To think that vanity sizing has gotten ridiculous?

[Namila]

I recently bought a beautiful, vintage, evening gown for a formal event. The dress is from the '80s. When I saw the dress on the rack (a unique piece since it was second hand) and the label read "size 10", I was disappointed as usually size 10 is way too big for me.

I thought I would still try it on, thinking that perhaps a tailor could work on it and make it fit properly. Imagine my surprise when I realized that not only it was not too big, it was nearly too tight!!

When I shop in "modern" stores I need to buy an 8, and sometimes even a 6. I'd normally swim in a 10! I am short and petite, but definitely not extremely skinny.

AIBU to think that this vanity sizing thing has gotten a bit crazy and the current sizes have nothing to do with the way sizes were even just a couple of decades ago?

Projection much 678!!

678. I'm a recovering anorexic so no I'm not bloody fat and stereotypical criticism is what made me dangerously thin!

The labelling in gap U.K. are U.K. Sizes as far as I'm aware. My friend is a manager there and tells me so.

I think one of the big problems with sizing, vanity or otherwise, is the continual assumption by clothing shops that all women possess an hourglass or straight up and down type figure. I'm 5'8". Bust 34, waist 26, hips/bottom 39. One thing I like about vintage clothes is that I can wear a fitted dress, as mostly the bottom half was assumed to be bigger than the bust. Now I can't really buy them unless stretchy, as I can't get what fits on my top half to go over my bottom! No I am not fat, nor am I extremly skinny, I am slim and healthy with wider hips compared with my bust.

Projection much 678!!

Nope, it's just something I've spotted over my life here. Increasing numbers of overweight people. UK is known to be worst in Europe for this, if not the world.

Obesity is the biggest problem in this country and pandering to women by saying "Don't worry, size 16 is perfectly normal because it's the national average" and relabeling it as the new size 10 is not going to help matters.

Congratulations!!

I have several "identical" pairs of trousers from a US company that I have bought over a period of 4 to 5 years, during which time yes, I've put on weight.
I have a size 6 (US sizes) 8, and 10.
They all fit me.

It's just a number.
I don't see that it really matters much
Sizes vary so wildly between shops (even different styles of garment) anyhow - there has never been a standard size - so I suppose its just a guide for approximately this is a bigger one, this is a smaller one.

so pfft - what'ev's, really

Not sure sizing is the key strategy in battling obesity though 678. I think its a touch more systemic than than.

Not sure sizing is the key strategy in battling obesity though 678.

No of course not, but it doesn't help - if you fit into a 10/12 you'll never consider yourself overweight, when in fact you could be. We gauge how "normal" our size is by looking at others around us, and checking our clothes size - if you've put on 2 stone but are still wearing a 10 (like PPs have said), then you could be completely blind to the fact you have a problem.

RunningOutOfCharge

Ooh looks like op has touched a nerve with some people!! Why’s that?

Yes, I didn't know clothes sizes could be such a touchy subject.

It's because everyone's so fat nowadays

Projection much 678!!

I don't see how that statement could be seen as projection, given that around 65% of adults are overweight or obese?

Exaggeration yes, as 65% doesn't equal everyone but I don't understand why you'd think projection?

The use of gotten has gotten ridiculous.

helpful derail

my waist is 30 inches and I'm 65 inches tall
I wear Next size 8 and Sainsburys size 6

How? Next size 8 waist is 26.5 inches

Yes. It is why the old 'Marilyn Monroe was a size 16' chestnut is such rubbish. She was a modern day UK 10 at the absolute max.

Maybe you've piled on the pounds since you last went clothes shopping lol.

The fuck? My waist is 29 inches and I'm nowhere near an 8. I usually try on a 12 first and go from there.

There is an underlying dig here, at people who are over a size 12, that is the problem with threads like this. I think people are bigger now, living longer. More food, better diet. I have just lost a stone, so now a size 14. I am so pleased if I fit into a size 12. If it fits, its good enough for me.

Haven't read the full thread, but I think the problem is not so much with vanity sizing in itself but how inconsistent it is. All this "Shop A runs large" or "Shop B runs small" is awfully time consuming and quite ridiculous IMO.

Ovarina - i have found the opposite. I am an hourglass and i find if things fit on the hip and waist they wont even do up round my back. If something fits my bust (41") it just hangs everywhere else. I tend to stick to wrap dresses where i can tie the waist tighter and have the top looser.

My waist is 29" and hips 41" i am usually a 14, which suits me fine and is healthy for me.

my waist is 30 inches and I'm 65 inches tall
I wear Next size 8 and Sainsburys size 6

Course you do love. I am guessing it is all stretchy lycra. My waist is smaller than yours and I would hardly get a leg into an , let alone a 6. Stop spreading such shit.

Papafran
I've posted pictures of myself at various times over the years.
Its not a lie.
Next might say that their waist size for an 8 is 26.5 inches
but I can assure you its not.
I have multiple pairs of their slim leg size 8 jeans and they fit me better than any other brand.

Part of the problem is that what clothes companies SAY their size measures does not tally with the tape measure.
Check some of your clothes if you do not believe me.

Obesity is a massive health crisis in the UK
getting snippy at those of us who post about it will not solve that

I think people are bigger now, living longer

No longer true. Life expectancy gains have slowed. With the obesity epidemic, the massive rise in diabetes will only serve to slow it further. Doctors never used to see diabetes caused by obesity in children. Now it's much more common.

At her death, Marylin Monroe's measurements were:
Height in Feet‎: ‎5′ 5''‎
Weight in Pounds‎: ‎118 pounds‎
Bust/waist/hips: 36/24/36

I've no idea whether she was a 16 in the 1950s, but she'd be a 10 or smaller today.

Bust 36 a size 10? Nah. Bust 39/40 is a 16. I'd have said a 36 is a 12 or 14.