...to think that it might not really be true that the UK average clothes size for women is UK size 16?

[which1]

I just can't help but think that that's not true. That this is the average has been floating around for years I know.

But whilst I do see some people who are size 16 or above, I do not think I see so many as to tip the scales to the extent that 16 becomes the average.

I would say that the average is a UK12.

(I'm not talking about on Mumsnet as the vast majority here are pretty slim and around size 8 average from all the threads that I see either about clothes sizes or posters who mention in passing on a related topic.)

A size 16 is really not very large if you are tall

Yes but the average height of a UK woman is around 5ft 4", so not very tall.

A size 16 isn't necessarily fat, though - it's 'just' overweight.

And it's certainly my observation that most people are, in fact, at least somewhat overweight.

Isn't it interesting that we all know what the clothing size is of the average woman, but the average men's clothing size is something that is neither bandied around, let alone even known... 🤔

And even more frustratingly, men's clothing is based on an actual measurement, not some completely random, virtually meaningless number, which varies wildly from shop to shop... 🤔

IMO I'd say the average is a 12 too.
Again it depends where you live.
I am the smallest of my friends, no stealth boast intended, though the others are slim 10 to 12, all short though between 5.1 to 5.5 late 30's we definitely don't live in an affluent area though the majority are professionals now.
There are many large people but still a minority, the DC are getting bigger though.

A size 16 is really not very large if you are tall

I'm 5' 10" and when I was a size 16 post-DC, I was overweight.

Maybe not fat, per se, but definitely overweight.

People are taller than they used to be. Men can squeeze into smaller trousers by hanging belly over top. Ick.

What is your AIBU?

Also how can you tell by looking at someone if they "tip the scales" enough to wear a size 16?

I’m from Scotland, and when I go back «home» I’d be stunned if the average size was as small as a 16.

I'm a size 12 and look emaciated
What height are you? Do you naturally have a slim face.

I'm technically over weight when I'm a size 12 at 5ft 6.

I’m 5’5 and currently a size 12. My bmi is overweight so I’m 3 weeks into dieting to lose a stone and get into my size 10 clothes. A size 16 to me is overweight and it’s worrying that people don’t think it is! Unless you’re incredibly tall I guess!

I'm a size 12 and look emaciated.

How is this possible.

As I say, I'm 5' 10" and a size 12, and have a very definitely layer of padding.

I live in a fairly poor region and I can totally believe the average size is a 16. I know just as many people who are a size 16 and above as I do 12 and below

“ I'm a size 12 and look emaciated.

How is this possible.“

I’m a size 12 at any point in a healthy BMI... I don’t get small enough to go down a size even at the very bottom end, as in my actual hip bones and shoulders seem to be a 12, so I’m kind of assuming even if I was underweight, I’d still be a 12.

I think it depends how this average size thing is worked out. Because I know that a lot of shops make sizes bigger so people will feel that they're a smaller size in that store - as it makes them want to shop there. That's why you get such ridiculous variations in what a certain size is from different stores.

I have no idea how they can even do this research, as who do they poll? It is based on which sized clothes sells the most (maybe size 16 people hardly wash their clothes, where size 8s buy 20 outfits per day - just an example of how stats could be skewed), and if they're asking people their size, they might not be honest.

I can absolutely believe that 16 is the average size, because people round where I live are very very large - you're talking many 24+ sizes. I myself own clothes in everything from 6-16 depending on whether it's a top or pants, and from which store.

This is just such an inexact science it's unreal.

Another one surprised at 'size 12 emaciated' thing. Really don't understand this. I'm 5'11'' and I've been size 12 before. Looked ok, plump-ish. Definitely nowhere near emaciated.

I have an online clothing shop. And bigger sizes always sell out first (16 upwards). 12-14 are ok. Difficult with 10/8/6.

I find that what you see also depends on the area you live. Recently moved from an upmarket town to much-less-so one. Big difference re weight.

How does anyone even know the average dress size anyway? I mean no one knows my dress size.

Does someone actually keep track of all the women's clothing and take an average? Surely it wouldn't be accurate anyway?

Sizing has changed so much. I have size 12 clothes from the 70's (!) and the measurements on the labels are 36" 26" 36". I considered myself chubby when wearing them. Size 12 is now 32"waist and 40" bust.
Size 16 is 36W 42 bust, so pretty large.

Sounds about right to me. Most women I see at the school gates would be a size 16 or bigger. And when I go to the supermarket, or to the cinema/swimming pool/whatever, people are generally on fhe big side.

It looks a bit weird to me because I spend most weekends at running events surrounded by people who are much slimmer. There's a very obvious difference (perhaps unsurprisingly) between the average size at a fell race and the average size in Sainsburys..

It depends what part of the UK that you live in. Vanity sizing means a size 16 is generous compared to previous decades. Public Health England highlight the disparity in the prevalence of overweight/ obesity people in the regional populations. In the North East and the Midlands, there are more people with BMI 25+ than elsewhere. I guess there are lots of people in these areas wearing size 16+ clothing. I suppose our perception of the obesity crisis is based on what we see on the streets, as much as by what we are told in the media and elsewhere. I live in a tourist area and I see an awful lot of obese visitors from other regions at the beach who are here on holiday. However, during the winter months, you see fewer extra large people out and about.

I'm a size 12 and look emaciated
What height are you? Do you naturally have a slim face
I'm 5'7", and have a slim face and slim body. I weigh 9st 10lb.

I presumed the size 12 "emaciated" thing was a joke
Unless you're 7ft.

The problem is that clothes sizes have been messed up over the years so we'll never know what the average size is.

None of them mean anything. A Next size 6 is the same as a Primark 10.

Which brand’s size 16 is a 36inch waist?

Ok, 'emaciated' may be an exaggeration, but I definitely look very slim.

I'm 5' 7", and definitely very slim and angular. Perhaps you are shorter?

An inch, yes.

I'm not at all angular but am carrying a bit of excess weight on my thighs and I'm on track to get rid.