FASHION SIZING

Does fashion sizing confusion you? You are not alone.

Part I included the steps to create a wardrobe of clothes for your body. Part II was all about shopping for the body you have.

In this blog it starts with….

I am so confused about what size I am.

Not understanding clothing sizes is one of the biggest causes of concern for clients.

This blog explores how to tackle the fashion sizing dilemmas.

CLOTHING SIZES ARE NOT ABOUT YOU

It is true, sizing matters. At the same time, it never defines you and it most definitely is not about you.

The key to sizing is working out how the company that makes the clothes sizes. For example, do they cater for a larger bust? Do they tend to be smaller or larger in how they size at each size classification?

What sizing reference do they use for example European, American, English, Australian etc.

To find out look at their size charts online and see how they compare across the different regimes.

When shopping online another tip is to look at the image of the clothes and then see how it looks on the model. How does the shape compare to what works for you?

Avoid clothes that have a shape that you do not usually wear.

RETAIL ASSISTANTS can help – really!

The retail assistants in stores should be able to assist you when it comes to translating a brand’s sizing.

For example, Carla Zampatti makes their clothes to suit three different body types. Once you work out which one you are then you will find anything made for your body type will likely fit you. Sticking with the Carla Zampatti example, they are also generous when it comes to sizing. All their clothes are designed to fit someone six feet or 183 cm tall.

Brands like Desigual and Scotch and Soda in contrast make their clothes on the small side. If you are petite, they are more likely to fit you well than if you are not.

Assistants will usually be very happy to share this information with you. By asking you can save time and avoid the effort of trial and error.

PATTERN MAKING IS AN ART NOT A SCIENCE

How can I wear clothes from an extra small to a size sixteen?

While digitisation of pattern making, and robotics is improving consistency when it comes to mass produced items. Not all clothes are made this way. Knitwear for example can vary significantly from item to item.

Human error in the manufacturing process can mean clothes come out with a size on the label that is not consistent with your expectations about the size of clothes you think you wear.

Fashion at its best is very much an art rather than a science and so variations, frustrating as you might find them are normal.

USE THE MAUFACTURERS SIZE AS A GUIDE ONLY

Many of us try to simplify the clothing purchase process by looking for items that our ‘my size.’ For the reasons mentioned this may cause frustration.

To minimise your frustration start by using the manufacturers size as a guide.

Remember that some clothes may look better in a smaller size and others in a larger size. This is part of the fun of fashion – really!

Unfortunately, it is partly responsible for ‘bracketing’. The practice of buying single styles in multiple sizes when buying online.

Avoid bracketing if at all possible. Bracketing is one of the biggest caused of waste in the fashion industry, and it is unsustainable.

If you are not sure about size and fit visit a store. Try the clothes on. Select the clothes, you try on based on how they appear in your hands. Are they smaller/bigger than what you have at home?

Read more about shopping your size here.

Contact Bottlegreen and Yellow to arrange your personalised shopping trip and put the fun back in your shopping experience.