{"id":5732,"date":"2025-10-22T08:17:41","date_gmt":"2025-10-22T07:17:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sartoriatelier.com\/?p=5732"},"modified":"2025-10-22T10:28:21","modified_gmt":"2025-10-22T09:28:21","slug":"do-you-really-know-your-size-vanity-sizigng","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sartoriatelier.com\/fr\/do-you-really-know-your-size-vanity-sizigng\/","title":{"rendered":"Do You Really Know Your Size? The Truth About Vanity Sizing"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Have you ever considered yourself a size S or M, but one day measured yourself and discovered you\u2019re actually an L? It happened to me when I started making my own lingerie. It was a revealing moment that made me question everything I thought I knew about sizing. I also realized how much mental resistance I had to going up a size. But once you overcome that, you get lingerie that truly fits \u2014 and feels so much more comfortable.<\/p>\n

The illusion of standard sizing<\/h2>\n

Before we dive into vanity sizing and why it\u2019s so common in the fashion industry, it\u2019s important to understand where sizing charts come from. Standard body measurement charts are based on extensive anthropometric studies that analyze the proportions of different populations to create measurement references. Each country has its own, because a Nordic body differs from a French or Asian one in proportions.<\/p>\n

Each brand chooses a chart that matches its target customer, assigns a size, and builds its own sizing system. In theory, this should make things clear \u2014 but it doesn\u2019t. There\u2019s no universal standard. That\u2019s why you might wear one size in one brand and a different one in another. So how does each brand decide its size chart? Before buying lingerie, it\u2019s always a good idea to check the size-guide<\/a> to make sure you\u2019re choosing the right fit for your body.<\/p>\n

What is vanity sizing?<\/h2>\n

Vanity sizing is the practice of labeling garments with smaller sizes than they really are, to make customers feel better. For example, what used to be a size 12 might now be labeled as a size 6. It\u2019s a psychological trick \u2014 one that sells a feeling as much as it sells a product.<\/p>\n

How vanity sizing affects us<\/h2>\n

This practice manipulates our insecurities in subtle but powerful ways. Studies show that vanity sizing affects not only clothing but also lingerie, influencing how we perceive our bodies and our worth. Psychologist Alexis Conason explains that this trick sells a \u201csuperficial dose of confidence.\u201d Labels showing smaller sizes can boost self-esteem, while larger ones can lower it \u2014 even when the body hasn\u2019t changed at all. You can read more on this in the following post<\/a> or this<\/a> one.<\/p>\n

Vanity sizing also leads to huge inconsistencies between brands. A woman may wear a size 4 in one store and a 10 in another. Buying clothes \u2014 especially lingerie \u2014 becomes a frustrating guessing game. But that\u2019s a topic.<\/p>\n

The designer\u2019s dilemma<\/h2>\n

As a designer, I often face a dilemma: should I stay true to traditional sizing systems, or give in to vanity sizing? If I keep using traditional measurements, I have to be very clear on my website about it \u2014 and emphasize the importance of taking your own body measurements before buying. The challenge is that most people want things quick and easy. They assume their size from big brands applies everywhere, which may lead to choosing the wrong lingerie size at Sartori Atelier.<\/p>\n

Towards a more conscious purchase<\/h2>\n

I believe there\u2019s a lack of information and awareness about how sizing really works. It\u2019s essential that people learn to make conscious, informed purchases \u2014 understanding what they\u2019re buying and how it fits their body. As brands, we have the responsibility to guide clients through that process. And as clients, we have the responsibility to know our bodies \u2014 not just the labels.<\/p>\n

How to make a conscious lingerie purchase<\/h3>\n