What if I tell you that I’ve created a new one-size-fits-all ‘fit’ness plan that is revolutionary? I kid you not when I say that the results from one of the questions on the What’s In Your Wardrobe? survey was a real eye-opener for me.
Specifically, the question regarding the amount of clothing in your wardrobe that doesn’t fit you. Nearly 90% of those responding answered that the amount was less than 10% and all but one of the others said that the amount was 10%-25%. My response would have put me in the very small group reporting that they can’t wear over 25% of their wardrobe. Granted, the sample size of this survey was small but I don’t think that completely negates the results.
I’ve mentioned a time or two before that I don’t have enough closet space. The flip side to that, some (like The Husband) might say, is that I simply have too many clothes. Even more than that, too much of what I have doesn’t fit me. Unfortunately, I can’t really dispute that statement. All too often I’ve bought something a size smaller than I should have because I’d be so sad when I lost weight and that item would then too big for me. Hah!
In all honesty, that has never happened so why do I continue to think that it could? What’s the psychology behind buying clothing that’s too small? It’s apparently a phenomenon called “size denial” and retailers say that it’s one of the top causes of returns made by consumers. All too often, people are buying clothes that are too small, not only as motivation to lose weight but because it allows them to be convinced that they are smaller than they actually are. According to reporting at Daily Mail on a survey conducted in the UK nearly a decade ago, 48% of the respondents had bought an item of clothing or lingerie that was one size too small as an incentive to slim down.
Outfit details: Ellen Tracy blazer (see March Style Remix) and Rocket Dog boots (Poshmark); A New Day top (thrifted);
Kenneth Cole front-button jeans (Costco)
This leads us to all of the issues over vanity sizing and the inconsistencies of sizes from one brand to another and even within the brands themselves. I’ve come across story after story about people who say that they cut the tag out of their jeans because they didn’t like the number of the size. It use to baffle me as to why I found so many items in thrift stores without size tags until I made the connection.
I’m fully aware of how ridiculous it is to wear ill-fitting clothes (or have a closet full of unwearable clothing) just because I prefer the smaller number rather than the larger one. Often, it occurs when I’m shopping in a thrift store and I have to eyeball an item as to whether it’ll fit or not and there’s just one of it. It’s really most egregious when shopping retail and the item is available in a range of sizes.
While there are times when I’ve avoided this particular pitfall, I think that in my mind I’m shopping for a future me. The one who’s exercising regularly and has her eating habits under control (which would result in losing weight). There’s no reason why I can’t be that person (considering that I’ve got half a closet full of clothes as motivation) but I’m not. And even if I was, why am I denying the perfectly wonderful me that exists today?
So this new ‘fit’ness plan I touted at the start of this post? It’s fairly simple since it only has two steps. First, ignore the size label and buy what only fits today. We normally don’t have any problem doing this with our shoes so we shouldn’t let ‘size denial’ led us astray with the rest of our wardrobe. And second, ignore the size label and only keep what fits today. Spring is upon us and if the change of seasons is when you normally do a closet cleanout, then do it in earnest. Keep what fits today and not what would fit if you lost 20, or 10, or even 5 pounds.
Vanity sizing almost stopped me from buying the top I’m wearing in today’s look. It’s a size larger than I consider my normal so I’d at first assumed that it would be too big. My “eyeball” assessment told me otherwise and since I really like the color and pattern, I decided to take a chance that it would fit. Besides, if it didn’t fit now, it could when I lost a few pounds, right? Fortunately, it did fit but like with most front-button tops, it’s snug across the bust. I will usually, and with great care so that it’s hidden, apply a safety pin from the inside between the two buttons at that point. This is done to prevent the evitable gaping and accidental button popping out from its hole.
However, I’ve come across a new solution that I’ve taken quite a fancy to. It’s kind of a wonky way of buttoning (see the side-by-side below). You can also do this at the waist as an alternative to tying up your shirt or tucking it in. After you’ve decided on its placement and which two buttons to use, you first insert the upper button into the lower buttonhole. Then you bring up the lower button and insert it into the upper buttonhole. No more gaping and pinning is no longer required. It also gives some shape to an otherwise boxy-fitting shirt.
Let’s Wrap This Up
Now, onto the Fine-Whatever link-up. Today’s featured post from the last link-up, SPRING OUTFIT IDEAS – WHITE DENIM, was submitted by Kellyann over at This Blonde’s Shopping Bag. Not only does she share three great styling ideas for white denim jeans, Kellyann also offers a great tip to consider when buying them.
Although related, my original topic for this post was quite different from what you’ve read above. No worries, I’ve rescheduled it for a later time. Have you ever found yourself in “size denial”? Has vanity sizing ever impacted your buying decisions? If you’re anything like me, then this new ‘fit’ness plan is truly an idea whose time has come. I’ll be sharing my progress in future posts.
Stay well and let’s keep in touch! Subscribe, tweet, follow, friend, pin … all options are available. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Note: This is an unsponsored post; however, some or all of the links to clothing items are associated with an affiliate program where I earned a few cents for each click.
Photo credit: MMPerez
27 Comments
such an interesting post, I have finally tossed or donated everything that does not fit.
When I look at your pictures you look lovely and stylish. I don’t think you need to worry about size but I know we all do it. Well at least the majority of us! With this post, I feel like you reached inside my mind and pulled out a truth that I haven’t admitted to myself before – buying too small!
I see size denial all the times with my clients. I always tell then to dress for what they are now which is why I was nodding my head when reading your post. Love your blazer and thanks so much for the link up!
https://kathrineeldridge.com
Thankfully I don’t have much, if anything, that doesn’t fit me. I used to have items then realized it was ridiculous to keep them! I used to see them and get depressed. It’s not worth it.
While my head agrees with you, my heart still yearns to wear the clothes that don’t fit. I’m giving myself this one last year to do it. Then, it’s donating/reselling city for them! Until the last two years, I was several sizes smaller than I am now (I know…hard to believe). I felt so good physically and mentally then…so to honor both my physical and mental health…I’m going to lose this weight. My husband needs to lose the pounds for his health, too. I love your idea, though! Thanks for the link party, Rena!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
I have size denial but it’s a reverse denial. I lost a lot of weight a few years ago but my brain has never moved past what I used to weigh. Whenever I buy jeans or pants in particular, I order a bigger size than I am. Quite often I keep them but I’m trying hard now to send them back and get the right size, if I like them. I hope it doesn’t sound like a brag, it’s a bit like body dysmorphia.
Interesting survey results! I’m grateful that almost everything in my closet fits me. I agree that we should be shopping for what fits us now, not later. I wish there was universal sizing. It would make it so much easier to shop and I’d be returning less.
Jill – Doused in Pink
That knotted look from changing up the way you button your shirt looks great! 🙂 I have so many pieces from the opshop (thrift store) that don’t have tags too, I’ve just had to guess the size. Often it means I try it on at home and it doesn’t fit, but on the other hand I picked up 2 pairs of shorts and a skirt back in December that were 3 different sizes with the size tag still on, and they all fit, so I know the number on the label means nothing.
Also, I always like loose fitting pieces so they are more flexible with a little wight gain, as my weight, like most people’s naturally fluctuates. Thanks for the link up!
Thank you so much for the shout out Rena, such a sweet surprise!
This article is gold – honestly, we drive ourselves crazy with sizes and punish ourselves unnecessarily. It’s amazing how much better we look and feel when we buy clothes that fit who we are today. I hope this hits home with a lot of women who are waiting to enjoy getting dressed. It would be so wonderful if we could all embrace and enjoy ourselves without feeling like we’re not enough.
xo,
Kellyann
Great post, Rena. I think this topic is on a lot of women’s minds. I do pretty well at purchasing what fits now. Vanity sizing makes getting the right size the first time a challenge, though, especially with online purchasing. The reason my closet is so jammed is because I hate to let things go, even if it is unlikely I will wear it again! Enjoy your week and thanks for sharing!
I worked in a women’s fashion store. And so many women didn’t want to size up because of the numbers. While it suited them much better when they did. Its so weird how that works.
I enjoyed reading this. I am glad and grateful what i have in my closet fits me. I do remember watching “What Not to Wear” and Stacey would always say, “dress the YOU now”, if they were looking to lose baby weight etc. Love that button down trick!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
I LOVE this “fit”-ness plan!
That’s a fun little button trick! I definitely do buy all sizes when thrifting but when shopping retail I often to get caught in the number on the label. Time to stop doing that!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
That is such a cute outfit! I love the pants and the blazer.
Love that buttoning trick; I actually only own 1 button down top because I got rid of almost all mine– that gaping drives me nuts! I have a variety of sizes in my closet but I do find I often have the opposite size denial where I still reach for 14 and larges but I’m actually more of a 12 and medium now but just don’t really think of myself that way.
I enjoyed reading. Your outfit is lovely. Thank you for the link up
https://www.melodyjacob.com/
Actually I’m like Gail – I often order things online that are too big!!! It’s the online thing as everywhere else (including the UK charity shops) I’d try things on – that’s so much better. Thanks for the link-up 🙂
Great post, Rena, about a common problem. I have it in the other direction: I tend to buy things too large when doing mail order, “just to be safe.” Had ordered a swimsuit that was too large right before life got really complicated and busy, so I didn’t take the time to return it. Finally did it yesterday, nine months later! Even following the measurements/size charts carefully lands me with things that are too big. And the vanity sizing is ridiculous. I saw something I liked on Macys website, looked at the size chart, and it was crazy—I didn’t order because “size 0” just sounded ridiculous.
I was finally able to get past “size denial” when I realized how inconsistent the sizing really is across brands (and as you pointed out within brands as well). But I do find it disconcerting nonetheless. I do a lot of shopping online and appreciate the brands that put in the measurements regardless of what size they are calling it. I think I have 4 different sizes in my closet. It’s crazy! But your solution is perfect. You’ve got to appreciate who you are now. And all of us are a lot more glorious than our size.
Michelle
https://funkyfashionstyle.com
P.S. I love this outfit. The blazer is so pretty and the print mix is perfect. You look amazing!
Michelle
https://funkyfashionstyle.com
This has been the year I have had to size up in some things too. And I hate it. It is admitting I have gotten bigger, and I hate that. But, as I packed away the cutest size medium sweaters that felt way too tight to enjoy wearing them anymore, looking at these clothes I like but can’t wear will only make me feel worse. Plus, it’s a good excuse to get new pants. Thanks for hosting the link up!!
Very interesting and males do the same thing. Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful week.
Love this post and how you buttoned the shirt. Size denial? Sizing is so subjective so we need to stop worrying about the number and learn to love our bodies. I will say, that I’m lucky I’ve been the same size for so long. But the thing is even when you lose weight, it doesn’t mean you’ll fit in the next size smaller. There’s so many factors and our bodies shift.
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
It’s funny how we get hung up on the number on the label, especially given that sizing varies so much from brand to brand – or even within the same brand (Zara, Monki, H&M). The trick with the buttons is great, I’ll have to try that!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
What an interesting post. I think this was well thought out and produced. Great insight as well.https://www.bauchlefashion.com/2023/03/spring-into-fashion-5-fashion-trends-to.html
That’s a gorgeous blazer, and it fits you well — looks great with the blue shirt. I have several items hanging in my closet right now that are too small for me. I’m hoping to fit into them sometime in the future. Hmmm . . . Thank you for sharing this post in the Talent-Sharing Tuesdays Link-Up 57.
Carol
http://www.scribblingboomer.com