I bought a new parka jacket from Atlas online today. I try and get my size correct but then find different companies have slightly different measurements. In the end i chose what i wanted. Do you research the sizes of clothes or just go with your general size?.
Buy a tape measure. Most online shops have size guides and even guides on how to measure. Unique pieces can't be found on the general high street, you can usually find a better price online if it's a general garment. Returning online items these days is just as simple as popping to the local shop.
I have bought from Atlas in the past and found their sizes smaller than others I have got things from. They do sell stuff for other companies though so sizing isn't always the same with them.
barry, going on their sizes I ordered some shorts that the size guide said I should order in L, a size I often have and a XXl would have been closer to a good fit. The L was very small and had to go back. Saying that I bought 2 pairs of shorts the same size and same type just different colour from Debenhams and one pair fitted fine and the other was very tight. No consistency in sizes these days.
When I was working, I shopped in the Eastex department of my local Beals.
I could go in and pick a size twelve jacket and, without trying it on, I knew it would fit me perfectly.
Sadly, no Beals or Eastex any longer.
I tend to use places where I know their sizing is consistent. Or I can see the item in a shop even if I buy it online. I and A are very off with their sizing now, they used to be ok. Primark is ok just buy one size up from normal. Best for ladies sizing is Bon Marche and they now do petite in some ranges.
I always research the size. I would rather it fit well in the chest, arm, and length then have alterations made if needed. If you can't be dealing with that then it's even more important to get the right fit.
I only buy on line. And I generally only buy from about three sources that are reliable about sizing. The only trouble is my top and bottom halves are different sizes?!! ;0)
I am lucky, I can make minor tweaks myself, no one ever spotted why my nurses uniforms didn't fit like a sack like everyone elses. Amazing
the difference a few extra darts and some shoulder pads make.
I think most women are all too familiar with the need to try everything on...it's always been so. And men never understood why...now they do.
Lately I've been sticking to 2 labels, so that even if I buy second hand on eBay, I'm reasonably sure things will fit.
Dave was terrible to buy clothes for, little fat git with short legs but a narrow back. Had a lot of alterations to make. Found loads of good stuff in TK Maxx and refitted as needed. We did find regatta casual trousers were a good fit though
And generally with ladies clothing they assume tall ladies with broad backs and shoulders who need a large jumper, have broad hips and thighs and need huge baggy trousers!!
Often women struggle to get a nice fit on the arm length as most designers assume women have short arms. It would be best to assume that they don't as I said before, it's better to get something a bit longer and make alterations than purchase something that doesn't fit.