The Size Game
Is it possible that retailers are altering the sizes of garments to boost customer morale? Likely, says the Times UK. Vanity Sizing, a ploy to flatter women by making clothes bigger and attaching smaller size labels, is the latest retail trend.
Brands have always designated their sizes based on their clientele: a size 10 at a trendy youth store is not the same as a size 10 in a women’s boutique. But with the trend of Vanity Sizing, today’s size 10 may not the same size 10 from a few years ago no matter where you’re shopping. For instance, in 2004 Gap, which uses inches to determine sizes, listed a size 14 garment as a fit for a 37″ bust, 29″ waist and 39″ hip. Today those dimensions are 37.5-29.5- 40″.
Next time you’re shopping, it may be difficult to tell if you’re fitness formula is working or if Vanity Sizing is in effect. (Just in time for bathing suit season!)
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Wednesday, 21 April, 2010 at 12:53
Hmm… Im happy that someone touched this topic. There are pros and cons to this story. Who wouldnt love walking into thier favorite store to try on a pair of jeans only to find out that they need a smaller size. This would make any girl happy. On a sour note its giving us false hope. We will begin to believe a lie. The truth will be that those extra five lbs didnt fall off. Its just the designer thats messing with your head:-(
Tuesday, 27 April, 2010 at 13:03
This is tricky, and I don't think retailers should do it. If a women thinks she is a certain size in one store because of vanity sizing then she is going to think that is her size in other stores and be dissapointed when she is not.