The Size Story

Photo by MariaBeatrice Alonzi on Unsplash

Every now and then, when I go for shopping or when I am doing shopping online, there is one specific size which is always missing: XL size.

Being a 5’10 female, XL is the size that fits both here in my country and from international standard as well (size 16,18).

Now here is the dilemma, tall females generally choose Large or Extra-large size, even if they are slim because of course, their built is different than small or short females. That is their size, but of course there are ladies with obesity issues, those who are overweight or those who are pregnant for example will go for oversized shirts, dresses & big sizes.

Even if there is a sale or some huge discount the first size to run out is the XL one, followed by large, medium and the only ones remaining are xs or s, meaning extra small or small.

I have a friend who is 5'2, being short she regularly shops and only wear extra-large size, reason being she is obese and overweight because of certain medical conditions and for that, extra-large size is the only size that fits her. This probably means tall girls who normally buy XL sizes are of course, in line with pregnant and obese short girls as well, everyone wants the same size.

I was thinking today after a recent shopping experience, maybe shops and brands should start doubling the production of XL, large and 16, 18 sizes, because they are always in demand and seem to run out immediately, no wonder items like oversized T-shirts are bought like hot cakes, because they are everyone’s favorite.

Another major reason is body shape, of course with the daily consumption of sugar and sodas, loose clothing is able to hide layers or fat and pot bellies, and no one wants figure hugging outfits unless they are super skinny.

Religion also comes in play in these kinds of outfit choices, usually ladies from Muslim faith are wearing loose clothing and oversized shapeless dresses as part of their faith. You have probably seen the “modest” collection somewhere, encouraging women from this faith to buy from their long, flowy and oversized dresses.

Similarly in the maternity wear, you will find the same kinds of outfits and shirts. Loose, large and flowy making sure the bump is not trapped in fitted clothes.

Photo by Artem Beliaikin on Unsplash

Maybe if there is a brand only for XL size (probably is out there somewhere) which has these type of dresses and clothing, it will start making profit fast, because all tall, obese and pregnant ladies will shop from it and only a small fraction which is slim and petite will be left out but of course, that depends on geography as well, countries like the Netherlands have some of the tallest people in the world whereas certain asian countries have small & short people as a majority.

But all in all, discounts and sales is and always remain a competition, on who gets the XL size first.