A brief history lesson
Vanity sizing has been around for several years now. But, I wasn’t aware of how long. According to this blog post (https://blog.fitanalytics.com/history-of-vanity-sizing-and-size-charts/) from Fit Analytics, the concept of vanity sizing got its start in 1983. At the turn of the twentieth century, more and more women accepted the idea of mass produced clothing, and sizes were based upon bust sizes as well as the idea of an hourglass figure. Those hourglass figures, though, were achieved through corsetry. Think about the styles usually attributed to the 1920’s. The dresses were loose and swingy so an exact size wouldn’t be necessary. Interestingly, prior to the 1940’s sizes weren’t standardized. Manufacturers were the driving force behind this as mass-produced garments required some type of alteration, didn’t fit well, and were returned. With the ensuing loss in profits, companies sought some type of consistency across sizes.
Eventually, sizes were based upon that hourglass figure and 59 different body measurements. These included the chest, waist, and hip measurements we use today. But, only about 8% of women had that hourglass shape. And, the study which came up with these “standardized” sizes lacked diversity. This study was revised a couple of times but was still the standard in the 70’s. By the 80’s, things had changed. In fifty years, vanity sizing would add up to six inches to a size 8. Even more amazing is the idea that Marilyn Monroe was a size 12! Those same measurements today would put her in a size 6! Are you a fan of the show Mad Men? Based upon her measurements, Joan Harris would be a size 28 in that era. In 2015, the actress, Christina Hendricks, with her voluptuous curves, was a size 14. You can read more here: https://www.eonline.com/news/687475/a-brief-history-of-women-s-clothing-sizes-and-why-you-just-went-up-a-size
Does that number or letter matter?
So, where does that leave us? Some manufacturers stick to standardized size charts; some make up their own sizing charts; and some use their own numbers for a range of sizes. It’s confusing, isn’t it? I recently went into my local J Jill store. I remember, many, many years ago, thinking J Jill was just too cool for me to even enter the store. I used to live in Northeast Indiana and would have to drive a couple of hours to shop in a brick and mortar store. I would gaze longingly in the windows of the J Jill store at the Fashion Mall (also known as Keystone Mall). One day, I bravely entered the store, and a love affair was born! Over the years, J Jill has definitely changed its (her) design aesthetic as well as target demographic. What I appreciate about the brand is knowing I can usually depend upon the sizing. But, with the pandemic anxiety weight gain (PAW-G?), how in the world do I still wear a Small? Read about my current weight struggle here https://marshainthemiddle.com/elephant-what-elephant/. This is vanity sizing at work and how! While my vain self gloats that a small still fits, my logical brain knows it’s the cut of the dress as well as the stretchy fabric. So, does that number or letter matter? I am not, for one little minute, going to say it doesn’t matter to me. It does. I like thinking, “Oh, I can wear a small. Things must not be too bad.” And, I’ll even admit I’ll choose the smaller size if there’s little difference just so my mind and ego are satisfied. But, again, does the number or letter matter? For the most part, I think not. What matters is how the garment fits. That being said, I have to know my size for the particular retailer I’m shopping. And, I do appreciate that I can shop from the comfort of my bed and know the clothing will most likely fit.
Brick and Mortar vs. Online?
DRESS https://www.jjill.com/product/elephant-walk-sleveless-knit-dress?color=3VM
SANDALS https://www.nordstrom.com/s/eileen-fisher-willow-espadrille-wedge-sandal-women/4186616?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FBrands%2FEileen%20Fisher%2FWomen%2FShoes&color=251
When I am confident of sizes, I order online…like a lot! Once, I inadvertently ordered 20 cashmere sweaters during a flash sale! I just kept hitting the button because the confirmation wasn’t coming up! Oh, that was not fun…returning 15 or so sweaters! One thing that will keep me from pressing the submit button, though, is shipping. If I have to pay shipping, I will think not just twice, but three of four times! I hate paying shipping even when I know I’m going to keep an item. But, nothing beats a good old try on session at a brick and mortar store! You get to feel the fabrics, test for excessive wrinkling, see the colors, and even discover hidden jewels! And, these sandals…you need them in your life!
This dress is such a cute little casual dress. I’ve worn it several times already. The only thing it’s missing are pockets. J Jill does pockets quite well, stitching them down without adding heft. I’m kind of curious about why they skipped them on this dress. I don’t think it would have changed the lines of the dress at all.
STRIPED DRESS https://www.jjill.com/product/mixed-stripes-a-line-tank-dress?color=04Q
LINEN MAXI https://www.jjill.com/product/linen-sleveless-a-line-midi-dress-222721s-1?color=3WK
Last week, I was trying these dresses, and I thought I’d just snap a couple of pics. Sorry for the grainy images. Maybe someday I’ll upgrade to a better phone! I guess this makes me a bona fide blogger, right? I also bought the striped dress as well as the linen maxi, all in a size small! I bought all four dresses (the elephant dress, the embroidered dress, the striped dress, and the line maxi)! That means I need to find at least four dresses to donate. Yep, I subscribe to the idea of what goes in forces something out. I just have to find a good place to donate them as so many places aren’t accepting donations right now.
What do you think?
So, what do you think? Is vanity sizing a good thing, a necessary evil, or a really terrible fashion decision? Let me know in the comments. I promise I’ll respond! I love talking about shopping, fashion, and shoes! Let’s have a conversation! If you like this post, please let me know. If you like my blog, would you consider sharing it with a friend or two?
Good Morning – I was just at the Fashion Mall last week. I live a few hrs. north with HORRIBLE shopping options so was nice to be in a mall with Anthropologie, Pottery Barn, etc. That location of Nordstrom is small but even knowing that was surprised by the lack of inventory. Talbots on the other end was jam packed with leftover items from previous seasons which says to me no one if buying there. I think of the wonderful high quality items I bought there years ago (beautiful well made shirt dresses, lined jackets and skirts etc) and sad to see the quality of current clothing being offered. I have to be honest and say JJill has never been “my store”….just not my style. That said…do not feel like I really have a store that has good quality, not overly $$$, feminine, stylish clothing. Another great post, thank you.
Hi, Nancy! It’s a small world! I was close to Fort Wayne, and the shopping wasn’t good there, either. It is sad to see the stores, including Nordstrom, so understocked. I hope things return to something approaching normal soon. I was surprised when I went into Talbots to see really old merchandise on the sale racks. I don’t think you could even say they were returns as they were winter items. Ah, I wish Michael Smalldone was still at Talbots. Remember when receiving the catalog was like looking into a true photo shoot? I have some things that are so old but still in better condition than new items. It’s funny to see how J Jill has changed over the years. When I first became aware of the brand, it seemed more edgy and even a bit boho. For the short period of time Talbots and J Jill were owned by the same company, I believe J Jill lost its oomph. Now, I just know I can depend on sizing, and they present enough just a little less like everyone else things for me to shop there. I agree, as it appears we may be of the same age, it’s hard to find a place to shop that feels truly me. (Although, the ladies at J Jill no longer even ask me my name…I’m the Norm of shopping, I guess!) Thanks for stopping by, and let me know the next time you’re shopping at Keystone!
That vanity sizing thing. So much to say, so little time.
It goes to show that numbers really prevail in our life. Whether that’s age, weight, or size. Yet I think we have to start analyzing other factors more. Nobody except us even sees the size. So it shouldn’t matter at all.
As for online shopping, it can be hard, which is why I always suggest ordering a couple of sizes and then return what doesn’t fit. If you’re in the store, you usually take in a couple of sizes, so why not do that when ordering online.
Heck, I just bought a “vest” (the one that was really a top in a post a couple of weeks ago) that was a Large. Does that make me a bad person or unworthy?? I sure hope not.
Thanks for bringing up this craziness!! And I love all the dresses!!
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Jodie, as far as online shopping, I have even ordered two of the same size because I know they will fit differently! I never thought about the fact that I’m the only one who sees the size! I always kinda felt sorry for guys when their jean sizes were right there for the world to see! I think the whole size issue, for me, is I need to know what size I am at which retailer. I like knowing their sizing is consistent so I can order without worries. It was really interesting to read about vanity sizing, but I had no idea how sizing even got its start. I guess it will almost always come down to profit/loss, right?
I don’t know what it is with me and dresses! It’s not like I’m going out and about that much. I’ve always been someone who dresses up, though. My students used to count the number of days I would wear a dress! They got a kick out of me dressing up, I guess!
Thanks again for stopping by!
I recently acquired my dear friend’s whole wardrobe when she pasted away, we are talking enough to fill a boutique. With us being the same size, i just started trying them on, and on and on, you get the picture. Then i looked at the sizes on what i decided to keep. I have every size s-m-lg-xl and maybe a 2x. I havent been a small since i was a baby, and never a 2x. Who are they kidding, not me. I won’t order on line, I need my fix of walking in a store to try on.
My condolences on your friend’s passing. What a wonderful gift…I’m sure each time you wear something of hers, you are reminded of her and maybe even of what the two of you were doing when she was wearing the clothes! The whole sizing thing is so frustrating, isn’t it? I used to be a store shopper only, too. But, one of my favorite brands is located in Vermont or North Carolina, and I’m in Indiana! So, I have to order online! Thanks for visiting!
Of course, what a magnificent blog and informative posts, I surely will bookmark your blog.All the Best!
Oh, thank you so much! I am trying hard to create something to be proud of…it’s late so I’m going to blame that on the bad grammar right there! I am having a fabulous time so far!
Thanks for coming by!