The Numbers Game
There is an interesting hash tag going around on Twitter of #publichumiliationdiet. The idea is that tweeting your actual weight to millions of people around the world will make you think twice before falling off the diet wagon. Amanda and I used to keep a food journal for this same purpose and it ended up doing us more harm than good, I think.
Instead of "I'm so embarrased that I've been emotional binging on Hershey's Special Dark and Chick-Fil-A", it was more like "Look at how fucking DELICIOUS this meal was. Be glad you are 6 hours away, because your head would explode with the awesomness of what I just ate". But hey, what are friends for?
One day last week I was clicking through some things on the Internet when an ad for Talbot's Boutique caught my eye. They were pushing their new Fall 2011 line of pearls and animal prints (Two my favourites!) but what really piqued my curiosity is that they offer their clothing in several different sizes: Misses, Petites, Womens, and Womens Petites. (Which by the way, their "womens" sizes start at a 12. I don't know how I feel about that.)
My immediate response is "Hell yes, women's petite! Finally, someone understands what a short fat chick needs! No more tailoring!"
Then I figured there had to be a catch. What exactly is the difference between misses and womens? How do you know which one to pick with out trying on a frillion different cuts and sizes? After doing a little digging, here is what I have found:
A fit model, who is usually a size 8 or 10, is used to determine clothing sizes. Each size up or down is measured by an inch larger or smaller.
A traditional size 16 (Misses) is 3 inches larger than the standard size 10, but in the waist only. The sleeve length and other measurements, including the bust line, are still tailored to the smaller frame.
A 16W (Women's) takes the traditional size 16 and adds room in all the measurement areas (bust, waist and seat). Depending on the brand, it can be anywhere between a few centimeters and a few inches.
Women's sizes also tend to be less-tailored to the body and cut "loser" than traditional Misses' clothing.
A 16P (Petite) subtracts from the measurement areas, and is usually best for women with shorter arm or a smaller bust. Again, the measurements can also vary between a few centimeters and a few inches.
Fluffy friends, I know you are all feeling the frustration! Unfortunately, it looks like there is no escape from the numbers game when it comes to sizing. Even at full-figured retailers like The Avenue and Lane Bryant, it can be impossible to get the "perfect" fit.
For example, this super chic and fat chick friendly blazer from Talbot's is available in all four size categories - but let's look at the measurements for the back length, shall we? (We'd hate for our readers to have to do that 'big girl' thing where you adjust your clothes and pull your jacket down across your bottom...)
Misses - 24"
Petites - 23"
Womens - 26"
Womens Petites - 24"
What if a 14M fits, but falls a bit short? Jumping over to a 14W will give you an additional THREE inches in the back. A 14P would be TOO short, and a 14WP is the EXACT same length, just boxier.
Le sigh. Looks like we'll just have to keep our favorite tailor on speed dial until the Fat Chick Consumer's Revolt hits the fashion world.
Be fat. Be healthy. Be happy. Be fat chic.
-Haley