Since this blog tends to not involve longer articles and are more along the short-and-sweet-and-pretty-pictures posts. However, I felt I couldn't just write down my thoughts about this with just one short paragraph; so here's my issue of the day - shop sizing. I know lots of other bloggers have written about this topic but I just wanted to get my opinion in there, and where is better then my blog to write about these kind of things?
As you may have seen written in my sidebar, I define myself as a size 16-18. However, within my wardrobe there are clothes in anything from a size 12 to a 18 - and this can just be from one shop! New Look in particular I find has huge troubles with consistency. I have size 18 dresses from there that fit just fine, size 18's that are too big on the bust and too small on the waist, and size 18's that are too big on the waist and small on the bust. My measurements are 36C bust, 34-5" waist, and it doesn't seem to matter what sizes are defined as on a website or in store; according to the ASOS, Monsoon, New Look, Peacocks, Next, River Island and Topshop website size guides there is no way I would fit into their 16 at all but this is patently not true, since I have worn size 14's from all these shops at some point.
Now, it would be easier to excuse this blatant level of inaccuracy in regards to sizing if there was a huge variety in what I wear. However, anyone who reads my blog and sees my outfit posts knows I have a pretty specific method of dressing, and dresses that can be the same style in different patterns fit me entirely differently. Does this irritate anyone else?! I find it pretty ridiculous that I can't go into a shop, pick up the size I know I am and buy that item. I can understand that in that case some people will be unable to agree with me; after all, what if sizing were consistent and therefore those with thinner thighs/larger stomaches/larger or smaller busts within one size were unable to ever purchase something that should fit them? It's a pretty big dilemma to consider, but there could still be a slightly higher level of consistency that doesn't result in me having to take 5 different sizes with me to the changing rooms every time. H&M and Dorothy Perkins tend to be absolutely tiny, and size 18 in New Look is too small in the waist whilst the 'inspire' 18 is like a tent. I have no idea what my true size would be!
One of the types of clothing I have a huge amount of trouble with is anything on the 'alternative' side of fashion, in which sizing generally goes in the XS-XL format. This would not be a problem were an average size set for this size. But an XL in just one brand - for example Criminal Damage or Hell Bunny - could fit a size 12 at full stretch or a size 20. Any rockabilly/alternative brands (read: most things in TK Maxx also) seem to have a huge issue with this and I wonder if it's just something to do with the lack of readily available and low-price choice that leads them to be slack with sizing.
I know this was a pretty big essay of a post to read and I'm really pleased if you got through that whole ream of text without closing your browser! What's your opinion on clothes sizing? Have you had any issues, or are you happy with how is it now?
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