Why your Size 10 dress may actually be a Size 12

I read a fascinating article written by Fay Schlesinger from the Daily Mail all about what size is a true size when shopping for our clothes.

For anyone who has been pleasantly surprised to find they can squeeze into a Size 12, it may come as something of a disappointment.  A study has revealed that shoppers are being deceived by a poly called 'vanity sizing', in which stores flatter their customers by making clothes bigger so they think they are buying a smaller size.

Several major high street shops - including Marks & Spencer and Gap - appear to have made their measurements larger despite size labels remaining the same.  I can confirm that in both those shops I buy a size smaller!

The Rise of Vanity Sizing:

• A M&S size 16 has risen from 38in at the bust, 31.5 at the waist and 41in at the hips in 2003 to 39.5-33-43 today.

• An M&S size ten has increased from 33.5-27-36.5 to 34-27-37

• A John Lewis size 12 was 35.5-28-38 in 2008 but is now 36-39-38.5

• A pair of French Connection men's slim-fit jeans were found to be six inches bigger than the advertised 30in

• The waist of a size 12 skirt can vary from 28in at Next to 29in at Topshop, while a size 8 bust is 31.5 at John Lewis but 38in in Gap.

 Ladies, you know what I think, the size of the label is irrelevant - the most important thing is whether or not your clothes fit and compliment your body shape.