With sizing proving a minefield even at the best of times, shopping online more often than not means using a size guide. But we know that all women are different shapes and sizes. So with the best will in the world, a size guide can be confusing and hard to decipher. The key to all this is in arming yourself with accurate information and understanding how to best use that information. When you correctly use an online size guide, you can expect to get the best fitting garment without a lengthy and inconvenient returns process.
High Street Sizes
Most stores work on either a numbered or a M / L / XL format. This should all be pretty self evident, but of course, it’s not! The challenge comes from how inconsistent sizing is from retailer to retailer. Some stores even lack consistency from garment to garment! Add to this that most of us are different sizes between our top and bottom halves, and using a size guide is often a must.
Branding
Here at Elle Courbee, we make sure our size guides are brand specific, like this Gorsenia size guide. Although there are trends between brands, for shapewear especially it’s important that customers double check a size for a specific garment. This is because shapewear sits so snug against the body, and works best when it’s a correct fit. So whether your garment is made by Control Body, Gorsenia or Wolbar, you can be sure to have a brand specific size guide to work from.
Accurate Bust Measurement
This is not just important for bra shopping, but also for corsets and bodysuits that fit around the bust. It’s advisable to check your bra size every six months or so. Weight fluctuations, hormone changes and ageing can all influence your bra size and wearing the correct sized support can really effect your posture and comfort.
To accurately measure your bra band size, measure directly under your breasts to the nearest whole inch. If this measurement is an even number, add four inches. If it’s an odd number, add 5. To calculate your cup size, measure around the fullest part of your bust, keeping the tape horizontal. Subtract the first measurement from the second to indicate your cup size: 1” = A, 2” = B, 3” = C etc.
In Between Sizes
Like many of us, your size may hover in between two standard sizes. Even using a size guide this can be hard to navigate. For most shapewear, it’s actually your waist size that is the most important. If your overall measurements seem to put you in between two sizes, then go for the garment that your waist measurement is in line with. So for example, if you’re shopping for shaping shorts that are available in 14-16 or 18-20 and you tend to hover between a standard size 16-18, measure your waist only and choose the garment in line with that measurement.
Tips for Measuring
So bearing in mind that a waist measurement is the most indicative, it’s important to get it right. Most errors happen at this point, so use the correct process of measurement to get the right data. Firstly, use a dressmaker’s tape measure. If you don’t have one, use a piece of string and then measure that with a ruler. For your waist, bend slightly to one side and mark the first crease or indentation as you bend. This is the point of your natural waist. Straighten up and measure snugly around this line. For your hips, position the tape measure around the fullest part of your torso just below your waist and just above your thighs. The golden rule for measuring is to always round up to the nearest whole inch.
Information is power, and we want our customers to be empowered to buy garments that will be comfortable and make them look and feel great. This is why we include informative size guides to connect you to our brands.
Becky is an author and copywriter who has been writing about women’s issues and underwear for several years. She also writes blogs which cover a range of topics for local businesses.
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