By SWNS Staff
NEWS COPY w/ VIDEO & INFOGRAPHIC
Half of American women experience anxiety when shopping for new clothes, according to new research.
The survey asked 2,000 American women about their confidence and just how often shopping can take a hit on their confidence.
Four in 10 women shared that they hate shopping for new clothes and with some of the most common experiences they have, it’s no surprise.
Thirteen percent of women polled said they’ve had such a difficult time during a shopping trip, they’ve shed a tear in the changing room.
Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of True&Co, the survey also found that a further two in 10 women surveyed even shared they’ve felt judged by a salesperson.
The survey found that the most stressful clothing items to shop for in-person included bras, jeans and swimsuits.
Respondents also shared that their clothing shopping struggles have transferred to the online marketplace as well – with 14% of women polled sharing they can rarely find clothes online that fit them well.
In fact, the average woman will lose $59.51 a year for not returning clothes they buy online that don’t fit – that adds up to $3,570.60 over a lifetime.
An item women frequently encounter problems with finding the perfect fit are their bras and 60% of women surveyed worry they’ll never find one that fits them properly.
And with 55% of women surveyed saying they dread shopping for new bras, it’s no wonder that the average woman has held on to their favorite bra for the last nine months.
Four in 10 respondents shared they only hand wash their beloved bra to keep it in tip-top shape and 28% have gone so far as to hold out on washing it for a week.
Sixty-four percent of women polled said they feel like they don’t know their true bra size, so it’s no wonder they hold their favorite one near and dear.
The top issues women experience when buying a new bra included not getting the fit quite right, a high price tag and finding that the bra they had their eyes on doesn’t come in their size.
“It’s important to have a bra that fits just right,” said Jennifer Fenton, Senior Manager of Digital Marketing at True&Co. “A properly fitting bra provides support and creates a smoother silhouette. It should feel comfortable the whole day. A great fitting bra should boost your confidence – no pun intended.”
Forty-five percent of women surveyed shared that their time in quarantine has actually made them reevaluate their bra situation and find more bras that are comfortable to wear.
In fact, 31% of women polled said they’ve been wearing less underwire during isolation.
Nearly a quarter of respondents also shared their time in quarantine was the first time they’ve ever purchased a bra online.
“Finding the perfect fit is easier than ever. Technology in construction and advanced fitting tools make for a hassle free fit,” added Fenton. “Stretch fabrics that mold to each shape means less reliance on cup and band sizes. Advanced fit quizzes replace fit charts to make personalized recommendations.”
TOP 10 MOST STRESSFUL ITEMS TO BUY IN-PERSON
- Bras - 55%
- Jeans - 53%
- Swimsuits - 52%
- Dress pants / slacks - 40%
- Underwear - 39%
- Lingerie - 38%
- Dresses - 37%
- Shoes - 37%
- Blouses - 36%
- Bodysuits - 35%
TOP THINGS WOMEN EXPERIENCE WHEN SHOPPING FOR CLOTHES IN-STORE
- Struggled to find an item in their size - 61%
- Gave up and left the store because they felt defeated - 43%
- Felt frustrated with poor lighting in a changing room - 26%
- Felt judged by a salesperson - 20%
- Cried in a changing room - 13%
- Called a friend for a pep talk - 13%
BIGGEST CHALLENGES WHEN BUYING A BRA
- Can’t get the right fit - 54%
- It’s too expensive - 47%
- Bra doesn’t come in their size - 36%
- Don’t the assortment of bras in their size - 31%
- Don’t know what size to buy - 31%
- Can’t find the right color - 19%
- Not sure if it’s high quality - 18%
