Shell Game

[ithildin]

Was reminded of this while posting a comment on another LJ.

While I was on vacation, I cleaned out my closet. A lot of clothes that got moved to Utah I didn't really need, so I decdied to get rid of a bunch of stuff. I came across a kilted skirt I'd bought when I was 14 16 -- it was a size 10. I'm 43 now, and a size 4, but that skirt didn't fit! It was a size too small. So that's how much they've changed clothing sizes over the years. I knew they had, but it was the first time I'd had actual proof in my hands. If they'd kept sizes the same, that means I'd be a size 12 today.

Comments

[mischief5.livejournal.com]

Are you sure it wasn't a girl's size 10 instead of a women's size 10? They do change from one catagory to the next, just like shoes.

[ithildyn.livejournal.com]

No, it wasn't a kids size. It may have been a juinor size, but it was an even number not an odd, so I don't think so.

[wiliqueen.livejournal.com]

She's absolutely right: a 10 from the 1970s is the equivalent of a cheap 4 or a middle/upper-priced 2 now.

On average, they drift about one full misses size per decade.

[ithildyn.livejournal.com]

I didn't realize sizes changed based on price as well!

[wiliqueen.livejournal.com]

Oh, yeah. That's another whole layer of imprecision when people are talking about celebrity skinny: those designer size twos would be fours at H&M or Express and sixes at Wal-Mart.

[ithildyn.livejournal.com]

That explains the one size zero dress I own [g] I was a bridesmaid and was told to pick my own dress, so I got a beautiful silk sheath dress from a boutique in Carmel. Most expensive thing I've ever owned. Used it for the bridesmaid dress, to attend another wedding, and for a formal do I went to later that year. So I got my money's worth!

[ekaterinn.livejournal.com]

*g* Since I don't own a scale, I use one long-lasting favourite skirt of mine to note changes in my weight - if it's tighter, I've gained weight and if it's looser I've lost it. If I was relying on sizes, I would be very confused!

[sophiedb.livejournal.com]

Totally OT, but that icon is fantastic :)

As for dress sizes, I have enough trouble getting my head around the UK, EU and Aus varieties in my wardrobe without getting confused with US weirdness as well :p

[ithildyn.livejournal.com]

I know my UK size! 10 [g] Been ordering from Boden.

[ekaterinn.livejournal.com]

Hee, thanks! The wonderful not_sally made it for me here (http://community.livejournal.com/sga_flashfic/189885.html?thread=6728381#t6728381).

And I agree, different countries' sizes are insane.