Are clothes sizes getting smaller?

Question

I'm a 32 yo guy and thought only women had this problem. It used to be mens clothes were standard sizes. Women had the problem with size variance. My XL shirts from years ago are loose fitting even today but now I can't even get into a XXL size. They are making clothes for tall people but everything is super fitted and doesn't accommodate broad shoulders or any type of a belly. What has happened? Specifically, please answer all of the following:

1. Are sizes getting smaller?
2. Why?
3. Are designers not aware our nation is getting obese - they are leaving money on the table by shrinking the clothing - why are they giving up the larger market for a smaller one?

Please help me out here. Am I going crazy? Your thoughts appreciated!

Sailor - what article was that - I would be very curious to read it. Thanks!

Also - I agree with being healthy but I think the fashion designers are doing it more out of snobbery than public wellness.

For Sonia - The boutiques have smaller sizes than the chains - there is a high correlation between how fashionable an item is and how small it is

For Sara - I see your point about saving fabric but again to my question #3. There are 300 million americans. Let's say 100 million are "thin" and 200 million are "fat" - don't the designers want to sell 200 million shirts instead of half as many? All the answers thus far do not make economic sense. They defy the laws of our capitalistic society. Let me ask the question another way...

4. Who gets richer from clothing sizes getting smaller and do they have more power than those getting poorer by the trend?

Answer 1

1. yes I believe they are making clothes smaller these days.
2. Why you may ask? I really don't know for sure but perhaps there doing it to save money. Use less fabric on a certain item plus less work.
3. I don't know? These days its the "thing" to be skinny.

Everybody is into to fashion and trends its insane how everyone copy's each other, there like clones. Know one can think there own way any more. Everybody has to know what there friends are thinking before they can make there decision.
I don't think its right for people to judge any one by there weight, nobody has the "perfect body" (whatever that may be).

Answer 2

It is a fact that they are making clothes smaller the new standard at tleast for woman is that a 14-16 is now considered 1x-2x. Even with the average Marilyn Monroe included being a size 12! Also this is from a friend who worked for a major fashion distributor... The clothing companies are ALL about image naturally and They have said they DO NOT want FAT people showing off their clothes and making the brand look bad. Also some major clothing labels will not carry black clothing because they don't want to be associated with ugly goth or rock kids. I am glad they don't sell black or shirts for girls with a large c cup and some jelly on their biscuit, I can avoid giving money to these places.

Answer 3

Its not your imagination! Think about this: we have all the clothing made in china and Thailand. Their idea of large is a whole lot different than what we see as large! They are Asian and Asians are little people compared to gargantuan Americans. So hence why you are going crazy. When placing orders to other countries can sometimes get frustrating for the buyers of the clothing because the return policy more frustrating than just keeping it and hoping it will move. But in actuality if Wal-Mart and K-Mart really cared about sizing that would be something to see! They don't! Your more specialized boutiques will care because of the exuberant money spent but most merchandisers just don't care so bottom line-GOOD LUCK CHANGING IT! Its very frustrating though huh? Ive had many problems with that also.

Answer 4

Ironic, there was an article in my local newspaper on that very subject yesterday. It's my belief that the sizes are getting smaller. With a culture and economy focused on thinness, sizes are now labeled as being smaller than they used to be, to give people a false sense of slenderness. The size ratings even differ between designers - two pieces of clothing identical in measurements can be labeled as different sizes.
For example, for years I fit comfortably into size 12 clothes. Now all of a sudden the clothes that fit me are labeled size 10.

Answer 5

Boils down to greed. Ha you're going to make america skinny by making the clothes smaller...good luck with that. Hope ya'll loose money when all is said and done.

Answer 6

I agree with you..... every time I go looking for jeans it's sizes like 42/30. 36 length is hardly 36 REALLY.. and so hard to find. Forget finding a 38 length unless you are willing to pay top dollar.

5-7-9 just doesn't get it anymore for women either.....

My son wears a size 18 shoe; if it wasn't for the Internet I don't know how I would find him shoes and socks.
(www.eastbay.com)

Answer 7

I have noticed the same thing. I compare the same size in a shirt that I buy now to a shirt of the same size that is a few years older and the new one is way smaller.

Answer 8

I agree with you totally. I'm 29 and still like to shop in the juniors section, because I don't like many of the womens clothes, but all the juniors stuff is sooo tiny. I'm also tall and still have problems finding longer lengths.

Answer 9

As a guy, I have noticed it with shoes. I used to be an 11, now I'm a 12.

Perhaps tehy are "sending" a message. You want our clothes? You come to it, not the opposite

Answer 10

i thought the sizes were getting bigger!
and i figured it was all because of the "average" woman being a size 12