To give M&S the award for the worst case of vanity sizing on the highstreet?!

[ChocolateSantaisthebestkind]

Ordered some clothes for DH's GM, who is in her 90's and slim, but does not like to feel waistbands etc. so DH's Mum (GM lives with DH's parents) asked me to order her size 14 in everything (nightwear, elasticated trousers, cardigans). Anyway, they arrive and DMIL calls me to say can I reorder it all again in a size 10, as what has arrived in size 14, comfortably fits DMIL, who is definitely an 18 in M&S and has 'got a bit spare from Christmas' (her words not mine, and haven't we all!) GMIL usually takes a 14 in other shops and previously in M&S and is not overly skinny, but slim, with an 'overhang' from abdo surgery in her 30's.

AIBU to think that this is ridiculous?

Why didn't you check the measurements on line before ordering ?

@allmycats who checks measurements? You know if you are a 14 in Marks', you wouldn't assume their sizing would be that inconsistent...

It is true. I am a 12-14 bottom and a 10 top (Bane of my life being pear shaped), size 10 M&S trousers fit me. I am currenly wearing a pair of high waisted Sanisbury's jeans that are 14 and fit well (slightly baggy for my endo flare up belly) and a size 8 M&S knitted jumper. Madness. Whereas Topshop and H&M I would be looking at 14-16's. It drives me nuts!

I sympathise! Vanity sizing is definitely a thing. I was sorting my old sewing patterns and in the 80s a 14 was 36-28-38 I used to be a 14, now a 12 but I’ve gained a stone since the 80s!

I find m&s size 12-14 pretty much the same as other high street shops.

Yes! They even do it to baby clothes. Why do babies need vanity sizing? Just give us the correct size M&S.

I'm a 14 in most shops, 14 in m&s too, although I only buy their skinny jeans. My Mum is an 16/18 (and shorter than me) there is no way she'd fit my jeans.
I think it might have been the clothes you were picking - elasticated waist trousers and nightwear tend to be designed for comfort and not close tailoring.

We've had the opposite problem with m&s menswear. Shirts to fit 52" only measuring 50".

It’s definitely got worse this year. Maybe they assume everyone is fat from lockdown 😂. I used to be a 10-12 in marks last year, now I’ve had a baby and put on a stone and the size 10s are massive!! I buy stuff most winter from them so I really noticed the step change this season.

I actually discovered this today! I have lost quite a bit of weight and unsure of my current size (was 14) so ordered 8, 10 and 12. Only tried the 8 on and it's absolutely huge on me so going to have to send them all back. Although I've lost weight i would be VERY surprised if I am below a size 8 in standard sizing.

I loathe the term vanity sizing. Why can’t you just say inconsistent sizing (which is what it is)? Why does everything have to revolve around the value of women being a small dress size?

Urgh, so much. I'm slim so none of their clothes fit me. DM works there so tries to stock me up with her staff discount or I would have stopped trying years ago.

It's insane when they try to produce trend setting clothes but then the size 8 must be pinned like mad on the models to stop it being a sack.

Nope, fatty here, they are consistent for sizes 20-24.

It's insane when they try to produce trend setting clothes but then the size 8 must be pinned like mad on the models to stop it being a sack.

Here’s a revelation for you - women above a size 8 can be both trend setting and models, shocking I know!

Honestly, I agree and I’m not even a M&S shopper.

I’m a size 8 and have tried some of their office attire. A size 6 pencil skirt just about fits me as it’s even a size down is oversized - it twists around during the day where the front zip ends up at the back, and the back slit ends up at the front! Likewise their tops are too slouchy, their gym wear range is supposed to be fitted but even the smallest size is baggy on me.

Ah I see the MN teeny tinies are out in force.

@BooFuckingHoo2

I loathe the term vanity sizing. Why can’t you just say inconsistent sizing (which is what it is)? Why does everything have to revolve around the value of women being a small dress size?

Ah come on Boo, let the teeny tinies have their fun! How else will we have 6 pages of wanking on about ‘i am so weeny and frail a six 6 just fell straight off me even though i put both my legs into a sleeve’ and ‘normalising obesity’ without a lil dog whistle about the moral righteousness of being slim?

@BooFuckingHoo2 living up to your username I see. Why are you being so defensive - the poster you quoted didn’t say otherwise?

And there was me being all smug thinking I'd lost weight in my M&s size 14 cord leggings.

I dont think m&s are any worse than anywhere else for this.
I have a different size in different shops

The worst shop I've ever come across for this is Whistles.

M and S are always tight on me (short podgy 12/14) but I find Next huge

M&S I find quite true to size.
Next, on the other hand....
Still, better than the other way round.
These are the sizes of my trouser collection:
M&S 12 long
Boden 12 long
Hobbs 12 long
Jaeger 12 long
Next 10 regular
Zara 16
H&M don't do trousers long enough

Tops:
M&S 14
Boden 14
...you get the picture...
H&M 18 or XXL
Zara XXL.

@BooFuckingHoo2

I loathe the term vanity sizing. Why can’t you just say inconsistent sizing (which is what it is)? Why does everything have to revolve around the value of women being a small dress size?

Hear hear.

You all shut maybe shut up with the teeny tinies. Imagine someone would be calling people massive massies on threads Both is unacceptable.

If you have issues with your weight and it makes you this bitter, don't go on threads about sizes and or weight.

I don't have experience with M&S but inconsistent sizing all over is such a headache!