All About Numeric Sizing
In the previous post I sang the merits of choosing alpha sizing for your grading. Alpha sizing is considered Small, Medium, Large, etc. However, another sizing option to consider is making your product numerically sized. You may associate this with a size 2, 4, 6, etc… Maybe you feel that either or could work for you. However, there are implications and pro’s and cons for both.
Numeric sizing offers more specificity
Alpha sizing represents two numeric sizes built into one garment. Often there is a 2” circumference difference between each size range option. However, when something is numerically sized it is closer to a 1” difference between each option, this allows your customer to select a size that is even more tailored to their figure.
Numeric sizing is most often utilized for home sewing patterns. With home sewing patterns, a customer is able to analyze finished garment measurements and body measurements to really zero in on where they fit into a company’s sizing. Plus, one of the benefits of making your own clothes is to be able to ensure that it fits to your body. Having many size options allows your customer to really get the fit they are looking for.
Certain garments are better numerically sized
As mentioned, numeric sizing assumes more specificity. When I have grading clients come to me with a garment that is very fitted, more often than not I will advise that they go with numeric sizing. The reason for this is because a fitted garment is intended to fit the body just so. If a customer selects the correct size then it should be a pretty good translation of the original idea for all the sizes. For instance, a tailored pair of pants should hug the hips in just the right way and the waist shouldn’t be too big or too small. This is what a customer expects. A 1” difference is waist sizes is an acceptable amount for a specific fit. However, if done as alpha sizing, a 2” difference between sizes may not fit everyone the best and you could end up with a lot of returns.
But you may say that everything is supposed to fit in a specific way. That is true, but the specificity I refer to is in terms of how fitted and body hugging a garment is. There really is no need to do numeric sizing on an oversized hoodie for mass production.
Numeric sizing sort of implies a better, more specific fit
Numeric sizing is saying that you are committed to really providing an exceptional fit to your customer. Of course you are. However, if you are just getting started and you haven’t really defined the fit that your customer requires, you are making a very big promise. You will find through customer feedback how things fit and where you hit the mark and where you fell short. It’s not about how good your patternmaker is. I guarantee every brand will go through this and find areas of their fit standards where they need to pivot. \
Will your customer understand how to choose their size?
We all work with numbers. Maybe you aren’t measuring the garments personally, but your patternmaker has asked you to provide a standard for your base size and you know now more than you ever really wanted to about sizing. However, your customer may not. Do they understand how to choose their size? They could just automatically be used to selecting a size large. But when it comes to your numerically sized product what do you need to do to ensure they get the right size so you don’t have to deal with returns? Do they know how to measure their chest, waist and hip and compare to your sizing chart guide? These may seem obvious, but not to many people, especially in the instant gratification world of online shopping where it’s super easy to click “add to cart” for 3 sizes with the intent to return the two that don’t fit.
Your Inventory just got more complex
Depending on your product assortment, you could already have a complex inventory to maintain. By adding numerically sized items to this, there are even more variables to keep track of.
Numerically sized products could serve you very well. As a home sewing company you offer the most flexibility and customization to your product for your customer. As a ready to wear brand, you are giving your customers more confidence that they will get the fit they want from you. Also, it’s important to keep in mind that you can offer product within both ranges. It doesn’t have to be one or the other. Both sizing options give you a lot of flexibility to ensure your customer gets the right fit.