I’ve been meaning to write about women’s clothing sizes for a while, and Suzanne’s latest article finally pushed me to do it. She talked about being tempted by a smaller size and even though she knew it was too small, she squeezed into the skirt and bought it, feeling good about fitting into it. However, once she got home, she realized the truth—it didn’t actually fit.
Suzanne’s experience isn’t unique. I’ve known many women who obsess over sizes, sometimes even checking others’ sizes when no one is watching. But here’s the deal: the size on the label is just a number and, in many cases, it’s quite deceptive.
I’ve stayed around the same weight since I was 20, though my body has changed over the years. Despite having the same general shape and weight, my clothing size has varied quite a bit. I was once a size 40 (8) in my 20s, which later became a size 38 (6), and now I often find myself needing a size 36 (4). This isn’t because I’ve lost weight; it’s because brands have adjusted their sizing.
Companies often make sizes smaller to make you feel good, knowing you’ll probably buy more clothes if you think you’re fitting into smaller sizes. It’s basically a psychological trick. This is especially evident in the US, where I can sometimes be a size 4, XS, or even a 0 in some brands. If I’m a size 0, what does that mean for women who are actually smaller than me?
The whole concept of sizing has become quite ridiculous. Every body has a unique size, so why should the number on the label matter? Style isn’t defined by clothing size! The only way to look good is to focus on how the clothes fit you. Sizes are just guidelines, and since every brand and country has different standards, it’s smart to try on multiple sizes. Always check the online sizing charts, know your measurements, and keep them handy for reference.
When you’re trying on clothes, bring in three different sizes—one that’s your usual size, one smaller, and one larger. Ignore the size on the label and trust the mirror to see which one fits best. Often, choosing a slightly bigger size can give you a more comfortable and fluid fit, which is very in style these days.
Don’t let the size on the label affect how you feel about yourself. Trust the mirror and a measuring tape more than the number on the tag. Have you ever bought a smaller size just for the sake of it? How much do you let sizes guide your choices?