Michelle

Size matters: A 8 isn't always an 8

By Erin Ebert
Created 2009-05-01 23:30
There's nothing more confusing than understanding fashion sizes. How is it that a 5-foot-8-inch woman who weighs 150 pounds and a 5-foot-6-inch woman who weighs 125 pounds can both claim to wear a size 8?
According to a national sizing survey, SizeUSA, this is not a surprising result in today's fashion market. As you can probably guess based on their measurements, these women would not be able to walk in the same store and choose the same size 8 dress and have it fit fabulously. However, chances are, they each have a favorite store where a size 8 dress fits them just perfectly.
Why do we live in this state of confusion? The definitions of sizes have become diluted by many of the major brand stores. We're also taller and heavier. The measurement definitions haven't grown with us. However, the realization that what a 4 used to measure is now a different number is a bit deceiving to our vanity.
Take a deep breath and march several sizes into the dressing room. (Perhaps this is the true marketing goal all along?)
As someone who loves to shop, but hates to put in effort only to be disappointed, this size difference has absolutely affected the way I shop. If things fit me poorly in one store, I will not likely ever return. If I am ordering online and the site does not have a size chart, I won't order from that site at all - simply to avoid playing the guessing game with my money.
I understand for many women who are fortunate enough to fit into the new definitions of 'regular' sizes, you can go into a store pick out a size and if you've been fooled by the brand, you can simply go up or down a size. How lovely that sounds. But for me, I have an added challenge that makes following the ever-changing size definitions a level more difficult.
I am short.
I am faced with constantly deciding whether to purchase a piece, then have it altered at a greater expense, which tends to make me a bit more thrifty in my investments. I am sure that the experience is as frustrating for those who are a bit tall, or a bit wider or heavier than our current waif-like 'normal' scales.
To master my dilemma, I have learned to shortlist stores that include "Petite" or "Short" options, but you'd be surprised at how these vary, as well. I have also recently become impressed with the tools available to us in the form of measurement information.
Here are some tips I've gleaned along the way:

1. Learn your measurements.
OK, so this can be a very personal thing to do and I am not recommending you broadcast it to the shopping world (or even your closest friends). But if you know your true measurements, this makes reading size charts a snap.

For example, there is a terrific graphic and instructions set on Old Navy's Web site at

Michelle

[Only Registered Users Can See Links. Click Here To Register] [1]. Select an item of clothing and then click the "size chart" for a pop-up window. Scroll down to find a simple silhouette and instructions for each measurement. Once you know these secret numbers, you can review the size charts above and see where you fit in for shopping.

2. Size charts
With your numbers in hand, you have enough information to decipher any store's secret sizing strategy. Try this on a couple of the online sites of your favorite stores. Don't be surprised if you are a 4 up top, but a 6 on the bottom, or vice versa. I often find that at some stores I am one size and at another, up to two sizes different up or down the scale. Knowing my measurements and reading the charts has made returning items less of an issue.
Other sites with great size charts are VictoriasSecret.com [2] and AnnTaylor.com [3]. The Old Navy site clearly shows how the company tracks sizing from baby to adult and from petite to tall to plus, and even maternity. The Ann Taylor size charts are extensive and very helpful, they even have boot sizing.

3. Ask for Sizing in Stores
This last one is no one's favorite. We typically shy away from showing our cards. However, if you do feel comfortable ask: "What size range does your store offer?" Asking the question right up front may save you some time.
Do not to take the information personally. Not all stores can carry all sizes, especially in today's market when store owners must make tough decisions about how much of each size to stock.
The best thing to do is ask the sales staff. If they simply don't have petite options, or tall options, or sizes past 10 they will let you know. They are there to help you. They know whether a brand runs larger or smaller because they have watched probably hundreds of people of all shapes and sizes try them on.
If you simply are a quiet shopper and prefer not to talk to the stylists, then try this simple trick. Walk in and take a sweep of the store. Start at one side or the other, and sweep around the racks. Pull a few items to check their sizes and keep an eye on the range. Is the store laid out by size, by color, or by brand? Is there a separate section for petite, tall or plus - or none at all? Is there a decent selection of these sizes or just a few? These answers will help you decide whether to invest time in the dressing room and can avoid frustration, even if the mannequin's outfit would look fabulous on you.

Contact Erin at fashionistastylesense@gmail. com or go to savannahnow.com/blogs/fashion [4] for the latest news.


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