Don’t Let a Clothing Size Define your Worth, Shop for your True Fit

Shop this Cute Summer Look:

 Leith Satin Skirt (size 2; similar options here and here) | Similar top here, here, here and here | Polka dot pumps | Paravel Bag | Hoop Earrings

Last week when my cousin visited me, we did a little shopping splurge where I made her try brands that she never tried before. One day she had a sad “it doesn’t fit” me moment and the following day she was elated to find herself fit into one size less than her usual size.

A lot of women today tie their self-esteem to the number on their clothing tag. I am guilty of it too, there was a time when not fitting into an XS/ size 2 would dishearten me and ruin my day. Clothing size for many is a synonym to weight and which for many, is a synonym of beauty and self-worth. It’s high time we make ourselves aware of the fact that the fashion industry no longer has standard clothing size, clothing size fluctuates immensely from brand to brand. 

For instance, I‘m a size 2 at Loft and a size 6 at h&m, a size 25 in AG /Madewell jeans and a size 27 in Levi’s – all without gaining an ounce. Following is a Thread up analysis on how size 27 jeans are actually measured across several brands. 

According to the Washington post, a size 8 dress today is nearly the equivalent of a size 16 dress in 1958. And a size 8 dress of 1958 doesn’t even have a modern-day equivalent. Welcome to the Era of ‘vanity sizing’ where clothes run larger in actual measurements than their tag implies in order to flatter consumers by reducing their clothing size. In a way, Vanity sizing is good because it makes you feel good about your body even though the numbers are misleading. The size 12 in 1958 is redefined to a size 6 in 2011. And different manufacturers define sizes differently.

Next time you come out of a dressing room disappointed, remind yourself it’s not YOU, it’s their clothing size! Instead of sticking with a number on a tag, shop for clothing based on what truly fits. Even if you have to go a few sizes up. Who cares about the number, all that matters is how flattering the garment looks on you.   

I’m a size 4 in skirts, but in this satin skirt, my true size is 2. In tops, I usually opt for a size small but when it comes to crop tops I always size up. I will do another post on “how to find your true fit”. Stay tuned! Subscribe to the blog at the bottom to get new post alerts.

“Age and size are only numbers. It’s the attitude you bring to clothes that makes the difference” ~Donna Karan

Shop this Cute Summer Look:

Leith Satin Skirt (size 2; similar options here, here, here and here) | Similar top here, here, here and here | Polka dot pumps | Paravel Bag | Hoop Earrings