Size Guides: Know Your Measurements Before You Order

Imagine you have found the perfect dress online. It says it's a size 12 - your usual size in jeans. You decide to order it without consulting the store's size chart, and when the dress arrives you are disappointed. The dress is too big/too small. Now you have to pay for alterations if you haven't sent it back (or can't). Alterations of ready to wear garments are generally minimal when a person knows their measurements; the opposite occurs when the measurements are guessed or unknown leading to disaster or disappointment.

Understanding several facts about online size charts will help with your sizing and maybe save you money. First, review the site and look for the size guide(s). Sometimes there are several - pants, shirts, dress, etc. Choose the guide that is right for your garment. 

Second, look for the measurements you have taken and recorded. If the size guide has your sizes in two different columns, select the larger of the two (it costs less take in than let out). 

Third, don't be alarmed or thrown off if the size guide says you need to order a 14 (and you wear a 12 in jeans). This size is accurate for the garments purchased from their manufacturer. Most manufacturers are within an inch of one another in their clothing size, which explains why in one pair of jeans you wear a 12 and another you had to purchase a 14.  

One final word to the ladies - you need to have an accurate bra size.  Click HERE for an easy to read and usable guide to fitting your bra and cup size. Again, bras are clothing and sizes from manufacturers will vary by style and fabric. 

Armed with the knowledge of knowing your size, you can order successfully online. Just remember to look for and review the size guides before you buy. 

Wishing you success and inspiration in all you do, today and always, 

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