Size 12 Plus Size?

[Eve]

Just read an article whish states that Mango have launched a plus size range from size 12!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/you/article-2595340/Special-report-Is-12-really-plus-size.html

When the average size today is supposed to be a size 16 (sure I read that somewhere), what kind of message does this send?

[pixie373]

I don't think it's changed recently, tony. Apparently, Marilyn Monroe, a "curvy" size 16, would have been a size 10 now.

[tonyav]

Right, it was just a thought, pixie. Ooooooh Marilyn.

[EcclesCake]

Two friends and I all wore the same dress size. Two of us are the same height at 5'8" and the other other is 6'1", I was the heaviest by more than a stone :-(

[pixie373]

As others have said, there are some variations in different shops, but i don't think a huge amount. I can order anything online in my size and it will fit.

[Eve]

I tend to just use sizes as a rough guide now as they seem to vary so much. I guess the type of garment and material makes a different too as fabrics like those with lycra in have far more give. Again, I find that where weight sits can make a difference, with steroids and other meds I find it sits on my tummy and with a large chest also I have to go up many sizes to get a fit which just then looks like a tend elsewhere.

I'm sure I read an article a while back about some stores making sizes bigger to make women feel better as they were buying a smaller size than would be needed otherwise.

[Eve]

I must also admit it took me a while to get over a psychological barrier of going to look in plus size sections/stores to get tops which fit my chest and as my tummy gets so bloated...maybe I should have tried the maternity section!

[Prudie]

I don't have much variation either with anything I buy but sizing has certainly changed since the 70s when a 10 was about a 32 bust and 22 waist.

[ummmm]

Tops are a pain to shop for if you're big busted. You can sometimes look pregnant.

[sandrajo]

My friend wears maternity trousers, she's always bloated round the middle, says its due to menopause. The elastic in the front panel in maternity wear gives her support and comfort.

[ummmm]

I bet they are comfy.

[Eve]

I've been tempted to try them as my tummy gets really bloated and they do look comfy. I ended up buying a maternity bra from Debenhams as they do large cup sizes and I find it uncomfortable having underwire due to inflammation in my chest area and it's one of the comfiest bras I've ever had and pretty good support too.

[sandrajo]

She says they are ummmm :)

[sandrajo]

Maybe you should give them a go Eve, no one would even know they were maternity trousers!

[Eve]

That's true, I might go and try some on and see :)

[Masie33]

To Daffy & Pixie, it may very well be to do with how your body is shaped and the way the fat is distributed. Pear and hourglass shapes often require bigger sizes at lower weights than apple or banana shapes.

[Cloverjo]

I'm a similar weight and height to Daffy, so don't think I'm big at all. I have some items of clothes in a size 12, but am usually a 10. I'm surprised Mango are calling 12 a plus size. I always thought 8, 10, 12 and 14 and maybe 16 were mainstream sizes. Some shops are more generous in their sizing - Monsoon, Wallis. I am ashamed to say that I fall for this marketing. I am more likely to buy an item if the label says it's a size 8 than a 12.

[ummmm]

I guess that with plus sized ranges they are designing to try and conceal or flatter lumps and bumps. Like said previously a size 12 could be carrying extra weight, so I guess that size 12/14 will be included in both ranges.

It's strange isn't it Jo, that number in your label makes you feel better but doesn't change your actual size.

[pixie373]

I think you're right, masie. Shape will make a difference to the clothes size - and probably the style of clothes. Also, whether you prefer a bit of room in tops and t-shirts, or if you prefer them fitted.

[barba]

Unfortunately, looking at other women from Europe we (from UK) are pretty much bigger than other nationalities. For us 12 might be now exactly plus size but in other European countires 12-sized woman can be called 'very fat'.

[emmie]

tony, they have altered clothes sizing, the industry knows it, the clothes manufacturers know it, the people who are being misled are the paying public, have the same problem, one size in one shop will fit, sort of, same size in another won't, M&S used to have good sizing, now they don't, its why i rarely buy stuff out of there.