Why don't waist sizes correspond to actual waist measurements?

[Riprorin]

I wear size 32 waist but my actual waist measurement is about 33- 34.

Is sizing of pants done to make us think we're skinnier than we actually are?

 

[Angrymarshmello]

It could depend on the brand and where you actuallymeasure on your waist (high, middle, low)

 

[UglyCasanova]

Yeah, every single brand has a different size 32.

 

[Electric Amish]

Sizing is complete crap nowadays.

I can get 3 pairs of pants of the exact same type, brand, and size and they'll all fit differently.

amish

 

[vi edit]

Probably just a difference in brands.

I wear a 38 normally. With some brands, a 36 will fit, and with others, a 38 is a bit snug.

Same with shoes.

:shrugs:

 

[Zrom999]

Where did you measure? At your hips, navel or just under the ribs?

 

[Riprorin]

Originally posted by: Zrom999
Where did you measure? At your hips, navel or just under the ribs?

At the navel. Where should I be measuring?

 

[TomC25]

My wife complains that pants from certain brands "run small" for her so she has to get the next size up from her normal size in pants.

Wouldn't this be bad for business?

Making women buy a bigger size, making them feel fat?

 

[Walleye]

i dont know, but i like old navy cause they make me feel thinner, having pants that actually fit.

 

[chin311]

yeah, it varies from brand to brand with me, some places i can get 33's, some 34's, some even 36...all depends on the brand and fabric....no true measurement i've found<?>

 

[Zrom999]

Originally posted by: Riprorin

Originally posted by: Zrom999
Where did you measure? At your hips, navel or just under the ribs?

At the navel. Where should I be measuring?

A little lower, If you have a gut (no offense) the measurement at the navel would be a little more and most people with a protruding stomach have it outside of their pants. Measure where you wear your belt, or at the height where you button your pants.

 

[brtspears2]

Beats me, at least the men's system of pants sizes are better than women. Apparently a 8 in womans is not good news.

 

[Zombie]

I have 2 pair of pants from BR of same size(diff. style probably) yet they look and fit differently.

 

[Spac3d]

I have found shoes to be even more inconsistent. I wear anything from 9.5 (Timberland) to 11.5 (Nike):| It is so annoying :|

 

[Lonyo]

I've bought 2 pairs of jeans from the same brand, both 32, one is a tighter fit than the other. That's just insane.

 

[MisterPresident]

Heh, yeah It's to make you feel thinner. I measured my waist at 34, but wear 31-32. Depends on how loose you like them too.

 

[Riprorin]

Originally posted by: Zrom999

Originally posted by: Riprorin

Originally posted by: Zrom999
Where did you measure? At your hips, navel or just under the ribs?

At the navel. Where should I be measuring?

A little lower, If you have a gut (no offense) the measurement at the navel would be a little more and most people with a protruding stomach have it outside of their pants. Measure where you wear your belt, or at the height where you button your pants.

I've been working off the gut. 33" when measured just below the navel.