Why is my clothing size in ready-to-wear different from sew-at-home patterns?

Question

When i go into a store to buy clothing, i'm one size. But if i take my measurements and look at the sizes on sewing patterns, i'm coming up 5 sizes BIGGER... that's 10 whole numbers! It's insane!! Why would this happen? I've checked and double checked, both my measurements and the patterns.

Answer 1

The last time pattern companies revamped their sizes was sometime in the late 1960s. As Americans have gotten larger, RTW sizes have changed to reflect this. A size 12 used to be a lot smaller than it is today - its called "vanity sizing". I've found that if I wear a size 12 in RTW, I need to use a size 16 pattern. It seems I usually go up two sizes. Another hint, patterns are sized for a "B" cup. If you are larger than a B, you need to go by your "upper bust" (right under your arms and around) measurement and do a "full bust adjustment". Otherwise your clothes will be too big in the neck and shoulders. There is a great sewing site called Pattern Review where you can ask questions and get help. Lots of sewing and fitting advice!

http://sewing.patternreview.com/

Answer 2

At one time, probably in the 1940s or 50s, ready-to-wear and sewing pattern sizes were the same. Over the years, clothing manufacturers realized that if they lower the number of the sizes, women will feel better about buying clothing. For instance, if a woman usually wore size 10, and she went to a store where she fit into size 8, she would feel better about her body and want to buy it.

After several decades of this, there is no relationship between the two size systems. Even between two different stores, or from year to year, ready-to-wear sizes are different. A few years ago, I bought shorts from Old Navy that were size 6 or 8. A year later, I bought a very similar pair of shorts that fit me just as well, but were size 2. At that time, I usually bought size 7 jeans, but could fit into size 4 from Gap.

On the other hand, sewing patterns are still based on actual measurements. So a size 16 from Simplicity should fit like a size 16 from Vogue. Don't worry too much about the number size, it's not like you're going to sew on a tag with the size!

Answer 3

Because clothing pattern sizes are based on a different sizing chart, that's all. Way back when people weren't so "number-vain", being a size 12 was itty-bitty, and the sewing pattern makers still use the old system.
If you sew a lot, you can just keep a list of your measurements with you when you shop for patterns to keep from getting confused about the sizing and buying a size that's way too small. Don't worry about "coming up bigger" on sewing patterns-our current "sizes" are all just numbers made up to make people feel better about themselves anyway, lol.

Answer 4

Sizes are not consistent between manufacturers or even pattern companies.
What you purchase at Store A size X will most likely be Size Z at Store B. There is no standard in sizing.
When it comes to sewing patterns, the manufacturer of the pattern will be consistent in sizing with all their patterns.
Vogue, Butterick and McCalls are owned by the same manufacturer, so their sizes will be consistent between the three. See & Sew is a division of Butterick, and their sizes will be consistent.
Simplicity and New Look will be consistent between the two.

Even the Men's wear sizes are not consistent between manufacturers. At one time, years ago, they were.

The European Union is beginning to tackle the sizing industry. Perhaps the manufacturers in the US will follow.

Answer 5

soft crepe and matte jersey drape a lot differently than a woven cotton print; your dress might not turn out the way you'd like. I'd go back and get either a different fabric to go with your existing pattern, or a different pattern to go with the cotton fabric

Answer 6

Just the way it is. If you make anything homeade you have to go by measurements.