I know that no one should weigh their self-worth on their clothing size. That being said, the fact that they are there is no standard clothing sizes across brands is messing with my state of mind.
I am hands down a shopaholic, but hopping from one store to another can take a toll on a person, especially when you're standing in the dressing room and can't fit into a size that only five minutes ago, in another store, fit around your hips with ease. My inner everything starts to boil and I unfairly tell myself that something is wrong with my body, but it's not me and it's not you, it's the clothing industry and vanity sizing – what's new?
I'm not imagining this. Do you remember the viral tweet by Chloe Martin who revealed the insane disparities between UK size 12 jeans? It's messed up. Also, who knew, but women's sizes unlike men's are not based on any standard measurements. Hence, why online shopping usually leads to a ton of returns and tears. Going back and forth from looking at what the model is wearing to clothing guides just isn't cutting it. This leads to unnecessary judgments and we end up just thinking poorly about ourselves.
This isn't anything new and I know everyone knows about it, but it's hard to swallow.
When I can't fit into my "usual" size, my self-esteem plummets.
This isn't okay and it's on me to realize my self-confidence, self-love, and self-respect have nothing to do with clothing sizes, but society needs to step in and help, too.
Every brand has different sizes and size labels can even vary within brands. Companies choose to do this so they stand apart and are unique against competitors. There's no safe space here! Some people will roll their eyes, but just because we know that clothing sizes are messed up doesn't mean that when we are in a dressing room trying to fit into a pair of jeans it doesn't hurt.
My mom's a fashion designer and I know that it's impossible to really have standard clothing sizes because all fabrics will fit, stretch, and feel differently. But, to me, that's not an excuse. There has to be something – even a disclaimer: This fabric generally requires a downsize or one size up. There is always a way to change. Society is continuously transforming for the better and as we become more conscious of how the little things can have a detrimental effect on one's self-esteem, it's time to adapt. All changes are hard to get used to, but let's face it, it's time for a change.
Thankfully, there are a few startups tackling the issue. Among these is an online athletic gear company called Grrrl and they are changing the game as they, "call bullshit on the clothing industry." They got rid of sizes all together and use athlete's names to identify certain measurements. It's different, but I love it.
Who knows, sizes may become obsolete in the coming future.
I have to learn how to step away from clothing sizes and remain confident no matter what. Labels are meaningless. Clothing sizes mean nothing, so they shouldn't have any impact on our self-worth.
I don't need a number to tell me who I am and how I look.
We deserve to treat ourselves better. And, at the same time, we should expect the clothing industry to step up their game and make positive strides toward body acceptance, self-confidence, and appreciation for all.
