Vanity sizing is a term many of us are familiar with. It refers to the practice where fashion designers intentionally label clothing a size or two larger than its actual measurement, aiming to enhance the shopping experience for consumers. Imagine discovering that your usual size, like a 20 or 2x, surprisingly fits as an 18 or 1x in another store. This can lead to a thrilling sense of accomplishment, making you feel as though you’ve lost weight. It’s easy to see why such stores become a favorite shopping destination; after all, retailers hope that this inflated sizing will boost our self-esteem and encourage us to return for more.
The reality is, however, that this trend can be quite frustrating. How am I supposed to determine my true size when brands keep adjusting their sizing to be more forgiving? It raises the question of why we can’t establish a more consistent and standardized sizing system for women across the board.
Writer Starre Vartan expressed this sentiment well, stating, “I usually wear a size large unless the top is particularly loose; then I might fit into a medium. Yet, at this point, I find myself fitting into a small at places like Old Navy, The Gap, or Banana Republic, even in dresses that are designed to be more fitted.” This observation resonates with many of us who have noticed similar patterns in our own shopping experiences.
Personally, I have also observed this phenomenon at Old Navy. On one hand, it’s convenient because it allows me to try on clothes in-store, where I can comfortably wear their XXL size (and sometimes even XL). This is especially relevant since they have now relegated their plus sizes primarily to the website, which can be frustrating for many shoppers who prefer to try before they buy. *rolls eyes*
On the flip side, it’s quite irritating to encounter such inconsistencies in sizing. I know I’m not an XL, and it feels misleading. It’s as if Old Navy is trying to play a game with our perceptions, and quite frankly, it’s not fooling anyone.
Another aspect of vanity sizing that perplexes me is the rationale behind it. If brands are already adjusting their clothing sizes to appear more generous, why not extend that same level of generosity to include plus sizes? It’s astounding that many retailers still do not offer sizes above a 12, which seems utterly illogical.
If the styles are being tailored to accommodate larger bodies anyway, what’s stopping them from fully embracing that approach across the board? Just saying, it would make sense to maintain that consistency.
Discover more about the challenges posed by vanity sizing at MNN.com
Have you noticed the impact of vanity sizing in your shopping experiences? What are your thoughts on this trend? Do you believe the fashion industry should develop a universal sizing standard to benefit all consumers?
