SYDNEY (Reuters Life!) - If buying clothes in a bigger size than usual leaves you feeling frumpy, you're not alone, with an Australian poll showing a third of customers find the process frustrating and reason enough to spend more on their wardrobe.

The survey, by one of Australia's biggest tailoring chains LookSmart Alternations, also showed that despite 64 percent of respondents having mixed sizes in their closet, very few -- only 14 percent -- know how clothing is measured and manufactured.

"People are paying more attention to the size tag than the price tag and feeling down when they can't fit their standard size," Abraham Hatoum, managing director of LookSmart Alterations, said in a statement.

Almost 60 percent of respondents said they would go up a size to buy a garment they liked, but then almost 33 percent said that would make them feel frustrated, fat or depressed.

Nearly 40 percent said they would avoid a brand if its sizes were smaller than usual.

Only 13 percent, however, said they would try to squeeze into their usual size to avoid buying a bigger one, but almost 50 percent said they would opt for garments from more expensive shops if they were in their usual size.

Just over 2,000 people took part in the poll, filling out forms at the tailors' outlets across Australia.

Jo Kellock, executive director of the Council of Textile and Fashion Industries of Australia, said the sizing confusion was due to the lack of a nationwide standard.

"People should aim for the perfect fit, not the perfect size, and work with any outfit to ensure it enhances their individual body shape," Kellock said in the statement.

"However, having an accurate sizing standard based on scientific data will allow designers to have consistent sizes and ensure the consumer feels good about their fashion experience."

(Writing by Miral Fahmy, Editing by Jerry Norton)