Why is sizing so inconsistent?

The problem stems from the fact that all bodies come in a variety of shapes and sizes. There is no “standard” or “universal” body type in the U.S. and basing the system off of women, for example, who are skinny and tall would still cause sizing issues even if retailers got rid of vanity sizing.

Why do sizes vary between brands?

Different types of garments fit differently. There is something called ‘wearing ease’ which is the space between the garment and your body, and ‘design ease’ where some garments are meant to be drapey/flappy/huge. You can fit in a smaller size of these latter types of outfits, because they are supposed to fit big.

How is clothing size determined?

Clothing sizes are still being refined, and further studies in body measurements are being conducted. Body scanners, both within the US and abroad, are being used to take accurate, up-to-date readings of our bodies. However, no commercial standard exists, and manufacturers are free to determine their own sizes.

What is the average clothing size of a woman?

The average size of an American woman has historically been reported as a size 14. The clothing industry somewhat took this into account and adjusted its sizes. Though, most labels didn’t even do that; the majority of clothing lines still sell up to size 12 and that’s it.

Why are women’s jeans so tight?

Women’s jeans and other pants have been traditionally tighter to vividly show their body features. Many men prefer a loose fit for convenience. Today some men wear their jeans just as tight as women do. In fact some men buy jeans intended for women just to get a tighter fit.

Why are women’s clothes sizes different?

Men’s and women’s garment sizes are generally based on different systems. Men’s clothing sizes are primarily defined in terms of body measurement, which were based on chest size. Women’s clothing sizes are given in coded numbers that correspond to bust, waist, hip and height measurements.

Why are women’s shirts so thin?

NPR says the trend of using thinner fabric on women’s clothing can be linked to the rise of fast fashion, which is a trend that’s been going on for some time now. Because companies like H&M and Zara need to put new things out at a faster (and cheaper) rate, these companies are also cutting corners where they can.

Why are women’s clothing sizes different than men’s?

It is because of their anatomy that numbers indicating hip measure is not needed to sell their pants. So, the plea for women’s sizes to be sold like men’s is only similar if men’s pants were also sold by waist, inseam and hip.

Why do clothing companies have different sizes for women?

Companies know that you’re not going to buy clothes that make you feel guilty or negative about yourself. So there is no “loose” or “baggy” size — there’s “classic” or “regular,” and then a smaller size called “slim” or “skinny,” and so on.

Is vanity sizing ruining our fashion labels?

The rise of so-called vanity sizing has rendered most labels meaningless. As Americans have grown physically larger, brands have shifted their metrics to make shoppers feel skinnier—so much so that a women’s size 12 in 1958 is now a size 6.

How do I know what size my clothes should be?

Everyone’s got at least one piece of clothing that’s an old favorite with a perfect fit. If you’re lucky, you’ll have both a pair of pants and a shirt that fit the bill (no pun intended). Check the measurements on those garments, both the ones on the tag and the actual, physical measurements as taken with a tape measure.

Why are we so obsessed with small sizes?

This madness is partly our own fault. Studies have shown that shoppers prefer to buy clothing labeled with small sizes because it boosts our confidence.