Have you ever noticed that American clothing sizes, especially for women, are really weird? Men’s clothing is sized by inches in different locations (waist, inseam, arm length, neck, etc.) Not that their sizes are standard across brands either, but women’s clothing is so arbitrary! It changes between companies and there is no standardization across anything.
Size 4 pants at JC Penny do not match size 4 pants bought at Dillard’s. You can buy the same designer at both, but the size does not match. The same goes for designer pants. Levi’s sizes don’t match 7 For All Mankind or Lucky Brand. Why is it so hard to use one measurement? I have a very hard time finding pants that actually fit properly and are long enough. Not to mention, whatever the new style is that has a kangaroo pouch showing up at my crotch whenever I sit down. I have never had that issue before, but suddenly any pants I try on make this pouch and none of the them sit the way they are supposed to.
I also have an issue with the fact that men’s shirts are sized with the expectation that neck sizes and arm lengths vary. Women’s blouses are sized the exact same way as T-shirts. My arms are longer than average, so I usually have sleeves that go almost to my wrist, but stop at an awkward length. It makes life very difficult when shopping for winter clothes. I know for a fact that I am not the only one. If we can make petite sizes with the understanding that they are not the same as a size small, it would be very helpful to also make longer sizes for those of us that don’t fit “normal” sizes.
Dresses are another beast all together! You have to fit the top and the bottom into one size that really doesn’t tell you anything about where it will actually fit. If you don’t look like a model good luck finding an outfit that will fit you like it’s supposed to. Same goes for pant suits and rompers. I can’t wear them without giving myself a double wedgie. That just isn’t a flattering look on anyone. Why would I pay money for something that is never made for my body type?
I get that men’s clothes typically don’t change style nearly as much as women’s but it is not that hard to make sizes uniform across the industry. We spend more money annually on clothes, so make them to fit us.
Fast Fashion
Part of the reason we spend so much money on clothes is the fast fashion industry. Companies are making clothes as cheaply as possible. That means they are not being made to last more than a couple months. When our clothes fall apart, we tend to go spend more money to replace them. So if the clothes are made to fall apart quickly, fashions can change and prompt even more sales. Fast fashion anticipates that whatever they make will only be good to sell for a short period of time. That means they have to have enough, although limited, stock and be able to change it quickly. The consumer mindset to change out our wardrobe on a seasonal basis is something that is taken for granted.
I don’t refresh my closet every season. I will occasionally switch out staple items, but for the most part I buy my clothes with the expectation that I will wear them for several years. For the most part I have. If you can source pieces that will make your closet, it is much easier to change out the pieces and make all of them last longer. Sometimes those pieces are ones I save up for (like 6 months or longer), others I am able to get from thrift stores. Either way, I don’t let myself go shopping unless I know I am replacing something or I have a specific need that nothing in my closet currently will fill.