Ready-To-Wear Despair
A question I get asked on a regular basis is ‘how do your sizes compare to ready to wear?’ or ‘what RTW does your age 1 compare to?’
I never answer these questions – and here’s why.
Jack has just turned 4. He is reasonably tall for his age and a little on the slim side. He doesn’t own many RTW clothes, but here are two things I have bought him from well known and popular high street shops.
The boardies are from Shop A. They are pulled as tight as they can go, but still fall off if he swims too fast, or jumps, or moves much at all. They are age 2. Age 1 boardies would fit Jack better.
The hoodie is from Shop B. It is age 6. Jack would need an age 7 or 8 if he wants to prevent his belly getting chilly.
So when I get asked what size would be best for a child who wears age 3 RTW, I can’t answer, because I don’t know whether you generally shop at Shop A or Shop B.
I work hard with my testers and do my very best to make sure that my sizing suits as many people as possible, but it can never match everyone’s expectations. This is why I include measurement charts. It really is your solution to all your sizing queries! If your child doesn’t fit neatly into one of the sizes on the measurement chart then come and ask for help in the facebook group. It’s a fabulous group full of super helpful people.
So if you don’t already have one, make sure to pop a tape measure on your Christmas list this year!
Your measurement chart is very accurate! I agree with you that children vary in size. My 18 month old grandson fits in your 2-3 clothes pattern, but his measurements are very close to your 2-3 chart. I only work on measurements.
I am thinking of making an adult driftwood dolman, can you explain the difference between the high bust and full bust please.
When the High Bust measurement is important in a pattern, details are included on the measurement page. But basically, full bust goes around the fullest part of the bust and high bust is measured with the tape up high, under the armpits.