New research from Stitch Fix highlights the key challenges shoppers face most frequently

Online personal styling service Stitch Fix recently surveyed close to 1,500 US consumers in an attempt to uncover some of the most common challenges faced when looking for clothes that fit well and look good.

According to results, 88 percent of consumers find it stressful to try on clothes and find pieces that fit well, struggling with feelings of self-consciousness. Seasonal changes were found to enhance that struggle, with one in five of those surveyed reporting encountering increased frustration with fit when shopping for a new season.

88 % of US shoppers experience stress when trying to find well-fitting clothes

In addition, 45 percent of the respondents noted they felt added stress when dealing with a substantial size change. Consumers in the Midwest were more likely than those located in the Northeast to experience enhanced fit frustration when going up or down in size.

Data also indicated that fit-related issues could result in lost opportunities. Nearly half (49 percent) of respondents reported canceling plans due to difficulties in finding well-fitting clothing or outfits in which they felt confident, with individuals in the Southern region being the most likely to cancel their plans.

In addition to concerns about fit, many of the respondents stated they lacked the time for conventional shopping methods. 91 percent of those surveyed said they experienced feelings of overwhelm while shopping in physical stores, and 66 percent have purchased the same item in multiple sizes to bypass checkout or fitting room lines, with shoppers in the Northeast demonstrating a higher propensity for this behavior compared to other US regions. Furthermore,76 percent have actually kept an item that does not fit due to the inconvenience of the return process.

To tackle some of these issues concerning fit, Stitch Fix has teamed up with Body Acceptance advocate Katie Sturino. Working together with the advocate, Sturino shared five tips for consumers struggling with “fit-strations,” which include:

• Prioritize comfort over size: Clothing sizes differ across brands. Focus on how garments fit and feel rather than the tag number. If it fits well and feels good, wear it confidently. "If it fits and feels great, wear it with confidence,” advises Sturino.
• Emphasize your best features: Confidence is key. Wear outfits that highlight your favorite body parts. If you're unsure how to combine pieces, consider using Stitch Fix, where a personal stylist can offer tailored advice and suggestions. “Confidence is your best accessory—wear what makes you feel incredible,” says Sturino.
• Establish a “confidence capsule”: Many feel more stressed trying on clothes in stores. Create a designated space at home for outfits that make you feel great. Document these looks with photos to serve as reminders of your best styles. “Identify brands with the cuts and silhouettes that work for your body, and prioritize incorporating those in your closet,” advises Sturino
• Identify your preferred brands: Discover brands that suit your body type and focus on incorporating their styles into your wardrobe. A personal stylist can assist in identifying the right fits based on your preferences.
• Seek style inspiration from others: Follow style role models with similar body types on social media to gain outfit ideas. Engaging with diverse representations can enhance your confidence in finding your own style. “This is something I frequently do with my Instagram #SuperSizeTheLook series, which I started as a way to demonstrate that women of all sizes can pull off celebrity-inspired looks,” added Sturino. “It’s important we retrain our brains to not declare one woman ‘the winner’ when we see them in similar looks side by side. I believe that style has no size—it’s all about finding your best fit to boost confidence in what you’re wearing.”