Tall Fashion in History and Today: Top Tips for Dressing Larger Bodies
Jul 10, 2023
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The concept of clothing sizes is actually new. Before the 20th century, clothing was largely made to order. There were no sizes because everything was made to size – yours, specifically. This all changed with the arrival of catalogs. This revolutionized the fashion industry, helped make it go ten times faster, and put style in the hands of pretty much everyone.
It’s also the source of a very interesting history of standardized sizing and, more importantly, a good way to understand just why there are limited extra sizes, like extra tall or plus sizes. The fashion industry has always been clunky when it comes to standardizing sizes and offering styles that suit everyone, and with this guide you’ll learn why and how to dress better with that information in mind:
The Rise of the Standard Size
Sizing standards didn’t start until the early 1900s. Even then, the sizes were widely off – particularly for women and men who didn’t fit the average. Women’s fashion, for example, took on the assumption that every woman had an hourglass figure and, as a result, only really adjusted sizes based on bust size (or age).
Similar issues happened for men who didn’t fit the mold.
It wasn’t until the mid-century that more research was put into understanding sizes and shapes. An early research expedition into sizing took the sizes of 15,000 women, and another took the sizes of air force women to help create new sizing standards. Even still, standard sizing just wasn’t working out for the average person, never mind those considered big or tall.
The Emergence of Big and Tall
The sizes for men and women who were taller or larger than average has changed drastically through the years. Larger men’s fashion has been referred to as stout, portly, then as big or tall. Women ranged from stout all the way to plus-size or curvy.
In the past, these extra sizes were very limited. Few brands carried them, and if they did, the options were only the most basic pieces. Today those considered big or large can shop even at entirely dedicated brands. Men, for example, can explore the full lineup of styles at Big and Tall and even save by checking for Rochester Big and Tall Clothing coupons before they check out.
Why There are No Standard Sizes
The industry gave up on standard sizes back in 1983. Since then, what’s known as vanity sizing has taken precedence. While there are similarities in sizes, there is no standard. What this means is that everyone, especially those considered big or tall, needs to check the exact measurements of a garment or that brand’s specific standards. Where there’s no middle ground, sizing up and then tailoring down is highly recommended.
A lack of standard and vanity sizing can make shopping very difficult, especially if you’re doing so online. Knowing your measurements off-hand and then comparing the size guide before you check out can help you make better decisions online, with fewer mistake purchases made along the way.