores or is out of stock. If the text is clickable, select it and use the search function to check the availability of the item in your area. The featured store list also includes available sizes, store addresses, and hours of operation. highly desirablestyleand sizes can sell out quickly, so it would be wise to head to the store to make your purchase as soon as possible.

Shutterstock

When investing in high-quality, sustainable clothing, it's important to follow the washing instructions if you want your clothes to stand the test of time. While identifying the correct washing methods can sometimes require research and a bit of guesswork, H&M clothing comes with washing and care instructions.site of H&Malso instructions for washing and caring for your clothes, categorized according to the materials used.

The brand recommends taking extreme care when washing garments with delicate details, closing velcro and zippers before washing and using bags for delicate garments. The site provides instructions on how to dry heavy knits on flat surfaces, steam linen and viscose garments to restore their original shape, and use detergents specially formulated for delicate fabrics when washing silk and wool. Importantly, H&M mentions that leather and suede clothing, shoes, and accessories are best cleaned by professionals and that down jackets should be completely dry before storing or re-wearing after washing.

Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Participating in membership programs can be a great way to save money and keep up with the latest sales, offers, and releases.H&M Membership Programoffers all of this and more.

Joining the H&M program is easy and, perhaps best of all, it's free. All you have to do is sign up via the H&M app or website. Upon acceptance, you will receive a 10% discount voucher and earn points with every purchase in store or online. You can earn more points by updating your profile. For every 200 points you earn, you earn $5 in rewards, which can add up to significant savings each year if you shop regularly at H&M. Members usually receive offers through the "My Account" section of the app or website. H&M shopping enthusiasts will be delighted to know that the more you buy, the more profit you get.

Once you earn 500 points, you'll notice new perks, exclusive invites, and priority access to coveted collections. Other membership benefits include free returns on online purchases and special offers close to your birthday.

Gladys Vega/Getty Images

Although H&M only sold private label clothing and accessories for a long time, the company announced it would test third-party brands in September 2019.Business Insider, this plan was presented "to attract new buyers."Business Insiderhypothesized that this decision may have been made to compete with "multi-brand online retailers" loved by the online shopping community, including ASOS. The publication reported that H&M's profits have been falling for several years due to falling sales in its physical stores.

“The H&M brand will now expand our range of external brands. The objective is to complement our offer with external brands to add enthusiasm and energy, and we see great opportunities for growth and acquisition of new customers," H&M announced, as reported byBusiness Insider. Maybe it's time to keep an eye out for outside brands that might be popping up in H&M retail stores.

Shutterstock

H&M's versatility can be quite impressive, especially when you consider its affordable, sophisticated, and trendy clothing lines. The only downside to the sheer volume of styles and designs is having to search through all the clothing items available in the store and browsing the site for a long time to find items that suit your personal style and needs.who wears whatshared a nifty trick to help shoppers solve this problem. The publication recommends the use of "Trend" Section.

You can find the site's Trending Now pages by hovering over the Women's, Split, Men's, and Kids tabs at the top of the H&M website and clicking on the type of clothing you're looking for. Contains a wide range of the latest styles. Now that you know how to find the best seasonal designer fashion items, you can peruse them at your leisure before heading to the store to try on and buy your favorites.