On a daily basis I explain to women that that the reason an item does or doesn’t fit well is based on so many different factors. Why is this the case?
Unfortunately, there is no standard in the garment industry on size. One brand’s size small will be the same as another brand’s size large. This is the result of vanity sizing over the years. The example everyone always references is Marilyn Monroe. In the 1950s she wore a size 12 which was equivalent to a 26 inch waist. A vintage size 12, is the same as a modern size 6. Crazy, right!?
I worked in a vintage clothing store and saw this on a daily basis too. Customers who wore a modern size 12 would try to squeeze into a vintage size 12 and would end up damaging the garment. Also back in the 1950s ladies wore foundations like girdles to suck them in---but that’s an article for another day. What’s a girl to do?
Take into consideration these factors:
With women, sizing can be so emotional, when it really shouldn’t be. Don’t panic about shopping online and please, please don’t get down about your size. That’s the last thing I want you to do. I want you to look good and feel good about yourself. In order to do this you have to be honest about the measurements you wear.
I measure the women’s clothes on the Cats Like Us website and post them right underneath the picture of the items on the website. I do this so that you can see what the general sizes mean in measurements and how they vary. I want you to use the size chart when stalking something on our website. If you need more specific measurements on an item, please don’t hesitate to contact me. If you need shoulder measurements, skirt length, sleeve length, just email or call. I always strive to make buying clothes online as easy as possible plus I like to hear from our customers.
Here is an example of how different sizing can be:
We measure all the garments laying flat. So how do you find your measurements?
This is the exact same way we measure our clothes for online. For this reason you should be weary of buying from stores that do not list measurements—you are taking an awful gamble.
Take your largest measurement and match it with the size listed for the garment. That’s the size you should get. If it is too big in one area, you can always have it taken in. It’s usually much harder to have a garment let out, simply because you can’t add fabric where there isn’t any.
If you’re still really unsure, you can always email or call us for other measurements, or if you can buy multiple sizes and keep the one that fits the best.
In conclusion, maybe someday women’s clothing can be standardized like men’s clothes are with a waist size, but until then, check your measurements! It always makes me uneasy when we get an order for three dresses that are a size small with completely different measurements. I want to call the customer up and say, "Hey are these all for you? Did you even read the size chart?" but I can’t do that, they may be buying for their sister or friend. It is your responsibility to look at the size charts. It will save time and money in the long run.
Shop smart and embrace your curves or lack of!!
Julie Ann