LET'S TALK ABOUT.. SHOP SIZE LABELS..

Do you struggle trying to find clothes that fit..? There's the issue of shape of course, but that's a subject, or two, for another blog, for another day.

Do you find "your size" is completely different depending what shop you go in to, or that you're even different sizes in the same shop..

I've given up saying I'm this size or that size, as I have at least four different sizes in my wardrobe.

So, instead of focusing on the UK size, (where I live), I now look at the following..

✔️ What is the European (EU) size?

✔️ What is the American (US) size?

✔️ What is the most useful measurement?

EUROPEAN SIZING

Somewhat controversial given we've left the EU, but I've always found this a useful gauge for sizing 😁

It can still be tricky as different countries in Europe have their own sizing, but a good rule of thumb in the UK is..

EU 36 = UK 8

EU 38 = UK 10

EU 40 = UK 12

EU 42 = UK 14 and so on..

It's is important to know however, that some shops label items differently, even in the same shop, for example..

UK size 10 might be an EU 36 or a 38

UK size 12 might be an EU 38 or a 40

UK size 14 might be an EU 40 or a 42

For years I was a UK size 10, which was an EU 36, but in some shops a size 10 is now an EU 38 which is too big for me 🤔 So I aim for an EU 36, and I ignore the UK size completely.

Once you know which European size you are, working out what will fit can be much easier.

US SIZING

American sizing is usually two sizes smaller than the UK size, so..

UK 18 = US 14

UK 16 = US 12

UK 14 = US 10 and so on..

Most UK shops show the correct US size so this can be a good indication of what will fit once you know your US size.

MEASUREMENTS

Although I'm now very good a picking clothes up and knowing if they'll fit me (proves I've done a lot of shopping over the years..), an easier way of checking is a measuring tape..

Sounds simple, but if you can measure the width of your favourite skirt, you will the know what else should fit.

If you're buying from shops online this is made simpler as many offer sizing guides, but it's very helpful to know measurements when buying from sellers on eBay, Depop, etc., as you can ask for more details before you buy.

It might seem crazy to take a measuring tape into a shop (of course when we're able to do so), but if it reduces the amount of time trying on clothes that are labelled incorrectly, that's all that matters.. 👍

Now, go check the sizes on your clothes.. 😊