Column

January/February 2006

Size Matters

I'm not talking about the size written on the label that you find behind your collar nor about any particular part of your body! I'm talking about the size of your clothes in relation to your body size and shape.

Clothes that you wear need to be in your size and should comfortably fit you, no bigger or smaller than you are. Bags and accessories should be in balance with your body size too.

Size tends to vary according to the manufacturer so don’t worry if you can’t fit into the same size in other makes. The important thing is to try them on and to make sure that they fit you properly.

Quite often, people who are conscious of their breasts or hips will try to wear something bigger than their size but this will only make them look as if they have a bag over themselves. On the other hand, just because you don’t want to be wearing larger sizes, wearing something smaller than yourself will only make you look even bigger. If it bothers you, just cut off the label.

Supermodels on the front covers look breathtaking but could sometimes make us sigh with grief. Remember, many of them have been air-brushed! We might wish to be a perfect 10, but according to a survey funded by the Department of Trade and Industry and high street chains, 47 percent of all women in Britain wear size 16 or above (The Times, 12 Jan 2006, page 17). This figure has inspired size 20 comic actress Dawn French to set up her own online store “Sixteen 47” for size 16s and upwards.

Being too thin or too big can of course lead to health issues which must not be ignored. But purely from a visual perspective, the problem is not your size. What counts is the size that you wear. It’s a matter of looking stunning if you choose to, or simply silly. Don’t be bothered by the size on the label. Whether you are big or small, tall or short, be proud of yourself and wear the size that suits you best.

For bookings or enquiries, please contact Toshiko:

Tel/Fax: +44 (0)20 8458 4597