"Imagining" Fit: ... but the model isn't my size! - YouLookFab Forum

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"Imagining" Fit: ... but the model isn't my size!

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

As you guys know, I tend to order most of my clothes online. I usually can "guess" whether or not something fits me, by evaluating the fit on a conventional model. I have noticed that some "indie" brands have been using models that are not the typical size 2, but I usually can approximate what the garment would look like in a size 4 and feel relatively confident ordering and more often than not, I would achieve the look I desired.

Now, within the last few months, I have noticed that certain retailers have tended towards using models that are larger than me, instead of being smaller than me. I have attached an example of a dress that I purchased - both on a model and on the dress form.

From evaluating the dress form and the dresses from Closet I have ordered before, I knew that it would fit me, but when I look at the young lady who wears the dress - I'm not sure if it will fit me. I realize this is an irrational fear, but it's really hard to "size down" in my mind that same dress. In fact, I "size up" in my mind, and worry that this same dress will now make me look huge - If it makes the model look the size it does (average) then it's going to make me look huge (vs. clothes that make models look tiny that make me look average).

It is really making me balk at ordering certain things - worrying that I will look huge because the model isn't a size 2 or 4.

Does this happen to anyone else?

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15 replies

Latest reply was from lyn*

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

In this example it looks like they are using a real live person, a stylist rather than a model, to model the clothes. And she does look bigger than you.

At the places where I order clothes, the clothes are usually modeled in a designer size 4 (which is smaller than a conventional 4), or a designer S. These are both the sizes I wear, but the models are always so much taller than me, and therefore thinner. I never know how clothes will look on me, I would like them to look something like they do on the model, but they usually look not as good (skinny jeans I'm looking at you). Once in a blue moon something actually looks better on me than on models.

AndiB

Veteran

and of course many of us have the opposite challenge! seeing great outfits on small sized models! I've just started pinning, and grab a lot of outfits that appeal to me and look great on the models (whether actual models or just women snapping their photos and pinning them) and when I try to recreate the outfits - since I am NOT a model, or model sized - never find the outfits look quite right. Our eyes have become skewed to small, and while I know we should embrace the bodies we have, it is extremely difficult to do when almost all depictions are tiny. Love Angie's idea of using REAL women, of all sizes and shapes, to highlight fashion.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I do think most of us have to struggle with a version of this, Lyn. We have to learn how to "translate" the look online or in the catalogue or even on the hanger to ourselves, our own unique shapes. And even those who are nominally the same size as the models can be sure the clothes will look different on them than on the model unless they are as tall and thin as the model -- which hardly any of us are.

This works against us, when, like Denise, we're hoping we'll look similar in the clothes. It can work *for* us with certain items. For example, wrap tops and dresses often look awful on the models (in my opinion) but will look a whole heck of a lot better on most customers (except, sadly, for me, but that's another issue!)

This particular dress looks like the cut and style that you frequently wear. The diagonal pattern *might* be slightly broadening...but then again, the pattern might just as easily be minimizing, moving the eye away from "trouble spots." (Not that you have any). I think it will look as good on you as all your fit and flare dresses (assuming the colour works); it will just look different on you than on the larger model.

The problem here is actually not as extreme as the one many shoppers face, because although this model does look larger than you, her overall shape is similar. She has a slim hourglass body type, a bit fuller in the bust (maybe?) than in the hips, which I believe you do, as well? So at least you know the overall impression the dress will give. When a curvy woman has to compare an item to a stick-straight model, it can be really confusing to figure out. Which is why Angie's idea is so great and why YLF is so great!

ManidipaM

Veteran

I think an extra confounding factor in this example may be the garment *as styled* --- the jacket is obscuring the shape of the garment in some ways, in fact it's most slimming aspects (the shoulders and fitted waist). The length hits at the hip, emphasizing the flare of the dress and the width at that point. Plus the level of distortion this sort of pattern develops over a fuller bust, shot from a low angle like in this photo, is probably not something you need to worry about.

That said, I think this is a common enough issue, in one direction or another. I can *never* identify where on my body a garment will fall looking at models, mannequins or even other women. I have to wear it to know, because I simply AM that short that it's pointless to even compare. I steer clear of certain kinds of patterns when I buy online, therefore, knowing poor placement or pattern or waistline or hem will play havoc with the effect of the garment. (Alas, this means all fit and flare dresses are out, for me!)

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

I agree with Suz that while this model is not the same size as you she has a similar body type which can be easier to translate. It is much more Difficult for many body types to try and translate when the models are drastically different. Ordering online will always have it's risks, but since it opens more doors we just have to makre our best educated guess.

I think any layering piece with this dress would have to be a more cropped version that of the model.

nicoleb

(website)

Veteran

I honestly don't like when they tell the size the model is wearing and then her measurements because the garment size is always the size that i wear yet the models measurements are usually always smaller than mine (especially that hip area).

But then when i go ahead and order my size 90% of the time it fits so then i feel like the website lied or forgot to mention it was clipped to fit or something. Who knows.

Online reviews also mess me up. People will be screaming out, "THIS RUNS TINY!!!! Size up like 10 times!!!" (ok not really). Which again, makes me question myself, i'll size up and then it's too big.

I guess these are all the downsides to online shopping hmm?

Anonymous

Yes. I think whether you need to imagine it smaller or larger, you have the issue of not being able to predict how it will make you look. I think that's why I don't shop online too much. I wind up returning much more than I keep.

For me, the height of the model is the bigger issue. I usually assume that the model shown is around 5'9" or 5'10". I judge how long a dress will be on me based on that height. But Zappos' models are often 5'5". So a dress right that stops right above their knee is a tunic on me!

Anonymous

Maybe this is why I don't do a lot of online shopping. The biggest factor for me is height (leg length). The fit of pants, crops, skirts and dresses all depend on this, and with the varying waist placements these days, the skirt length or inseam measurement doesn't always tell the whole story.

Size down in this dress. This model's size would be too big for you. And you will look your normal, small size. Really.

Anonymous

I just look at the garment as per the stock photo (Sans the model - I would google the garment until I find a version without the model). I can then gauge if it would fit or not, based on my individual fit challenges.

I don't see how you could go around the issue unless you are over 5'8" and a US size 2 or 4. I think those are the "standard" measurements for catalog modeling these days.

Anonymous

I can not judge what clothing will look like on me by seeing it on a model. I also always assume the model is on the tall side so that would mean dresses would be much longer on me. I very much doubt the model of this dress is 5'2" like me and yet the dress hits about the same at the knee. the dress on the model looks like it was made just for her with a longer skirt length.

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Nicole D

Veteran

That's an interesting thought Lyn. I am usually as tall or taller than the models, so when they give their measurements I am in shock. It is not really helpful. WOuld be great to have the measurements of the garments rather than the models. If the inseam isn't listed, I don't even bother.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I would be astounded to ever see a model remotely close to my body shape and size, even though I am quite average in size. Translating a catalog picture to my own body is a crapshoot at best. If you are lucky enough to be able to predict fit from a model even half the time, I envy you. This us why I rarely shop online.

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

Thanks ladies!

I have noticed dress length to be quite tricky - some of the stores will swap out models and make you think the dresses are of a certain length when you browse - especially at Forever 21! Super short dress alert!

I have been starting to rely on measurements more; and I think that like nicoleb, I get cold feet when people tell me to size up at least a size or two, then I end up with a pillowcase. LOL. Oh joys!

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I go by measurements since I do a lot of shopping online. I now know I can't wear a dress shorter than 34" or 35" for example. Luckily, I am pretty standard size 4 in most brands so I don't have a lot of fit issues, besides short waistedness.

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

@ Mo - Ditto here; 35" is the minimum for me - even though tons of cute stuff is 33"