As part of my current online fashion course, I needed to visit a retailer to try on different clothing items in order to compare the way they all fit. Knowing PacSun carries multiple brands such as Brandy Melville, L.A. Hearts, and Kendall & Kylie, I wished to test out their branded size differences. As a disclaimer, I am typically a true medium in most clothing items.
Brandy Melville and J. Galt both produce only one size, with the idea being one size fits all customers. Some of PS / LA's graphic tees are also one size, so I decided to try on graphics from J. Galt and the PS / LA line. The two shirts, though both labeled "one size", did not align. The J. Galt graphic was quite tight and fit closer to a XS/S on me. The PacSun graphic was oversized, at least fitting more body types than the J. Galt piece would.
Next, I tried on two pairs of denim shorts. They were the same waistband, but one was their Festival fit and one was a Mom fit. They did not fit me the same, however they hit my waist at different places. Though they were both a size 29, they did not feel comfortable around my waist or thighs. Lastly, I tried on a medium Kendall & Kylie dress along with the same size from L.A. Hearts. The fit of these probably had the least contrast out of all the pairings I tried. They, however, did not fit me as well as a medium would in most other brands.
I concluded PacSun's women's sizing, no matter the brand, seems to be geared toward their target customer – a smaller and slim youthful girl like you see on their website and social media platforms - not much diversity in shape or size. After my experiment, I learned how dissimilar the same size could actually be. Trying on clothes clearly matters since you truly cannot tell how an article of clothing will fit.
I walked out of PacSun quite discouraged about my self image, after seeing how unflattering I looked in so many articles of clothing. I just had to remind myself one store's sizing should not determine my perception and self worth. There are plenty of clothing brands that make me feel happy and confident in my body, which is how we all deserve to feel.
