Have you ever wondered why you are a size 8 or 10 at the Gap and a 4 at Target? For there to be that big of a discrepancy, there must be something lacking in the accuracy of women’s clothing sizes. According to a new study published in the International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology and Education, the information retailers have been using is totally outdated (the study used measurements from more than 5,500 American women over the age of 20 and data from the CDC.)
With this information, the team was able to determine that the average waist circumference has increased 2.6 inches over the past 21 years. Although just ten years ago most U.S. women were a size 14, now it seems that average has risen to a 16-18, accounting for the increase in clothing size.
Obviously, this updated information is crucial for the fashion industry and for women in general. Women shouldn’t have to go to the store and be frustrated that they can’t find something to wear. In fact, that’s the researchers greatest hope, “that women may be relieved in knowing the average clothing size worn is larger than [they] thought,” and that that information might alter the public’s perception of “average size.”
It’s long past time for the fashion industry to start making all clothing sizes available in stores; women shouldn’t have to just shop online.
While we will never participate in body shaming, a size 16-18 is unhealthy and dangerous. Obesity is a precursor to many diseases, including cancer, and shouldn’t be taken lightly. However, please hear me: obese people might be unhealthy but they are still intelligent, funny, deserving of love, capable, hard working, beautiful, etc.
Years ago I made a decision to take back my health. While the process can be daunting, it’s not hard to start eating healthy when you have support and Health Nut News can be that cheering squad! Click here to watch my story.
Source: Twenty Two Words
