Something that’s been bothering me recently is sizing of plus-size clothing. It’s never the same, no matter where you go. A 1X at one place is a 2X in another or a Large in another. A lot of places are also now using what I like to call “feel better” sizes. Instead of a 1X, 2X, etc. they’re now a 1, 2, or 3. Or, an 18/20 is now a Large. And don’t get me started with the place that uses a shape & number for jeans sizes. For example, a yellow triangle with a 3 is actually a 20 (or something like that). When I asked the girl how it worked, she had to count on her fingers to figure out what my size would be. (I walked out without jeans, went to a store that sold them using normal sizing and bought 2 pair.) If you’re comfortable being a plus-size woman, why do you care what the number is? If you’re not comfortable with it, why do you want to lie to yourself?
I thought there were standards for this sort of thing? I understand that the better they make us feel, the more likely we are to keep them in business but why make it so frustrating? Unfortunately, some places are starting to make it so difficult that they’re losing business…or, at least losing some of mine. I don’t want to “feel better” about the size I’m wearing. I want to know exactly what I’m wearing so I can a) easily find clothes that fit and b) finally say “whoa! it’s time to do something about this!”.
I agree the numbering is lame with the number/color/shape bit — but I found the color/shape bit to be really really helpful. No more rooting around for pants that don’t pocket or buckle in the back — if they’re a red triangle they’ll fit me. It was the first time in my life that’d ever happened.
As for the sizing, though, it’s happening at all levels, not just plus sizing. They recently had to introduce the size 00 at some of the petite shops (according to my skinny sister) because size 0 today is the size 1 of yesterday.
I’d love to just have stuff called out by measurement, even if it did mean I’d have to admit to my waist size.