Let's Talk About Size and Fit
Size is subjective, and really depends on your personal fit. As we know, there’s a major discrepancy among fashion brands and how their clothes are supposed to fit. As an XL woman, I find that depending on the brand, I can fit as little as a Medium while in other brands, I’ll need a 2XL to feel comfortable.
With a wide range of consumers shopping online, it can be very frustrating not knowing what is your size. At ReneA’s Closet, we take this into consideration when curating pieces. We offer a range of styles and sizes. We want to be more inclusive and provide an in-depth shopping experience. In this article, we have gathered a few tips on how to accomplish a satisfying online shopping experience.
1. What is your personal style?
So you think you know your size no matter the brand, but what about what you like to wear? Perhaps you’re more into form fitting pieces so you can show off your curves. Or perhaps you have a few insecurities and prefer to have them covered with no fabric restrictions. When you discover your personal style, you will look for pieces that compliment that style. Maybe there are certain brands you just can’t do. Personally, I’m not a jeans person. Jeans are great when you want to look casual, but I can’t stand tough structured denim. However, I also hate super stretchy denim because it’s a little tight on my legs.
There are a few denim brands I just can’t wear because the style doesn’t match mine. Levi’s doesn’t flatter my figure and certain cuts, like bootcut or regular straight fit, just makes me look shorter and fat! But when I find that perfect brand, I stick with it!
(Both pairs are available for sale)
2. What is your fit?
Similar to the previous topic about “personal style,” the next topic in sizing is Fit. Just like how your personal style determines which size you get, personal fit really takes into consideration of which fabrics you prefer to wear. For example, I prefer pieces that will fit around my curves and support my body, rather than restrict it. Certain fabrics, such as stretchy knits, really work well in my favor. Some t-shirts, I can size down. I do the same in some knit sweaters. Leggings can be tricky, as the cut around the crotch differs among sizes, but I can typically go a size up or a size down in these types of items.
Other fabrics will require a size up, such as faux leather, wool, chambray, chiffon/georgette, etc. These fabrics are used mainly in outerwear, like coats and blazers, and button down blouses. While I love a form-fitting fit, I prefer my outerwear pieces to be about two sizes too big to allow myself room in the arms and chest for when I have on a thick-sleeved under shirt. In certain blouses, I need a looser fit around my arms and chest so it is not digging into my armpits or popping buttons around my cleavage.
3. Who is the brand’s “It” Girl?
Another reason why fashion brands differ in sizing is because their particular fit model, or “it girl,” is the basis of their sizing. An It Girl/Fit Model is the brand's ideal customer. Her shape, personality, income, and goals reflect and mold the brand. There has been much protest amongst consumers, demanding that brands become more inclusive and address their lack of diversity in sizing. While some brands are moving toward the future of dressing real women, of which the average size is 14+, some brands still lack a diverse range of fit.
Personally, I do not shop at Aeropostale or American Eagle. While they may have sizes that fit me, they really don’t “fit.” I have also noticed that while I am a huge fan of Free People, there is nothing they offer that will fit me (or at least nothing I can seem to find in thrift stores that will fit). I would be considered a typical 12, but even their sizing is way too small for me. So sadly, I avoid brands that don’t target my fit. That isn’t to say they are obligated to accommodate my size. With so many fashion brands growing, it’s really not necessary to have a brand that caters to EVERY size and EVERY woman. While it would make us feel better that they’re being more inclusive, it really doesn’t drive competition. If every brand had the same sizing scale and same It girl, what would be the difference between them? That’s why more size inclusive brands, like Lane Bryant, 11 Honoré, Premme, etc. thrive in the growing fashion industry.
Why ReneA’s Closet?
Besides providing a new selling platform and bringing awareness to sustainable fashion, ReneA’s Closet’s true mission is being there during the woman’s journey as she finds herself and determines her style. Our target age range starts at 14 and ends roughly around 35 years of age. This age range provides multiple stages of a woman's fashion journey. During each stage, you will let go or embrace new styles.
(Different Fashion Stages of Me)
But back to Size and Fit. The best part of thrifting is discovering brands that you may not have ever heard of or tried. Once you discover something that fits your style and fit today, you are more likely to continue to explore that brand and embrace it into your wardrobe. Thrifting really is a treasure hunt, and there are so many hidden gems that need to be uncovered. Fashion is a cycle, and like cycles, styles always come back.
We try to make the thrifting and reselling experience as smooth as possible. We include brand names of items so you get a general idea as to how that piece should fit you. If you are unfamiliar with a brand and would like to know details regarding fabric and measurements, do not hesitate to contact us. We will provide additional details before you buy (buyer’s remorse is the worst!)
And if you’re entering a new style/cycle of your life and have pieces from the past you no longer want, check out our How-to-Sell page for more details and receive your FREE prepaid label. In the meantime, have fun exploring. We are offering FREE SHIPPING on every order. Click here to sign up for our newsletters and receive 15% off your first purchase.