Unregulated Sizing - Contributing To Poor Body Image?

It's no secret that retailers's sizing charts are all over the place. A size small may be made to fit a size large in one company, and vice versa. It's all dependent on the company's sizing standards, country of the retailer, and how they are made - but how does it affect the consumer?

I came across many articles about clothing sizes and how it negatively affects a person's body image. One store seems to be the main subject of many of the articles, and that would be Zara. Zara is a Spain-based clothing and accessory retail store, and I admit they do carry beautiful pieces. Many other people think so as well, but it's their sizing that turns them away and right out the door. Their clothing sizes are European, which I find is rather regulated in other stores, but Zara's sizes don't seem to translate well to US sizing...not at all, actually.

Zara's size chart

According to Elle.com, Zara does not participate in "vanity sizing", vanity sizing is where a retailer basically allows the customer to fit in a size smaller than they actually wear. This can be great for a person who worries about their size tags and lets them affect their body image. Most people can admit to doing this, and I am one of them.

I read a comment on one of these articles, and it hit the nail right on the head.

This isn't about health, sizing or anyone's personal opinion as to how big or small someone 'should' be. This is about business: Do you want to sell to Americans, then make them in whatever size actually SELLS. Sell it or don't. Market it, or don't. If the super slim sizes sell, sell them. If they don't, then decide if you want to respond to what that particular customer base wants...or not.

 It is frustrating and disheartening to walk into a store and picking up a size that usually fits you, to find that it fits 2-3 sizes too small. It definitely can fuel a negative self image. This a subject that not everyone can relate to, or have an issue with. However, I would love to still read your feedback and opinions on non-regulated clothing sizes.

Have you had a bad experience with a retailer and their sizing? Do you think Zara should change your clothing sizes to better accommodate American's?