https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/size-limitations Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 21 May 2026 20:30:35 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/size-limitations/page/2#post-74510 Wed, 24 Jun 2009 02:16:12 +0000 shiny 74510@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Steph, just wanted to comment about the petites taking a smaller size than regulars. That is true with many labels, but not at Jcrew! They tell you this in their sizing charts too. For example in regular Jcrew I am a 0 but I am told to size UP to a 2p for petites. (which works so I'm not complaining... )</p> <p>I have actually been waiting for them to fix this for years now, since they came out with petites. BR/Gap/ON does this really well: the width is consistent whether you are a whatever-regular vs petite; only the length is different. Makes it easier! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/size-limitations/page/2#post-74504 Wed, 24 Jun 2009 01:53:37 +0000 50andstylish 74504@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Have been gone all day so just got a chance to read the recent posts. Thank you Steph for taking the time to look at the new catalog items and sizing. I actually got a reply from JCrew customer service and they said the they limited sizing to just a few items and those are mainly in the collection line. so that coupled with your post does make me feel better. Was also pleased that JCrew took the time to respond and it was a personal response, not just a general ...thank you for sharing your opinion...email. Am still hoping some of you will come w/the "hidden gems" of shopping for those of us at or above size 12 who are also 45 plus. Do such stores/websites even exist in real life or just in my shopping dreams? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/size-limitations/page/2#post-74476 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 23:22:06 +0000 Steph 74476@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think this whole conversation is fascinating and I have been following along.</p> <p>I did want to tell 50andstylish, however, that I think the information you got about J. Crew not offering larger sizes in a lot of catalogue items is actually a little bit off. I just received my new catalogue and looked through it to see how many items were available in only size 12 or smaller, and there were actually very few that fell into that category. The clothes that were available in only size 12 or smaller were:<br /> A pair of very short shorts<br /> A very short miniskirt<br /> A pair of pants</p> <p>I am guessing that they probably don't sell a lot of short shorts and miniskirts in the larger sizes, so they decided not to make them. The pants were a very slim cut, so perhaps those aren't big sellers in large sizes either? </p> <p>And that's all I saw that wasn't available in the larger sizes. I did notice that a lot of the petites only came in sizes up to 12 petite, but they were available in larger sizes if you bought the regular. (And as a short person, I know that I wear a "smaller" size than someone of average height who is the same build as I am, so it might be that they don't have a lot of demand for petites above size 12 for that reason.) </p> <p>I hope that makes you feel a little bit better about J. Crew. It really didn't look like they were excluding larger sizes when I looked at the catalogue! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/size-limitations/page/2#post-74473 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 23:20:42 +0000 Chris 74473@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Once you get the right fitting garment home yo ucan always cut out the size tags! We should not blame ourselves for manufactorers/retailers poor sizing standards.<br /> Right on Angie! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/size-limitations/page/2#post-74469 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 23:11:23 +0000 Angie 74469@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wish I could hypnotize us all! Focus on the fit and not the size, focus on the fit and not the size, focus on the fit and not the size…..alter sizes to fit, alter sizes to fit, alter sizes to fit……………..</p> <p>I do not want to discourage you from your weight loss goals, but your goal is to dress the body you have now in the best possible way. What does it matter what the size is on the label? If a garment FITS, you’ll look fab! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/size-limitations/page/2#post-74404 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 18:51:13 +0000 chewyspaghetti 74404@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sarah- I'm going to start a new thread and put that link in it </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/size-limitations/page/2#post-74399 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 18:40:45 +0000 Sarah 74399@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>CS, I read this article this morning and it really shed some light on what you're talking about. I've been struggling with how to view myself with my body changes lately.<br /> <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31489881/ns/health-womens_health/" rel="nofollow">http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31.....ns_health/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/size-limitations/page/2#post-74398 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 18:35:53 +0000 chewyspaghetti 74398@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sarah I think I am having the opposite issue as your friend. I was trying on dresses last night, and everything was just too big. I had to really convince myself that, yes- that smaller size really did fit me, and I deserved to wear it LOL </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/size-limitations#post-74362 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 16:04:53 +0000 Sarah 74362@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This may be OT, but I'm really tired of sizes too. To me, a size is a way to guage which pair or pairs of pants I'm going to take into the fitting room and try. I hate saying "I'm a 6 or 8" because I'm not. Those are the sizes I'd grab to try typically, but I have things in my wardrobe ranging from 2 - 10.<br /> I recently went shopping with a friend who has lost more weight and is now down a size. I think it frustrated her when the new size didn't fit her across the board and wouldn't even consider trying the next size up in some items.<br /> We get so hung up on a number, and it's only making us feel worse about ourselves. Same with our weight number. It's great to be healthy, but to categorize ourselves by those digits is just unfair.<br /> /rant from someone who's lost weight and recently got over the hang up of size numbers </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/size-limitations#post-74361 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:51:38 +0000 chewyspaghetti 74361@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Check out Target, Kohl's and The Gap </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/size-limitations#post-74276 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 03:18:29 +0000 50andstylish 74276@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have also greatly enjoyed this discussion. Not sure I feel any better about my retail options but am hoping there are some hidden gems I am just not aware of. What stores are you all aware of that stock up to a woman's reg. size 16, carry stylish clothing, are not overly expensive and that you feel confident recommending. I am looking for stores other than the usual Ann Taylor, B. Republic, Macys, Jcrew and Anthro. Are there on line sites you have successfully ordered from or lesser known retail stores some of us are not aware of? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/size-limitations#post-74262 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 02:35:20 +0000 Chris 74262@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am not so bothered by telling a salesperson my size but having been in retail for 22 years, I have seen the other side of it and think I get where Maya is coming from.<br /> It does not bother me at all to take multiple sizes in to try on - that's what stores do! Don't worry about the go backs ladies. My team always called that "job security".</p> <p>I am not always happy with my size (and apparently - who is?) but will work with it to dress right for me.<br /> It does bother me that a lot of the professional, well paid women I know have to struggle to find anything over size 10 in most boutiques and even chain stores. It's a market that is underserved, I am convinced. </p> <p>This has been such an interesting discussion! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/size-limitations#post-74005 Sun, 21 Jun 2009 23:15:09 +0000 Maya 74005@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Carissa, I actually remember thinking I didn't "qualify" when I looked at your size chart the first time. Now it makes much more sense. And please take on my help any time you want. You have more than helped me on many occasions! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/size-limitations#post-74002 Sun, 21 Jun 2009 23:00:54 +0000 carissa 74002@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you Maya! Yes, you are in our target, as your picture attests. And I recently changed our size chart to reflect that more accurate measurement so thats validation. I appreciate your help.</p> <p>Shiny, we work with Kathleen at FI, she is actually consulting with us so we can make sure we have the best fitting patterns possible. Its a compliment that she tooks us on. Most people on her site are not consumers though. Better than the blog is the forum, which one has to show proof of purchasing the book to be a member of. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/size-limitations#post-73976 Sun, 21 Jun 2009 18:22:55 +0000 Maya 73976@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I figured you might understand Shiny. Being short means we will just naturally look larger than someone who is taller, but still the same size. Looking at Tanya, I would never even dream that I could share clothes with her, but lo and behold, we are the same size (or at least we were, I hope she puts the weight back on )</p> <p>I know what you mean about BR dresses too. I am a 0 in their skirts, a 0 in their pants, 0 or 2 in their jeans, and an XS or PS in their tops. But dresses are just so different. Your dress obviously was a 4P and fits me like a glove. I am not sure why their dress sizes are so inconsistent.</p> <p>I tried on this dress (just for kicks) because I thought the ruffling and neckline would be very flattering on my shoulders/collarbone area (the neckline could be adjusted to hang lower in the front than it shows in the picture), but it looked terrible and it was so tight.</p> <p><a href="http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=26497&#038;vid=1&#038;pid=646647" rel="nofollow">http://bananarepublic.gap.com/.....pid=646647</a></p> <p>I think it might be because so many of the dresses do not have any stretch content. In casual jersey dresses, I still take my regular size. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/size-limitations#post-73950 Sun, 21 Jun 2009 14:48:09 +0000 shiny 73950@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Carissa, the Fashion Incubator blogger talks about how she thinks that women's sizing should be designed similar to bra sizing. I won't explain it as well as she does. Here you go:<br /> <a href="http://www.fashion-incubator.com/archive/alternatives_in_womens_sizing/" rel="nofollow">http://www.fashion-incubator.c.....ns_sizing/</a><br /> Maybe you could get some publicity for your business on her blog? :-)</p> <p>Taylor, if it was only a matter of hemming sleeves and pant length, that would be an inconvenience but not a nightmare. The nightmare is that I am short everywhere, especially from shoulder to bra band, and bra band to waist. It's especially problematic to try to tailor down a regular-sized 3/4 length coat, or dress. As the tailor has said to me, "it'd be easier to start from scratch." </p> <p>(Mind you, I'm just as sympathetic to very tall girls too - and basically anyone who falls far outside the average.)</p> <p>Maya, I understand completely what you are saying as it's what I am saying too: I may have the width dimensions of a size 0, but I certainly don't have the overall slim proportions of a 5'10" model. Extend me by 10 inches and I might! </p> <p>But, you ARE a 0. And so am I (or I was, before I gained a few pounds). We are in the sense that if you imagine a bell curve. At the top of that curve is the bulk of all women shopping at BR. They are size 10, medium's. We are to the far left of that peak. Your girlfriend is completely off of it. I know it may be annoying to listen to her complain, but she has a legitimate gripe too. It must be frustrating for her too. Especially if she is not only slim, but also overly short or overly tall too. She probably does not know she is coming across as snide to your ears. </p> <p>As for sales clerks, I always worry I'm going to annoy them because I bring in multiple sizes of everything I try on! Tops I can be an XS or S, depending on the cut. Pants I'm either 0 or 2, depending on the cut, and sometimes the regular will fit better than the petite, so I bring those too. Dresses at BR I can be anywhere from a 0 to a 6. I never did understand what was up with that! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/size-limitations#post-73932 Sun, 21 Jun 2009 04:20:06 +0000 Angie 73932@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, Maya. I appreciate your thought process. You have thought about this a lot. Don’t worry your pretty little head about it anymore! </p> <p>Perfect fit = the forever elusive thing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/size-limitations#post-73922 Sun, 21 Jun 2009 03:12:08 +0000 Maya 73922@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think I am just traumatized by a few bad experiences. Any time a salesperson asks me if I need any help I get all nervous. Some of you weren't around when this happened, but I actually entered a contest by writing about my worst fitting room/salesperson experience and won a pair of premium denim for my entry (so hey at least something good came of it). I won't go into too much detail, but the woman was making some unbelievable comments about my chest and hips. It's not even the only incident like that. I NEVER ask for help whenever I can help it. I just hate it when they have to make comments under the illusion that they are "helping." It just seems like common sense not to give your opinion unless asked! </p> <p>Angie, I'm not sure how else I can explain it aside from what I wrote. Hmm. Well. you're a "real" size 0, I'm a "fake" 0. Size 0 has SUCH a reputation with people due to the media and all the controversy it brings up in the modeling world (even though a retail size 0 is completely different from a modeling size 0). When most people think 0, they think unbelievably dainty. So when I say I'm a size 0 it just feels like I'm lying, and it does seem to raise a few eyebrows. Shiny is probably a true size 0 in the hips at least. I am not really a 0 anywhere. Of course, much of this is probably my own paranoia and demons, and I know that. I know 95% of people don't even care enough to think about it, but I guess I just have bad luck.</p> <p>I have also had numerous conversations with friends about this, particularly with the one friend I mentioned who is ultra slim (even slimmer than April). I can't stand going shopping with her because she is always making snide comments along the way. She will pick up an XS at Banana Republic, for example, and say "THIS is an extra small?! It's HUGE!" I mean, she knows she is skinny, and I can't help but feel like she constantly needs to point it out at everyone else's expense. So, obviously when a "huge" person like me picks up an XS or 0 off the rack in front of her, it's a little uncomfortable--I can't even imagine how uncomfortable it would be if I were an XL.</p> <p>(If you're wondering why I'm friends with this person, well, it is definitely a love-hate relationship.)</p> <p>Taylor, I would gladly donate to you if it wasn't so squicky! If only boobs were like clothes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/size-limitations#post-73921 Sun, 21 Jun 2009 01:21:40 +0000 taylor 73921@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny,</p> <p>Well, at the end of the day I think we all are saying the same thing.....hard to find clothes to fit...no matter what size. I understand the petite issues, because I could only imagine how hard it would be to have everthing fit everywhere...if you could only shave 4 inches off the sleeves and pant length...argh!!</p> <p>Maya, I find it unacceptable that sales people treat you like that:( I wonder if seeing you from behind a counter , and just seeing your generous chest size...thinking a ..0, without seeing the tiny rest of you( still no excuse for them)..double whammy for you being small everywhere else, shoulders, hips,etc. and larger on top..(I would happily relieve you of some of that if I could). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/size-limitations#post-73918 Sun, 21 Jun 2009 00:05:04 +0000 shiny 73918@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Angie. I have been buying BR pants for the past 10-15 years. In my closet I have sizes 0, 2, and 4 and all of them still fit. I can hold them up and they are exactly the same size, except for the size label. The 0's are the most recent and the size 4's are older. </p> <p>Taylor, I have a B-C chest and (if you don't count the recent 5 lb weight gain, which is putting me firmly in size 2's), usually around 108. I can certainly understand you having to shop in juniors section in the 80s!! In high school, when I was 103 lbs and an A cup I had to do the same. They did not even have petites back when I was in high school. I remember shopping a lot at the 5-7-9 shop. Today there's been size evolution in juniors too, because now we have 1's and 3's! </p> <p>I graduated college at my current weight and measurements (except my waist was an inch or two slimmer). I am thinking about the clothes I wore to my first job. I bought a lot of Ann Klein back then. Size 4p. I loved that label back then! Ann Klein may have run differently than Ann Taylor; I did not shop there... was it even around? ... if it was, it may have been that it simply didn't fit me? </p> <p>Let's see, what else did I wear? Jones New York, Liz Claiborne. Both in petites. And Petite Sophisticate! Liz Claiborne I know for sure is too large on me now. It is also not to my taste. It used to be trendier and younger. Talbots, I also shopped there. I was in there about a month or two ago, trying on raincoats and their smallest size 0p raincoat was absolutely HUGE on me. Talbots and Liz have definitely undergone size evolution - and I am guessing a big part of that is that they've tried to keep up with their aging demographic?</p> <p>When I go into vintage stores, I always check out the stuff from the 1940s. For those, I would take an 8! I leave empty handed though because my waist is just not small enough. But, based on the clothes from that era, it does seem people were shorter. </p> <p>I do understand what Maya and Chris are saying. It does seem weird asking for a size 0. I also don't think I look like a size 0. I don't even like that number. It seems to imply that there's no place else to go, but into the negative zone. And it makes me worry that size evolution will continue and soon I will have no options left. It's not like I'm going to grow any taller. Sure I could gain weight but that doesn't solve anything, because as the sizes go up, it's not just the width that increases, it's also the length. </p> <p>Take my measurements and apply them to someone 8 or 9 or 10 inches taller than me and you have a svelte model. That is the image of "size 0" in my mind. For me to look that thin, my proportions would have to decrease accordingly - let's say 26-16-26. Which isn't going to happen (nor would I want it to - I'm just saying). </p> <p>I've been checking out the sample sales on gilt (haven't bought a thing, probably won't) and I have to chuckle when the description says "the model's measurements are 5'10" 32 chest, 24 waist, 34 hips and she is wearing a size 2." That seems to suggest that the size 4, which would fit my chest, would be best on someone who's 6'0"?? Or at least, definitely not 5'0. </p> <p>If you go on over to the Fashion Incubator blog and search through the archives, there's a lot there about history of sizing and sizing evolution. One point she makes is that a medium represents the average person in the retailer's demographic, and the size that they will make more of. So if the average person is growing both taller and wider, then the medium gets taller and wider. The fact that retailers are even offering XS and XXS and XXXS, and petite versions, and tall versions, and plus size versions.... well, it's mind-boggling when you think about it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/size-limitations#post-73914 Sat, 20 Jun 2009 23:31:28 +0000 Angie 73914@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny, I love your new term “size evolution”. So fab! It is 100% true that sizes have grown over time. I see that at Dress For Sucess every week. Sometimes we receive donations 15 years old and a size 8 back then is closer to a size 4 today. </p> <p>Remember my post on vanity sizing? There was an extremely good comment from Kathleen who gives us an industry’s perspective: </p> <p><a href="http://youlookfab.com/2007/08/06/vanity-sizing/" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/2007/08/06/vanity-sizing/</a></p> <p>Taylor, I’m glad that you can find items that fit you today – or you can at least have altered to fit! It’s really hard to find clothes in America to fit a very small and petite frame.</p> <p>So Maya and Chris, help me out. Why are you affected by sales staff and the size that you wear? I’d like to understand but I can’t figure it out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/size-limitations#post-73911 Sat, 20 Jun 2009 22:43:37 +0000 taylor 73911@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So, to Shiny's point if a 0 now was a 4 ...a 00 would have been a 2...not possible, I could never wear a 2..but that was my only option then...so I shopped Jr.s...and why I beleive 0 then=2 now ,00 now =0</p> <p>And being very small chested, xxs, or xsp,works , only because I have no boobies. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/size-limitations#post-73908 Sat, 20 Jun 2009 22:28:16 +0000 taylor 73908@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, again ladies we are talking about women, not Jr. sizing. In the 80's, when I actually was a woman NOTHING fit me, thank goodness for leggings and jackets.<br /> A size 2 (all womens clothes offered) then was always HUGE. I could never have worn a 4 ,so I am not sure today's 0 was a 4 in the 80's...that doesn't seem possible. I am literally 103 lbs, at most.</p> <p>However, I have seen some people squeeze into a 0, when they are clearly a 2 or 4. Yes, AT is generouse in size..but not 4 sizes off. </p> <p>I believe a 0 is equivalent to a 2 nowadays...that's how they fit me...and why I had to drop down to 00. Remember in the 80's there was no size 0...they all started at 2...and why I had to shop Jr.s. Now they off the 00 for those who are a Jr. size, but not teens. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/size-limitations#post-73907 Sat, 20 Jun 2009 22:10:32 +0000 Maya 73907@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Carissa, I'm a 32F so I have no doubt I'm your target market. I'm actually not all that big around the bust though--around 36". I say this with some hesitation since we were just discussing the oddities of sizing, but I think my "true" size (i.e. the size that I take in stores that don't run big or small) is a size 4. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/size-limitations#post-73902 Sat, 20 Jun 2009 21:37:05 +0000 carissa 73902@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Chris has good input.</p> <p>I manufacture a line of clothing for full-bust figure (D+ bra cup &#38; misses body). </p> <p>Also I am a solid size 12-14, but not near Women's in proportions. I wonder what the average size of the YLF forum member is. I fit women all the time who are disatisfied with their bodies, and it makes me sad. Please, one doesn't have to be perfect or compete with the media. Does your body work? It functions well, then 5-10 pounds is OK with me. We are always encouraging women to accept themselves, especially as we work with the well endowed who often curse their ample bosoms.</p> <p>I'm helped by the fact that I was never small, all of my days. My smallest was a 10, but even through college I think I was a 12.</p> <p>Yes, the big sizes always flee first from the floor, but can also usually be tracked down.</p> <p>Separately, Maya, what is your bust measurement (around the fullest part (nipple))? I'm changing our size chart and in your pictures you look like our target market. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/size-limitations#post-73896 Sat, 20 Jun 2009 18:35:12 +0000 Maya 73896@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny, "vanity sizing" isn't just making clothing larger. It specifically refers to the idea that manufacturers are making clothing larger to satisfy the egos of customers. That is why it is VANITY sizing. It's the belief that retailers cut their sizes more generously to make women think they lost weight or feel thinner, and therefore more likely to make a purchase in their "smaller" size.</p> <p>I know cuts are bigger and I did not dispute that--actually I agreed. But I think they SHOULD be bigger and they are supposed to be bigger because Americans are bigger. You can't continue using sizes from 200 years ago or even 20 years ago! It has nothing to do with ego stroking or psychology...and if it does, that's fine because it kind of had to happen anyway. I'm just kind of tired of hearing people complain about it and make sarcastic remarks about how "THIS is a size 0?!" As if even today's size 0 is enormous.</p> <p>Chris, I'm a little freaked out even telling my own friends what my size is! Particularly friends who are smaller than me. I am probably just paranoid though. Salespeople probably aren't as snarky as I think since they know what the sizes at the store are like...but I don't know. I just feel like I have to explain myself: "I'm only a size 0 here because it runs big, I'm not in denial!" </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/size-limitations#post-73893 Sat, 20 Jun 2009 18:15:12 +0000 shiny 73893@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maya, I'm not following you. Or maybe I'm not being clear. When I say "vanity sizing" I simply mean that what used to be a size 4 is now a size 0. That's a simple, indisputable fact. I am not insisting it's been done to make me feel better about my size, just that sizes have indeed changed. Perhaps I should've used the term "size evolution" instead? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/size-limitations#post-73887 Sat, 20 Jun 2009 17:07:36 +0000 Chris 73887@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny - I disagree that a current ATL 14 fits like their old 16. I think vanity sizing can only compare today's market to 30plus years ago.<br /> Maya - I follow your line of reasoning totally. Salespeople should not be there to judge you! I am struck by your coment of how judgemental you feel they are. It's hard no matter the size of our bodies :(</p> <p>50andstylish - I don't think it is true that sizes 12/14/16 were not selling, nor that ladies larger than 10 shop. How many times as a size 14 I have had to hunt and hunt for that size to be left on a rack at AT/ATL? There is a branch near my house and I shopped there often (yes, the sales staff knows me) and this week one of the managers told me they have had many old customers stop shopping due to a lack of sizes. </p> <p>I do know from my professional experience that retailers have to decide how much floor space to devote to each category and how much up front investment in garments. I get that they are worried about profits in this economy and unfortunately have decided to shave some margin where they thought it would hurt business the least. </p> <p>Now let's find some clothes that DO fit us shall we </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/size-limitations#post-73884 Sat, 20 Jun 2009 16:42:38 +0000 Maya 73884@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OK, don't hit me but I'm not sure that I believe in vanity sizing either. I think all of these ideas women have about how retailers and manufacturers and/or designers determine fit are largely conspiracy theories. Sizes have to evolve with the people who will be wearing them. If people today are astronomically bigger than they were in 1970, then the sizes should be as well. For all the complaints we have about fit now, can you imagine trying to work with sizes from 1980? Anyone who is a modern size 12 would probably be off the charts, which is unacceptable when that is the average size.</p> <p>Personally vanity sizing does not really have an effect on me. Sure I often fit into a 0 at Banana Republic and Ann Taylor and the Loft, but I also know that whatever the size on the label, I am still my size and my measurements are the same. I know when people look at me, they do not see a size 0. In fact it's almost embarrassing for me to tell a salesperson or anyone else that I'm a 0 because I feel like people are judging me and thinking I am lying. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/size-limitations#post-73871 Sat, 20 Jun 2009 14:50:06 +0000 shiny 73871@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Back in the 80s when I was about the same measurements as I am now, or even a bit slimmer all around, I took a size 4. Now today I take a size 0. So I think we need to take into consideration vanity sizing. </p> <p>Meanwhile the population has become both taller, and wider. I can vouch for the taller part... I have not shrunk but it seems harder and harder for me to find regular-sized clothing that is close enough to fit me length-wise, with perhaps a little hemming here and there but no major alterations, like I used to be able to do. That includes Jcrew. A size 0 regular will fit me widthwise but I will be swimming in it lengthwise. </p> <p>I am sick with the flu so I may not be making any sense, but I guess I'm trying to say that maybe a size 8 at Jcrew is now really a size 14. Of course what does that mean. Who knows. They keep changing the measurement system and it differs from store to store (and country to country). You need to try things on and ignore the label. If size 14 is the most common measurement, these stores are offering it for sure: it just might be called something else. Like "8."</p> <p>And I am betting if you used to take a size 16 at Ann Taylor that the size 14 today will fit just like it. </p> <p>Regarding the other related thread: the XXS at ATL fits just like the XS used to. Welcome to vanity sizing in action. </p> <p>And hurray for Old Navy - they are now offering not just regulars but also pluses, talls, and petites. It's just you have to order the other sizes online. But think about that: That is an incredible range of sizing. So at least at some retailers I am seeing MORE sizing options, not less. </p>