OCU study finds up to 13cm difference in clothing sizes

A study conducted by the Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU) and the Valencia Institute of Biomechanics has revealed significant discrepancies in clothing sizes across different retailers. The investigation analyzed four types of garments from 13 well-known brands, including Zara, H&M, Mango, and Shein, finding differences of up to 13 centimeters between items labeled with the same size.

In women's high-waisted straight-cut jeans (size 42), waist measurements varied by more than 11 centimeters between brands, representing a variation of up to 26%. Similar inconsistencies were found in women's t-shirts, where a size L could range from 48 to 60 centimeters in width, and in men's shirts, where differences reached 13 centimeters. Even within the same brand, measurements fluctuated depending on the specific type of garment.

The report highlights that these inconsistencies pose a major challenge for online shopping. Approximately half of clothing websites do not provide adequate information regarding real garment measurements. The OCU notes that while brands like C&A, Pull&Bear, and H&M provide better consumer information, many others fail to include essential details such as complete measurements, recommended body sizes, or model specifications, making online purchases difficult for consumers.