By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
The Curvy FashionistaThe Curvy Fashionista
Notification Show More
Latest News
The Plus Bus partners for TCFStyle Brunch
Join US! Our TCFStyle Brunch Series is BACK… in LA!
Fashion and Industry Fashion Events
Free Label Spring Collection
You Oughta Know: Free Label! Luxe Loungewear Up Through a 5X
Plus Size Designers
The Marina Rinaldi Spring Collection
The Marina Rinaldi Spring Collection is Exciting and Bold!
Plus Size Designers
GabiFresh Swim x Eloquii
Upgrade your Swim Life with the GabiFresh Swim x Eloquii Collection!
Fashion and Industry Plus Size Designers
Zelie for she spring collection-Lady Day Ivory
The Zelie for She Spring Collection is Romantic and Playful
Plus Size Designers
Aa
  • News
    News
    Looking the the latest plus size fashion and industry news around designers, influencers, and community happenings? We’ve got you covered with the latest happenings in…
    Show More
    Top News
    Celebrating 200k FB Fans- It is a Spring #TCFStyle Giveaway with Simply Be!
    Celebrating 200k FB Fans- It is a Spring #TCFStyle Giveaway with Simply Be!
    9 years ago
    Spring #TCFStyle Giveaway with Hips and Curves
    Celebrating 200k FB Fans- It is a Spring #TCFStyle Giveaway with Hips and Curves!
    9 years ago
    nordstrom size inclusive
    What’s Missing as Nordstrom (and others) Takes Note of Us, the Plus Size Consumer
    5 years ago
    Latest News
    Join US! Our TCFStyle Brunch Series is BACK… in LA!
    10 hours ago
    You Oughta Know: Free Label! Luxe Loungewear Up Through a 5X
    2 days ago
    The Marina Rinaldi Spring Collection is Exciting and Bold!
    1 week ago
    Upgrade your Swim Life with the GabiFresh Swim x Eloquii Collection!
    6 days ago
  • Style
    Style
    Yes, plus size style options exist and we are here to share the latest style finds, news, updates, and plus size style tips & tricks…
    Show More
    Top News
    Plus size woman Walking
    LETS TALK: Design Elements in Plus Size Clothes that KILL ME.
    10 years ago
    Duo Boots Giveaway on The Curvy Fashionista
    #TCFTurns5 Giveaway: Step into Style With the Duo Boots Giveaway!
    9 years ago
    Celebrating 200k FB Fans- It is a Spring #TCFStyle Giveaway with Simply Be!
    Celebrating 200k FB Fans- It is a Spring #TCFStyle Giveaway with Simply Be!
    9 years ago
    Latest News
    Diamonds Are Forever But Are They For Everyone? 5 Size-Inclusive Jewelry Brands
    2 weeks ago
    The Rebdolls Spring Collection Will Make You Swoon and We’ve Found 10 Faves!
    2 weeks ago
    You Oughta Know: What Lo Wants, A Sustainable LA-Based Plus Size Brand
    3 weeks ago
    Need to Update Your Lingerie Collection? Crush by Cacique is bringing the Bold and Bright Newness!
    3 weeks ago
  • Beauty
    Beauty
    Looking for the latest beauty trends, products, and makeup tips and beauty advice for plus size people?! Check out the latest beauty articles on The…
    Show More
    Top News
    Wearing Make-Up To Work, A Bad Thing?
    10 years ago
    10 Products to Fight Chub Rub
    It’s Chub Rub Season—10 Products To Battle It
    6 years ago
    PrescriptivesCustom Blend Foundation
    Celebrating 200k FB Fans- It is a Spring #TCFStyle Giveaway with Prescriptives!
    9 years ago
    Latest News
    The Best 2023 Planners to Keep You Organized and Help You Reach Your Goals!
    3 months ago
    13 Last Minute Beauty Gifts Everyone is Sure to Love
    3 months ago
    TCF Gift Guide: 15 Beauty Stocking Stuffers to Wow and Amaze Your Loved Ones!
    4 months ago
    20 of the Best Beauty Advent Calendars That Will Help You Countdown to the Holidays In Style
    5 months ago
  • Wellness
    Wellness
    Let’s talk about self-care, self-love, body image, and related topics to wellness and life as a plus size person!
    Show More
    Top News
    Torrid's Feature of Tiffany from On The Fatwalk
    The Enabling of Self Loathers and Shame – A Facebook Observation of Torrid
    11 years ago
    Rescue Stress relief
    Finding My Own Rescue Remedy & Taking Better Care of Myself…
    6 years ago
    Plus Size Lingerie: Hips and Curves
    Confidence, Sex, and the Plus Size Woman pt.1
    11 years ago
    Latest News
    Don’t Put Us In A Corner: Why In-Store Access To Plus Size Clothing Matters
    2 weeks ago
    The Dividing Truth Behind B Bellies
    3 weeks ago
    REI Sets a New Standard for Inclusive Fashion for the Outdoors
    1 month ago
    Save the Date for The BodCon Virtual Conference!
    4 weeks ago
  • Lifestyle
    Lifestyle
    There is so much more to a plus size fashion lover and we are highlighting the various topics from home, to dating and beyond in…
    Show More
    Top News
    Open Letter Tim Gunn
    An Open Letter: Dear Tim Gunn, Let’s Make It Work
    10 years ago
    2017 MTV Move & TV Awards, chrissy metz, plus size celebrity
    ‘I Wear What I Want, When I Want’: Chrissy Metz Slays In Red at the 2017 MTV Movie & TV Awards
    6 years ago
    Metallic Curves by Photographer Silvana Denker
    Plus Size Art: Metallic Curves by Photographer Silvana Denker
    6 years ago
    Latest News
    The Dividing Truth Behind B Bellies
    3 weeks ago
    Beyond Plus Size Activewear: The Plus Size Outdoor Clothing & 5 Communities To Know!
    3 months ago
    Save these 5 Plus Size Halloween Costume Tips from a Few Plus Size Cosplayers!
    5 months ago
    12 Places to Shop for Plus Size Halloween Costumes & Our Faves!
    6 months ago
  • Culture
    Culture
    Yes there is a plus size culture and we are here to share and celebrate it from entertainment to movies, we are talking about it!…
    Show More
    Top News
    25 women of color e1615188552216
    25 Women Of Color Who Paved The Way for Body Positivity & Plus Size Fashion
    2 years ago
    Dear Terri, Ven Budhu, and Project Runway….
    11 years ago
    Plus+ Coffee table book
    Because We Love a Great Book, Here are 30+ Plus Size Centered Must-Reads! 
    5 years ago
    Latest News
    Get To Know The Big Grrrls Cast! The Plus Size Dancers Competing For A Spot On Stage.
    1 year ago
    6 Easy Date Ideas For Every Budget
    1 year ago
    The Unfiltered Brilliance of Ryan Ken Acts
    1 year ago
    Unlike Hollywood’s Latest Portrayal of Her, Stagecoach Mary was Not Skinny, And She Wasn’t Light-skinned
    1 year ago
  • Shop TCF
  • Events
    • TCFStyle Brunch Series
Search TCF
More
  • Events
    • TCFStyle Brunch Series
  • Curvy & Plus Size Fashion Resources
  • About The Curvy Fashionista
  • Advertising
  • Contact
© 2008- 2023 · by TCFStyle Media · All Rights Reserved ·
Reading: Vanity Sizing, Is It Really An Issue?
Aa
The Curvy FashionistaThe Curvy Fashionista
  • News
  • Style
  • Beauty
  • Wellness
  • Lifestyle
  • Culture
  • Shop TCF
  • Events
Search TCF
  • About
  • News
  • Style
  • Shopping
  • Wellness
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Write for TCF
  • Contact
Sign In Sign In
Follow US
  • Login
  • Community Guidelines
  • Style Star Ambassadors
  • TCFStyle Influencer Network
  • Advertise With Us
  • Contact
© 2008- 2021 · by TCFStyle Media · All Rights Reserved ·
Shopping

Vanity Sizing, Is It Really An Issue?

Marie Denee
Last updated: 07/11/2013
By Marie Denee 3 Min Read
Share

We’ve all heard about vanity sizing. Its when fashion designers make clothing a size or two bigger than what the size actually is in order to make people feel better. You know you are normally a size 20 or 2x, but you go into another store and *gasp* you’re down to an 18 or a 1x.

You’re so excited that you miraculously lost weight that you make that store your new spot. I’m assuming that’s what retailers and designers are hoping for. We will have such an ego boost that we can’t help but to shop there.

- Advertisement -

But, honestly that mess is annoying.

How am I supposed to know what size I really am if they keep cutting the clothing more generously? And why can’t we come up with an improved, standardized sizing system for women?

Writer Starre Vartan says, “I am usually a size large, unless it’s a very roomy top, and then sometimes I’m a medium… But at this point, I’m a size small at Old Navy, the Gap or Banana Republic, even in dresses, and even when they are more body-conscious.”

This is just a little bit too far in my opinion. I must say I too, have noticed this at Old Navy as well. On one hand I don’t mind because this means I can shop in the Old Navy store and actually try things on as I can fit into their XXL (sometimes XL) size in store since they have relegated plus sizes to the website *rolls eyes*.

- Advertisement -

But, on the other hand its annoying to not have consistency and I know I’m not an XL. You not fooling nobody Old Navy.

Another thing I don’t understand this vanity sizing is, if you are already cutting your clothing more generously to “trick” people, why can’t you continue that generosity to include plus sizes???

Many stores still don’t sell above a size 12. This is just mind boggling to me.

If you are cutting styles to fit bigger anyway, why not keep it going? Just saying.

- Advertisement -

Read more about the issues with vanity sizing at MNN.com

Have you noticed vanity sizing in some of the places you shop? How do you feel about it? Do you think the industry should come up with universal sizing standards?

TAGGED: old navy, plus size fashion, Shopping
Share this Article
Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Email Copy Link Print
14 Comments 14 Comments
  • Carla Ives says:
    July 11, 2013 at 8:35 am

    You’re totally right. It’s confusing as hell! I wear anything from a size 16 to a 24 depending on the store, cut, make. . . ARGHHHHHH I’m pretty much a size 18-20, but you can’t depend on that anymore. I now take things off the rack and look at it. I can get pretty close before heading to the fitting room;however, it makes shopping online at a new store hell until I get used to their clothing.

    Reply
    • Vicky Gill says:
      July 11, 2013 at 1:58 pm

      I’m really just trying to learn. I do most of my shopping online now. I’ve worked for over a year to get to that point. I literally will not shop at a store if I have to keep returning something to get the right size. That’s why I quit shopping at Ashley Stewart online and in store because their sizing is way off. You can be a 14/16 one day and a 18/20 the next. I’m usually a 18/20 or 20/22 depending on what it is because i have some big old boobs. Drove me batty. The shopping experience became too much work for me. Shopping should be fun not hell. It’s a pain in the butt!

      Reply
  • Andrea Michelle says:
    July 11, 2013 at 8:42 am

    I So Agree !

    Reply
  • ariel says:
    July 11, 2013 at 11:29 am

    the people most concerned with vanity sizing and how it’s such a “negative” are usually the most concerned with excluding people from fashion and policing bodies. We should stop calling it vanity sizing, as vanity is generally a negatively loaded term. I love it, if I (at a size 20) am wearing 16s/18s somewhere, it means more of the forgotten plus segment (24+) will benefit and I am all for that.

    Reply
    • Vicky Gill says:
      July 11, 2013 at 1:52 pm

      I think you make a really good point about the vanity sizing. But it’s all what someone can live with. I don’t really care one way or the other because I quit worrying about my size a long time ago.

      Reply
  • Kara Ferguson says:
    July 11, 2013 at 1:13 pm

    Don’t even get me started on Old Navy. There is absolutely no consistency to their sizing at all. And it drives me nuts that they’ll offer ten color/prints in a shirt (or dress or skirt) in straight sizes, but only two colors/prints in the plus sizes. UHG.

    Reply
    • Vicky Gill says:
      July 11, 2013 at 7:54 pm

      They just plain suck! I’m surprised they have not closed down yet because even their kids clothes are so overpriced that it’s ridiculous. Why in the heck would you pay $15-20 for a pair of jeans at Old Navy when you can go to a higher end dept. store and get a name brand? Or go to Ross or TJ Maxx and get a high end name?

      Reply
  • Vicky Gill says:
    July 11, 2013 at 1:51 pm

    What can we live with?

    First, I want to say that this is a great blog article. I think it is something that many people are not aware of. I love your blog. I just found it a few months ago.

    That’s what I think it comes down to. Each person has to decide for themselves what
    they can live with as a consumer. We all have our bugaboos when it comes to stuff.
    For me, it’s Torrid and SWAK because I think they are way overpriced for
    their stuff. I want good stuff for a good price. I’ve paid a $100 for a piece
    of clothing but it will be in my closet until the day I die.

    The vanity sizing does not bother me that much because it’s not just in plus size that it is happening.

    I’m a 20/22. Sometimes I can be 18/20 depending on the cut of the clothes. I guess I don’t really care one way or another. Just like if a retailer decides not to make my size, that’s their prerogative. However, they lose my business; because if I can’t buy clothes from your store, generally I won’t buy anything else from you. The only exception to me
    for this rule pretty much is Forever 21. Their sizes don’t fit me well. However, I do love their accessories. They have great prices and are on trend. I like the store. I want to go to the actual brick and mortar store one day. We don’t have them where i live in SC.

    I want to say upfront that most of my clothes shopping is done online. I have almost perfected my online shopping experience to the point that I rarely have to return
    anything. Booyah!

    Old Navy sizing sucks in my opinion. For several reasons, they quit carrying plus
    size stuff, in store. I think they are too expensive for their quality. Their sizing is just hit or miss. You can measure for a 2X but when you get it, it’s too small so you order a bigger size and it’s huge. I don’t find their clothing to be of high quality. It’s cheaply made and their
    idea of “cut” is just bigger with no tailoring or anything. It’s a throwback to the days when “plus size” was just bigger and no tailoring, at all. (This applies to their regular clothes too)

    There are other places online that I feel are like Old Navy.I literally think they think too highly of themselves.

    I think of the store Dot’s, which I absolutely love. I have pieces that I bought at my local store5+ years ago and the pieces are still in good shape. Mostly, for me, I hit the
    jackpot with them on dresses. I have bought several faux wrap dresses off their clearance rack for under $10. Now their sizing is sketchy too. Their sizing is not consistent especially when you compare it to a higher end store like Lane Bryant or Simply Be. (That’s my version of higher end stores). However, their stuff is decently made and cut. Their prices reflect that. They have gone up on the prices over the past few years but I’m okay with that because their selection and on trend items have skyrocketed. I don’t buy a lot of my high end stuff from there but I have scored some items that will be in my closet for many years to come.

    Surprisingly, a store that has really upped their game on plus size clothing has been Wal-Mart. I know right. I never would have known Both my husband and I are teaches.
    However, he has become discouraged with education so he decided to make
    a career change at 45. My husband decided to leave teaching so he has gone back to school and is now working in the Wal-Mart Vision Center while he works on getting his computer degree. You know what that means? Yep, employee discount! I needed
    a pink shirt to replicate an outfit so I went online and I found my size and it was only $10. I did not have high expectations. I did not want to be disappointed. I was not, at all. The pink button down shirt was heaven. I would put it against one of my Lane Bryant shirts any day. Needless to say, I’ve ordered a few more. I gave them a chance and I’m glad I did because I have ordered several items since and the sizing and quality is not bad. The shipping is .97. Not to mention I use Ebates so I get the employee discount and my Ebates money.

    All this to say that I think if a retailer wants to be deceitful in their sizing, then don’t shop there if it bothers you. However, the part that bothers me more than the “vanity sizing” is that many plus size retailers charge much higher prices for their clothes. I spend a mint each year at Lane Bryant because I love their stuff but I do think they purposely
    charge higher prices. I have recently discovered Simply Be and they are more higher priced than LB but their quality is much higher.

    I’ve discovered some cute online stores from various blogs. They are not higher end, at all. However, you can get some cute stuff to wear for a few seasons. They are kind of like dots.

    https://www.gstagelove.com/ (Their sizing can be weird so it is trial
    and error until you figure out your size)

    http://www.debshops.com/ (You have to sift through their stuff like
    you would at Dot’s to find something that you just love…been there done that!)

    Reply
  • Lisa says:
    July 11, 2013 at 2:49 pm

    It’s irksome but there’s really no way to standardize sizing except with bottoms, where you can do waist and inseam measurements. Even then, it’s a tossup because unlike men’s pants, women’s pants can hit anywhere from the low hip to above the navel. I’m apple shaped so I can wear down to a 16 in low rise pants and up to a 20 in mid/high waist pants.

    Reply
  • K-Lee says:
    July 11, 2013 at 3:48 pm

    I wouldn’t care what they want to call their sizing system, if when you pick the item up the actual measurements of the garment are listed on the tag. I’ve been doing quite a bit of clothes shopping online of late and find it so much easier as most offer the actual and stretched measurements as well as the “size” to help determine what is going to fit best.

    I’m not sure what it’s like over in the states, but here in Australia, at least in the department stores, there is a “normal” range and then the “plus size” range. I find that I always seem to fall smack bang in the middle. The “normal” 18 is a bit small but the “plus size” 16 is way too big. And when I shop in specialty or boutique stores, I fit anywhere between a 16 and a 22.

    I don’t think that this phenomenon is restricted to women’s clothing either. I have the same issues trying to buy for my 3yo daughter. Store-to-store the sizing that fits her is completely different. She seems to fit anywhere from a 0 to a 4! Which is ridiculous.

    I honestly think that using actual measurements is the only indicator that is going to make choosing sizes easier. Have tape measures strung up in stores and measurements listed on tags so you know what you’re getting for your money

    Reply
    • Vicky Gill says:
      July 11, 2013 at 7:51 pm

      I think your ideas are awesome.

      Reply
  • Vicky Gill says:
    July 12, 2013 at 2:05 am

    I thought of something else related to this. I have not bought a pair of pants/jeans in a few years from Lane Bryant but I do know at one time I was a “4”.red I consider that “vanity sizing” because I was really a size 20P. It was just a way to avoid the size 20. I did not care one way or the other but people would think I was weird if I said my size at LB was a “4”. It’s funny especially someone that is not familiar with plus size.

    Reply
  • kisforkinky says:
    July 12, 2013 at 7:10 am

    my friends and i talk about this and in my personal experience, it’s my plus size friends that i find frustrates the most and i totally understand why since we shop together and i’m there to witness the absurd sliding scale of sizes first hand. after seeing this over and over i started feeling some kind of way because though i experience this, it’s no where near what my friends experience. it’s as if plus sizes are an afterthought and i don’t like that. don’t even get me started on plus sizes only being online. seriously?

    i only notice “vanity sizing” issues for myself when i go outside of euro sizes and to less expensive labels. if i try to buy a 6 from an unknown brand (and in some rare instances a brand i frequent) it may not fit. but if i stick to a euro-based 28 or 26 depending on my weight/measurements then i rarely have problems. in premium denim (paige, true religion, etc.) – which is what i stick to the most to avoid the headaches of crazy sizing – my size is always my size unless i personally gain or loose weight and then i see a change. in cheaper denim – express, h&m, zara, etc. it’s about a 40% chance of “who knows what i’ll get.” even being a euro company, zara makes me think they cut their bottom patterns with blindfolds on. it’s crazy!

    i once tried on a pair of jeans in walmart that were a size two. ain’t now WAY. now, they have a serious vanity sizing issue and old navy? out of control. there definitely needs to be some sort of middle ground. i think the idea of vanity sizing (fake/trick sizes) is absurd as a size should be a size. can you imagine if vanity sizing was as rampant in the underwear industry? no one would know what size bra or underwear they wore. “no, my boobs did not magically get smaller/larger today, this bra is just faking that they did.”

    i like shopping on the european model. i can shop and do shop in any country i visit because the clothes are cut consistently and are based on my measurements which i think is a pretty smart way to sell clothes. it’s a model that’s working quite fine for the bra and intimate apparel industry.

    Reply
  • Mandy says:
    July 15, 2013 at 8:25 pm

    This drives me nuts! This is why I don’t shop for clothing online very much because I know it will 99% of the time be all wrong.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest News

The Plus Bus partners for TCFStyle Brunch
Fashion and Industry

Join US! Our TCFStyle Brunch Series is BACK… in LA!

- Advertisement -

You May Also Enjoy

Nature's Twist - size inclusive jewelry
Fashion+Style

Diamonds Are Forever But Are They For Everyone? 5 Size-Inclusive Jewelry Brands

mightymurphin By mightymurphin
453003050
Body Politics

Don’t Put Us In A Corner: Why In-Store Access To Plus Size Clothing Matters

mightymurphin By mightymurphin
Crush by Cacique- plus size lingerie from Lane Bryant
Fashion+Style

Need to Update Your Lingerie Collection? Crush by Cacique is bringing the Bold and Bright Newness!

Marie Denee By Marie Denee
size inclusive indie brands- Deviled Egg Midi Dress
Above 3X

10 Size-Inclusive Indie Brands You May Not Already Know

mightymurphin By mightymurphin
ELOQUII Workwear Collection
Fashion+Style

Need a Workwear Refresh? Take a Peek at These Elevated Office Looks from the New ELOQUII Workwear Collection!

Marie Denee By Marie Denee
Will the Moschino x H&M Collab Include Plus Sizes? Maybe?
Fashion and Industry

The Trouble with “Curve-Washing”

mightymurphin By mightymurphin
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Contribute
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Affiliate Disclosure
Reading: Vanity Sizing, Is It Really An Issue?
The Curvy FashionistaThe Curvy Fashionista
Follow US

© 2008- 2023 · by TCFStyle Media · All Rights Reserved ·

Removed from reading list

Undo
The Curvy Fashionista Logo
Welcome Back!

Please Sign in to Your Account

Lost your password?