Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Vanity sizing needs to be stopped

240 replies

SemperIdem · 10/07/2025 12:09

I appreciate this isn’t shiny new subject matter but it’s been really niggling at me the last few days.

I’ve relatively recently had a baby, back in my pre-maternity clothes if not quite at pre-maternity shape (granted I felt I was out of shape at the point of falling pregnant).

I bought a pair of jeans from Pull and Bear, size 10. They are absolutely enormous. There is not a chance I’m a size 8 at the weight I am. I then reflected how as a 5’6, barely 8 stone teenager, I was a size 10 in Topshop jeans. How am I, at a significantly heavier weight, still a size 10 anywhere let alone smaller than a size 10?

Am I being unreasonable to think that there must be a way to get shops to end vanity sizing, the variance between shop sizes is also ridiculous.

OP posts:
Fancycheese · 10/07/2025 12:33

Seriously, who cares? There is often a size guide when you’re buying online. Measure yourself and check against the size guide if it’s that much of an issue. If you can’t find something to fit online, you’re going to have to go and try on a couple of different sizes in store. My heart breaks for your hardship.

amicisimma · 10/07/2025 12:32

I've gained about half a stone in the last 40-odd years. I've also gone from wearing a 12 to an 8 (sometimes a 6 in M&S) in that time.

I've a old pair of size 12 jeans that I've kept for decorating and they are still a good, but fairly snug, fit.

BobbieTables · 10/07/2025 12:32

Oh yes, this is totally up there with the pressing matters of the day. How terrible that the number on your clothes doesn't match your idea of what it should be.

This is BIG. HUGE. MASSIVE IMPLICATIONS.

Probably more important than the situation in Gaza, climate change or Ukraine.
.

Anotherparkingthread · 10/07/2025 12:30

Most brands are so different from one another in fit and sizing that you really need to try clothes on or order multiple sizes and return others. I often buy clothes that if the fit inst perfect it won't matter as well when shopping online. I don't care if a jumper is a couple of inches looser than it needs to be. Obviously I wouldn't do the same with a dress which was meant to be fitted. It's just common sense.

CatsMagic · 10/07/2025 12:30

VanCleefArpels · 10/07/2025 12:24

Does it really matter what the label says though- as long as it fits? I’ve got stuff in my wardrobe from size 6 to 14 but my body is the size it is 🤷🏻‍♀️

Agreed. Who cares ?

What does it matter if you are wearing a size 6, 8, 10, 12 , 14 etc ?

Gowlett · 10/07/2025 12:29

Plus, elastane happened. No give in clothes back then!

Gowlett · 10/07/2025 12:28

When I look at some of the size 8 / 10 I used to wear they were tiny (90s / Noughties). The size 12 I considered fat, absolutely tiny as well. And far more tailored, too. Better made.

Hodgemollar · 10/07/2025 12:28

Styles play into it in a huge way.
When you were a teenager the fit of jeans was likely very skinny with no give and most of the jeans at pull&bear are loose fitting, baggy low rise meaning you can get away with a lower size.

Original poster
SemperIdem · 10/07/2025 12:27

VanCleefArpels · 10/07/2025 12:24

Does it really matter what the label says though- as long as it fits? I’ve got stuff in my wardrobe from size 6 to 14 but my body is the size it is 🤷🏻‍♀️

Yes. I don’t have the time or inclination to try on multiple items to work out what size fits. The whole point of the labels is there is supposed to be an indication of that.

OP posts:
IceCreamWoes · 10/07/2025 12:27

Yeah I can't get worked up about this to be honest. Everyone moans, and yes, it's slightly annoying but just get the size that fits and fuck the meaningless number. Either go into shops, or buy online and return. I know I'm a M in &other stories and a 12 in Whistles, so I mainly just stick to brands I know on vinted and get bargains. Plus you can ask the sellers for measurements and measure yourself which is helpful.

Myfridgeiscool · 10/07/2025 12:26

VanCleefArpels · 10/07/2025 12:24

Does it really matter what the label says though- as long as it fits? I’ve got stuff in my wardrobe from size 6 to 14 but my body is the size it is 🤷🏻‍♀️

Working out which size to order online is the problem here. Consistency would be handy!

VanCleefArpels · 10/07/2025 12:24

Does it really matter what the label says though- as long as it fits? I’ve got stuff in my wardrobe from size 6 to 14 but my body is the size it is 🤷🏻‍♀️

ReignOfError · 10/07/2025 12:24

I’ve stayed the same size in clothes for almost 40 years. I’ve also put on three stone in that time. Over the same period, a friend has gone from a size 10 to a size 4/6 without losing a lb or an inch.

Having said that, there’s also far more variation between shops & brands than there used to be, so your jeans may be more an example of that than of a sudden vanity sizing change.

Opaldiamonds · 10/07/2025 12:22

Honestly, this is why ordering online puts me off. I’m a size 12 in some shops, size 14 in others. In primark I’m a size 16-18 in bottoms.

It is really annoying

Didimum · 10/07/2025 12:17

Have never come across vanity sizing. I think it’s more often the style of fit.

Swipe left for the next trending thread