Does Size Matter?

I wrote a blog in August 2020 comparing the different brands’ sizing for ladies clothes, and it was quite shocking – even to me – when I saw it in black and white from their websites how they varied. I thought it would be a good exercise to repeat and see if anything had changed from then to now (January 2025).
Where do you find sizing information on a website?
Firstly, it isn’t always easy to see the sizing of a brand on their website – you need to do some digging, so I’ve also added this information into this blog’s comparison pdf this time.
Why do sizes vary?
My opinion about why the sizes varied was because of cost per item to make and sell, and profit. The more generous they were with sizes and seam allowances, the more material this would use. So, they would have to factor that extra cost of material into the garment. That is a brand choice. But, that doesn’t make it easy for shoppers, unless you stick to particular brands and get to know what works for you.
I’ve done a re-run reading the small print on different brand websites. The landscape has changed slightly, in that sadly “Bombshell” went into administration in May 2024 and Mistral Online went into administration in December 2024 (but luckily the Mistral shops are still going). I also noticed some brands had increased their clothing measurements slightly from four years ago!
Are our bodies changing?
We all know that the average UK female today is taller and larger in every dimension, as our lifestyle, comforts and diet has generally increased and improved with access to food items from other countries, thanks to better food transport and supply chains. I also think that food marketing has played a part, with BOGOF (buy one, get one free) or “2 for 1” offers everywhere (and not usually on healthy foods). The latest research indicates that healthy fruit and vegetables costs more than higher fat/processed foods, which isn’t helping either, when budgets are being squeezed in every direction https://foodfoundation.org.uk/press-release/dietary-inequalities-worsened-last-two-years-healthier-foods-grew-more-expensive
How to measure yourself
It isn’t so easy to measure yourself, but the best guidelines I found were on Apricot and Lands End websites.
All websites I viewed suggest measuring in no clothes, but I think measuring yourself in your underwear is sensible, as I know what a difference a good bra can make, and of course if you wear strong undies as a rule, for example, they may make a difference to factor in.
This is the general advice when measuring yourself:
As a general rule, keep the tape measure firm but not tight around the point that you are measuring.
Measuring Your Chest
Always measure around the fullest part of your chest, ensuring that you keep the tape measure as level as possible around your back and under your arms.
Measuring Your Waist
Measure around the narrowest part of your body, which is above your belly button but below your rib cage. One website suggested an inch above the belly button (but this can vary).
Measuring Your Hips
Measure around the fullest part of your hips, this is usually approximately 9″/22cm below your waist (again, this can vary).
Whether you fit today’s “average” or not, here is my summary of a size 16 in various brands. Although I have included the full range of sizes listed on the websites I viewed, you will not find all their styles in all sizes. Look out for different length options too (short, regular and long).
Click here to see the summary: Clothing Sizes Compared
If you find the bust of tops, jackets or dresses too tight, my suggestion would be to look at these other brands: Bravissimo, Hourglassy.com and Taideux or consider having your clothes made for you. Of course, materials will make a difference, for example if there’s stretch in them, which is quite common now (eg ‘3% elastane’). This might help, so do check out the materials of the items as well.
I hope this has been helpful for you. Do leave a comment if so! I haven’t included every brand, so if you have any queries that you would like help with, please get in touch.
Fiona Mobbs
Your Stylist in a Box
07469 246722