We want to be transparent about how we make money. This website uses affiliate links. This means if you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the retailer. This commission comes at no additional cost
Ah, the eternal struggle of finding the right plus size. For those of us who know the challenges of plus-size shopping, fitting rooms can feel more like a battlefield than a safe place. Fit complaints are everywhere, from jeans that won’t zip up properly to tops that pinch and pull in the wrong places. Stitch Fix, a personalized styling service, provides some key insights into what shoppers are struggling with most. And spoiler alert – that’s all fit.
Let’s talk properly. If you’ve ever canceled an appointment, can’t do it Find clothes that fit well. you are not alone. Latest Stitch Fix report We’re all here to see what “adaptations” we’re all secretly suffering from. Stitch Fix recently dug into the roots of our collective “fitness” (a term that describes the universal dissatisfaction with fit) and found out how often we struggle with clothes that don’t fit. I made it clear that there are.
I chatted with Stitch Fix Stylist Amy Depplerbroke down everything from junior plus size vs. traditional plus size to why 88% of us suffer from “fitstration.” So if finding your perfect fit feels like chasing a unicorn, keep reading.
Understand plus size fit: junior plus and plus size
First, there’s the complicated world of junior plus size and traditional plus size. If you’ve ever tried on a Junior Plus top and thought, Why doesn’t this fit like a regular 1X?—you are not alone. As Amy explains, Junior Plus Size is the little brother of Plus Size, with a little more edge. They usually have less curve around the bust and hips, giving a straighter, more streamlined fit for your body type.
Junior plus sizes at Forever 21, Fashion Nova, etc. ChicandCurvy.comthe fit often translates to a smaller silhouette, which can feel snug to people with more defined curves. They’re cut small and lack the thoughtful contouring found in plus-size clothing designed for people with more defined bodies.
In contrast, traditional plus size clothing (2X or 20W) such as Universal Standard, Torrid, and Eloquii are designed for a fuller figure with room in the chest, waist, and hips; will follow the loved curve. Think of fashion as knowing and loving your body.
What about take-home? If you have a curvaceous figure and look good in junior plus pieces, don’t be afraid to size up and opt for a traditional plus cut instead.
Is it the size? The XXL vs. 2X conundrum
And then there’s the confusion between XXL and 2X. They are two completely different sizes even though they look the same. XXL is often a straight size with less room in the bust, waist, and hips. A slimmer, more tailored fit, perfect for those looking for a closer fit.
2X, on the other hand, offers more space and flexibility, especially for those with fuller busts and hips. So if you find XXL a little too tight, 2X could be the perfect upgrade for a little more room without sacrificing style.
“Due to differences in proportions, one size may feel more comfortable than another, depending on a person’s unique shape and fit preferences,” Stitch Fix stylist Amy Deppler says of the two. I’m talking about the size difference.
Fight ‘fitstration’ with smart tips
According to a report from Stitch Fix, fit frustration can have surprising effects. 88% of shoppers! Amy shared her go-to tips for finding the right outfit, minus the tears in the dressing room. Her tip? Concentrate on the movement. “Put your arms up, sit down, and walk around. If your clothes stay in place and feel comfortable, you’re on the right track,” advises Amy. When your pants hug your waist without any gaps and your top doesn’t ride up or fall off, you’re in health heaven.
And for those who are constantly battling tops and jackets that don’t fit, a key tip is to pay attention to your shoulders. Amy says: “If it hits your shoulders, consider sizing up. Your shoulders set the tone for your overall fit.” Plus, the slightly stretchy fabric accommodates your body’s subtle changes throughout the day. It’s a godsend because it adapts.
Incorporate changes in season and size with style
If changing seasons or a recent size change means you need to rethink your wardrobe, Amy has some powerful advice. she says: “Stitch Fix has discovered that: one fifth Shoppers are increasingly dissatisfied with fit as they shop for the new season. Therefore, when starting to create a winter wardrobe, it is important to remind yourself that the sizes of clothes can vary significantly from brand to brand. Instead of focusing on the size on the tag, focus on how the clothes make you look. feel”
What’s more, Amy says: 45% A large percentage of people who feel stressed about the fit that comes with a major size change are looking for items that accentuate their favorite parts of their body. ” Gain a little more confidence in your style by highlighting what you love about your body. “Want to show off your legs? Try wearing a miniskirt. Obsessed with your shoulders? Wear an off-the-shoulder top,” Amy concluded.
Amy also says, “Confidence is your best accessory, so wear what makes you feel great.”If you’re not sure how to style these items with other items in your closet, or find the right fit, If you keep having trouble finding your look, enlisting the expertise of a stylist (like me!) is a great way to help you figure out your style and get the perfect fit when making major size changes. We provide a sense of
When in doubt, look for spandex or lycra blend fabrics, and choose pieces with adjustable features like wrap styles or elasticated waists. These make it easier to adapt to the natural ebbs and flows of life (and body changes), allowing you to wear your wardrobe with confidence no matter what.
find the perfect fit
Finally, let’s tackle the terrifying in-store shopping experience. Finding the perfect fit (or cute options) can feel like a time-consuming task, especially in stores. A report from Stitch Fix found that 91% of us have felt overwhelmed while shopping in a store, and 76% have kept items that don’t fit just to avoid the return process. .
Amy suggests identifying your go-to brands that offer cuts that work for you. Knowing where to start will save you time and stress from trial and error in the fitting room. This way, you can choose items with confidence without spending too much time in the fitting room.
For an even less stressful option, consider enlisting the help of a styling service like Stitch Fix. “Personal styling services allow you to style things with items you already own, so you know exactly if they will suit your body and personal style,” says Amy.
After all, you shouldn’t let a wrong fit compromise your comfort and confidence. Trying on items at home allows you to mix and match new items with items from your closet to get a better fit and style without the hassle of returns.
Try our personal shopping experience. StitchFix.com!
Remember, the ultimate goal of getting fit is not just looking good, but feeling great. With Stitch Fix’s research and Amy’s style-savvy tips, you can overcome your fit quirks with more confidence, whether you’re trying Junior Plus, Traditional Plus, XXL, or 2X.
So, next time you need to get fit, take a deep breath, follow these tips, and enjoy the journey to find out. your Perfect fit!
Source: The Curvy Fashionista – thecurvyfashionista.com