lurkette

The discussion about bra sizes got me to thinking about women's clothing sizes in general.

Who the hell came up with this "6-8-10-12" stupidity? Men's clothing is very clearly sized - pants have a waist and an inseam measurement. Shirts have a collar size and an arm length. Why couldn't women's clothing be sized similarly? I would LOVE it if, instead of guessing whether I'm an 8 or a 10 or a 12 in this particular store, I could go find pants with exactly the right waist and hip sizes and inseam. I know it would create a lot of variations, but at least shit would fit properly! I'd buy a lot more clothing if I could find anything that fit me. I have a size 6 bust and waist and size 8-12 hips (depending on the item/store/etc. Meh! ), and I'm 5'1", so most clothing, at least the way it's manufactured these days, just doesn't fit me without serious alteration. I've found a few styles that seem to work (A-line skirts and dresses with fitted waists and full skirts) but pants? Fuggedaboutit. WOMEN HAVE HIPS!!!

Would you all find the shopping experience less frustrating if clothing was sized in a way that made sense?

Who do I need to yell at/plead with to make this happen?

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bernadette

yeah, womens' clothing sizes are royally messed up. often i take 2 sizes into the dressing room just to avoid an extra trip.
i buy mens hoodies & pajama pants cuz i don't ever hafta try those on. they always fit just right.

womens' shoe sizes are also fuct. i can wear anywhere from 8.5 to 9.5... never know which one to ask for. so i usually start with a 9... either that fits or i hafta go up or down a half size. stoOpid.

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SexyCat

Agreed! I always bring at least two sizes into a dressing room. Even shirts can be misleading although I don't know how there can be ten different sizes for "large."

lisa

You're right, we started this topic at the bra-section, but the problem does seem more dispersed than that! I'm from Europe, so I wouldn't possibly fit into a 6-8-10-or even a 12! Here I have a European 40 for t-shirts, but then I seem to sometimes have a 38 for trousers, or when I'm in a really bad store I have to taken on a 42, which usually really depresses me!

We should start a petition or something on this: equal rights for men and women means starting with equal measurements!
(Now, wouldn't that fit nicely into the Declaration of Human Rights!)

SiN

it *would* be so nice if such a system were implemented, based on measurements (metric, because anything else is a bit backwards imo)...

but i don't know if that would ever happen, or if it would help.

there are womens jeans that come in inch waist measurement, but even those are inconsistant.
(there's a chart online somewhere for comparisons of several women's jeans)

and with the industry the way it is, they will always try 'vanity sizing' too...

i honestly think it's not going to change anytime soon...

:shrug:

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anti fishstick

yeah they assume every women has similar hip/waist proportions at least when making pants sizes! it's really an inconvenient number system. the "juniors" and "women" sizes are completely different as well. juniors go from 3, 5, 7, 9.. etc. while womens go in 4, 6, 8, 10, 12..... it's ridiculous!

in juniors i'm actually a 5, but a 4 in womens. and i'm 5'2 so i also have that "pants are too long" problem. anyway, i find mens slacks to be *extremely* comfortable and i can go by waist measurement! 27 or 28 fits me fine.

also, i think our system is implemented because it helps companies sneak smaller size clothing lines to make women feel better about their size and thus, buy from that particular line more often. "i'm a size 6 at abercrombie! other places say i'm an 8 or 10" or something to that effect. it's a self-validation marketing tool.

i think victoria's secret also does this with their bras because i'm a "B" cup there, where i'm normally an A. and they always follow you around with tape measures... it's weird :P

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SiN

excellent explanation of the 'vanity sizing' i mentioned, thx

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SabrinaFair

I've lost some weight in the past few months (although Christmas has done a number on me...) and I cannot find a number that consistantly fits, especially in pants! I seem to wear size 12 jeans and size 10 dress pants, and usually a medium top, although sometimes that's too snug and I need a large. It makes shopping a real pain in the ass when I walk in to a fitting room with the same outfit in two or three different sizes. Of course, I buy 80% of my clothes at the same two or three stores, so I've pretty much learned what I wear at those places...I need some revitalization in my closet, its starting to look like an Old Navy/Lerner's New York and Company showroom.

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Rubyee

I would love it as well. My size can fluctuate between three different sizes from store to store. That is why I am constantly buying men's dress pants (they look nicer anyhow).

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sillygirl

I hate the way sizes are done, also. Recently I was able to buy a size small in one store, and in Hot Topic, the Gir T-shirt I bought that was an XL is tight. Argh. I've complained several times that they need to do their sizing differently. I'd rather buy a size that fits than "feel better about myself" because of the way they choose to do things now.

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*Nikki*

My worst problem is that I am 5'9" tall and it is almost impossible to find pants. Forget trying to wear any of the latest styles because they are all designed for shorter women.

I don't understand why the hell they have a whole STORE of tall things for men but forget it for women.

Yalaynia

Been there done that. I dont know how many times I go into a store and find a pair of pants I like and then find that the length is to long but the waist is just right or the waist is to small and the length just right or any combination of things like that. A 31 inseem for me is just right.
I wear anything from a 34 to a 38 waist which is something like a 13 to a 18 depending on the style type and company that makes the pants. All I know is I spend countless hours trying to find the right pair of pants trying them on and I honestly dont see any other way to get around it. Though I have found and taken a liking to the stretch pants the ones with no zippers and buttons. I walk over find the size medium or large and they fit perfectly.
As far as dresses go its been so long since I have worn one so I dont even know anything about dress cuts.

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onodrim

God, I hate women's sizing! I can fit anything from a 2 - 6, XS - M, and so on. The range from one store to the next is just rediculous. I frequently wish we had a more logical sizing system. Not to mention it's nearly impossible to ever find pants the right length, being as short as I am. Sometimes the 'short' pants are too short, or too long. Sometimes the 'regular' length is just right. *sigh* We seriously need a new sizing system for women.

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PorscheBunny

The more your body deviate from that clothes-hanger the outfit was really designed for, the more difficulties you have in finding stuff that fits. I have to re-taylor everything I buy because if it fits my chest (36D) or my waist (baby 18 months ago and still look pregnant), it's too damn long in the legs (5' 2"). And that's assuming I can find it in the first place! Most places won't stock as much 12-14-16-18 as they do 2-4-6-8, even though there are a lot more of us who wear those larger sizes.

Unfortunately "women's sizes" are too ingrained to ditch any time in the near future, even if no one can agree on a true standard for measurement. Personally, I'd be inclined to walk around naked in protest until it gets fixed, but it's too cold out there right now. Maybe a "Truth In Sizing Act" is in order.

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shannon

lasenza, a similar store to victoria's secret's, in canada, does that too i think. but for me, being a D cup, i'm totally fucked. because most stores i can find something but because they like to please the smaller breasted women ( not even successfully) my bra size ends up being like 40DD there, which is completely impossible to find on most of their racks (no pun intended)

and SabrinaFair, i completely related to you. i just go into stores now and randomly pick out sizes really. like if i see something that's on sale that's a 13 i'll try that, and then the other thing that's on sale that's a 17 i'll also try on. what's really crazy is that more often than not they'll both fit me.

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:::OshnSoul:::

lol- I think it would be the other way around- guys like simplicity! But- size 0 for a woman? What's the purpose?

anti fishstick

maybe that's another reason for our sizing system. they want us to stay in the stores as long as possible, and want us to actually TRY them on. i know i'm more likely to want to buy something when it looks "cute" on me.. and this is going to be increased if you're not quite sure what size you are.

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shannon

good theory. i know i end up taking forever anywhere.

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PorscheBunny

For some, it matches their IQ, so it's easy to remember.

As for simplicity, I have more pressing concerns than staying in the store trying to determine clothes size. Most of the time I have to shop guy-style (You should see my refrigerator!), and a store that makes me jump thru hoops to figure out what fits me won't see me or my money again.

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BlueBongo

Yeah... I highly dislike the way womens' clothes are all sized because when something says 16 at one store.. it may be a 14 or even an 18... grrrr. I usually buy mens pants.. yeah, they sometimes look a lil goofy.. but I know they fit me before I even try them on because I can find the right size.

I think we should start our own clothing line.. make it unisex with easy measurements that make sense and aren't different for every type of pant/skirt/shirt/et etc.

Having one easy system would make things soo much easier, I think.

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InTeGrA77

EX-ACTLY! I have always had the same prob. I'm 5'8", and I have a hell-of-a-time trying to find pants that fit me. If they fit around the waist, they're way too short. And if they're long enough, they're always huuge in the waist. I don't really have any problems finding shirts that fit, but it seems like they make them for the tiny/petite girls these days, and I'm definatley not that. I'm not at all fat, but they just make clothes for stick straight, skinny girls, and it sucks!!

Anyways...I'll stop bitching, but this is a good thread. Because anyone who is "average" size will have the same problem!

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~springrain

i've bitched about this for years...
but then i came to the realization... that in general... the fashion industry is dominated by men...
until there are some serious changes, things are going be fucked up for a while...

great thread lurkette...

saleenobsessed

Yeah I hate womans clothing. The shirts are always made from woman with out boobs so they are always way to short and if they arnt to short they are huge. And for pants I hate buying pants. I have a very long inseam. I can only really buy 3 brands of jeans and after awhile i start running out of styles in those brands to get. I HATE WOMANS CLOTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!

minyn

i wouldnt doubt to blame it on the companies who change the numbers to make you feel better. Im a solid 9 at Aeropostale and AE as with most other places, but Express gives me a run for my money. And Paris and Mudd?!? hey stupids....I HAVE THIGHS! AND I LIKE THEM!

clothes are important and therefore must be difficult.
and for this reason i only go shopping when in a killer mood and feeling good about my body!

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ling ling

so true about Hot Topic! What the hell- 8 year old girls don't shop there! and their shirts shrink big-time

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teriaki

AMEN sister! I'm anywhere from a 2 (jcrew) to a 10 (calvin clein)- Now, in what world does THAT make sense? I hate having to guesstimate what size I am, especially when the hubby is feeling nice and wants to get me something special - I just say 6, to balance it out, but wind up having to exchange at least SOME of what he picks up for me....

I *do* prefer to shop when I'm feeling uber hot and good about myself. That way the clothes I end up getting make me feel good every time I put them on!

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ladyadmin

I find also that if you compare brand names and sizes with other brands and sizes they aren't always identical to each other. For instance, I can get a pair of Levis size 6 and they fit snugly.. if I try on a size 6 in CK's they'll be slightly baggy and loose fitting.

Makes no damn sense at all. I won't even touch the shoe issue because that's a whole nother discussion in itself.

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Bleed Me Dry

I have 36 inch long legs and almost always have to sag or buy mens pants. It's the most annoying thing I've ever had to deal with in my life. You go shopping thinkin you're all hot and then nothing fits and you feel like an asshole with a weird body. At least that's how I feel.

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Amaelisen

Pants are the worst, that's why I only shop at one store: New York & Company. Their proportions are pretty well done, I would say.

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Anomaly77

I am a size 9. They don't really make 9s. So, I have to settle for snug-fitting 8s or baggy 10s. Bathing suits are a real problem. I need a large for the top and a small for the bottom. I can only buy seperates. Women's pant never fit. They assume that if you are tall and you have wide hips that you must have a big behind. Nope...not me...I just have plenty of cargo room in the back end of women's pants! It's ridicuolous.

jRuntlets

I have the same shopping issue. Though I have found that Pacific Sunwear Tilt jeans are amazing, because they're a stretch jean you can get the tight look without feeling like you're going to bust a seam (Plus they're only 38 bucks!). I also noted that target was selling Levi Strauss stretch jeans in different lengths, short, medium and long. Those jeans are amazing too, and only cost 22 bucks. I ONLY wear stretch jeans because I have a 26 waist, 34 hip and big thighs. Other jeans make me feel like a sausage.

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ariekitten

yeah i hate this....i'm like the average joe woman of today's society, and i still have probs finding things that fit me
i'll buy medium shirts at wally world whereas online i hafta buy large and at hot topic (my fav store) i hafta get xl for baby tees. *sigh* and good luck finding pants that fit because my waist is tiny but my hips and thighs are curvy.
also women with large busts *raises hand*, forget about finding anything that fits. period.

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mydragonfido

well I also find shopping as a chore I where A 16-18 and I am short walmart levis are my best bet. As for lane bryant I wear like a 14 lol. That is so imessed up. Apparently they think everyone has itty bitty titties too. I wear a 40DDD. That is fun to shop for lol.