STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

XtinaStyles · Marc Jacobs

Going "Sizeless"

kmd · Kate Spade

I think it's a pretty brilliant idea. I definitely was one of those people that got stuck on size, even though I lost 40 pounds I'm still not the "size" I wanted to be- I don't care anymore, though. I feel like I look good, and buy things that fit well. Also, sizes tend to vary from store to store, so they really have no value to me at this point!

gossipgirl · Dooney & Bourke

I used to chuckle at the size girls, but then I gained a few lbs and freaked a little when the size up fit a little better - now it's time to watch what I eat, rather than go to the next size. Sometimes to submit to the next size feels like you are giving yourself permission to let go, rather than exercise a little self-control for a few weeks.

I've been on both sides of the fence on this one. You shouldn't obsess, but then again, it's easy to let 5 lbs turn into 10, which turns into 20 before you realize it, and you wonder how it happened.

Kelly · Hermes

gossipgirl wrote:

I used to chuckle at the size girls, but then I gained a few lbs and freaked a little when the size up fit a little better - now it's time to watch what I eat, rather than go to the next size. Sometimes to submit to the next size feels like you are giving yourself permission to let go, rather than exercise a little self-control for a few weeks.

I've been on both sides of the fence on this one. You shouldn't obsess, but then again, it's easy to let 5 lbs turn into 10, which turns into 20 before you realize it, and you wonder how it happened.

This is true, but I think buying "sizeless" clothing would help here too. That way you are faced with the cold, honest measurements of your body. You don't have to let vanity sizing control your opinion of yourself - you don't fit into a 10 at one store so you feel bad and then fit into a 4 at another store and give yourself freedom to pig out. You would have to look at your chest, waist, and hips for what they are rather than what that particular store think about them.

Teresa · Kate Spade

Size has become completely irrelevant to be, simply because EVERYTHING ends up getting tailored. I honestly pay no regard to the number anymore because it ends up being a completely different item after Ruth, my godsend, is done with it.
(I don't think this has any relevence to the topic, but I'm posting anyway) =)

Elle · Hermes

I personally think standardizing the sizes would be more helpful in the long run. I mean, they have to have things marked somehow, right? I'd prefer to be able to manipulate how an item fits by going up or down a size from what my body measurement dictates (as I often do, to allow for items that stretch or those that shrink or for styling purposes).

I just don't like trying on two pairs of pants in the same day from two different makers, one in a size 0 that fit fine, and the other in a size 6 that I could barely squeeze over my ass. Uncool people, uncool. That said, I was really bothered to think I might need a size 8 in any brand, just on principal. I think I would have been less bothered if I took an 8 accross the board, if that was what was dicated after size standardization. Does that make sense? Yes to measurement-based sizes, whatever those sizes may be. I don't really care if my 'number' is a size 4 or 24, as long as I can count on what size that will be from brand to brand!

Kelly · Hermes

The only thing is - if sizes were standardized, how detailed would you want that to be? Like, now there are certain brands that I know will fit big boobs better, or a bubble butt, or chunky thighs. The waist is small or the ass is bigger or whatever. If sizes were all standardized, I wonder if the proportions would be standardized too? That would bother me - if you don't fit the proportions the sizing people think you should have, you're kind of SOL.

Elle · Hermes

If it operated like the measurement ranges for sizes do now, I think it would work fine. It would just eliminate a size 2 in Brand A for bust measurement 32-33", and size 2 in Brand B for bust measurement 34-36". The measurements of the clothing wouldn't have to change at all, only the sizes they're marked with would.

Even so, the whole 'size chart' thing would have to be revamped as well. I can't tell you the number of times I've ordered something off my measurements on a size chart and had it come horribly too big/too small. Deciding who gets to decide which size 'fits' which measurements would be important!

-- Edited by Elle on Wednesday 23rd of September 2009 05:33:26 PM

Suasoria · Chanel

I've never been hung up on numbers - when you shop vintage/thrift a lot, it's impossible to judge by numbers. I really don't care what size it is, I just want to know that an 8 from BR or AT is always going to fit, a 6 in Calvin Klein or DVF, a 2 in Michael Kors, etc. Otherwise I'd have to shop in person - gasp - instead of online. I still find one can't count on sizes to tell you if it's going to fit.

As it is I have things in my closet that fit ranging from a 4 to probably a 10. Schizo.

XtinaStyles · Marc Jacobs

gossipgirl wrote:
I used to chuckle at the size girls, but then I gained a few lbs and freaked a little when the size up fit a little better - now it's time to watch what I eat, rather than go to the next size. Sometimes to submit to the next size feels like you are giving yourself permission to let go, rather than exercise a little self-control for a few weeks.

I agree to this! A few months ago I bought skinny jeans from old navy.. I bought them 3 sizes larger than I normally wear, I took in the waist but the thighs fit fine. That was my reality check to wake up and be better with diet and exercise. A few months later, I bought the same pair 3 sizes smaller and they still need to be taken in.

Elle · Hermes

But how do you know when it's because the company changed their sizing or you changed? Or what if you're not any heavier but things have shifted a bit (Sal did a nice post on that recently)? Or if you have to go up/down due to the style? Or because something just is not cut to fit you, no matter the size?

I'm hesitant to think it's me that needs to change when I try something new on, because of this. If something I already own ceases to fit over my ass, well then we have a problem. I would just like to be able to order online with some reasonable expectation that if something doesn't work out, it's not because of the sizing. Like Sue, I have quite a range of sizes in my closet, including 3 pairs of BR jeans, none with the same size as the last. I have 0s and 6s and XS and Lg and petite and regular and tall.

I thrift a lot as well, and I feel like you can really see the changes in sizing when you thrift, even in very contemporary brands. I take a size down in most brands if the piece is from even 3 or 4 years ago, compared to the same brands sizing today.