Commercial pattern sizing

[Mary]

I've made a lot of things for other people, and they will say they are a store-bought size 12, but when going strictly by measurements, they will be a pattern size 18.
So, just as various price ranges of store-purchased clothes have different sizing for the same body, the size of commercial clothes usually does not correspond to that of a commercially purchased pattern.
Always measure the person the garment is for, and then look at the back of the pattern for the size measurements. Also, a bust size is harder to scale up or down than a waist measurement, so get the best bust size for the top.

 

[JammyRP100]

Right? A "size 12" can mean something totally different depending on the store or sewing pattern. I get what you mean. Have you ever made your own pattern to avoid the confusion? Or found any pattern brands that match regular clothing sizes better?

 

[renaissancestitcher163]

Commercial sizing is quite different from pattern sizing, primarily because of vanity sizing. It's important to measure the individual and align with the pattern measurements, giving priority to bust fit instead of waist size to make alterations simpler down the line

 

[Rocket to Russ]

That's super helpful, thank you! I've been sewing for my niece lately and ran into the same issue. She's a store size 10, but the pattern said 16 based on her bust. Do you usually adjust the waist and hips after picking the bust size, or do you grade the whole pattern? Also curious if you've found any brands with more consistent sizing.

 

[Alan]

The sizing is closed between commercial pattern makers, but I've not found any that correspond well with commercial clothing sizes. The more expensive the store made clothes are seem to be smaller for the same size.