How Do You Find the Right Size in Every Store?

Why Am I a Different Clothing Size in Every Store?

It’s a question almost every shopper has asked:

“Why do I wear a size 10 in Zara, but a 14 in H&M?”

The answer lies in the hidden world of fashion sizing — and the fact that there’s no single standard for what makes a size 10, 12, or 14. In this post, we’ll explain why sizes vary so much between brands and how you can finally stop guessing what will fit — using a free tool designed to decode the chaos.

📏 1. There’s No Industry-Wide Standard for Sizing

Contrary to popular belief, clothing sizes are not regulated or unified across fashion retailers. Each brand creates its own sizing system, based on:

Internal fit models
Design priorities (slim-fit vs relaxed-fit)
Regional preferences (UK, EU, US)
Marketing tactics (more on that below)

For example, a size 12 at Zara may have a 74 cm waist, while at ASOS it’s 76 cm, and at H&M it’s 78 cm — a 4 cm difference. For your body, that’s the difference between “just right” and “can’t zip it up.”

🧵 2. “Vanity Sizing” Makes the Problem Worse

Many brands use vanity sizing, where the actual measurements of garments are larger than the number on the label. Why?

Because it makes customers feel better.

Being able to say “I’m a size 10” (even if the garment is closer to a 12) can encourage purchases and boost brand loyalty.

The problem? When you go to another brand that doesn’t use vanity sizing — or uses it differently — your “usual size” no longer fits.

🌍 3. International Brands Use Confusing Conversions

Shopping across UK, US, and EU brands introduces even more confusion.

Region	UK Size	EU Size	US Size
UK	12	40	8
UK	14	42	10

But even these conversions aren’t consistent. Many global retailers have their own internal interpretation of how to convert sizes, which results in even more variation.

🤯 4. Fit Type and Fabric Change the Size, Too

Even within a single brand, you may find that your size shifts depending on:

Stretchiness of the fabric
Intended fit (e.g., bodycon vs oversized)
Garment type (jeans vs blouses vs jackets)

You might wear a 12 in high-waisted jeans but need a 14 in fitted trousers made of rigid cotton. This is why measuring your body — not relying on a single number — is essential.

🛠️ 5. So… How Do You Find the Right Size in Every Store?

This is where Tellar.co.uk comes in.

🎯 Tellar is the UK’s most accurate sizing tool — it matches your chest, waist and hip measurements to over 1,500 brands, including Zara, ASOS, H&M, Boohoo, Mango and more.

It’s free, privacy-safe, and designed for both men’s and women’s sizing. No more comparing charts or buying three sizes just to return two.

👣 6. How Tellar.co.uk Works in 3 Simple Steps

Create your free size profile
Enter your chest, waist, and hips in cm or inches (we’ll convert if needed).
Use the store size lookup tool
Get instant results for the size that fits your measurements in any brand.
Save your profile to use whenever you shop online.

You can also request a free measuring tape from us if you don’t already have one.

🔁 7. Know Your Size in One Brand? We’ll Do the Rest.

If you already know your size in Zara, for example, you can simply select the store and size — and Tellar will predict your size in other brands, using verified brand data and size chart logic.

This is perfect if:

You always shop at one store but want to explore others
You’re gifting clothes and only know someone’s size from one brand
You want to shop internationally with confidence

📉 8. Benefits of Knowing Your True Size Across Brands

✔️ Fewer returns

✔️ No guesswork when shopping online

✔️ Confidence buying from unfamiliar brands

✔️ Save time and money

And most importantly — you’ll never again wonder why the jeans that fit last week suddenly don’t.

🔗 Stay Connected with Tellar

For daily updates, new brand announcements, and visual sizing tips:

✅ Final Answer: Why Am I a Different Size in Every Store?

Because every brand makes up their own rules. Labels lie. But measurements don’t.

With Tellar.co.uk, you don’t need to guess anymore.

Just measure once — and get the right size in every shop.