Why are pattern sizes so OFF?

[likesmountains 52]

I mean I bought a pattern to make my size 6 daughter a skirt, but if I go by the measurements on the pattern she will need a size 12! She is 5'4 and weighs 108#.. I wear a size 8 but if I sew a size 8 it's gigantic...what gives?

[Warpy]

1. I know the clothing manufacturers have been making their

standard sizes roomier over the years, so I'm not surprised an off the rack 6 translates into a pattern 12. Pattern makers have kept the old sizing system from the 50s (or earlier).

Let's face it, if we can get away with buying something that fits but the label says it's a smaller size than we usually wear, we're total suckers for it.

Once you make the clothing, you generally don't have to bother sticking a label in it, so who cares what the pattern says?

[likesmountains 52]

2. It would just be nice to be able to buy the correct amount of fabric

and not have to guess what size you really need to make..

[eleny]

3. Are the pattern measurements on the back all wrong?

You know how they provide all the body measurements on the back of patterns? Were they all off as well? I'm thinking that this is the only way to be sure of what pattern size to purchase. Those bust, waist, hips measurements should be accurate to the pattern pieces.

[Susang]

4. It's not the pattern sizes that are off

They've pretty much stayed the same for many years. It's the size you think you take in ready to wear clothes that is always changing.

Here's a good article on how to measure to get the correct size: http://www.taunton.com/threads/pages/t00004.asp