Second-guessing size charts for ordering the best fit (order update) - YouLookFab Forum

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Second-guessing size charts for ordering the best fit (order update)

Murph11

Veteran

After trying a handful of dresses for upcoming events, I decided to wear a perfectly fine dress hanging in my closet from 3 years ago (can you sense my enthusiasm?). Then, this Maggy London dress popped up. After 2 days of consideration, I ordered it. I haven't worn ML since the late 80s/early 90s, so I consulted their size chart: Bust (6); Waist (8); Hip (12). I hope this isn't a recipe for disaster, but I ordered a 10 (I'm usually an 8-10 or M). The skirt is fairly straight (fit-n-flare works for me), but it's a wrap, so maybe there will be some wiggle-room for adjusting the fit. There were no reviews for fit insight.

Online shopping is a 50/50 endeavor at best for me, so we shall see.

I'm interested to hear how you order -- especially if your measurements don't align: Do you simply order your size, or do you strictly adhere to the chart?

https://www.maggylondon.com/allie-wrap-g3510m-byog

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26 replies

Latest reply was from Suz

Liz A.

Veteran

I find it helpful to know where your usual pain points are. For me, it's usually the shoulders/upper back and chest, so I'll let that measurement guide my choice. In most pants for whatever reason, I can normally wear the size down from whatever size is indicated by my measurement. This is all learned from trial and error, but I will say Boden is great because they give the garment measurements online.

Barbara Diane

Veteran

Same problem here. Usually I have to order a bigger size than my bust to fit the rest of me. I check the fit for where there is extra material that might “flow” over my larger areas. When it’s Nordstrom I often order 2 sizes at once. I actually ended up ordering a third size of a dress and I’ve returned the first two. The middle size fit the best but the length on the third was the only one that worked. May not decide whether to keep it
until I see if I wear it. Luckily, although it does not carry my size I have a local store so the return credit show on my account fast and the rejected items return to inventory.

Barbara Diane

Veteran

Wow, I didn’t realize Boden has garment measurements online. Thanks Liz A.

Sara L.

Veteran

What a great dress! I hope it works out for you. I usually check the charts but if the size ends up way different from my usual, based on one measurement, I'll order my usual size.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

That's a gorgeous dress -- I hope it works out! If it's made of jersey there should be some give.

I order online a lot. It does take time to get to know a maker and even once you do, items aren't always consistently sized even within a brand. It's wonderful that Boden gives the garment measurements -- it definitely helps, though even that is not foolproof.

I agree with Liz. First, figure out your personal fit challenges -- what area (if any) typically proves a sticking point for you. Make sure the garment will fit there. Then consider whether you would be willing to pay for alterations elsewhere, should that be possible and if so, factor that into your costs. It's clear you gave some thought to the cut here (some ease in the skirt). In my experience, that's exactly what to do. You might need a different size in one cut of dress than another.

There are makers I don't bother with because I know they are unlikely to work well. And others I gravitate towards. After a while, you get to know the ones that work better for you.

Also, read reviews. The best review systems invite people to specify their body shape or else the reviewers offer that information. This is important, because the item that is "ridiculously tight" in the shoulders to an IT could be perfect for a pear or someone with narrow shoulders. The dress that is said to be "horribly unflattering" by someone who's a curvy hourglass might look superb on the gamine figure.

Anonymous

I order my "size." However, I read one of CindySmith's posts about how she carefully measures everything and has had great success. I am considering measuring the most important lines for myself (e.g., top length) and using a subset of measurements to better gauge online purchases.

But there is always some degree of guess work on my part.

Thistle

Veteran

Gorgeous dress! I hope it works for you!

I have found size charts unreliable at best. Usually, I find a brand and stick with it as their sizing tends to run similar (no guarantees, though).

It's one of the reasons why I won't buy anything online unless it has free shipping and I can return it for free. I don't feel like paying to try something on, and so many stores don;t stock in the B&M store even 1/4 of what they have on line.

Murph11

Veteran

Thanks for chiming in with all the good info!

Liz A, yet another good reason to shop Boden- garment measurements!

BD, I was going to order two sizes, but decided to gamble on the 10. I have done this as well with Nordstrom purchases, especially during NAS

Thanks, Sara L! I'm excited about the fun style, color and big-bold print

Suz, yes, I'm hoping the jersey works in my favor. And, I always assume in a dress like this I'll need at least minor alterations to make the top wrap stay closed to avoid a wardrobe malfunction!

Yes, Sterling and Thistle, sizing is a crap-shoot -- especially in an unknown brand, but today I was willing to chance it!

I'll update when it arrives. Fingers crossed!

Anonymous

I hope it works out for you.

Gigi

Veteran

When ordering online, I will look at the size chart to see if I can tell whether this maker generally runs large, small, or TTS. If I can see a general pattern, I will order accordingly with my usual sizes as a reference (e.g., I will order the smaller of my two sizes if the retailer appears to run large).

I have found that of all the measurements in the size chart, the waist measurements seem to be the least accurate. So I usually ignore those and focus on the hip instead--which is my problem spot.

I know that I generally wear one size smaller on top than on bottom, so I take that into account. If I'm ordering a fit-and-flare dress, I can use my bust size as the main point for ordering, because there's plenty of room to fit my rear end in a fit-and-flare. But if it's a form-fitting sheath, I will possibly need a size up. (I generally order two sizes for form-fitting bottoms.)

If the site is a retailer's own site (not a department store that stocks many lines of clothing), I will sometimes e-mail the retailer for exact measurements. J. Crew in particular has been excellent about giving me a timely response for measurements.

If shipping is free, I will generally order two sizes of things and then plan on returning one. I figure it's cheaper for everyone if I order everything up front and have only one shipping charge to and from, instead of extra charges to ship me replacement sizes.

As others noted, reviews can be helpful if you can pinpoint those written by people with your body shape.

karen13

Veteran

Gorgeous dress! I struggle with this as well, and am particularly frustrated but the huge size variation some manufacturers have even with the same size and style. I can only echo reading the reviews and know how your body differs from "averages".

Sal

Veteran

I also struggle with size charts- my hips might measure as one size but when I try that on the size is too big....

But last week in store I tried on three merino tops in a NZ size 12. They all "fitted" but one was far too wide, one was far too clingy, and one was the right width but the length was wrong.

I tend to only buy online from two - three retailers where I know my size.

I think US sizing is even more all over the place - I have seen size charts that have me in anything from a 6 to a 12.....

Anonymous

I order online frequently and agree sometimes it is hard to figure.
I am definitely on “Team Know Your Measurements “ because some sites will give garment specifications. And You can better use the size chart provided . Ladies- a tape measure is your friend.
Knowing your sites track record for consistency is a big help- like SUZ said you begin to know who to buy from and who to leave. SUZ & GIGI are on the money with reading reviews. You will get a feel if there are issues as to fit or fabric or if complaints are just individual.
As someone who as done alterations it is easier to take in than let out but within reason ( 1-2 sizes max depending on garment style). while doing stint in bridal ( whole different ballgame as to fit) we always ordered to largest body part ( usually bust or hips ) but as GIGI very smartly pointed out, style can sometimes let you overlook measurements ( hip issue- chemise closely follow/ A line- flair room to play). She is also right about waist being the least accurate measurement so you can play with that except when buying pants or skirt with fitted waist bands or style is seam fitted at waist.
I have been know to purchase 2 sizes and return 1 but I have also been known to “split the difference as you did. It was a good move. Be aware you might need a pin ( brooch, kilt pin ) to comfortably keep the wrap from opening if it is tight but not ridiculously tight.
It is a lovely dress and keep us informed as to how it works out- I sincerely hope it does.

FYI - if you wonder why some companies fit you better than others- it has to do with their use of fit models. When a company is making the pattern they get a “ fit model” with specific measurements ( commonly close to an 8 in sewing patterns- yes it is/ was different ). They fit the pattern to the model. Take it off her then lay the pattern down and add up so much to get your 10-12-14- 16 etc. pattern and size down to get your 6-4-2-0 pattern. Then the cutting begins. When you consider how much distortion will get into pattern doing this- is it no wonder garments need tailoring. That’s why I keep saying- it’s not you!!!! Of course there are companies that do use multiple size fit models- yay. But this is why you begin to know who you can buy from and have consistent luck ( although it sometimes seems they are all start to take short cuts lately - boohoo).

Murph11

Veteran

I'm thankful to you all for the wealth of detailed information coming in! I know others will also appreciate it when ordering online.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

GORGEOUS dress.

And what Suz said.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I try to order for my largest size need too. I often order two sizes if the return policy is generous (sometimes even if I know I'll pay extra shipping, I do it to make sure I get the opportunity to try both). I just did this today in fact ordering a simple tank on sale in both sizes just in case. Nordstrom luckily provides free returns. Overall I do try to order from brands I am familiar with - or brands that have enough reviews online. Sometimes if I can't find reviews about size info. on the specific store site, I search for the item on other places where there could be more information. And lastly, you can often call the store or company and ask for measurements on the item. This is more work and not the first step I take.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I'm with Suz. I take measurement charts with a grain of salt. I've tried going with sizes based on my trickiest part to fit (hips), and then the whole garment ends up being too big. I usually end up ordering "my" size based on what is fitting in stores at the time. It's a crapshoot, and I return a LOT.

Emily K

(website)

Veteran

I find that when I order by my measurements I get a fit that is about two sizes too big (and I like a looser fit, too--no pulling or snug parts allowed--so I don't know what's up with that.) I usually subtract 4 inches from my bust measurement and order the size that corresponds to the fudged measurement. This usually yields a good fit. I like ordering from Everlane. They have garment measurements, but also, the reviews can also include the reviewer's height, weight, usual size, and bust size: I find that to be incredibly helpful.

cindysmith

Veteran

Always the chart. If I'm between sizes, I order up because I can always have a seamstress tailor down. And I'm different sizes on top, middle, and bottom too. So I generally have to order to fit the bigger part.

It's crazy, how sizing makes no sense

Staysfit

Veteran

I use the size chart and if there are garment measurements I use those. When in doubt, I order a size down, because that seems to work best for me, but I usually take a small size. My hardest part to fit is my shoulders because they are broad compared to the rest of me, and my muscular thighs which are also much wider than typical for my frame. The problem I have most often is with length. Something will fit but then be ridiculously short in the torso, arms or legs. There is no way to predict this unless I try it on. As has already been mentioned, some brands run longer than others, or provide enough material or good design features to allow for lengthening adjustments. I try to stick with those, but they tend to be higher end brands. I rarely order more than one size at a time. I would only do this when the brand is unfamiliar, the item is one I think would sell out quickly in my size, and is something I want very badly to work for my wardrobe.

Lesley

Veteran

Just want to echo that I have this problem too—even with the measurements things can be way out of whack, I think because I'm short. I don't think the dressmakers expect the measurements to occur so close together. It's like that quote from "Baby's Got Back": "36-24-36? Only if she's 5'3"!"

Murph11

Veteran

Lesley: ha ha ha ha!

Anonymous

This is an exceptionally useful post for those of us that do order online. Thank you.

Murph11

Veteran

Sterling, I’m always amazed at the detailed responses! Such a fab place!

Murph11

Veteran

I'm happy to report the dress arrived, and it is gorgeous! The background color is actually pale blue instead of what appears soft white on all my devices, and it is a lovely, fully-lined soft crepe. The bad news: the gamble on a size 10 was a miss. It's too big all over. A 6 has been ordered (the 8 is now gone). I was able to grab a good handful of skirt at my widest part, so I'm hoping the new one will fit. Stay tuned...

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Oh-- so great, and too bad! Crossing fingers that the 6 will work!