Clothing Sizes

When I worked in retail (it was a children's store, but for some reason, the topic of sizes for grown ups came up) my manager told me that some manufacturers will put smaller sizes on their clothes because it would make women buy more.

I thought she was nuts. I mean, everyone can SEE what they look like, right? For example, if you wear a size 16 in Brand A and a 10 in Brand B--your body is still the same size. It seemed ridiculous to me.

Well, today I'd like to make an announcement to all the clothing manufacturers out there (I'm quite certain they ALL read my blog. Being the fashion expert that I am and all). Here is the announcement. THAT SMALLER SIZE TAG TRICK ACTUALLY WORKS.

Why have I changed my mind you ask? I'll tell you. Because I've been trying to lose a little weight lately. I'm below my WW goal weight, but I'd like to lose some more--who wouldn't--and it gives me something to occupy my time and thoughts.

So, yesterday I put on a pair of jeans I bought a couple of months ago. They were a little small when I bought them (but it was Kohls giant sale and I had a 15% off coupon AND they were on clearance, so all together they were about $6). I figured it would give me some incentive to keep up the weight loss thing.

When I put them on yesterday, they fit just fine. Good for me. Although, the size tag was quite disappointing. It is certainly not the size I'd like to tell people I wear. (I don't think anyone would ask, but you know...if they did.) But, since I knew they were too small a few months ago, I was relatively happy.

Today, I put on a pair of shorts I bought last summer (that were WAY too small then--but again, big sale, incentive, blah blah blah) just to see if they would fit. They do. Maybe a little snug, but they are denim, so they'll stretch in a few minutes. Also, it will remind me to limit the halloween candy intake for the day.

But here's the important part about these shorts. Other than the fact that yesterday I thought it was cool enough to wear jeans and I was very wrong. It is still hot.

The important thing about the shorts is that, according to the tag, they are 2 SIZES SMALLER than those jeans from yesterday. So, guess what. I now love this brand of shorts. I don't actually know what the brand is, and J can't read yet so he can't tell me what the tag says. I could probably look in the mirror and read it backwards but that is not the point. The point is this. If I had to choose to wear those jeans or these shorts--I'm going with the shorts. Even if it actually WERE cool enough for jeans outside.

In fact, I might just turn these shorts inside out so everyone can SEE what size they are. Do I care that my body is exactly the same size it was yesterday in the jeans that I didn't approve of the tag? No I do not care. I am smaller. The tag on my clothes says so.

So, if I were you clothing manufacturers I would start putting smaller sizes in my clothes. You might even inspire someone like me to get a new wardrobe--even if I don't have a coupon and there's no clearance rack. Maybe...but the "quest for the best deal" thing is an issue best dealt with separately...