What happened to vanity sizing?!?!?!

[akbmusic]

I finally broke down today and decided to replace a pair of my jeans. They are about 5 years old, fraying at the hem and are getting holey in the knees. I love the Levis 515 stretch bootcut pants-that's what these are. When I bought these, I got a size 8. About 1 1/2 year later, I bought another pair-a size 10. I went home and the hips/waist measured the same. I just figured I got a pair that "ran small." That was a little over 3 1/2 years ago. Today at the store, I grabbed both sizes 8 and 10 at the store try on (these are the same pants-515 Levis) and I could get barely get the size 10 zipped. I went back and got size 12 and they fit better through the hips, but I think I could have stuffed my cocker spaniel in the waist, there was so much extra room. I tried a different wash and had the same problem. Needless to say, I decided with warmer weather coming (I hope) that I would skip the jeans. Nothing like going from and 8 to a 12 without gaining a pound!!!! What happened to vanity sizing anyway?!?!

 

[BSQ]

Levi is actually one of the more tru to size vendors. Many companies use their specs to develop their own lines. Assuming your jeans are the exact same style (Levi's full style number appears on a white square of material near the fly) they were probably just modernized.

Over the years Levi will update their fits. Oddly even as America's waistline has expanded over the years, the trend in denim went more narrow for a modern updated fit. I would suspect Levi tweaked their 515 over the years as well.

Even their sacred cow, the Men's Red Tab Button Fly 501, has been made leaner over the years. When it's a drastic tweak, well then they create a new style number. Such as the 550 being born from the 501, to give men a skosh more room.
shudder ... this has flashed me back to a time in my career when I knew every men's Levi style and color code by heart.

 

[geekette]

I could see 'fit changes' over time, but why not leave some alone and add 'classic' to their name?

I would prefer real sizing for women. I can deal with it, really, I can. I just hate to have to drag 3 pairs into the dressing room and play "which one fits?" when I haven't changed. grrrr. This is why I rarely shop and hate it madly when I have to.

And when I find a pair I like, I would LOVE to be able to do what my husband does: buy em without trying them on. that's my dream.

 

[Jollyhols]

I have noticed Levi size changes. When I visit the US I usually pick up a couple of pairs of jeans (half the price of UK)and my last purchase (without trying on) were in a size that should have fitted but they keep falling down and look baggy even with a belt. The fabric seems to be getting softer and stretchier.

 

[happymum]

The fabric seems to be getting softer and stretchier.

I dont know about Levi's, but I do find that any of the stretch denim starts out fitting fine in the morning and is about 2 sizes too big by the evening. Apparently you are supposed to buy them 1 size too small, but it seems wrong to purchase something that makes me look like a sausage.

 

[Patri]

And when I find a pair I like, I would LOVE to be able to do what my husband does: buy em without trying them on. that's my dream.

I agree. When I wore out my two favorite pairs of jeans, I wrote down the brand name and size, so when I buy new, I could just pick them off the shelf. Now I suppose I better try them on.
In the meantime, I am wearing out my less favorite pairs of jeans.

 

[BSQ]

I could see 'fit changes' over time, but why not leave some alone and add 'classic' to their name?

simply put. economics. It good business to manufacture or stock items that don't have mass appeal to your customers. Once sales fall off on any given style, it is either discontinued or updated. FWIW, a fit change doesn't just happen. It is usually the result of sales falling off on a once popular item, and the vendor trying to course correct to today's consumer likes.

I'm not as familiar with ladies Levi jeans styles as I am their men's line. But it's not entirely impossible that another jean has the same fit as what your old one had. the Levi hotline could answer that question for you.

sizing is always a sensitive subject in the retail industry.

oh, as far as vanity sizing that's usually the higher end designers.

Personally, I have a skirt that's a size 6 ... I love it because it fits like a 10.

 

[Liz Wolf-Spada]

I guess I have the fat around the belly problem, because I find waists too small, even when hips fit. I can't count on any brand or size. It seems everything has to be tired on, if I can find something that fits right on sale at LL Bean or Lands End, I usually order two. I don't know why men's clothes are so consistent and ours are so wierd!
Liz