No Size Fits All

No Size Fits All

Ever fit into one size in jeans, but not the same size in a dress? Turns out plenty of other people

experience this too!

Every brand has their own sizing, which is based on their own specific marketing. A size 10 from Pretty Little Thing may not be the same as a size 10 from Tesco’s F&F range. This is because their target customer group are often very different. Most clothing brands advertise with women of certain ages in mind and ‘luxury’ brands, for example, target those who lead or aspire to lead a ‘fancy’ lifestyle. As well as this, different fabrics and materials vary in how stretchy they are and so their fit will always be different.

With this in mind, differences in sizing makes sense, nonetheless, inconsistencies can be damaging to body images. I can personally say that I have fit into a size XS in one brand and a size L in another …and that’s completely normal!

Body positivity has successfully gained awareness during the past few years, and retailers are becoming more accustomed and open with their sizing. However, it’s important to realise that many online shoppers order several sizes of the same items so they can get their perfect fit, and it’s okay for trial and error.

Body images change over time so how you feel may change and evolve, which is a completely normal process. Whether you are underweight, overweight, or somewhere in between, superficial and unrealistic body image expectations harm us all and promote the idea that being ‘perfect’ will bring us happiness. This sort of thinking certainly won’t bring us happiness.

I recently read something on Instagram about clothing sizes that really stuck with me: “When you try on a pair of shoes that do not fit, you do not blame your feet, you just go and find a new pair. So, when clothes do not fit you, never blame your body, but instead find a new piece that fits you!”. This, I think, can be really helpful for those searching for clothes that are ‘perfect’.

Remember ….if you have clothes that you no longer want, try to sell them on apps such as eBay or Depop so as to recycle and earn some extra cash. If not, instead of disposing of them, give them to charity.