Lyla Lindsey
Australian clothing sizes are often inconsistent, with the same person fitting different sizes in different stores. This is partly due to the lack of standardised sizing in the country, with the most recent standard for adult clothing withdrawn in 2007. The sizing in Australia is considered outdated by some experts, with some designers reluctant to make clothes in larger sizes. This inconsistency in sizing can lead to body image issues, with women blaming themselves when clothes don't fit as expected.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Clothing size standards | Non-existent |
| Clothing size discrepancies | Varying sizes across brands |
| Impact on body image | Negative |
| Sizing systems | Vary across countries |
| Size conversions | Trousers: 30 (AU) = 30 (US/UK), 42 (Europe) |
| Shirts: Kids' size 12 = 45cm half chest, Adults' medium = 56cm half chest | |
| Chest size 96-98cm = Size 38 |
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What You'll Learn
Lack of standardised sizing
Australian clothing sizes are not standardised, which can cause confusion and frustration for consumers. The most recent Australian clothing standard for adults was withdrawn in 2007 as it was no longer considered relevant, given that it was based on data from a 1926 study. This lack of standardised sizing means that clothing sizes can vary significantly between different brands and designers, with a size 12 in one brand being equivalent to a size 8 or 16 in another.
The absence of standardised sizing has been attributed to several factors, including the idealised customer in mind for designers, reluctance to create larger sizes, and the fast-paced nature of the fashion industry. Some designers have been criticised for catering to slim body types and not offering a range of sizes that accommodate diverse body shapes and sizes. This can have a negative impact on body image and self-esteem, particularly for young, impressionable women.
The issue of fit is also influenced by the production process, with fast-fashion retailers prioritising speed-to-market over the 'fit process', which ensures that garments are properly fitted and sized before mass production. As a result, consumers often need to try on multiple sizes and may still struggle to find clothing that fits well.
The lack of standardised sizing in Australia has been a long-standing issue, with US clothing experts calling out Australian clothing sizes as outdated as early as 2014. Despite this, there has been little progress in standardising sizing, leaving consumers to navigate the confusing and inconsistent world of Australian clothing sizes.
To address this issue, consumers are advised not to blame their bodies when clothes don't fit and to focus on purchasing items that flatter their unique body shapes rather than fixating on size labels. With the lack of standardised sizing, it is important for individuals to develop a positive body image and not let clothing sizes define their sense of self-worth.
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Vanity sizing
The rise of vanity sizing has rendered clothing labels almost meaningless, with a size 6 varying by up to 6 inches in the waistband. This inconsistency in sizing has led to frustration and confusion for shoppers, especially when buying clothes online. It has also been criticised for contributing to the normalisation of obesity and promoting a negative body image, particularly among women. Research studies have shown that vanity sizing plays a crucial role in influencing consumers' ideal body image and self-esteem. Individuals with lower self-esteem tend to prefer smaller labels, as they view themselves as thinner and more attractive.
In Australia, there is no standardised clothing size, which adds to the confusion. The most recent Australian clothing standard for adults was withdrawn in 2007 as it was no longer considered relevant. As a result, clothing sizes vary significantly across different brands and designers, impacting consumers' self-esteem and body confidence. Some designers have been criticised for catering to an idealised customer type, with a reluctance to create larger sizes. This has led to a limited range of sizes offered by some brands, excluding certain body types and contributing to the challenges faced by the plus-size community in finding clothing that fits and aligns with their personal style.
To navigate this complex sizing landscape, consumers are advised to focus on selecting clothing that fits well and flatters their body type, rather than fixating on the size label. It is recommended to choose garments based on accurate physical measurements and to refer to the manufacturer's sizing chart when shopping online. By prioritising fit and comfort over numerical sizes, individuals can make more informed purchasing decisions and avoid the emotional rollercoaster of vanity sizing.
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Designers' reluctance to cater to larger sizes
The Australian clothing standard for adults was withdrawn in 2007 as it was considered outdated. The standard was based on data from a 1926 study of women, with revisions made using data from 1970 and the last revision taking place in 1975. The lack of standardised sizing in Australia means that consumers often blame their bodies when clothes don't fit, which can negatively impact their self-esteem.
There are several reasons for the variation in clothing sizes across brands. Firstly, brands target different body types, so they use different fit models, which leads to different sizing. Additionally, brands create varied silhouettes to cater to different preferences, occasions, and styles. For example, a pair of skinny jeans will fit snugly, while a loose-fitting sundress prioritises comfort.
The fashion industry has been criticised for its bias against larger bodies, with some designers openly admitting that they design clothes for slender people. Karl Lagerfeld, for instance, claimed he designs for "slim and slender people". This reluctance to cater to larger sizes stems from the idealised customer that designers have in mind, as well as the belief that there is a lack of demand for larger sizes. Wealthier customers also tend to be thinner, so designer clothing is often sized smaller than mass-market goods.
However, there is a growing movement towards size inclusivity, driven by the body positivity movement and financial and social pressure to tap into the plus-size market. Designers such as Christian Siriano and Melissa McCarthy are leading the way in creating more inclusive clothing lines. Despite this progress, there is still a long way to go in creating a truly inclusive fashion industry that caters to a diverse range of body shapes and sizes.
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Poor manufacturing
Australia's clothing manufacturing industry has faced several challenges, including the arrival of international fast-fashion brands such as Zara, Uniqlo, and H&M, as well as the rise of e-commerce. The country's minimum wage laws and stringent regulations regarding worker benefits and safety also contribute to higher labour costs, making it more expensive for local brands to manufacture clothing onshore.
Additionally, Australia's limited manufacturing infrastructure and technical capabilities make it difficult for local brands to compete with the large-scale infrastructure and production capacity of offshore manufacturers. The lack of certain types of machinery and technical capabilities in Australia means that some products simply cannot be made locally.
The high cost of electricity in Australia is another barrier to re-establishing the local clothing manufacturing industry, especially as energy costs are significantly lower in competing countries. The decision to produce clothing onshore or offshore is a critical one for Australian fashion brands, impacting production costs, quality control, sustainability, and logistical efficiency.
Offshore manufacturing in countries like China, Bangladesh, India, and Vietnam is often associated with lower labour costs, with wages up to 70% lower than in Australia. This makes it an attractive option for brands looking to produce large quantities of garments at a lower price point. However, while labour costs may be lower, other expenses such as shipping fees, import duties, and potential reworking costs due to quality control issues can quickly add up.
Quality control can be a challenge for Australian brands partnering with offshore manufacturers due to distance and language barriers, leading to costly mistakes and delays. However, some companies, like Deepwear, specialize in vetting offshore manufacturers and conducting regular quality checks to ensure that factories meet international standards and brand expectations.
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Fabric and stretch
Australian clothing sizes have been criticised by some as being outdated and inconsistent. Without standardised sizing, the fit of a garment can vary greatly depending on the brand, designer, and intended customer. This inconsistency in sizing can be frustrating for consumers, leading to body image issues and a negative shopping experience.
The choice of fabric and its inherent stretch play a crucial role in the final fit of a garment. Some fabrics may have a natural elasticity, such as knit fabrics, which can provide a comfortable and flexible fit. On the other hand, woven fabrics may have less inherent stretch, resulting in a more structured and tailored silhouette.
Additionally, the amount of stretch in a fabric can be influenced by the manufacturing process. For instance, the way a fabric is cut and sewn can impact its elasticity and overall fit. Poor manufacturing techniques, such as panels cut badly or rushed production times, can result in ill-fitting garments that do not conform to the body as intended.
It's worth noting that the perception of clothing sizes and fits can vary across different cultures and regions. Australian clothing sizes may differ from those in other countries, contributing to the complexity of finding well-fitting garments. Consumers are often advised to measure their body and compare those measurements to the garment's size chart to make informed purchasing decisions.
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Frequently asked questions
Australian clothing sizes are inconsistent, so it is hard to say whether they run big or small. The most recent Australian clothing standard for adults was withdrawn in 2007 as it was considered outdated and no longer relevant. This has resulted in sizing discrepancies, with some brands running big and others small.
There are several reasons for this inconsistency. Firstly, there is no longer an official sizing standard, so brands can set their own sizes. Secondly, some designers have an idealised customer in mind and are reluctant to make clothes in larger sizes. Finally, the fast fashion industry's quick turnaround times often leave little room for adequate fitting processes.
Consumers are often left confused and frustrated by the inconsistent sizing, not knowing what size they will be from one store to the next. This can lead to body image issues, with consumers blaming themselves and their body shapes when clothes don't fit as expected.
It is recommended that consumers select two or three different sizes to try on and purchase the one that fits best without looking at the size label.
Yes, experts like US apparel fit expert Ed Gribbin have pointed out the outdated nature of Australian sizing and proposed progressive grading systems that are proportional to body size. However, as of 2014, Australian clothing sizes were still considered outdated.
