I wonder though if size inconsistency has become more of a problem within the last 10 years because it’s now fashionable to wear close-fitting styles which means the fit has to be more precise. When I was in high school and university in the 1990s, for example, I never had a problem finding button down shirts that fit, because shirts were not so form fitting back then. Now everything is tight in the shoulders, even if the body of the shirt fits. Same with jackets. I also don’t remember seeing so many people in skintight T-shirts and knit tops back then as I’m seeing now.

And I am going to ask for you to excuse my French but *I’m* going to wear pants that are too short than go thru a hassle to even go *anywhere* near this monstrosity: http://www.martinandosa.com/we.....jsp#womens

What does that chart mean? I’m an American Consumer, what’s all this stuff about Japanese sizes? Can’t that be a separate chart? Can’t there be a list that I can click on what sizing system I want and get a chart in that sizing system? I mean, it is SERIOUS information overload for somebody that wants to know wtf is a 12 in inches at Martin + Osa.

Can’t we just HAVE one sizing system, by the way?

This is one of those reasons why sometimes I wish I was a man. Not only is all the formal clothing highly ritualized to the point where a lot of the “womanly” art of guesswork is taken out of men’s hands, but at six feet, I’d be pretty much catered to on a silver tea set.

Quite right, Anne. Australia uses British sizes, which means that a US zero is the equivalent to a size 6 or 8 in the UK (or Australia or South Africa). The same way a US size zero is equivalent to a French size 36 and a German size 32. Hope that makes sense. It’s all rather confusing.

I like Sal’s suggestions about free tailoring too!

I hear you ladies. Size inconsistency is especially frustrating when it comes to ordering online. It would be a step in the right direction if retailers offered detailed garment measurements on their sites. Nordstrom does this best at the moment.

As for being able to go into a single store and be assured that EVERYTHING in a particular size from that store is consistently fitting, is still a tall order. Style and fabric integrity influence garment production. Having worked in a factory and with garment manufacturers for years, I can honestly say that clothing manufacture is an absolute art and not a science. It is very hard to control size consistency. As is, retailers do a superb job. Higher end retailers do an especially good job which is to Carissa’s point.

There are stores who are notoriously bad with size consistency like H&M, Anne Taylor Loft, Old Navy, Esprit and J Crew. Then there are stores who are outstanding with size consistency, like Club Monaco. I can walk into that store and pick up virtually any item in my size and it will fit perfectly. That is a rare retail experience. Banana Republic does a pretty good job as well.

Carrie, why don’t you start off the topic by posting a thread on the forum. The ladies there adore making lists.

Cathy, I understand your sizing frustrations. If you’re after a size 1, then Ana is spot on with her suggestion. But because sizing is inconsistent across the retail industry, you might fit into a size 0 somewhere else. I’d be happy to give you a list of stores that make adult clothing to fit your dainty frame. Also, remember that style is not a size, age or budget. Dressing well and looking good in the body that you have is totally achievable whether you’re a size 2, 8 or 14. If you’re not convinced, have a look at the stylish lasses on our form where we have all sizes and body types covered. It proves this point over and over again.