Trunk Club vs Stitch Fix: A comparison of the top 2 personal online stylist companies based on my personal experiences. Yes, I have a favorite!
**This post contains affiliate links. I will receive a small commission, or referral credits, if you decide to use Trunk Club or Stitch Fix. However, this is my completely honest review and you’re by no means obligated to use my links. If you do, thanks so much for supporting my site.
Okay where do I start? You might be wondering why the heck I’m sharing another review about clothes. Well, let me explain.
One of the things that happened after I lost a bunch of weight is I found the confidence to wear clothes again. Not that I walked around naked before….um no. But my fashion was more about hiding and comfort. I lived in leggings, yoga pants, or gaucho pants – and every pair I owned was black. All my shirts were shorts sleeve and again black, gray, and maybe brown.
It was bad. Here are a few pictures to illustrate my style back then.
Yes, I know this shirt is pink, maybe I was adventurous that day. But this is a good example of what my daily uniform looked like. No joke. I can’t even count the number of days I’d wear this type of shirt and gaucho pants. I’m actually embarrassed when I think about it.
Here’s another one of my black top outfits with, of course, a black vest. And don’t even get me started on my hair.
This is me with all my siblings and kids. Here we have a nice BROWN short sleeve top paired with what looks to be khaki pants. Ugh. Also, I want to point out that most pictures, where there’s a group, you’ll find me hiding behind people. I never felt confident to put myself put there for pictures. It actually makes me sad to think of all the pictures I’ve missed throughout my life because I was embarrassed of the way I look.
And again we have a black top with jeans. At least I have jeans on I guess….but getting me out of black was not an easy task.
As you can see, fashion was not my strong suit.
After I dropped 30lbs, I started to pay better attention to fashion and, for the first time ever, enjoyed shopping…well kind of, I’ll explain more in a minute.
But first, I want to mention, I’ve been writing this blog since 2011, have talked too many people on their weight loss journey, and everyone experiences the same thing after losing weight – a confidence to finally go shopping and purchase nice outfits. So, this is the reason I’m sharing my experience with fashion after weight loss 🙂
Anyway, I remember shopping for my 20 year high school reunion dress and feeling so happy that everything fit! This is the dress that I went with….yes it’s still black…but it’s shorter than anything I would’ve ever wore and sleeveless. I’m pretty sure this is the moment where I decided to up my wardrobe game…big time.
But here’s the thing.
I don’t have the time, patience, or knowledge to put together a stylish fun wardrobe. Whenever I go to the mall I end up purchasing the clothes I’m used to – black tops and pants. I don’t know trends and never was one to step outside my comfort zone with fashion. Not to mention, I work from home so I typically don’t realize I need new clothes until the moment I’m going somewhere that requires something more than jeans and a t-shirt.
So, building a wardrobe was a struggle for me back then and still hard for me today.
This is the reason I’ve turned to online clothing subscription boxes, like Trunk Club and Stitch Fix, to dress me.
Over the last couple of years I’ve added many beautiful pieces of clothing to my wardrobe and I give both of these companies full credit. Seriously, if it wasn’t for Trunk Club and Stitch Fix I’d still be wearing black gaucho pants every single day. Not for nothing, but I feel like I’m the perfect customer for both of these companies.
I get a lot of questions about Trunk Club vs Stitch Fix so I wanted to put together a comparison. If you’re looking to learn more about the inner workings of these companies, along with more on my personal experience, then check out out my Trunk Club Review and Stitch Fix Review after you’re done reading this 🙂
Both companies are similar, but also very different, so I”ll share my thoughts and experiences so you can decide which one will work for you. I do have a favorite, so keep reading to see which one I like the best.
However, before I jump into that I want to chat about the reason clothing subscription boxes and/or online stylists work for me. Of course, it won’t work for everyone but if you can relate to any of these, then it might be worth your time and money.
5 Reasons I Use an Online Stylist
- Shopping at the mall is not a priority for me. I’m very busy running my kids every which way and also trying to manage a business. I don’t have the luxury of taking a Saturday, or day during the week, to shop. And even if I did, I don’t want to. Yes, I’m a person who doesn’t like to shop. Honestly, walking around the mall for hours trying to find outfits doesn’t sound fun to me in the least. An online stylist likes to shop, that’s their job.
- I don’t know how to put outfits together. If I need an outfit for a graduation party, rehearsal dinner, or just a casual weekend outfit I have no clue where to start. Sure I have an idea of what I want to wear but searching for those outfits leaves me frustrated quickly. Using an online stylist makes this very easy. All I do is tell her what I’m looking for and she’ll get to work finding outfits.
- I don’t know brands. Sure I know the popular ones like Calvin Kline and Micheal Kors but other than that I’m at a loss for what brands would work for my lifestyle, body type, and style. Again, this is an online stylists job.
- I’m not looking for super low bargain prices. If I had the patience to dig through racks of clothes and find that diamond in the rough, at Nordstrom rack, I’d do it. I mean, really, who doesn’t like a bargain? But I don’t have the patience, or mental stamina, to do that. In fact, going into Nordstrom Rack, TJ Max, Marshalls, or even Macy’s causes me to stress out! Of course, I have a budget but I don’t mind paying normal prices for high-quality stylish name brand clothing.
- I’m not super picky! Believe it out not I have an open-mind with fashion – when someone else is picking out my clothes. I do have a baseline of what I like, and what I think looks good on me, but I’m also open to trying new things.
These are the reasons for using an online stylist works for me. Now, if you’re the complete opposite of what I just described then using a service like Stitch Fix or Trunk Club probably won’t work for you.
But, for someone like me, it has completely changed the way I shop for clothes. Not to mention, for the first time ever, I’d considered myself a fashionable person. Again, no thanks to me. All the credit goes to Trunk Club and Stitch Fix.
If you’re ready to schedule a trunk then click here to get a $50 credit towards your first trunk. If you’re ready to schedule a fix then click here to get $25 towards your first fix.
Okay, let’s jump into my Trunk Club vs Stitch Fix Review.
Trunk Club vs. Stitch Fix Review
In this review I’m going to go compare the services of each company, give my personal experience, and then offer my opinion on which one is better (or wins). My goal is to provide enough information so you can decide which one is a better fit for your lifestyle and budget.
Trunk Club vs Stitch Fix Styling Fees
Both companies charge a styling fee.
Trunk Club charges a $25 styling fee. However, that fee is waived if you’re a Nordstrom Cardholder and using your card. If you’re not a Nordstrom cardholder then the $25 fee comes off any of the items you purchase. If you don’t purchase anything then you lose the fee.
Stitch Fix charges a $20 styling fee. They do offer a Style Pass for $49 a year that allows you to schedule as many Stitch Fix boxes as you like without a styling fee. I have the Style Pass and find it very helpful. I don’t have to worry about buying something just so I don’t lose my styling fee. If you do purchase the $49 Style Pass please note that price comes off your next fix.
In this round, I’d say Stitch Fix wins. Of course, if you don’t have the Style Pass you’ll still need to pay the styling fee but, in opinion, the Styling pass is well worth it and pays for itself.
I don’t use credit cards at all so I don’t like that I need to have (and use) the Nordstrom credit card to get a $25 fee waived. I wish Trunk Club would offer the same type of “pass” for customers that don’t want to use a Nordstrom Credit Card. I don’t want to feel that pressure to buy something just so I don’t lose my fee.
If you’re ready to schedule a trunk then click here to get a $50 credit towards your first trunk. If you’re ready to schedule a fix then click here to get $25 towards your first fix.
Trunk Club vs Stitch Fix Subscription
Trunk Club actually doesn’t consider themselves a “subscription” service. Meaning, they don’t automatically send you a trunk on a monthly basis or a certain time frame. In order to get a trunk you actually need to schedule one.
Stitch Fix is a subscription service and does send you boxes on a schedule. That schedule is one you choose but nonetheless it’s a subscription. The good thing is you can skip boxes or reschedule for a later date but if you forget then…guess what…a box gets sent. Stitch Fix will email and let you know a fix is getting ready to be put together, so you won’t be totally surprised. However, it’s still on you to go into your account and keep or reschedule. Sometimes, when you’re busy, this can be a pain.
In this area, I’d say Trunk Club wins. I prefer boxes not to get automatically sent to me, especially clothes. I like to order boxes of clothes when I’m ready for them. With Trunk Club I don’t need to worry about surprise clothing boxes getting sent my way.
Trunk Club vs Stitch Fix Stylist Communication
Both companies have a system for you to communicate preferences to your stylist. Both include a detailed profile, the ability to leave feedback, and the option to share a Pinterest Board with outfit ideas.
However, in my opinion, Trunk Club wins this area hands down. Here’s why:
- With Trunk Club you can communicate with your stylist via a chat feature on their website and app. So, you’re talking to a real person. They can ask for clarification on your preferences or ask questions about certain items or styles. With Stitch Fix, you can write notes to your stylist before a box is sent. However, you have a limited amount of space to write those notes. You can also leave feedback on the items sent but there’s no ability to have a conversation with your Stitch Fix stylist.
- Also, with Trunk Club you are assigned a stylist that works with you each and every time. So, again, they get to know you on a deeper level with style. With Stitch Fix, you’re assigned a different stylist each time unless you request the same one.
- With Trunk Club you see all the items being sent before they are sent. You have 48 hours to let your stylist know whether you like it or not, want a different color or size, or whatever you want to share. Your stylist will only send items you want. Stitch Fix is the complete opposite, everything sent is a surprise. Your stylist puts together a box based on his or her perception of your profile and notes. Sometimes it’s a hit and others not so much.
- The Trunk Club stylist will also offer outfit suggestions with each piece. I can see all of these suggestions via the app and website. Also, and I find this very helpful, I can send pictures of myself in the outfits to get feedback from my stylist. Stitch Fix offers outfit suggestions in a card sent with your fix but there’s no other communication than that.
- With both Trunk Club and Stitch Fix, after you try on the clothing, you have the ability to leave detailed feedback on each piece. However, with Trunk Club, my stylist will let me know she got my feedback and offer a response if needed. With Stitch Fix there’s no immediate response. The stylist might offer a response in your next fix, on a card, but that’s it.
Like I said, Trunk Club is the clear winner here. If you’re looking for a real person to communicate with then going with Trunk Club is your best choice. If you want to work with my stylist Lauren then click here to schedule a trunk <–– you’ll also get a $50 credit towards your first trunk.
Trunk Club vs Stitch Fix Clothing
Now let’s chat about the clothing.
Both companies will send a variety of clothing, shoes, and accessories unless you suggest otherwise. They both offer name brands but there are some clear differences between the two.
# of pieces sent
Trunk Club sends 12 items. You can request all clothes or mix it up with shoes and accessories.
Stitch Fix sends 5 items. Again, you can request all clothes or mix it up.
In this area, Trunk Club wins. I like having a larger variety of items to choose from. Plus, I use both of these services to add to my wardrobe and that’s more likely to happen with more items.
Brands sent.
Trunk Club is a Nordstrom company which means all the items sent are higher-end name brands found at Nordstrom.
Stitch Fix works with over 250 up and coming brands as well as higher-end name brand clothing so there’s something to fit everyone’s style and budget.
In my experience, both companies send name brand clothing. It’s really going to depend on the budget you set. However, if you’re looking for more brands on the higher end, then Trunk Club would work better for you.
Quality of clothing
Everything I’ve received from Trunk Club has been very high quality and new in package. This is one of the things I love about Trunk Club. Maybe it’s mental but I like knowing the clothes I’m trying on haven’t been tried on by lots of other people. Besides that, I find the overall feel of the clothing sent to be of high quality. The fabrics are nice, zippers aren’t flimsy, and no loose stitching.
Stitch Fix also sends high-quality clothing – I never had an issue with anything sent. But, again, this might have to do with the budget I set. Stitch Fix does give the option to chose less expensive clothes and, of course, this might affect what’s sent. So, I guess, keep that in mind when scheduling a fix.
Also, all the clothing is folded and then wrapped together neatly in tissue paper. It’s not in the original packaging, which isn’t a huge deal, but just a difference between the two companies.
Personally, I like the quality and style of clothing sent to me by Trunk Cub over Stitch Fix. Now this could be because of my stylist too. She seems to know what I’ll like and what looks best on me more than any of the stylists I’ve had at Stitch Fix.
If you’re ready to schedule a trunk then click here to get a $50 credit towards your first trunk. If you’re ready to schedule a fix then click here to get $25 towards your first fix.
Cost
With both companies you can set a budget. However, Trunk Club lowest budget amount is $50 and, most likely, that’ll limit the selections you’ll get to choose from.
Stitch Fix has a “cheaper the better” option for you to choose from. This means they’ll search and choose items for your box that are as inexpensive as they can find.
Overall, Trunk Club is going to be more expensive so if you’re on a tighter budget Stitch Fix will work better.
In my experience, with both companies, I prefer to spend a little extra money to receive quality name brands. Those items are the ones I’ve had the most luck with. When I try to go the cheaper route I’m never happy with the items I get. So, just something to think about.
Time frame to try on clothing
Trunk Club offers 5 business days to try on clothing.
Stitch Fix offers 3 days to try on clothing.
Both companies will give you more time if needed, all you need to do is send a message asking for more time. In this area, I’d say both win.
Trunk Club vs. Stitch Fix Returns
Both companies make it super easy to return back items.
With Trunk Club, you send everything back in the trunk it came in. They send you a UPS sticker and tape for the box. All you need to do is bring it to a UPS store or schedule a pick-up.
Stitch Fix sends a labeled large return envelope for you to send back any of the items you don’t want. You can either bring it to the post office or hand it to your mail carrier.
In this area, both companies win.
Trunk Club vs Stitch Fix – My Favorite!
Now that I’ve compared the two online personal stylist companies, which one do I like the best?
Trunk Club is my favorite!
Here are the reasons:
- I get 12 items to choose from. I’m using Trunk Club to shop…not browse. The more options I have the more likely I’ll be able to add to my wardrobe.
- There are no surprises. I know exactly what I’m getting. I work closely with my stylist who puts together a trunk that I need to approve before it gets sent. I do give her freedom to choose items she thinks I’ll like but I still get to see everything before it gets sent. This saves me time and frustration. I order trunks because I want to purchase clothing. Getting a box of things I don’t like is simply a waste of my time and energy. Even though I’ve found some nice pieces from Stitch Fix there are MANY items I would’ve said no to if given the chance.
- I love the communication options. Not only do I communicate what I’m looking for but I love that I can send pictures of myself in the clothing for feedback. Trunk Club is much more like having a personal stylist than Stitch Fix.
- My stylist. My Trunk Club stylist Lauren has done a wonderful job putting together trunks of beautiful clothing for me. She’s found gorgeous dresses for events along with fun outfits for going out with friends or even hanging around the house. Honestly, if I’m not careful, I can go broke getting trunks from her. No joke!
- I love the clothes! In my opinion, the clothing sent to me by Trunk Club is better quality and more my style. Yes, I’ve received some cute pieces from Stitch Fix but nothing like the items my stylist Lauren has sent. This is one of my favorite outfits she sent me.
And also love the denim jacket she sent with it. I wore this to a graduation and thought it was perfect.
Here’s another dress I wore to a rehearsal dinner. I’m the one in the pink to the left. This is honestly one of the most beautiful dresses I’ve ever owned. I got tons of compliments on it.
I’ve also received high-quality denim (both dark and white), sweaters, and super nice sandals. Lauren completely upped my summer wardrobe this year and I’m looking forward to ordering my fall trunk!
Now, even with all that said, I do still get regular boxes from Stitch Fix. I have the $49 style pass so I don’t have to pay a $20 styling fee each time I order a fix. It’s fun to get a box and see what new things I’ve been sent. I don’t like the element of surprise when I’m counting on boxes to build my wardrobe but I don’t mind it when I’m just browsing. Sometimes I find a cute top other times I send it all back.
Alrighty, let’s bring this Trunk Club vs. Stitch Fix comparison to a close. My goal with all of my reviews is to provide you with enough information so you can decide if these services are a good fit for your lifestyle – I hope I did this here.
You can learn more about both of these companies in my Trunk Club Review and Stitch Fix Review.
If you’re ready to schedule a trunk then click here to get a $50 credit towards your first trunk. If you’re ready to schedule a fix then click here to get $25 towards your first fix.
I’d love to learn more about your experiences with these companies. Tell me in the comments. Also, let me know if you have any other questions I can answer.
