cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/35273154
My comment for this was:
No one's mentioned bras and how they are significantly worse? Lets make arbitrary cup and band sizes, but then add in how each bra has a different shape and projection even in the same brand. Are you full on top, full on bottom, average, shallow? What about root width and height? Well you won't know if any bra will fit until you try, even changing cup and band sizes won't make a bra not made for your shape fit properly. Each brand does their own different sizing even in each bra, each global country has their own sizing system, and it is madness.
Straight up I have only been buying from Panache because I am sort of figuring out their system. I tried the sub a-bra-that-fits and their calculator put me in the wrong size (too big, 34F/FF UK) since I have less projection, so did Victoria's Secret (too small, 34DDD US) and every other store I tried to get measured in. So far Alexis, Ana, and Clara fit well with Evie being passable since I needed a strapless. I tried freya offbeat and the wires were too wide, I tried parfait and the cups were too big, fuck all of this really. I am 36E (UK) in Panache, but can easily be something else in a different bra. At one point 34G (chantelle) fit pretty well but tight. I need dumb bras but do also wear wireless sports bras when I am sick of it all.
This isn’t limited to women’s or even just clothes. Had to explain to my daughter why one pair of boots is a full size smaller despite fitting just as well.
We’ve got US and European standard sizes listed on the box and I guess they are supposed to be a suggestion