Size Denial: Is it a Real Thing? Let's Discuss

I came across this term online and it's a topic I wanted to discuss as I am a woman who has been in denial about their size when it comes to buying clothes. Before I delve into my personal story, let me give you the definition of size denial.

What is size denial?

Size denial has two meanings -

1) When a person can no longer fit in clothes of a particular size but refuses to accept that.

or

2) When a person feels insecure about their size and struggles to buy clothes for their true size.

When it comes to my personal experience of size denial, I am the latter.

For years, I refused to buy clothes bigger than a size 10. I used to squeeze into my jeans and do the funny jumpy dance to pull them up past my thighs. I used to wear tops that were too tight as I refused to believe I needed to buy a bigger size. I hated the thought of having anything above a size 12 in my wardrobe. I've always fought a personal battle with my weight and body image, primarily because of my illness (Cystic Fibrosis).

I used to think that if I could buy a top or pair of jeans in a size 10 in one shop, a size 10 would fit me in every high street store I visited. However, there is one little problem with that theory - every shop's sizes are different.

One very frustrating thing about brands is that their sizing fluctuates so much between them all. You could be a size 10 for a pair of jeans in one store, then visit another store and you could be a size 12 or even 14. How does that make sense?!

People differ in their sizes. 

I could meet a woman who is the same height and weight as me, but they could buy different sized clothing to what I would buy. The problem with the fashion industry is that each individual brand has created its own sizing system based on its target customers. The fashion industry lacks a universally accepted sizing standard, making it difficult to leave a shop without feeling the need to try something on before buying. I understand that brands have a target audience when it comes to their clothing, but for some, clothes shopping can be a nightmare. We all have different weights, heights and figure shapes. Some are tall, some are petite and some fall somewhere in the middle. 

I know when I go shopping, I know if I buy a size whatever top in, for example, New Look, there is no way I would be the same size in Zara or H&M. When it comes to clothes shopping, it's all about trial and error. 

The one item I always have trial and error with are these - JEANS. Come on ladies, who hasn't had a nightmare buying jeans that fit perfectly?! I only trust about 2-3 brands when it comes to buying jeans. If I see a pair of gorgeous jeans from a brand I haven't bought from before, I have to go into the store and try them on. It's too risky buying them online because you have the faff of sending them back. 

This all comes back to size denial - brands don't make it easy for us.

Back to my personal story of size denial. I've grown to accept my size and am happy to buy items that are in a bigger size so I feel comfortable when wearing them, but more importantly, make me feel good while wearing them. It was a big bridge for me to cross accepting my body and size for what it is. I'm fortunate that my weight doesn't fluctuate too much and I own clothes that will fit me ok should my weight increase or decrease in range.

If you're going through size denial yourself, just remember you're beautiful whatever your size. Buy clothes that make you feel good and not what others expect you to wear. I know it can have an impact on your mental health, it did for me. But you will learn to overcome it, I promise you! Size is just a number and no one ever sees the label while you're wearing it. 

I'd love to know your thoughts on size denial! Is it something you have experienced?