To want shops to label clothes-sizes using a numerical system

[PrettyCandles]

We've got a perfectly adequate system - 12, 14, 16, etc - so why use S, M, L, etc? Especially when what the letters represent can vary from shop to shop.

And even more especially when L = size 16.
16 is hardly large! Isn't it the average size in the UK?

Oh, and, go on then, really rub it in by labeling sizes 18, 20, 22 etc XL, XXL, XXXL etc!

Why can't shops just stick to the numerical system?

But even before I had children this was a problem - it's not just my post-baby body. In my early 20s, when I was incredibly fit and had a washboard-flat stomach, I was a size 16. If I had been a 14 I would have looked skinny and disproportionate, and quite possibly ill, too.

I was in Top Shop's target market, but I had to shop where my mum shopped, because places like Top Shop only went up to a 14, and even that in only some of the ranges.

When I tried to hire a ballgown at Moss Bros, and commented on the lack of choice, I was told "Well, what do you expect? You'll have great difficulty finding a dress at your size."

Things have improved a lot since then.

But that's digressing.

I just think it's frustrating and humiliating to use SML etc to describe clothing sizes.

Is it so they can sell the same clothes in different countries that have different sizing systems?

No, because in France, for example, P, M, G would be used (petit, moyen, grand). In any case, you often see several countries' codes on either the sewn-in label or on the swing ticket, so the garment could be sold in other countries withou making any changes.

I HATE clothes labeled 8-10 and the next size up is 12-14. They've halved the number of sizes offered!! I'm size 10-12 but thats the only bloody one they dont have

yyy i agree, tis a total pain when you fall in the middle of sizes on offer. so the choice is too tight or too baggy. duh.