Don’t you hate it when you try on a pair of jeans in your normal waist size, only to discover that they are too big? Sure you do! I think everyone has found themselves in this position at some point in time. Not all apparel companies use the same sizing for their garments, resulting in confusing sizes that vary from one company to the next. So, why aren’t apparel companies using the same sizes for their products?
Vanity Sizing Defined
Vanity sizing (also referred to as size inflation) occurs when an apparel company gradually increases the physical size of its clothes over time while keeping the actual tag size the same. For instance, an apparel company may sell jeans with a 32″ waist, but several years later those jeans may actually have a 34″ waist while keeping the same 32″ size tag. Sound confusing? Think of it like this: apparel companies want customers to feel slimmer and more confident in their clothes, so they use vanity sizing to achieve this goal. The actual size tag remains the same, yet the physical size of the garment is larger.
According to Wikipedia, vanity sizing is most common in the U.S. and U.K., where thousands of different retailers use this tactic. A study conducted in 2003 involving more than 1,000 pairs of women’s pants found vanity sizing to also be more commonplace among premium brands as opposed to cheaper brands.
How to Find the Perfect Fit for Denim Jeans
Brands that use vanity sizing can make it difficult for shoppers to find the perfect fit. After all, this means the garment’s true size is different from its label. But there are some steps you can take to find the right fit for a pair of denim jeans, regardless of your size and body type.
For starters, check the rise of your jeans, which is defined as the distance from the crotch to the button. Wearing low-rise jeans may create the impression of being shorter, but high-rise jeans may look awkward when worn by guys. Find a happy medium that works well for your body.
Something else to consider when shopping for a new pair of denim jeans is the inseam length. Assuming the company uses vanity sizing, a 32″ inseam length may actually be longer than 32 inches. A pair of well-fitted jeans should fall down to your heels without dragging on the floor.
