Clothing Size Smaller Vanity Sizing People Fit Numbers

"Vanity sizing," also known as "size inflation," refers to the way in which the sizes of clothing, particularly women's clothing, have slowly increased over time. American clothing sizes are not "standardized," meaning that the numbers on sizes do not "correspond to" (match up with) actual measurements on the body. This allows clothing "manufacturers" (the companies that make clothing) to "label" (put a tag or sticker on an item to provide information about it) their clothing as whatever size they like. And over time, they have shown a "tendency" (likelihood of doing something) to put smaller size numbers on larger pieces of clothing.

Many people believe that vanity sizing exists because clothing manufacturers want to "flatter" (make someone feel good about himself or herself) customers. Many customers who "struggle with their weight" (have trouble maintaining a healthy weight; would like to lose weight) are pleasantly surprised when they find that they fit into a smaller size than they expected. Some "studies" (research) have shown that some "consumers" (people who buy things) are more likely to purchase an item if it has a label for a smaller size - even though it "fits" (hangs on their body) the same way. They like it better knowing that it is a smaller size.

"Dieticians" (people who help people eat well and healthily) and other healthcare professionals are worried about this "trend" (something that changes over time), because it allows people to "remain in denial" (continue to believe that something bad is not true) about their growing "waistlines" (the distance around the center of their body). But vanity sizing will probably not go away anytime soon.