Over the last wee while I have been going through all my clothes, sorting out the ones I don’t wear (or don’t fit) in an attempt to clean out my wardrobe. In the process I’ve found sizes ranging from 16 to 30. I’m generally about a size 24-26, and I thought I’d try things on to see if they were worth keeping or it was time to move on. You know what? The size 16 pieces fit me, and the size 30 pieces fit me. Crazy right?
I didn’t feel amazing because I could fit the size 16 tops. I didn’t feel bad because I fit the size 30 skirt. Because I know that size on a clothing label is arbitrary form of measurement. Sizes differ between clothing labels, and there are even some labels that have their own sizing systems, which can make it all very confusing when you’re shopping! Let’s not forget the size disparity within labels – I have a size 16 and a size 28 garment from the same brand.
I find it extremely frustrating that there is no requirement for standardisation of sizing, because not only does it make it difficult to buy clothes (especially online where you can’t try them on), some brands prey on the insecurities of women with vanity sizing.
What is vanity sizing?
Vanity sizing is when a brand deliberately puts a different size label on a garment in order to drive more sales. Sounds silly right? Think about it this way – if you’re a size 20 and the label of the dress you’re holding says it is an 18, you’ve been conditioned by society to think that is a “good” thing (because weight loss, regardless of what size you are, is something that is praised, especially in women). However if the size tag says 22, that’s considered “bad” because you must have gained weight (even though you really haven’t changed size at all, it’s just a different label on the dress). We’re more likely to shop at a store that puts a smaller number on their clothes than one were we have to get the bigger size. Vanity sizing plays on your self esteem, because you’re more likely to purchase something that gives you those “good” feelings, right? Fellow blogger Becca Jane Lee mentioned an article Roger Dooley wrote about vanity sizing on Forbes, which I read and it got me thinking. Then it made me mad, because brands are totally playing us and we’re falling for it hook, line and sinker!
Why is vanity sizing a problem?
Brands are playing on poor self esteem. These are clothing brands that claim to be body positive. Brands that say they want to empower and uplift women. Brands that tell you that you’re “more than a number”. Many of them are only doing this to get you to buy their product. They’re making bank off the fact that you will choose their clothes because you wear a smaller number in their range than you do in another store. Isn’t that disgusting?
People (women especially) place far too much value on the number on the label of our clothes. We let it dictate our moods. Our feelings of self worth. The relationship we have with our bodies. It’s just a number – it’s not an indicator of who you are as a person.
What can we do about vanity sizing?
Thinking that we can implement standardised sizing or get brands to change the way they size their garments is not really very realistic (although I can dream!). What we can do is change the way we approach the numbers on the label. Use them as a sizing guide reflective of that brand (and that brand alone), and remember that they really don’t mean anything other than what size you are for a particular garment. Don’t be afraid to size up or down if you need to in order to get a better fit. Sometimes you might even need to visit a tailor to adjust something (I often have to shorten hems or take in bits around the waist or bust). Trust me – making those little changes is better than trying to jam yourself into something one or more sizes too small, or wearing something that you’re constantly fiddling with and trying to adjust.
What do you think about vanity sizing?
How much do you care about what number is on your label?
YES YES YES SO MUCH YES. I was in a shop yesterday and the tops I was trying on were annoyingly fitted but I wanted them looser so I ended up trying on a few two sizes bigger and the fit was nice and loose and just what I was after. It was kind of empowering in a way to be like “fuck it, I don’t care because I’m not a number, I’m a person and I can wear whatever size I like,” you know? Thank you for articulating this so well, Meagan 🙂
YUSS! Good on you Elese, I’m glad you found the tops you were after 😀
As you mentioned, not only does it play on our poor self esteem, BUT for me the issue is that it causes utter confusion when buying clothes, when it should actually be so simple. When I do shop online I invariably end up with something too big or small so most of the time I just shop in-store. They’ve shot themselves in the foot with this, in my opinion.
That’s so true Shirley – I wish brands would just make things easy on shoppers. We have money, we want to buy their clothes, why do they make that so difficult?!
Vanity sizing is making shopping for clothes even more confusing.
(City Chic, I’m looking at you)
I totally agree, this is a pet peeve of mine and luckily it no longer bothers me as I’ve seen through it! Please ladies, don’t torture yourself with size labels. No one sees the tag, they only see the fit and how gorgeous you look – buy for the fit!
Really, a standard sizing guide would be to pop measurements on the label. Like with men’s pants where they state a 32, 34 etc because it is reflected in inches or centimeters. A lot of brands (especially online) will give you a guide of how to measure and then convert those measurements into their sizing system so why not just cut out the middle man?
I don’t like vanity sizing but I see why companies do it – it’s an easy marketing tool. I think as women we need to place less emphasis on the number and learn to choose clothes that are comfortable and flattering. We need to be happy in the clothes we wear and the body we own.
Agreed, I find measurement much easier (and more accurate) to go by and use it when ever I’m shopping online.