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How do clothing sizes size up?

Filed under: Stores We Love

measuring tapeDon't you hate how much sizes range from store to store and brand to brand? I know I do. In one store I am doing a happy dance because I am swimming in a size 2, however in the next store I am planning my next cardio session after busting out of a size 4. What gives?

Vanity sizing is blame mostly and varying fit models can also be at fault but wherever you point the finger ... it sucks. The New York Daily News wrote a great article giving the rundown on common stores and their fit issues. How do your favorite stores line up, let's break it down:
  • BANANA REPUBLIC: Mostly true to sizes. Size 2: Too big Size 6: Just right Size 8: Just right Size 10: Just right
  • OLD NAVY: Get a size smaller. Size 2: Too big Size 6: Too big Size 8: Too big Size 10: Too big
  • J.CREW: Better safe than sorry - grab your size and a size down. Size 2: Too big Size 6: Just right Size 8: Too big Size 10: Just right
  • CLUB MONACO: Smaller sizes true to fit, but size 10 and up, watch out for wacky fits. Size 2: Just right Size 6: Just right Size 8: Just right Size 10: Too big
  • FOREVER 21:Go bigger or go home. Size 2: Just right Size 6: Too small Size 8: Too small Size 10: Too small
  • GAP: Straight-forward, but a less predictable fit for larger sizes. Size 2: Just right Size 6: Just right Size 8: Just right Size 10: Too big
  • H & M: Suck it up and grab a size larger. Size 2: Too small Size 6: Too small Size 8: Just right Size 10: Too small


Unfortunately I can't vouch for any of those brands because I don't wear any of them but can you?

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