Vanity Sizing Sucks! Here's How You Can Beat It

I know you can relate to this: you’re in a clothing store, checking out some outfits, grab your size (or what you think is your size), try it on, and it doesn’t fit.  Grrr!  You go back to that designer’s rack and pick one size up or one size down, but the sizes on the tag aren’t quite the size that you thought you were.

Then, you check out another designer and, again, pull out what your supposed size and it still doesn’t fit.  In fact, the numbered sizes from each designer are the same, but the actual size of the garment is completely different!

Frustrated Some?

This makes you feel frustrated, annoyed, and rather confused!

This, my friends, is the phenomenon of vanity sizing.  According to Oxford dictionary, the definition of vanity sizing is:

“The practice of assigning smaller sizes to articles of manufactured clothing than is really the case, in order to encourage sales.”

No wonder it’s so frustrating and confusing when you go shopping. Designers & garment manufacturers alter the size labels to make you think you’re a size 4 when you’re really a 6, or a size 10 when you’re really a 12 or 14.  Let’s not forget that many designers have their own sizing convention altogether, so that’s another wrench thrown into the mix.

So how do you tackle this styling problem when you go shopping?

Two Easy Tips to Beat Vanity Sizing

Shopping In-Person:
When you’re shopping in-store for your clothes, if possible, always, always, ALWAYS try on your clothes in a dressing room before making your purchase.  Select the size that you think you are, and also select one size up and one size down for comparison.  When in the dressing room, be very critical about the FIT, PROPORTION, AND SILHOUETTE to determine the best size for you.

Shopping Online:
When you’re shopping online, if available, I always recommend that you take a look at the size charts provided by the designer or store.  This is critical!  A size 8 in Alice & Olivia may not be a size 8 in BCBG.  I see this all of the time when shopping for my clients.  At a minimum, the size charts include measurements for the bust, waist, hips, and inseam for pants.  (EXTRA TIP: you’ve got to know your own measurements walking into the gate).  Here’s an example of a size chart for a Topshop dress:

These two tips are pretty much foolproof ways to consistently choose clothing that best fits you.

Apply the Velvet Rope Policy to Your Closet

Here’s one more thought (translation: rant begins!):

I challenge you to no longer pay attention to sizing tags.  Don’t get hung up on trying to work your way into a particular dress size.  Forget about it all – they are just numbers and do not define YOU.  Embrace yourself & your measurements.  Apply the Velvet Rope Policy to your closet: be selective about what you introduce into your wardrobe.  Require that the clothes meets YOUR size, not the other way around. This is how you’ll always beat vanity sizing!  (Rant over) 😉

Tell me your thoughts and experience with vanity sizing – I’d love to hear what you have to say!  You can:

• Comment on this blog post (below)
• Tweet to me @StyleRoxie
• Post to my Facebook – @RoxanneCarnePersonalStylist

PS – Let’s beat vanity sizing together!  My signature styling services are a great solution to keep you looking on point all of the time without any worries or restrictions from clothing labels.  Let’s do this! Call me at 855-877-8953 to set up an appointment today!

Stylishly Yours,
Roxanne Carne

Roxanne Carne is a recognized Personal Stylist & Personal Shopper styling women in Dallas, TX and virtually!  Visit www.roxannecarne.com to discover how she can help transform your wardrobe and transform your life!