Image source: Mashable/Moviestore/REX/Shutterstock
A trip to your local high street shops, or let’s face it, a flick through your own wardrobe will give even the most seasoned shopper size-tag whiplash. For instance, you may be a size 10 at one retailer, a 12 at the one next door and a 16 when it comes to the vintage store around the corner. So, when it comes down to it, size tags don’t matter.
So what the heck is going on? Well, there are a few factors to blame.
Essentially, as the populations of western countries have become physically larger over time retailers have gradually adjusted the size of their garments to follow suit. In the US it is understood that the average clothing size is in fact two inches larger now than it was two decades ago*.
Beyond the shift in body types, there is also a phenomenon called ‘vanity sizing’ which is a strategic decision by retailers to add a little wiggle room to each size. The intended pay off being that you’ll suddenly fit into a smaller size than normal, be super chuffed about it and possibly buy half the store. Sounds silly, but with so many retailers playing the game, there must be something to it.
What about vinty sizes?
It’s a myth that Marilyn Monroe was a size 14… well, kind of. She was a size 14 in the ‘60s, but in the hands of today’s patternmakers, that’s more like a size 8. Confusing, right?!
As a general rule of thumb, when browsing garments from the archives avoid a nostalgic sizing nightmare and use the table below as a guide. It isn’t going to give you the perfect result every time but it’ll sure save you a trip or two to the change room.
|
Period |
Size |
|
1930s-1940s |
3-4 sizes |
|
1950s-1960s |
2-3 sizes |
|
1970s-1980s |
1-2 sizes |
…and what about international sizing?
Whether it’s the standard Australian numerical system of 14s, 16s etc, the European series of 40s, 42s and so on, or the impossibly confusing US system that starts at 2 (or in some cases lower), here is a breakdown of each size and how it may (or may not) fit.
Source: https://www.calculator.com.my/shoe-clothing-size#.Yrg60PNBzBI
This seems too hard, how on earth do I just find something that fits?
By now you’re probably on the verge of throwing in the irregular-sized towel - don’t! There’s a way to cheat the sizing labyrinth and it doesn’t involve a bizarre kidnapping plot featuring David Bowie. It’s all about dimensions. Know your key measurements and you’ll never have to figure out your specs again.
The main areas to measure are your bust, waist and hips. For a quick guide on how to accurately grab these measurements yourself, check out this quick YouTube clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBBNvkEEEw8
Most items on OppSpot are listed with the key measurements in the description section so once you know your specs the virtual world is your oyster. On the rare occasion that special something is missing the deets you need, simply contact the seller via our contact us form - they’ll have the tape measure out in a flash.
*Sources:
https://bellatory.com/fashion-industry/Vintage-Sizing-vs-Modern-Sizing
https://www.choice.com.au/shopping/everyday-shopping/clothing/articles/clothing-size-irregularities