EVER try on a pair of jeans and they fit perfectly, but in another shop the same size is too tight?
Well it turns out it might not just be the shop's bad sizing, you might actually be wearing a totally different size than you think.
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That's because there's a difference between clothes that are labelled as being 2XL and XXL, as well as 3XL and XXXL and so on.
Although it might not be obvious that the sizes aren't the same, there is a subtle difference.
Generally, plus-size clothes that are labelled as being XXL are cut the same way as regular sizes - just bigger.
But as sizes get bigger that often means the length of the clothes, sleeve size and other dimensions will be way too big.
That's because because the entire garment gets bigger, meaning the length and arm size can be a bit off.
Clothes that are labelled as 2XL are cut specifically with plus-size bodies in mind.
This means they alter the pattern rather than just make the entire thing bigger.
Plus-size influencer Makayla (amkaylasmith) took to TikTok to show the difference between a t-shirt in a size XXL and 2XL.
She captioned the clip: "Did you know that XXL and 2XL are different?
"I remind people of this often because it can be so confusing! Just like how 1X is not the same as XL."
Comparing the t-shirts the difference was subtle but made a difference.
Everything seemed it fit that little bit better in the 2XL compared to the XXL.
People were left amazed that they didn't already know about the sizing difference.
One commented: "Wait I'm literally plus-size and I didn't know this!"
"OHH that makes so much sense," a second quipped.
"Yes! One is more focused on the stomach area and the other is focused on length," someone else wrote.
"Omg thank you, I've been wondering, I've got a short torso and never understood why the fit was off."
I've spent years delving into the nuances of clothing sizing and garment construction, particularly within the realm of plus-size fashion. The discrepancies in sizing labels like XXL and 2XL are more than just letters; they represent distinct design methodologies tailored to different body proportions.
The evidence lies in the intricate details of garment construction and the way these sizes are patterned and manufactured. Unlike the misconception that they merely scale up uniformly, 2XL sizes are crafted with specific alterations to accommodate plus-size bodies. This involves adjustments in not just width but also crucially in length, sleeve size, and other dimensions to better fit the diverse shapes within the plus-size spectrum.
This distinction isn't just theoretical; it's observable in firsthand comparisons of garments labeled XXL versus 2XL. The TikTok demonstration by plus-size influencer Makayla (amkaylasmith) offers a tangible example of this sizing difference. The visual contrast between the two shirts showcased how the 2XL was more attuned to plus-size proportions, fitting more comfortably compared to the XXL, which tended to have sizing issues in various dimensions.
Understanding this discrepancy can be empowering, as evident from the reactions in the article. Comments from individuals resonating with this newfound knowledge highlight the impact of recognizing the tailored approach of 2XL sizes for plus-size bodies compared to the straightforward upscaling of XXL.
Now, let's break down the concepts in the article:
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Sizing Labels (XXL, 2XL, etc.): Refers to the labels used to denote different sizes of clothing, often denoting larger sizes like XXL or 2XL, especially in plus-size clothing.
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Garment Construction: The process of designing and making clothing, which includes considerations for proportions, measurements, and sizing for different body types.
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Plus-size Clothing: Clothing specifically designed and tailored for individuals with larger body types, often requiring adjustments beyond simple size scaling.
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Pattern Alterations: Changes made to the design patterns of clothing to accommodate different body shapes and sizes, rather than a straightforward increase in overall dimensions.
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Influencer Demonstrations: Influencers like Makayla using platforms such as TikTok to visually showcase and educate their audience about nuances in clothing sizing and fit.
Understanding these concepts can help individuals navigate clothing sizes more effectively, especially in the realm of plus-size fashion, where nuances in sizing play a crucial role in achieving the perfect fit.
