Does size really matter?

All of us have had the problem at some time of buying a snug fitting top in our size from one store in medium – and then buying a top in medium from another store that you can’t even fit your head through the hole.

The problem is who defines petite, plus or tall and how do we decide the size that fits us?

Apart from all of us knowing someone who is a dead size 18 who states unequivocally that they are a 14, men and women of all sizes have a problem with sizing.

In the end it all comes down to math – a branch of science called ‘anthropometry‘ – statistical data based on the measurement of body dimensions that fashion designers bear in mind when drawing up their patterns. This data varies for different ethnic types, genders and age groups.

That’s why clothing in large or extra large from one store is a better fit and more comfortable than the same sizings from a different brand.

One of the secrets of fashion is figuring out that size does matter – but only when it comes down to recognising the best clothing that suits you.

Because people living in different countries and cultures have different body dimensions, you have to be extra careful when shopping online. A UK size 18 is a US size 16.

For successful shopping and avoiding that big disappointment when that ‘must have’ top is delivered, you need to know how to work out your own size.

It’s no good thinking you’re a size 16 in every brand because you aren’t – just as shirt sleeves in one brand for a 19″ neck will be too short for one guy and too long for another.

Dress sizes

To find your correct dress size, measure your bust, waist and top and bottom hips.

• Bust – Measure around the fullest part.
• Waist -Measure around your natural waistline, keeping tape comfortably loose.
• Bottom hip – Measure around the widest part of your hips.
• Top hip – Measure around your hips 4in above the widest part.

For length you need to consult the maker’s size guide – for instance Evans Clothing (link: evansclothing.co.uk) consider 5′ 6″ the average woman’s height – other brands, like Marks and Spencer (link: marksandspencer.com), give heights for petite and tall women – 5′ 3″ and under and 5′ 8″ and over respectively – but they don’t give an average height for their normal cut.

Best advice is measure your body naked to get the best fit and check out the brand’s size guides before buying.

You will find more information about buying clothes to fit on our  Size Guide.