10 OCTOBER 2011 WEARABLES • wearablesmag.com
from the editor’s desk
Get Into Your Comfort Zone
BY C.J. MITTICA
Numbers never lie … except when it comes to apparel
sizes. I just experienced that firsthand recently. My
khakis had started to fray, so I went out searching for a
new pair. I stopped by the Gap to try on a pair of trusty 32
waist pants (like I always wear) – only to find I had enough
room to stash a couple of hoodies down my front leg. As
it turns out, the 31 waist pants fit perfectly for me. (That’s
probably a first since the 9th grade.)
If you read our “Apparel Sizing Glossary” in this
month’s issue, you surely know the phenomenon I’m referring
to: vanity sizing. Retailers adjust the sizing numbers
so people can feel good about themselves for wearing a
smaller size. I knew of the practice, but this was the first
time the numbers were directly lying to me and my waist.
The lesson: When it comes to apparel sizing, it never
pays to blindly go by the numbers. Getting the right fit
is just as much art as it is math and science. The fact that
everyone has a sizing horror story shows just how easily it
can be messed up. Heck, people have enough trouble finding
the right fit for themselves, let alone for others.
We get it. Sizing isn’t easy. That is why we have created
our first-ever “Fit Issue,” full of useful sizing information.
Our cover story “True to Size” reveals the sizing strategies
and communication tips you should follow to get it right
every time for your clients. The previously-mentioned
glossary looks at the various sizing standards for men and
women, as well as other important garment terms you
should know. Finally, our corporate apparel spotlight tracks
the decline of casual dress and fit in the corporate world.
We even feature an accompanying photo shoot that highlights
the vital areas for fitting corporate apparel correctly.
If there’s one strategy we can’t stress enough, it’s sample,
sample, sample. Industry suppliers do a good job of making
size charts available, and the numbers show just how much
a “medium” varies between companies. (Turn to page 47 to
see just how different size charts from leading suppliers can
be). But with a sample in hand, clients can try on a garment
and know for certain they are getting what they pay for.
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