Opinions wanted on sizing

[egglesdtp]

I have just measured 40 shirts, ranging in size from 10 to 20, mostly 14s, 16s and 18s.

The bust measurements for shirts marked size 14 were 100, 104, 106, 106, 108, 108, 113, 114, 115. 

The shirts marked size 16 were 102, 108, 114, 116, 119.

The shirts marked size 18 were 106, 108, 108, 111, 120, 124, 126, 128, 129, 130, 130, 130

As can be seen, there is not only huge variation within a size (and this can even be within a particular brand), but also there is overlap between sizes. Is a shirt with a bust measurement of say, 115cm, a size 14, 16 or 18?

If you list clothes, do you state in your description if a shirt is particularly generous (or otherwise) for their marked size? Do you state whether it may be closer to a size other than the marked size? Do you include bust measurement in the title?

I have tried all approaches, but am still not sure whether I should even bother, if the bust size is given within the description. I am concerned that many buyers don't read the description, and may go on the title's stated size alone, and then be disappointed if it doesn't fit.

I would be interested in hearing opinions on the matter.

[janeababe]

sizing is all over the place now.... has been for a long time.

I think it is still important that you list the measurements.

when i used to buy clothing on ebay years ago, i always checked the measurements and if listings didnt have measurements, then i moved away from that sellers items.

perhaps you could list your items as a sz 14-16? mentioning that the sizing is generous.

Just a thought.

[egglesdtp]

Thank you for your reply. I didn't mean to imply that I wouldn't include measurements in the description - I always have, always will (including the weight, if people are thinking about postage cost for more than one item).

I guess my main question was in regard to what size I should list the item as, particularly if (I think) it is more than one size different to the marked size. I tried listing as a more realistic size for a little while, but got burnt when one buyer complained the marked size didn't match the listed size, even though I included measurements and a statement that the listed size was different to the marked size (in the desciption).

The problem is if I list an item with its marked size, but it is very different to the actual size, the likelihood of a buyer it will fit finding it is negligible. But perhaps others don't search for clothing the way I do - by size?

In my latest lot of listings, if an item was more than one size different to its marked size, I included both in the title, like this - size 14 (18?). But I still have to place it in a category, so I put it in size 14, even though people looking in that size range - if they take note of the measurments - will realise it is too big and move on. The people it would most likely fit (the size 18s) wouldn't even look at it because it is in the size 14 category. I've even thought of removing the size tag on the item so that I can list it as its real size rather then the tagged size. But that isn't always easy.