BellaOnline Forums Hobbies and Crafts Sewing Pattern sizes not keeping up with the times

I normally wear a size 6 in most clothes that I buy. However, when I sew using a pattern, I have to use a size 10 or even a 12!!! I understand that clothing manufacturers have gradually "increased" their proportions a great deal. Thus, a Marilyn Monroe sized "12" in the 1950s is really a size 8 today. That's sad, but it's a fact.

However, why haven't pattern sizes changed with the times?

I work at a major pattern company. There is no reason to update sizes, as the pattern sizes are the "true" sizes. The ready to wear industry keeps changing their sizes, so that you will still buy their clothes, and their sizing is referred to as "vanity sizing",meaning, the same size keeps getting smaller numbers on it, for the vanity of the wearer.
Also, pattern companies are regulated. The major ones must keep the same sizing standards. If we werent, think of the confusion, trying to choose what size pattern to make.

Thanks for the reply. It is unfortunate that the same "size" keeps fitting larger and larger people! In my closet, I must have four different sizes of clothing, and my body size has remained the same.

It is a shock, however, for someone who is just beginning sewing!

Especially when you look at the patterns and see it doesn't come in any smaller than 8 or 12 and freak out, and then look at the measurements and notice that wait, that IS your size in the pattern...

When I sew dresses for young bridesmaids, I don't show them the pattern and size they are getting. They do "freak"..