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Saturday, August 27, 2011

S/M/L

Just when I was getting the hang of what size I was in the UK and Europe, we moved. That's right, it only took 5 years. Now that we're in the US, I was falling back on my fail-safe knowledge of 8 US=12 UK, 10 US=14 UK, etc. I hit the shops and everything is in S/M/L. What the heck?? A large can be anything from a US 10-14!  I think the only garment that still uses proper sizing is trousers. Not to mention it makes it a little difficult when you want to order something online. Personally, I find the European sizing charts the most accurate when it comes to clothing and shoes. A UK 14 could range anywhere from a European 38-42, which is a huge difference.

Has anyone else noticed this about the US? Is this a new thing that I missed while I was away? Is it because we're all fatties and seeing a number might make us feel bad? Personally, I'd just like to have proper fitting clothes!

5 comments:

  1. Um, yes, it's because we're all fatties. The standard size measurements have been going up (my mom is a technical designer and makes sure clothes right). A US size 8 today is a bit bigger than a few years ago. AND it seems like every freakin' store has their own standards. I still have a a few stores that are my favorites because I wear a smaller size. What? I like stores that tell me I'm thinner then I actually am. But it is frustrating, and I pretty much don't buy clothes online because I hate returning things that don't fit right.

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  2. I second annoyed army wife. There are certain stores that I go into and the size I KNOW that fits me in another store in pants, I can't get them past my thighs! I have noticed over the last year places using S/M/L but places like Walmart still have on the hanger like S (xxx) and then a number range for it.

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  3. I'm well aware of vanity-sizing (and take full advantage of it when it works in my favor), but this S/M/L thing has me flummoxed!

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  4. I love vanity sizing! Yay! I think also the s/m/l thing might have to do with keeping costs down too.... A company will only have to make 3 different sizes as opposed to seven, eight or more, so it probably saves them a bundle! Cleverclogs

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  5. I would love if US sizes were based on actual measurements THAT would help me tremendously. That would never happen!

    All my blouses, dresses and pants from the US have a number. BUT most of my knitwear (sweaters/sweats/tee shirts)are "M". I think that depends where you shop and I agree it probably has a lot to do with cost.

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