Buying Clothes.

[William51]

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?.

[barry1010]

I research, it's a nuisance having to return clothes that don't fit.
Most online retailers do provide a size chart as a guide to their sizes.

[davebro]

I don't buy clothes - comparing the sizes I need now to the size I was depresses me!

[theshedman]

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.

[barry1010]

I've just had a look at the Atlas website and everything sold by them seems to have a 'find your size' guide on every listing.

[calmck]

What is annoying is that sizes are not consistent. Three pairs of trousers from Marks all marked the same size but 2 fit and one doesn't

[davebro]

^^^^ you'll be ok wearing just 2 pairs - the weather's warming up!

[theshedman]

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.

[Tilly2]

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.

[rowanwitch]

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.

[rowanwitch]

I and A. M & S!!

[StyleMonkey]

Morning.

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.

[pat2604]

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)

[Tilly2]

I bet you're proper dapper, SM. :-)

[rowanwitch]

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.

[pastafreak]

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.

[rowanwitch]

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

[davebro]

One thing does puzzle me when buying larger size tops, jackets etc. - the arms are usually too long!

Do makers just size up all the dimensions & assume that someone with a larger waist or chest size also has longer arms?

[StyleMonkey]

Davebro, generally, yes.

[pat2604]

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!!

[StyleMonkey]

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.