Fashion and clothing have been an integral part of human civilization for millennia, evolving and transforming through the ages. Despite the ubiquity of attire in our daily lives, the nuances and intricacies of this universal language often go unnoticed by the masses.
One such revelation that has recently captivated the attention of social media users is the discovery that the sizes “XXL” and “2XL” are not, in fact, interchangeable. Women struggle to guestimate their clothing sizes, particularly because some brands have slightly different sizes, despite the tag having the same number.
However, it’s even more confusing when you consider how companies determine the sizes and that there are so many including XXL and 2XL. While some may have known that tidbit already, @itsmakaylasmith has astounded followers by pointing out how different the 2 sizes are.
“Should I make a video explaining the difference between XXL and 2XL??” She questioned in a video modeling the same shirt but in an XXL and a 2XL. However, it’s seemingly far more complicated. Unexpectedly the XXL and 2XL shirts are different sizes, fitting her body differently. XXL is cut the same as clothing sizes between x-small and XL whereas a 2XL is wide but also longer, with longer sleeves.
Another key difference between the two sizes is the pattern. Although they may look identical, the 2XL pattern has been altered to accommodate the longer sleeves and bottom.
Several followers shared their amazement at the TikTokers XXL and 2XL demonstration. “Wow I always wondered what the difference was, I just thought they were the same. Thanks for the heads up.” Wrote one person. Meanwhile, another exclaimed: “WHAT. And this comes from someone who is plus size.” Others were left with more questions. “I never realized this. What are the biggest differences that you notice between the sizes?” Questioned one follower.
Dr Simeon Gill is a Lecturer in Fashion Technology at the University of Manchester and has commented in the past regarding the sizing issue in fashion. For example, men’s clothing is labeled by body measurements, waist, height, and sleeve. “Sizing should be improved, but to do so would need to recognize population variability and requires more sizes or a fundamental change in how we provide products,” explained Dr. Gill “There is no good reason that women’s jeans should not be sized as men’s jeans are, with waist and leg length. Most of this is about existing practices, and fear of change [and] lost sales.”
Bizarre size discrepancies like XXL and 2XL aren’t the only fascinating thing about clothing. Purportedly, men’s and women’s clothing have buttons sewn on different sides, a design that made it easier for royal women to be dressed by their servants. Meanwhile, men typically dress themselves regardless of status.
Additionally, although makeup, wigs or weaves, and high heels are worn by women, they were once popular fashion choices for men. However, women weren’t allowed to wear pants in public until the mid-20th century, when they joined the workforce.
Fashion has undergone many changes over thousands of years but perhaps the most frustrating is the difference between the sizes in men’s and women’s clothing, particularly when they have misleading labels like XXL and 2XL. Unraveling the mysteries and idiosyncrasies of the clothing industry can feel like a never-ending quest, but it’s a journey worth taking for those who appreciate the rich tapestry of fashion and its impact on our daily lives.
The world of fashion is a vast and complex landscape, filled with hidden nuances and fascinating insights. From the surprising differences between XXL and 2XL clothing sizes to the intriguing history behind gender-specific sartorial choices, there is always more to discover. By embracing the depth and diversity of this universal language, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the role fashion plays in shaping our individual and collective experiences. So, the next time you find yourself puzzled by the mysteries of the clothing industry, remember that there’s a world of knowledge waiting to be explored
