A gap in measurements

WeThrift also deciphered the measurements proposed, taking a size UK16 as a reference. Across all retailers analysed, the bust dimensions differed by 9.7cms, the waist by 12.5cms and hips by 13cms between the largest and smallest measurements. When comparing sizes and fits, WeThrift found out that Urban Outfitters’ measurements for a UK16 were actually smaller than some UK14 at other retailers such as Asos or New Look. However, many were still accurate with the national sizing references, chief among them John Lewis, New Look and Warehouse.

This gap between brands proves that two sizes are almost never the same, making it even harder for consumers to shop at different retailers without trying on and comparing fits beforehand and when shopping online, returning items that don’t fit.