Vanity sizing

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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]

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 larger 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 subzero sizes.[5]

[edit] Possible Reasons

Many commentators have suggested that "vanity sizing," as its name suggests, is designed to satisfy buyers' wish to appear thin and feel better about themselves.[7][3][2][5]

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]

[edit] References

  1. ^ US standard clothing sizes are no longer used by manufacturers.[1]
  2. ^ a b http://www.wnwo.com/Global/story.asp?S=1771013&nav=1aI8M8qf
  3. ^ a b FOXNews.com - Flattery Gets Designers Everywhere - Celebrity Gossip | Entertainment News | Arts And Entertainment
  4. ^ Vanity sizing alive, well
  5. ^ a b c d Fashion Designers Introduce Less-than-Zero Sizes - Newsweek Business - MSNBC.com
  6. ^ Clothing Size Variation in Women’s Pants, Kinley, T. R. Clothing and Textiles Research Journal, 21(1), 19-31 (2003)
  7. ^ Study questions the sizing methods in women's apparel
  8. ^ The myth of vanity sizing
  9. ^ Johnson, Kate. "As waistlines grow, clothing sizes shrink incredibly; 0 is the new 8", Boston Globe, 2006-05-05, p. A1. 
  10. ^ The prevalence of overweight and obesity in the past 30 years
  11. ^ Vanity Sizing Gone Too Far Creating Health Issues

[edit] See also