Criticism rains down on too few size ranges and small clothing sizes. Suomen Tekstiili & Muoti ry’s expert Katri Pylkkänen explains what causes the variations between size categories.
Suomen Tekstiili & Muoti ry’s expert Katri Pylkkänen thinks that clothing sizes may vary because standardized measurement tables are not used in product design. PASI LEISMA
We recently wrote that a worrying health trend can be seen in clothing stores. The story says that the population’s weight gain can be seen, among other things, in the fact that Finns buy ever larger clothing sizes.
Before, the most common clothing size sold was M, but today it is L. This is what they write in the article published in the Duodecim magazine in his article Director of research programs at the Institute of Health and Welfare (THL). Hanna Tolonen and a professor Tiina Laatikainen.
The article has aroused a lot of wonder in the readers of Iltalehti. A large part feels that there has been a change in the size classification of clothes, because the usual clothes sizes no longer fit, even though there has been no change in weight.
XL sizes are also being asked more and more often. The information is based on Helsingin Sanoma’s July 2022 publication to the articlewhere representatives of S group, Tokmanni and Kesko have been asked about the matter.
Extreme sizes trimmed to improve profitability
Suomen Tekstiili & Muoti ry’s expert Katri Pylkkänen says that recently, criticism has been particularly aroused by the fact that there are not enough large sizes or a sufficiently wide range of sizes available in clothes.
– This criticism is certainly justified and I believe that extreme sizes have been eliminated in companies so that the profitability of the collections could be improved.
Pylkkänen says that it is often the smallest and largest sizes in the product size chart that sell the worst.
Standardized measurement tables are not used in product design
Suomen Tekstiili & Muoti ry has not made a report on changes in clothing sizes over the years in Finland or internationally.
Pylkkönen thinks that the clothing sizes vary because standardized measurement tables are not used in the design of the products.
Measurement tables used by Finnish companies
There are their own measurement tables for women, men and children. In Finland, the following have been in use for a long time:
– Measurement chart for women’s clothing N-2001
– Passeli, men’s clothing size chart and children’s clothing size chart.
These Measurement Tables are based on population measurements made in Finland.
– When making the N-2001 measurement table, 1550 Finnish women between the ages of 15 and 84 were measured. The number of subjects was proportional to the age structure of the population. In the final measurement tables, different age groups, height groups and also different body types have been taken into account, Pylkkänen says.
These Measurement Tables exist so that it is possible to measure clothes uniformly.
Pylkkänen mentions that it is the company’s own choice which measurement table and the dimensions it contains the company chooses to use.
– If a company sells its products to a Finnish consumer, the choice is mostly directed to the Finnish size chart.
Pylkkänen says that sometimes companies buy ready-made measurement tables for products.
– If the planning of the product is not done yourself, the result may be that the sizing of the clothes may vary between products. Thus, the products may not be so well suited to the target group.
Extreme sizes have possibly been trimmed so that the collections’ profitability could be improved. PASI LEISMA
Trends affect sizing
Pylkkänen says that the size of the garment is affected by several different things, such as the measurement chart used and the desired clearances for the product.
– At different times, different loosenesses in products are preferred. This is easy to understand if you think about how denim fashion has developed or how the dimensions of jacket shoulders have varied in different decades.
International, standardized measurement tables
Pylkkänen mentions that some clothing brands use international, standardized measurement tables.
The Measurement Tables mentioned below have been developed using the body measurements of the European population. These standards are updated regularly to keep them current.
– However, their use is voluntary, Pylkkänen reminds.
Among other things, the following measurement tables are used:
– SFS-EN ISO 8559 parts 1 and 2
– SFS-EN 13402-3 part 3: Size markings based on body measurements and measurement intervals
Pylkkänen says that more compromises have to be made with some of the internationally made measurement tables in order for them to give an average of the population’s measurements.
– It is certainly challenging for international companies to meet the expectations of consumers in different market areas regarding sizing.
With good sizing, you can prevent product returns and get returning customers. PASI LEISMA
Size categories can be modified to meet the needs of the target group
Pylkkänen recommends clothing companies to prepare Measurement Tables according to the measurements of the target group.
– There are an unlimited number of different body types and sizes. For this reason, the company should prepare a suitable size assortment for the collection.
– The number of sizes and the spacing are up to the company, so they can be modified to meet the needs of the target group.
Pylkkänen states that good sizing can prevent product returns and get returning customers.
– I hope the companies listen carefully to their customers also regarding the size selection.
Remember these when shopping for clothes
1. Don’t stare at the size label, but choose a garment that fits you and fits well.
2. Always fit the garment before making a purchase decision. Remember that the size markings of different brands differ from each other and even within the same clothing brand, sizes may vary.
3. If you order online, use a tape measure. The dimensions of the garment are usually mentioned in the online store.
4. Remember that clothing sizes are presented in different ways in different countries. The Nordic size M, i.e. 38, usually corresponds to a size 10-12 in the UK and a size 8-10 in the US.