Fit, Confidence and Clothing – Interview with Dr Clare Richardson

In this conversation, Bryony talks with researcher Dr Clare Richardson about why fit is so closely tied to how we feel in our clothes. Clare’s work shows that a well‑fitted garment can transform someone’s perception of themselves – while poorly‑fitted pieces quietly undermine confidence.

She talks about the findings from her study on how we tend to look after the clothes that fit well - making us more likely to repair and keep them for longer.

For Palava, this interview brings an emotional and psychological lens to sustainability: if better fit changes how we feel, and how long we keep and wear a garment, then understanding fit is part of learning how to make fewer, better clothes that people truly cherish.