Day three of the investigative process on plus size confusion. The more steps I take, spiraling out into the industry, the more confused i get. BUT I am finding some -very- interesting information about how sizes are set, what standards exist, and just who's driving that bus.
The questions I'm trying to answer:
What size are you? And how do you KNOW you're that size?
The hunt has taken me to ASTM International, the keeper of and setter of all things standard, and reveals a listing for ASTM Standard D6960-04 "Standard Table of Body Measurements Relating to Women's Plus Size Figure Type, Sizes 14W-32W," ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA. www.astm.org. I teeter on the edge of the Holy Grail, finger hovering over the Buy button, and then stop. Would I, a mere mortal and neophyte of fashionista knowledge, have anything resembling a CLUE of what I was reading, if I did order it?
Further prodding of other buttons reveals a stern license agreement that makes me believe that, even if I did manage to get my hands on a copy of this standard, I couldn't tell anyone about it anyway, much less mention what's inside. I put away my checkbook, and trudge onward into the barely lit darkness.
Monday
Sizing Up the Situation - Part 3
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2 comments:
The problem with ASTM is that it's not universal, not standardized beyond itself and therefore not really helpful for your purpose.
Truth be told, there is no *there* there.
The answer to your question lies in which lines you choose and how they are sized. If we are all honest with ourselves and willing to confront our own personal tape measures, and then if we are further willing to ask questions and demand answers when we shop online, we can in fact find clothes that are the right size for each of us.
You've got to stop thinking about the numbers on your size tags, they're irrelevant.
That may not be what you want to hear but it is, nevertheless, the truth.
Now, the question is how to work with an industry and a marketplace full of nonstandard sizing.
Let's start talking about that.
Thank you! I agree completely. I'm a firm believer in consumer voice and definitely look forward to hearing many raised in protest, so long as we can get those voices heard by the people who can (and might) make a difference!
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