Why Do the Same Sizes of Clothing Fit Different?

Getting a consistent fit from the same sizes can be tough.

We've all been there– you order a shirt in size large. You know that large is your size. When the shirt arrives, however, it's either too tight or too loose, and you're left wondering if you even wear a large. Lack of consistency in clothing sizes is everywhere; even identical items from the same brand can fit differently! So, what are the primary reasons for the differences in clothing sizes? Factory tolerances, fabric processes, and vanity sizing play a role in the confusion. Let's explore these concepts a bit more!

Humans make your clothes, and there are tolerances.

The Industrial Revolution was massive for the clothing industry. Over the past two centuries, machines have replaced human labor at a steadily increasing rate. Advances in machinery have allowed for incredibly swift clothing production. Still, humans are heavily involved in the mass production of clothing. Textile workers cut fabrics, feed them into machines, operate machines, and inspect the final product. Humans make mistakes, which will show up sometimes in the clothing they produce.

Also, like with any product, there are tolerances for product measurements. It's impossible to produce everything with exact dimensions, so manufacturers allow for a certain margin of error. That's true with everything from cars to clothes. Tolerances in the clothing industry can range from 1/32nd of an inch to half an inch; most mass producers have quarter-inch tolerances. Clothing with stricter tolerances will be more expensive since the manufacturer will have to spend more time and money on production.

Production processes can affect fabrics differently.

Clothing items can go through many types of printing processes, like screen printing, heat transfer printing, embroidery, sublimation, and more. These processes can involve heat, pressure, and stitching on the fabrics– variables that can affect fabrics differently. Furthermore, some manufacturers pre-wash garments before sending them out, another factor that can result in varying measurements. Thankfully, most manufacturers perform quality inspections after these processes have occurred, so measurements shouldn't be outside the manufacturer's tolerance.

Personal differences add to the confusion.

Thinking about sizing variations, one also must consider the differences from person to person! The human body comes in many shapes and sizes and constantly changes as we age. Clothing manufacturers try to consider this when producing clothing, but still, items will often fit very differently from one person to the next. Furthermore, everyone has different preferences when it comes to fit! Some people prefer a tighter fit for their shirts, while others prefer a looser fit; others may prefer longer or shorter sleeves. The differences in body types and personal preferences can contribute to the confusion surrounding clothing sizes.

The trouble with vanity sizing.

Another significant contributor to confusion over clothing sizes is vanity sizing. Vanity sizing refers to the trend where, with certain brands, the same sizes have been getting bigger over time. It's normal for size measurements to vary between brands. However, some brands inflate sizes so customers can fit into smaller sizes and feel skinnier. That's vanity sizing. It's more frequent with women's clothing, but the phenomenon exists with all clothes, primarily with less expensive brands. Vanity sizing is a significant source of size confusion. While there is no standard for size measurements in the clothing industry, measurements are generally similar from one brand to the next. Vanity sizing can make people think they wear a size smaller than they do, ramping up the existing confusion around clothing sizes.

Pinning down the right size for clothing can be tricky, but if you're looking for customized apparel, Logotech can make it simple! Our account managers have tons of experience with custom clothing orders. They'll help you choose a sizing mix to ensure everyone gets a snug fit, whether you're outfitting your office, school, or sports team! Are you interested in seeing customized apparel with your logos? Create an account and send us your artwork; an account manager will reach out promptly with a free digital sample.