Health authorities in Spain are recommending a major overhaul of clothes sizing. They will use the results of a fascinating study that laser-mapped over 10,000 women aged 12-70.
The research identified three main body types: cylinder (similar measurements for bust, waist and hips), diábolo (or hourglass), and bell (pear-shaped).They discovered that body shape generally changes with age – typically starting at a cylinder shape, then an hourglass shape (around age 30-60), then to a bell shape.
The proposed method for clothes sizing will include a three-point measure
(bust, waist, and hips). There may also be a height indicator.
According to the research 41% of women have trouble finding clothes that fit.
“Forget the sizes we use now,” Bernat Soria, the health minister, said
last week, adding, “We are moving toward a new system, which I hope
will better reflect women’s real measurements.” via IHT
Just last week three British models were banned from the catwalk for having a BMI of < 18.
The video below shows body shape changing through different age groups (note: años means “years”).
Just hire a personal tailor, that should solve the problem
help, please, my waist is much larger than my hips, where can i get jeans to fit that will flatter my shape
I’m 4′ 11″ 105 lbs and have been since age 18 (now 55). Clothes fit big on chest and waist, but good on hips. Wear 4P, but I still have to hem up the pants (understandable-I’m 4″ shorter than average). Some manufacturers make clothes bigger than what the tag reads. While others make the clothes to the exact size that the tag reads. I find these clothes to fit me well (I still have to hem the pants a little)’ but can only find them at Ros department stores or second hand stores. Manufacturers, stop designing clothes for one (1) size fits al because one size does not fit al!!!
I totally agree; I’m 5’3/4″, weigh 104 and wear size 8P; sometimes I can get an 8P short!!! I used to buy at JCP but no more, they’re made for people who are 5’8″ or more. I live in a very small town and shop locally only now. Ross Sportswear and Omni are great for my size and the sales person is accommodating also — meaning she knows what I like and what size I am. It cost me a lot to have my tweed pantsuit altered after I lost 10 pounds but it was worth it.
I too am average height (exactly)–which means everything is made for 5’4 and under or 5’5″ and taller (i.e., flood pants or pants that are long enough to make booties). Why is it mens pants, shirts, etc. come in lengths, but women’s do not? (presumably we all have time to alter our clothing?). There problem is more complex: Just hemming a garment doesn’t always work if the garment is shaped or tapered (the knee is too high or low, the waist is too high, etc.). Tops are also a problem because I have shortish arms and am short waisted–but petite tops and sleeves are too short. So I have to put up with armholes that are too low, waistlines that reach my hips, etc. Why do woman have to put up with this? Why not a size range for women 5’4” to 5’6″???