Does Size REALLY Matter? Why, yes it does!

So maybe you are in fact a perfect 10. But these days, you are wearing an 8. You haven't lost any weight. You are the same size and your previous size 10 pants still fit the same way. So what happened?

In 2004, "Vanity Sizing" emerged. Actually, it started in the '60's as designers gradually cut clothing larger, leaving the smaller size tags inside. They say that a size 12 in the '50's would become a 10 one decade later. But in 2004, it exploded. Many frustrated women go to department stores and have to try on many sizes of clothing to find something that fits and looks good. Some designers are using the former industry standard and are not sizing down. Others are sizing down more, and some less. What size do I wear? Oh, that's anybody's guess!

According to the Boston Globe, there was actually a national standard in the U.S. until 1983 when the Department of Commerce decided to drop it because women's body types and shapes were so diverse. Vanity sizing has now gone to the extreme. Scrawny-sounding sizes have been implemented (Extra, Extra Small and 00, for example.) As women grow larger in our super sized economy and culture of instant gratification and convenience, we have turned a blind eye to it as the numbers shrink.

Shopping on eBay may be more difficult with this inconsistent sizing. It is more important than ever to check the measurements of clothing and not to be committed to wearing a certain size. Although it may feel rewarding to say "I'm a size 4," it might not get you the clothing you love: comfortable and flattering to your body (and that's if it even fits in the first place).

So think of yourself in terms of real measurements! Like men do! Measure your chest, waist and hips. It might even be a good idea to have someone else take your measurements for an unbiased opinion.  Another good idea is to find your favorite clothing that fits you the best and measure those. Most sellers lay the garments flat and measure across, multiplying by two for the waist, chest and hips. If you are trying to conceal a problem area, like a pot belly, then it probably wouldn't hurt to check the lengths on your most flattering tops.  It is also good to know your inseam and whether to shop for petite, tall or regular sizes. 

If you want to score a real great deal, then know your REAL numbers!