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Ah, the eternal struggle of finding the right plus size fit. For those of us who know the challenges of plus size shopping, the fitting room can feel more like a battlefield than a safe haven. Fit frustrations are everywhere, from jeans that don’t quite zip to tops that seem to pinch and pull in all the wrong places. Enter Stitch Fix, a personalized styling service that just dropped some major insights on what shoppers wrestle with most. And, spoiler alert—it’s all about fit.
Let’s talk fit. If you’ve ever found yourself canceling plans because you just can’t find an outfit that fits quite right, you’re not alone! Stitch Fix’s latest report is here to confirm what we’ve all been quietly suffering from – “fit-stration.” Stitch Fix recently dug into the root of our collective “fit-stration”—a term capturing that universal frustration over fit—and the findings reveal just how often we battle with poorly fitting clothes.
We chatted with Stitch Fix stylist Amy Depler, who broke down everything from junior plus sizes versus traditional plus to why 88% of us suffer from “fit-stration.” So, if finding the perfect fit feels like chasing unicorns, read on!
Understanding the Plus Size Fit: Junior Plus vs. Plus Size
First up: the perplexing world of junior plus sizes vs. traditional plus. If you’ve ever tried on a junior plus top and thought, Why doesn’t this fit like my regular 1X?—you’re not alone. Amy explains that junior plus sizes are the younger cousin of plus sizes, with a bit of an edge—typically a straighter, more streamlined fit aimed at body shapes with fewer curves around the bust and hips.
The junior plus size, like Forever 21, Fashion Nova, and ChicandCurvy.com, fit often translates to a smaller silhouette and can feel snug on those of us with more defined curves. They are cut smaller and lack the thoughtful contouring you’d find in plus size clothing designed for those with defined curves.
In contrast, traditional plus size clothing (2X or 20W), like Universal Standard, Torrid, and Eloquii, is designed for a fuller figure with more room in the chest, waist, and hips, which means these items contour to those beloved curves. Think of it as fashion that knows and loves your body.
The takeaway? If you’re curvier and find yourself in a junior plus item, don’t be afraid to size up or opt for traditional plus cuts instead.
Is it the Sizing? The XXL vs. 2X Conundrum
And then there’s the confusion between XXL and 2X—two sizes that seem the same but are worlds apart. XXL often falls under straight sizing with less room in the bust, waist, and hips. It’s a slimmer, more tailored fit, great for those who want something close-fitting.
Meanwhile, 2X offers more space and flexibility, especially for those with fuller busts and hips. In short, if XXL feels just a tad too tight, 2X could be the perfect upgrade, offering a little breathing room without compromising on style.
“The difference in proportions can result in someone feeling more comfortable in one size over the other, depending on their unique shape and their preference for fit,” Stitch Fix Stylist Amy Depler notes on the differences between the two.
Combatting “Fit-stration” with Smart Tips
According to Stitch Fix’s report, fit frustration affects a whopping 88% of shoppers! Amy shared her go-to trick for identifying a good fit, minus the tears in the dressing room. Her tip? Focus on movement. “Raise your arms, sit down, walk around—if the garment stays in place and feels comfortable, you’re on the right track,” Amy advises. When pants hug your waist without gaping and tops stay put without riding up, you’re in fit heaven.
And here’s a nugget for those of us constantly battling ill-fitting tops or jackets: pay attention to the shoulders. Amy notes, “If it pulls across the shoulders, consider sizing up. The shoulders set the tone for the entire fit.” Plus, fabrics with a bit of stretch are a godsend, as they adapt to subtle shifts in your body throughout the day.
Embracing Seasonal & Size Changes with Style
If seasonal shifts or recent size changes have you rethinking your wardrobe, Amy has some empowering advice. She says, “Stitch Fix found that 1 in 5 shoppers experience heightened fit frustration when shopping for a new season, so as people begin building out their winter wardrobe, it’s important to remind yourself that clothing sizes can vary dramatically between brands. Rather than getting hung up on the size on the tag, focus on how the clothes make you feel.”
And here’s a bonus: Amy shares, “For the 45% of people who feel added fit-related stress when navigating a significant size change, look for items that highlight the parts of your body you love.” Stitch a little confidence into your style by highlighting what you love about your body. “Into showing off your legs? Try a mini skirt. Obsessed with your shoulders? Grab an off-the-shoulder top,” Amy concludes.
Amy also reminds us that, “Confidence is your best accessory, so wear what makes you feel incredible. If you’re unsure how to style these pieces with other items in your closet, or keep striking out when it comes to finding the right fit, enlisting the expertise of a stylist (like myself!) is a great way to help you understand your best fit as you’re navigating a significant size change.”
When in doubt, Amy recommends seeking out fabrics with Spandex or lycra blends and choosing pieces with adjustable features like wrap styles and elastic waists. These make it easier to adapt to the natural ebb and flow of life (and body changes), letting you wear your wardrobe with confidence no matter what.
Finding Your Perfect Fit
Finally, let’s tackle the dreaded in-store shopping experience. Finding the perfect fit (or any cute options) can feel like a time-intensive task, especially in-store. Stitch Fix’s report found that 91% of us have felt overwhelmed shopping in stores, and 76% have kept items that don’t fit just to avoid the return process.
Amy suggests identifying go-to brands whose cuts consistently work for you. Knowing where to start means you’ll waste less time and stress on trial and error in the fitting room. This way, you can confidently pick out pieces without spending forever in the fitting room.
For those who prefer an even lower-stress option, consider enlisting the help of a styling service like Stitch Fix. “Personal styling services allow you to style pieces with items you already own, so you can get a true sense of whether it fits your body and personal style,” says Amy.
After all, comfort and confidence should never be compromised by the wrong fit. Trying pieces at home lets you pair new finds with items in your closet, giving you a better sense of fit and style – without the dreaded return line!
You can try the personal shopping experience at StitchFix.com!
Remember, the ultimate goal in fit isn’t just about looking good – it’s about feeling amazing. With Stitch Fix’s research and Amy’s style-savvy tips, you’ll be able to navigate fit quirks with a whole lot more confidence, whether you’re trying junior plus, traditional plus, XXL, or 2X.
So, next time fit-stration hits, take a deep breath, follow these tips, and embrace the journey of finding your perfect fit!
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