This amazing weight loss and gain prompted me to write about the confusing variations of clothes sizes for women out there, and how we really should not worry if our dress, bust and butt sizes fluctuates from shop to shop.
In my case it was a rather comical shopping trip for a pair of high-waist blue trousers, one of this seasons ‘must haves’ for achieving the nautical look but I digress. I had seen a pair in M&S, Gap and Oasis which saw me go from a size 14 then to a 12 and then to a size 16 with only a skinny cappuccino in between and much rushing back and forth into changing rooms.
So why is this? And just what size am I then? Well, the bottom line is that there is no standard sizing in the clothing industry. It is all dependent on the original designer, their interpretation of each size and what measurements and proportions the original ‘fit model’ was at the time of the original concept. I’ve done some research into this and while I could elaborate on what little information there actually is out there, the conclusion is the same. Unless the item you want to buy was sampled on a model that has the exact proportions you have, there is a very strong possibility you will need to take more than ‘your size’ into the changing room by the time it hits the High Street.
It becomes more a game of averages, if, on average, we buy size 12s then we tend to pigeon ourselves as size 12 and I guarantee there will be squeals of joy when we fit into a 10 and a depressing sigh when we have to go for a 14.
But is that so bad if at the end of the day we look good, everything fits and has an amazing flattering effect on our figures? The answer is of course not! Although even I was a little shocked when I had to venture for a size 16 in Oasis which still had an odd fit.
So ladies, my top tips for successful size selection:
- Take a size up and down from your usual size into the changing room but always do try before you buy.
- A lot of shops post their measurements online so you can measure yourself before venturing out or Internet shopping.
- Accept the fluctuations in sizing! It is important to remember that with some items, taking the larger size can have a more flattering effect rather than squeezing yourself into ‘your size’.
- If all else fails, do what I do, buy shoes....they never disappoint.
My very quick whistle top shop of the usual suspects of High Street stores and their clothing sizes. For frequent shoppers, this won't be anything new.
Debenhams: Generally sizing is generous but with more designers at Debenhams, I would stick to the advice and try on.
Dorothy Perkins: Almost always bigger with cuts being generous around the waist. In addition, provides different leg lengths for trousers.
Coast: Fairly true to sizing with a good range of sizes.
East: Similar to Coast, size range is good. Some items can be a bit narrow on the hips but otherwise true to size.
Gap: Some of the jeans can stretch quite quickly so bear this in mind as you may want to go for a size smaller! Sizing is American and converts to
H&M: Can be a inconsistent so try on as blouses can be small. Sizing can be inconsistent with the norm for most European brands and such a huge variety of clothing - be patient, wait in the queue and try it all on!
Jane Norman: Cut very small and may only go up to 14.
Karen Millen: Quite true to sizing, especially with coats and jackets. Trousers can be cut narrower.
Mango: European sizing and on the small sizing. Trousers will be cut on the long side...obviously they are very tall in the rest of Europe...this can be a tad frustrating so buy some WonderWeb.
Marks & Spencer: Surprisingly turning into one of my favourites, especially the online Limited Collection. M&S is generous on sizing. Added pluses are shoe sizing that comes in half sizes and different leg lengths.
Matalan: Sizing can be hit and miss so try items on. Generally items run bigger.
Miss Selfridge: Has a tendency for sizing to run smaller and may struggle a little if top heavy.
Morgan: Very similar to Jane Norman – tread cautiously into the changing rooms.
New Look: Generously sized and also have a plus size section which is great. Most of the shoe designs come in half sizes.
Next: Similar to Marks & Spencer, items are generous in size and can even be slightly larger.
Oasis: Certainly varies in sizing from style to style – try before hand as some items can be small around the waist and hips….particularly a certain pair of blue nautical like trousers.
Peacocks: Basically sizes vary. Generally true to size bordering on large.
Phase 8: Quite true to sizing, similar to Monsoon.
Primark: Similar to Peacocks so rule of thumb is to try things on!
Principles: Similar to Monsoon, with true sizing. Provides a petite section.
Topshop: Although fairly true to size, there is a tendency to be small.
Warehouse: Generally rue to sizing with some styles cut on the small.
Wallis: Similar to Dorothy Perkins, cut generously.
Monsoon: Generally true to size, bordering on generous. Varying trouser lengths – another plus point.
Whistles: Very much style dependent but actually more true to size.
Zara: Similar to Mango with European sizing. Tends to be cut smaller with a long leg lengths. Can also be smaller across the bust but this depends on designs.
Happy Shopping! Oh and I gave up on all 3 shops for my blue trousers and went for some nice tailored ones from Monsoon, still nautical (ish)…well blue anyway.
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