Vanity sizing, also known as size inflation is used to refer to the phenomenon of ready-to-wear clothing of the same nominal size becoming larger over time. Vanity sizing tends to occur in places where clothing sizes are not standardized, such as the United States,[1] although within the United States it occurs far more frequently in women's apparel than in men's, partly due the widespread and far earlier adoption of standardized measurement for men's apparel for military uniforms (where, for example, a pair of trousers with a 32" waist and a 32" inseam must be labeled as such regardless of who made it).
It is generally acknowledged that clothing of the same nominal size has become larger over the years.[2][3][4][5] In 2003, a study that measured over 1,011 pairs of women's pants found that more expensive brands tended to be smaller than cheaper ones of the same nominal size.[6] The increasing dimensions of garments of the same nominal size has caused some designers to introduce size 0, 00, or other subzero sizes.[5]
Many commentators have suggested that "vanity sizing," as its name suggests, is designed to satisfy buyers' wishes to appear thin and feel better about themselves.[2][3][5][7]
However, other reasons for this change have been offered as well. Designer Nicole Miller's spokeswoman has suggested that 00 or subzero sizes were introduced in part because of the rise of Asian markets, where women are generally smaller.[5] It has also been suggested that vanity sizing allows clothing companies to cater their sizing to their demographic, since women of different sizes may be attracted to different brands.[8] Finally, it has been suggested[9] that vanity sizing merely reflects the increasing prevalence of obesity.[10][11]
See also
References
- ^ US standard clothing sizes are no longer used by manufacturers.[1]
- ^ a b http://www.wnwo.com/Global/story.asp?S=1771013&nav=1aI8M8qf
- ^ a b FOXNews.com - Flattery Gets Designers Everywhere - Celebrity Gossip | Entertainment News | Arts And Entertainment
- ^ Vanity sizing alive, well
- ^ a b c d Schrobsdorff, Susanna (Oct 18, 2006) Fashion Designers Introduce Less-than-Zero Sizes Newsweek.
- ^ Clothing Size Variation in Women’s Pants, Kinley, T. R. Clothing and Textiles Research Journal, 21(1), 19-31 (2003)
- ^ Study questions the sizing methods in women's apparel
- ^ The myth of vanity sizing
- ^ Johnson, Kate (2006-05-05). "As waistlines grow, clothing sizes shrink incredibly; 0 is the new 8". Boston Globe: p. A1.
- ^ The prevalence of overweight and obesity in the past 30 years
- ^ Vanity Sizing Gone Too Far Creating Health Issues
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