Standard Deviation

You're probably thinking, "Standard deviation is a math thing, right?" To get it out of the way, yes it is. Mathematically, it refers to a measured set of data from an average value dispersed on a bell-curve. However, we won't talk about that.

I wish for you to look at it from a different point of view.

I wish for you to look at it in a literal sense.

I wish for you to look at it as the oxymoron.

Taken from my handy Merriam-Webster dictionary app (the examples were mine):

standard (n) - a level of quality, achievement, etc., that is considered acceptable or desirable

E.g. Apparel production standards imply using specific measurements for garment sizing.

deviation (n) - an action, behavior, or condition that is different from what is usual or expected

E.g. It's hard not to notice a deviation in the sizing methods used by different apparel brands.

The opposite words combined perfectly describes a condition in the fashion industry. There may be one standard sizing method in a particular country, however when closely comparing different brands (in that same country), sizing deviations can be observed. In other words, one brand's sizing is different from another brand's sizing, despite the fact of being made and/or sold in the same country.

Here's how I proved it: I'm able to fit in more than three sizes but to be more specific and concrete, I'll show two similar-looking garments in my wardrobe. They are both red, they are both loose crop tops, and they are both from Philippine brands (Yes! Go local!). I've had them for years, but the top plain, red one from Kashieca has a different size from the bottom one from GTW Urban. Despite having different sizes printed on the tag, they both fit me comfortably.

I have been used to the roller coaster ride of feeling that ego-boost (from downsizing), or that worrying feeling (that you're one size up) because the items in my wardrobe fall in different sizes. I believe it has something to do with the brand category you choose to shop in. As what I've said, some of the items I have have been with me for years because they were bought from a brand that's for teenagers (Yes again! Go slow fashion!). On the other hand, some were bought from thrift stores or brands that target a more mature consumer. So obviously, the sizing of the garments become affected by the target customer of the company.

All in all, I super endorse all the motivational talks and quotes about size and beauty because I definitely agree. Size is just a number/letter so it's more important for you to observe and feel the fit of the garment instead the number/letter on the tag. Growing up, I realized that the key to beauty has always been the balance of your confidence (we don't need any more over-confident people, right?). If the fit is great and you've had an extra five seconds appreciating the person looking at you in the fitting room mirror, no number can ever bring you down.

Plain, red, off-shoulder crop top from Kashieca

Football 08, red, crop top from GTW Urban

Denim shorts from Anonas Thrift Shop (by the LRT Station)

#awareness #slowfashion #sustainablefashion