Clothing Sizes and Why They Don’t (and Shouldn’t) Matter
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Clothing Sizes Are Really Just Random Numbers, They Don't Mean A Thing

That number is simply some ink on a scrap of paper.

199
hanging clothes

I love clothes and I like following fashion, but ninety percent of the time I end up wearing jeans because I'm insecure about my body, so I relate very heavily to this subject.

Recently, I came across a video by Vox from about two years ago in a Facebook video thread. It explained the origin and evolution of standardized sizes of mass-produced ready-made clothing. It was honestly quite interesting to watch and recommend watching it, but that isn't what this is about.

The main point of this article is that at the end of the video the expert, Lynn Boorady, from SUNY Buffalo State, stated: "They're [clothing sizes] just random numbers. They don't mean anything. And if you don't like the size, just cut it out of your clothes."

That really made me feel something.

If I had to honestly reveal where my insecurities come from, it would be the tiny little number inside my jeans. For some reason, I have been trained by society to believe that the further I get from single digits, the worse I should feel about myself and the worse people must feel about me. The size of my clothing, no matter how often I try to remind myself that it doesn't matter, it still gets to me.

It makes me visualize myself as an ugly, beast-like creature next to a petite little princess.

I completely understand that standardized sizes make mass-produced goods substantially easier to make and sell but, more recently, standardized sizing has gone from a utility to a marketing tactic. There are groups of people sitting in rooms deciding that to sell more size eight they will label the size eights as size fours.

The goal of the market is to make people buy their clothing because their brand's clothes are "smaller" than a competing brand. The smaller size makes the consumers' self-confidence rise because they feel better about their bodies, even if that means that nothing has actually changed even though they went from an eight to a four. This tactic really shows how much producers care about their customers (the answer is: not much.)

It makes me sad to see that clothing companies are allowed tug around people's emotions and lives to make another buck. Personally, that would violate my code of ethics. I don't really have a message to leave you with besides: do not let your clothing sizes affect your life. That number is simply some ink on a scrap of paper.

Here is Vox's YouTube video and here is their article.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

10451
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

942404
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

120000
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lots of people sat on the cinema wearing 3D glasses
Pinterest

Ever wonder what your friend meant when they started babbling about you taking their stapler? Or how whenever you ask your friend for a favor they respond with "As You Wish?" Are you looking for new and creative ways to insult your friends?

Well, look no further. Here is a list of 70 of the most quotable movies of all time. Here you will find answers to your questions along with a multitude of other things such as; new insults for your friends, interesting characters, fantastic story lines, and of course quotes to log into your mind for future use.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments