Why Are Women’s Clothes Sizes So Inconsistent?

28 July 2022

Shopping for clothes can be quite a frustrating experience, especially for women, and inconsistent sizing is one of the key culprits in this mess.

Many women can attest to having to go up or down a size in their clothes when shopping at different stores, and seemingly for no reason. But why does this keep happening?

Why Are Women’s Clothes Sizes So Inconsistent?

The key reason why it seems like different stores have different standards for their clothes sizes is, well, simply because they do. Clothing companies do not operate on some scientific metric of what weight/height goes with what size of clothes. Instead, the numbers they use are arbitrary.

Honestly, it’s as if they just put a dart board on the wall and toss a dart at it, with no rhyme or reason behind the choices. Sure, they may be in the ballpark range, but do not be surprised if you find that the sizes of your pants from one brand to the next make no sense when compared. This makes it even harder to shop for plus-size clothing.

The vanity sizing

Now, you might be wondering, just what is the point of using an arbitrary number to slap on your clothes? After all, inconsistent clothes don’t exactly inspire the most confidence in people when they’re shopping around. Well, this is actually a marketing principle known as vanity sizing.

Basically, rather than actually using the sizes as a means by which to educate the shopper on how well they would fit, for women, the numbers are meant to make them more inclined to buy their wares.

The way they do this is simple: in the 80s, the trend of women trying to get into smaller clothes was growing, and thus, businesses wanted to get in on that.

So they started to lower the numbers on their clothes, with the idea being that the lower the number, the more likely a woman will be to give them their money. Since then, no standard sizing has been established, so clothing manufacturers can essentially do whatever they want with respect to the sizing.

Thus, if you want to make sure that your clothes are going to fit, try before you buy, Otherwise, you might find yourself having to either do a lot of returns or having to adjust yourself to fit into them (not recommended).

How This Affects Women

The thing about it is, that this kind of sizing manipulation is not a victimless act. It can actually do a lot of harm to certain people, which is why the practice has received much criticism in recent years.

Inconsistent sizing has a tendency to confuse and distress women, especially if these women are experiencing difficulties coping with their weight.

After all, if you usually fit into a size six, but all of a sudden you can’t fit into a new size six, you’re probably not going to think “oh, it’s because of a marketing ploy in the 1980s”. No, in all likelihood, you will assume that something about your body changed to make you not fit into these.

However, the physical and emotional ramifications of inconsistent sizing are only one aspect you need to consider with this practice. The other aspect is the financial one. Essentially, when clothing is designed in this way, you will have to deal with wasting a fair bit of money as a result of this inconsistency.

For example, if you order your clothes from an online retailer, you obviously do not get the opportunity to try them on before you buy. So once they arrive and you determine that they do not fit, you only have two options: suck it up and eat the cost, or have them returned for a refund.

This winds up being a situation where the more financially smart option requires more effort, so people may just decide to not deal with the hassle.

How Can You Avoid Getting Inconsistently Sized Clothing?

If you are ordering online, there is not much you can do to avoid this inconsistent sizing issue, beyond sticking with only one clothing manufacturer. This is not guaranteed to work out for you, however, but it is probably a safer bet than mixing and matching as far as sizing goes.

The long-term issue of doing it through this method, however, is that even an individual manufacturer may be inconsistent with their sizing, especially over the long term. After all, a manufacturer 50 years ago has different sizes for their clothes than they do nowadays. If at all possible, be sure to try the outfits on before you buy them.

For online shopping, a good way to tell whether a clothing brand is particularly inconsistent is to read reviews from other shoppers. Other shoppers may have had similar issues to you with inconsistent sizing.

You will likely see such criticisms on a lot of clothing brands, but some clothing brands may be worse than others, and the reviews online should reflect that.

Arnab

Arnab is a professional blogger, having an enormous interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, He carries out sharing sentient blogs.

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Features to Look for When Switching to Modern Shoe Fasteners

You will have to admit that there have been great changes in the products and services offered in the market today. No invented product has remained as it was when it was first created centuries or decades ago. Recent innovations and discoveries have provided a lot of influence on how products work, allowing for more efficiency and functionality. Most of the changes in products stem from the discovery of new materials, manufacturing processes, and equipment. Even plain products such as shoe laces have undergone innovative changes that change how you use them. Like in every product, the changes that take place help to overcome any limitations or challenges the older version had. The new shoe fastener models are made of elastic-plastic. They differ with the traditional shoestrings in that they are not long strips of string. You also do not lace them through the shoe eyelets. They are therefore way different from the traditional laces but they serve the same function of functioning the shoes. The elastic nature of the fasteners makes them flexible and can conform to any fastening style. Time saving Based on the design of these shoe fasteners, you will realize that you will save more time. The function of wearing shoes becomes as easy as slipping the shoe on and off. You will not have to tie knots after wearing your shoe. Removing the shoe will not require you unfastening the shoe fastener. Since it is flexible plastic, you just remove your shoe as you would a slip-on shoe. You will cut down the time you need to dress. In the case of a hurried situation, you can easily remove or wear your shoes in no time. This is good if you are short of time or during an emergency. At this point, -you will be happy for the free minute you get from reduced dress time. Convenient application Elastic shoelaces for shoes offer greater convenience than traditional shoestrings. You have more ease removing and outing on your shoes as these fasteners. You will have no need to tie or untie knots every time you want to wear or remove your shoes. Even adjusting the fit of your shoes is easier. The elasticity allows your show to adapt to the movement of your fit. You will not have too fitting or loose shoes. The ability of the shoe to attain a comfortable fit at all times means that you can go on with your activities without any problems. In circumstances where the fit of your shoe can really affect your focus, these shoe fasteners are the best solution. Versatile uses The fasteners support various activities comfortably. This makes them suitable for use across all types of shoes. If you lead an active lifestyle that involves a lot of sports activities, the fasteners allow a great fit that supports the activity you take part in. Shoes with a loose fit are uncomfortable. They can cause blisters as the friction happens between the foot and the inner part of the shoe. Traditional shoestrings are prone to get loose as the shoe goes through a lot of motion. You will need to constantly pause to adjust the shoelaces. Using modern fasteners assures of constant fit through all activities making it the best fastener for both work and play. Last long Modern shoe fasteners are durable. Traditional shoestrings were prone to fraying and even breaking after a few months in use. The material making the modern elastic shoelaces for shoes is durable. It does not fade color over time. Since you do not need to make frequent adjustments and re-adjustment, the fastener does last a long time before you think of replacing. The fasteners work well in extreme weather and this will not cause them to wear out soon. With the durability, you do not need to replace the shoe fastener a long time after purchase, unless of course, you want to get a different color. You may even be surprised when you need to discard your shoes from wear and still have functional shoe fasteners still at your service. Endless comfort The elastic nature of the shoe fasteners means that they are able to adapt to your foot. They easily accommodate any changes due to expansion on a hot day. This adaptability enhances your comfort levels. sometimes with traditional shoestrings, pulling them tight made your shoes uncomfortable. Getting the right level of comfort was sometimes a problem. The modern fasteners overcome this limitation by allowing you to adjust them to a comfort level that is to your liking. The precise adjustment allows you to wear your shoes with ease throughout the day. Read More: Opt For Comfortable Pair Of Cross Training Shoes For Men Marathon Training Section. Breaking Through The Wall 5 Perfect Fashion Clothing Choices For Petite Women

DIY: How to clean a leather handbag

Keep your leather looking new by cleaning it right When it comes to leather, one thing is universal and that is that over time it fades and loses its luster. Regardless of whether you spend thousands on a handbag at a top retailer or $10 at the local mega super store, the leather will eventually need to be cleaned and revitalized. Of course, the quality of leather that was used in the construction of the handbag plays a great deal into the longevity of the leather before reconditioning is needed (personally I believe that a leather artisan is the best place to get a handbag). When the time comes to re-condition your leather handbag, ensure that you do it properly. Here are a few steps to ensure that your leather stays vibrant and has that new product smell. Step One: Clean out the wallet It may sound a bit redundant, but I have known several people who have tried to use cleaner and conditioner on a bag full of junk. First, remove the contents. You have to keep in mind that whatever you have in the bag will have an impact on the shape of the leather as well as on how the bag rests. Besides that, it is just common sense that the contents can get damaged or ruined from the cleaning solutions. Step Two: Pick a cleaner and conditioner that matches your leather Not all cleaners and conditioners are the same. There are some which are intended for black leather, some for alligator skin, some for cowhide, sheepskin, etc. This is vital to ensuring that you do not over-saturate or add too much acidity and chemicals to the leather. For example, the chemicals in a leather conditioner for cowhide will be greater than sheepskin due to the thickness of the skin. Applying a cowhide leather cleaner to sheep’s skin could cause the leather to rip and tear or for the leather to become “burned”. If you have any questions or concerns about which leather cleaner to use ask your local leather artisan. Step Three: Clean the leather like you would your hair By this I mean start with the cleaner. Using a soft cloth which has no abrasive fibers apply a small amount of the cleaner to the cloth. Do not apply the solution directly to the leather. Apply the cleaner in soft circles until you have covered the surface of the handbag. At this point, the leather will probably have a dull and matt aesthetic to it. Do not worry, this is normal. Most cleaners require you to buff or clean off the cleaner. Let the cleaner sit for a little while to work into the leather. Typically, I wait 30 minutes or so to allow for the cleaner to get down into the pores of the skin. After an ample amount of time has passed, use a separate cloth to buff off the cleaner. It should have a slight shine now. Step Four: Apply Conditioner When you have finished cleaning the leather, do not jump straight to the conditioner. Look at the leather handbag and ensure that all areas have been cleaned. If you notice any imperfections on the leather, apply another coat of cleaner. Once you are satisfied with the overall look and want to get that new leather shine, then add the conditioner. Depending on the brand that you choose, the conditioner may require you to apply it with a soft cloth, or you may be able to spray it on and work it into the leather. Just keep in mind to apply the conditioner evenly. The conditioner of leathers typically does not require that you remove it once it is applied (no need to buff). Again, it depends on the leather, the cleaner and conditioner, and the age of the bag. Step Five: Let it dry When you take a shower, you dry off before you put clothes on. Why? Because you do not want to get your clothes wet. In the same way, you should give the bag an ample amount of time to dry before you add anything back into it. This will prevent any of the leather polish, cleaner, or conditioner from coming off on the contents. Again, if you feel uncomfortable in cleaning your leather handbag or if you have questions on how to properly apply leather cleaner and conditioners to your handbag, go and see your local leather artisan. Most artisans offer leather cleaning services should you not have the materials or the patience to clean your bag properly. Read More: Home Hacks: Stuff You Can Clean In One Hour Or Less How To Choose Best Brush For Your Cat How To Salvage Your Furniture After A Flood Tackle Your Shredding This Family Day

Sarees – The Identity Of Indian Women

Sarees are an integral part of the culture of the Indian subcontinent. The beauty of sarees is nonpareil, and the way they beautify the Indian women is why all of us admire sarees. If we formally define a saree, it can be referred to as a female garment worn by the women of the Indian subcontinent, that has a drape that is wrapped over the waist and one of its ends draped around the shoulder. Saree is the identity of the Indian women. It is something which defines them, sets them apart, and gives them their own recognition inside the crowd. Most foreigners upon seeing a woman wearing a saree would instantly recognize that the woman belongs to the Indian subcontinent. History of Sarees The origin of the sarees can be found in the Indus Valley Civilization, or the Harappan Culture, which flourished in the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent during 2800 BC – 1800 BC. A statue of a priest from Indus Valley was found in the remains of the Indus Valley Civilization, which was, interestingly, shown wearing a drape, looking much similar to a saree. This can be called as one of the earliest depictions of sarees. Then, sarees evolved so much that their description can be found in the religious works of various religions like Hinduism and Jainism. Description of sarees, or garments closely resembling sarees can be found in various works of Sanskrit too. Then, sarees commenced becoming popular. The most renowned occasion where women started wearing sarees was weddings. Red started to become the most preferred color for sarees worn by women, especially the bride at her weddings. Nowadays, sarees are worn at parties, weddings, official meetings, funerals, etc., and there are different saree designs for different occasions. Sarees and Religion The types and the importance of sarees on different occasions vary with the religion of the woman wearing it. For instance, in Hinduism, women wear sarees, which are usually in red, during weddings and celebrations. They wear it when there is a puja, or some offering is being made to the God. Also, it is very common in Hindu women to wear sarees even at home. Similarly, women who belong to the Muslim faith wear sarees too. These sarees are mostly influenced by the color of Hijab worn by them. For example, the colors and patterns of the saree are matched or contrasted with that of the Hijab so that the overall clothing gives an elegant impression to the eye. Most of the Muslim women in rural as well as urban areas prefer saree over any other garment. Many a times in their culture, it is also considered obscene if a married woman is seen not wearing a saree. Even though most Muslim women are seen wearing Burqas, but they do wear sarees beneath them. But, Kashmiri Muslim women do not wear sarees. They have their own attire which is very elegant too. Similarly, sarees are also very popular in Christianity. Many nuns in the Indian Catholic Churches can be seen wearing sarees. Also, many times, a Christian bride can be seen wearing a while colored saree (or a similar garment) too during her wedding. Significance of Sarees – Then and Now Sarees, obviously, are big pieces of cloth. So, wearing them is not an easy task. It shows the management skills of a woman, as if she can manage to wear such a big piece of cloth, then she can definitely manage her family and take good care of her spouse and children. Women look the most beautiful and refined when they are wearing sarees. But nowadays, sarees are more skin revealing than skin covering. Earlier, sarees were worn to hide the waist but now they are designed in such a way that they reveal the waist. A woman is considered more gorgeous and beautiful if she wears such sarees. Hence, sarees have evolved keeping in mind the current fashion trends and the changing mindsets/perspectives of the women wearing it. Sarees and Seasons Sarees also vary with changing seasons. For example, cotton sarees are the most comfortable and worn by most of the women during the scorching heat of the summers. Similarly, sarees made of silk or usually, some warm fabric is worn during winters to keep warm. Style Caret has a very good collection of sarees for different seasons. Social and Cultural Aspects of Sarees When it comes to choosing the right clothes for weddings and celebrations, something which no one can deny getting attracted to is sarees. Sarees are culturally important because they are the identity of Indian women and represent the Indian culture and traditions and the rich Indian heritage. Sarees are worn differently in different parts of India. For instance, Gujaratis wear them differently, Punjabis wear them differently, Maharashtrians wear them differently, and so on. So, there are different types of sarees which are peculiar to different states. For instance, Kota Sarees are peculiar to Rajasthan, as they originated in Kota city. Likewise, Bomkai sarees are famous in Bomkai, Odisha; Talent and Kaantha sarees originated in Bengal; Dhokra, Chanderi and Maheshwari sarees are famous in Madhya Pradesh and so on. Many such sarees are available on Stylecaret which you can check out. Sarees and the West Nowadays, countries in the west are getting influenced by eastern clothing traditions due to the bliss of sarees. Bollywood actresses like Priyanka Chopra and Aishwarya Rai are these days making a lot of tours to the west and are establishing very good relations with the Americans, like Priyanka Chopra recently made her debut in the Ellen Show. This also exposes the western audience to Indian actresses representing the Indian culture and the sarees become the cynosure of all eyes. Hence, the whole article can be summarized by saying that there is no garment, but sarees which have given the people of Indian subcontinent such a worldwide recognition and developed them socially and culturally. Sarees have indeed exalted the standard of the Indian women to a higher level.

Why Are Women’s Clothes Sizes So Inconsistent?

Why Are Women’s Clothes Sizes So Inconsistent?

The vanity sizing

How This Affects Women

How Can You Avoid Getting Inconsistently Sized Clothing?

Trendy Shoes For The Summer. 5 Suggestions

Why Are Bogg Bags Sold Out So Quickly?

Arnab

Arnab is a professional blogger, having an enormous interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, He carries out sharing sentient blogs.

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Features to Look for When Switching to Modern Shoe Fasteners

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Sarees – The Identity Of Indian Women

Why Are Women’s Clothes Sizes So Inconsistent?

Why Are Women’s Clothes Sizes So Inconsistent?

The vanity sizing

How This Affects Women

How Can You Avoid Getting Inconsistently Sized Clothing?

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Trendy Shoes For The Summer. 5 Suggestions

Why Are Bogg Bags Sold Out So Quickly?

Arnab is a professional blogger, having an enormous interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, He carries out sharing sentient blogs.

Leave a Reply

Popular

Follow Us

Recent

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