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'What it says on the label means nothing': Woman's side-by-side photo shows how sizes change between brands

Woman shares a side-by-side image to show the sizing variation between different stores <em>(Photo via Instagram)</em>
Woman shares a side-by-side image to show the sizing variation between different stores (Photo via Instagram)

If you’ve ever entered a change room, your usual size of pants in hand, only to have them barely rise past your knees: you’re not alone.

Adele Barbaro is a writer from Melbourne, Australia, who recently reposted an image of hers from 2016. In the Instagram post, she marveled at how, despite the current body positive movement, brands are still making clothes according to unrealistic standards.

Sharing a side-by-side photo from two different clothing brands, Barbaro asks the question many of us have in the change room.

View this post on Instagram

Why the hell am I a Medium at Jacqui E but I'm an Extra Large at Zara? It's no wonder adolescent girls and women (not to mention boys and men) have a problem with body image in Australia today. . On a shopping experience back in 2016, I posted this pic after a frustrating shopping trip, as it made me realise that there should be a standardised measuring system across the board, that is a true representation of sizing in every store. For men, women and children. (It's enforced by law for children's clothes apparently, but still I find them wildly different) . I am more than aware that some shops house a particular style of clothes that is not suitable for a more voluptuous or curvy woman but don't hide it in a sizing system like size 1 and 2. Yes, you know the exact stores I am taking about. Sometimes I fit your size 2 but sometimes I look like a whale dressed in a Mankini. Now when I see your store, I just keep walking, rather than go through the ordeal of working out what a size 2 is when I grab it off the shelf. Is it a size 10, 12 or 14? It's a lottery! . Both my husband and I are under the average weight of both male and females in Australia but we are often XL when we shop. How messed up is that? I am NOT an extra large person. By calling men and women 'extra large', when they are smaller than the Australian average is sending a message that they are larger than they should be. . From what I understand, it has a lot to do with the labelling of clothing before it reaches our shores but in my opinion, it’s needs to be regulated and what is on the label should translate the same across all stores. Although size is just a number and I am comfortable and confident with my weight, I want every unsure girl or boy and every disheartened man or woman, to know that what it says in the label MEANS NOTHING. . I posted this back in 2016 and nothing has changed. . #bodyimage #bodyimagemovement #timeforchange #confidence #australianfashion #australianfashionindustry #regulateclothingsizes #mummyblogger #mummybloggerau #motherhoodunplugged #teenconfidence

A post shared by ADELE BARBARO (@real_mumma) on Oct 16, 2018 at 2:28am PDT

Why the hell am I a medium at Jacqui E but I’m an extra large at Zara? It’s no wonder adolescent girls and women (not to mention boys and men) have a problem with body image in Australia today,” she wrote.

ALSO SEE: Woman shows that no two pairs of pants fit the same (even at the same store)

On a shopping experience back in 2016, I posted this pic after a frustrating shopping trip, as it made me realize that there should be a standardized measuring system across the board, that is a true representation of sizing in every store. For men, women and children.”

Recognizing that some clothing stores are blatantly marketed toward particular body types, the mom-of-two explained how despite being under the average weight of Australians, she still needs to dress in extra large clothing.

I am more than aware that some shops house a particular style of clothes that is not suitable for a more voluptuous or curvy woman but don’t hide it in a sizing system like size one and two,” wrote Barbaro.

“Both my husband and I are under the average weight of both male and females in Australia but we are often XL when we shop. How messed up is that? I am NOT an extra large person. By calling men and women ‘extra large’, when they are smaller than the Australian average is sending a message that they are larger than they should be.”

Calling for the regulation of sizing standards, Barbaro’s followers couldn’t agree more with the sentiment.

Agreed. And the Jacqui E one looks better by the way. I find buying clothes hard work. It is exhausting on my emotions and won’t go unless I’m having a ‘skinny day’. Bet I’m not the only one. We are so hard on ourselves aren’t we?” asked one follower.

It’s ridiculous. I can range from a size six to 12 in different brands. It seems like the brands where I’m the biggest size are also marketed to the youngest age groups. No wonder we all grow up with body image issues. Imagine what we could achieve if we didn’t waste so much of our energy thinking we aren’t good enough? We’ve all got so much more to give than just our appearance,” added another.

ALSO SEE: Sarah Hyland’s boyfriend defends her against body-shaming troll

View this post on Instagram

It took a lot of courage, 100 attempts and setting my iphone timer and getting to just the right spot to show you these. Where is my photographer (hubby) when I need him?! . Modi Bodi, who are already helping the confidence of so many young girls and women with their pee and period proof underwear and swimwear have now released shape wear. I wore the new contour underwear to a meeting last week and I thought I would share how they felt, from woman to woman. . They are not as tight as usually shape wear but still smoothed out the lumps and bumps as well as be able to breathe hahaha. They would be most suitable for light to medium flows and to be used as a back up for heavy flow times. Because they are quite high-waisted, I didn’t feel uncomfortable when I sat, nothing hung over. And to be honest, I actually think they are quite flattering, when usually, if I thought of high-waisted contour underwear, I would usually imagine Bridget Jones in her nanny knickers. I felt good. And although it wasn’t my time, I knew I had the protection for a surprise sneeze or laughing fit with a full bladder. . As a proud Ambassador of @modibodiaustralia , I am able to extend a discount to anyone that wants to try or stock up (and no I don’t get a kick back). I have not purchased a sanitary product for nearly year now and just love what they are doing for women and the environment. Please feel free to ask any question or tag your lady mates xx Link in bio or head to their website and code MUMMA15 . Discount does not apply to bundles, gift cards or clearance x

A post shared by ADELE BARBARO (@real_mumma) on Oct 15, 2018 at 1:18am PDT

If Barbaro’s post proves anything, it’s that the fashion industry needs an overhaul when it comes to consistent sizing.

While the mommy blogger may not be able to inspire this change on her own, she had an important message for anyone who may be putting a bit too much stock in the sizing charts.

Although size is just a number and I am comfortable and confident with my weight, I want every unsure girl or boy and every disheartened man or woman, to know that what it says on the label MEANS NOTHING.”

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