CHECK MY SIZE!

FIND YOUR EXACT SIZE and DON'T BE FOOLED!

Think you are a Size 12 because you are a PERFECT Size 12 in Target / Katies / Sussans / etc etc etc?

Australian Chain Stores ALWAYS cut their clothing generously - they know the ego of the modern woman. Wouldn't you rather be wearing a garment tagged with a "Size 12" rather than a "Size 14" even if that is what the true measurements reveal? This encourages women to return to the Chain Shop as other boutique shops only have 'small fittings.' Also, don't forget that 99% of clothing purchased through these stores is everyday clothing which, by necessity must be comfortable, and generously cut for our Aussie climate.

Many women are horrified to discover the "Size 12" Evening Gown purchased on eBay is TOO SMALL for them! They blame the seller - they blame the manufacturer.

The truth is simple.

Evening Gowns, by their very nature, are slim fitted, slinky, body shaped and sexy. No 'generous cut' here!

So how can you ensure you can get a proper fit when buying on eBay?

FIRST MEASURE YOURSELF!

(If you don't have a tape measure, use a piece of string and then work it out with hubby's builder's tape measure or with a ruler.)

BUST

The tape should go around the fullest part of the breast (ensure you are wearing the bra for the occasion - it's no point measuring yourself in a saggy old everyday bra when you intend to wear a push-up bra for the occasion) and should be level around the back. Do NOT pull tight. You should NOT compress ANY flesh.

WAIST

The tape should go around the tummy at the slimmest part - usually about 4-7cm above the navel. If you intend to wear support garments, put them on before measuring. Again, do NOT pull tight and remember that the tummy can expand by several cms after eating or just by stomach muscles growing tired afer a long day.

HIPS

This measurement is confusing because it doesn't necessarily mean you measure your actual HIPS. For a big thighed lady, the measurement can be much lower than the HIPS. This tape should go around the largest part of the hips AND THEN also be able to easily drop down over the thighs. If it doesn't, then you should take the measurement at thigh height, standing comfortably and NOT squeezing your thighs together just to make the measurement less... embarrassing.

Let's face it, there is NOTHING more embarrassing than feeling like an overstuffed sausage. Go for the size that FITS and even the larger sized lady can look glamorous.

Compare your results with the Size Guides below.

AUSTRALIAN STANDARD SIZES

WOMAN'S REGULAR SIZES

SIZE          8        10        12        14        16        18

BUST       82       87        92        97        102      107

WAIST     63       68        73        78         83        88

HIP          88       93        98        103      108      113

WOMAN'S PLUS SIZES

SIZE        16        18        20        22        24        26

BUST      105      110     115      120      125      130

WAIST     89        94       99        104      109      114

HIP          110     115     120       125      130      135

Note there are two Size Guides above - Regular 8 - 18 and Plus 16 - 26. Note the overlap in Size 16 & 18.

Most garments tagged as Size 18 are Plus Size but every now and then you will find a Regular Size 18 which is designed as a bigger cut of the Regular Sized garment - NOT as a genuine Plus Size design. Regular Size 18 is just a bigger copy of a Size 12 garment while Plus Size 18 is actually designed for a larger lady.

OTHER MEASUREMENTS

INSIDE LEG

This is measured from crotch to hem in jeans and pants. Most Regular Length is 78cm. Long is 82cm and Short is 74cm.

RISE

This is measured from the crotch to the waist in jeans and pants. For the best fit in both these measurements, find a favourite pair of pants and measure THEM instead of yourself.

UPPER ARM

For Plus Sized women, a comfortable sleeve can be vital. Take this measurement at the bicep with your elbow bent.

DRESS LENGTH

This a very tough measurement as practically every dress has a different shoulder line (which is the usual measurement shoulder - hem.) The answer is to measure from your underarm (where the seam of a comfortable shirt/blouse/dress sits) to the ankle bone. Compare that with the seller's measurements and, if necessary, ask her to take it for you.

Check out my extensive range of quality Evening Gown, Cocktail Dresses, Wedding Gowns and Outfits suitable for any Special Occasion at my eBay Store. Click on the link below to go there now...

Aria Enchanted Evenings

BUT FIRST!

DON'T FORGET TO TELL OTHERS THAT YOU HAVE FOUND THIS GUIDE HELPFUL - THE MORE PEOPLE WHO DO, THE EASIER IT WILL BE FOR OTHERS TO FIND IT.

CLICK ON THE 'YES' BOX BELOW :)

BUT WAIT!

Just getting the SIZE right is not the whole story. How do you know what style of garment will look good on you. It's absolute guesswork when you haven't got the luxury of trying the garment on in a shop. Reduce the risk by checking out my eBay Guide THE BODY SHAPE GUIDE to Evening Wear That Suits You!and don't forget to tell eBay that 'YES' you found the Guide helpful.