I Tried Identical Size 10 Shorts In Three High-Street Stores To See If The Sizes Matched Up

If you’ve ever gone hunting for a specific item in various different shops, you’ve probably noticed that you’re simply not the same size everywhere you go.

I decided to put the theory that there is no standard size system out there to the test, by trying on the same style of shorts across a range of different high-street stores.

In the spirit of summer, I went with a high-waisted denim style. I’d usually wear a size ten, so tried a ten on in every style, and went up or down in sizes as needed.

Here’s what I found…

Topshop

Mom Authentic High-Waisted Shorts, €38

I haven’t had many issues with Topshop’s sizing in the past, but they can be a little inconsistent across different ranges. I couldn’t find any size eight here so went for a ten and 12.

Size 10
These fit well on the crotch, but my bum cheeks were most definitely visible.

Size 12
Same ass issue – what is it with high-waisted shorts and showing off bum cheeks? These were extremely similar in size to the ten, and I didn’t notice much difference, except some extra space on the waistband.

Verdict: I’d probably go for the ten here, but either would have worked.

Forever 21

High-Rise Shorts, €20

I’ve always found the clothes here to run a little small, so I cast away the size eight and went for a ten and 12. Or so I thought. I picked up a 28 and a 30, but a Google of Forever 21s size chart later revealed that what I was trying on was actually a 12 and a 16. WTF?!

Size 12
These fit on the waist but the crotch felt quite tight. Again, my ass was hella on show. Not a good look.

Size 16
The larger size solved the ass-on-show issue, but this pair were far too big on the waist. No surprise, seeing as they were actually a 16.

Verdict: A size 12 – but I reckon I’d have to wear these a few times to stretch the denim.

H&M

After our report earlier this week on size inconsistencies across some of H&M’s ranges, I went for two pairs of shorts here – one from the Basics section downstairs and one from the festival-inspired range upstairs that seemed to be aimed at slightly younger shoppers.

Basic Shorts, €14.99

Size 8
These were a perfect fit on the waistband and legs.

Size 10
These fit too, but were a little roomier. I could tell by the fabric that they’d stretch very easily, so I’m guessing these would be hanging off after a few wears.

Size 12
I skipped the 12 here as it would most definitely have been too big.

DIVIDED High Waist Shorts, €24.99

Size 8
I could barely get these over my thighs, which provided great entertainment for my shopping partner. Fail.

Size 10
These fit quite well around the waist and crotch and (for once!) there was no bum on show.

Size 12
I found these to be just a little too roomy.

Verdict: A size eight in Basics, but most definitely a ten in DIVIDED.

Overall, I found my “usual” size ten to be the correct one for just two pairs of the shorts, while an eight and a 12 fit me better on other occasions. My take-home? Always take at least one extra size into the fitting room, and don’t be disheartened if something doesn’t fit.

• finding the right size
• shopping
• sizing