Posts Tagged ‘Confusion’

There is a significant measure of confusion surrounding the sizes of Superdry clothing when their sizes actually comply with international standards . So, what’s the confusion all about.

Clothing sizes are relative; they are mainly relative to the country sold and vary country to country. But they are also relative to brand, market and even from store to store  .

Take the example of the average man approximately 6 foot tall with an average build. His size would generally be large and he would try on items that are marked Large on the label. For the most part, the item, let us say, a shirt, would fit well. However, should that same man walk into a different store and try on a shirt marked in large, his sleeve could very well be sitting at his elbows .

The reason why this happens is because size in various countries is measured against the average size of the population. For example, people in East Asia have generally smaller builds than people in Europe and North America. Therefore, an item marked as Large in Thailand and the Philippines would best fit a person with a small build in Europe.

As you can imagine, this has brought a lot of confusion to customers and retailers alike. In an attempt to bring order to chaos, the ISO (International Standards Organization) is endeavoring to set up a standard measure to size clothing . One of the most contentious issues is dealing with the labels Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large . How does one determine what large is ? On whose frame of reference do you base it on ? This is compounded with each clothing brand applying their own standards as opposed to using that of the ISO .

As a general rule, Superdry clothing sizes are one size smaller than the market average . For example, if you are a person that ordinarily wears clothing marked Large, then it is advisable for you to try on something marked Extra Large.

The question you would ask now is “why is Superdry clothing sizes smaller than other retailers?”

The answer is simple really. Superdry Clothing conforms to the standards set out by the ISO when others do not. Should this really be an issue?

In this case, I don’t think so, and neither will it be for the many fans that Superdry Clothing has attracted. The individuality of its range is likely to keep this brand in the cutting edge when it comes to street wear fashion.

Superdry clothes seems to be causing a lot of confusion with the sizes of their clothing . This article explains why and gives you an accurate size guide to use when shopping for Superdry. Superdry sizes only seem small because other brands are in truth fiddling with their sizes to be more flattering . That and the internet is plagued with misleading information on the issue. I’ve decided to sort this out once and for all . Or at least until Superdry change things up again. Superdry clothing is actually very accurately sized. I know you weren’t expecting to hear that so I will explain why.

The International Standards Organization, also known as ISO, are the governing body responsible for setting standards in all sorts of fields, including a standard measure for the sizing of clothes . This is supposed to give manufacturers a guideling to follow so that the rest of us are easily able to choose our size and convert between US, UK, European and other sizes.   There is a flaw in this plan . There are problems with the international standards. Getting too deep into these standards is beyond the scope of this article so I’m going to cut to the chase . The problem comes in two parts; Using letter codes like Small, Medium , Large and Extra Large and clothing manufacturers taking liberties with the established standards. Clothing manufacturers aren’t obliged to conform to the standard. When compared to (most) other clothing brands, a good rule of thumb is that Superdry clothing is approximately one size smaller than you would normally buy. They are sized to fit properly but as most other clothing manufacturers are getting more and more generous with their sizing (read up on vanity sizing), it’s better to go for one size bigger in Superdry clothes. For example, if you are usually a medium then you buy a large in Superdry .

Superdry clothing complies with the international standards; the problem is that other clothing companies don’t. Superdry also use letter codes, so there must be a look up table to convert a size from Small, to chest size or women’s dress size. If you’ve looked on their website you would have noticed that there isn’t such a helpful table anywhere to be found. So, I’ve developed a Superdry size chart.

Men’s Superdry Clothing

Sizes are chest sizes, measured in inches.

Extra Small = 36”

Small = 38”

Medium = 40”

Large = 42”

Extra Large = 44”

Extra Extra Large = 46”

Men’s waist sizes are pretty straight forward. They are all in inches, the standard measure so you shouldn’t have any problems selecting your size.

Women’s Superdry Clothing

The UK and US dress sizes are matched to the ISO standards and might not necessarily match up to the size you would normally buy in other clothing brands. It is intended that you go by the actual measurements (in inches).

Extra Small = UK Size 8/ US Size 4 = Bust 34”, Waist 25.5”, Hip 36.5”

Small = UK Size 10/ US Size 6 = Bust 34”, Waist 26.5”, Hip 37.5”

Medium = UK Size 12/ US Size 8 = Bust 35”, Waist 27.5”, Hip 38.5”

Large = UK Size 14/ US Size 10 = Bust 36”, Waist 28.5”, Hip 39.5”

Buying Superdry Clothing Online

Probably the best advice I can give you is try before you buy but what if you don’t have a store near you? You won’t be able to try it on first before you buy it online so there is some risk involved . There are exceptions however. Some stores, like Nucleus, offer free return postage on internet orders so the risk has been removed and if something doesn’t fit properly it isn’t going to cost you anything to send it back . It’s a slight hassle getting to the post office but at least it won’t cost you anything.

A large amount of confusion and misunderstanding exists concerning the conditions sciatica and piriformis syndrome. There are some who insist that the two conditions are actually the same thing, but even though they can have symptoms that are very much alike, the underlying causes differ.

Sciatica refers to irritation of the sciatic (often mis-spelled as syatic or psyatic) nerve, that arises from nerve roots in the lumbar spine. The most common cause of sciatic nerve irritation, or “true” sciatica is compression of one or more of its component nerve roots due to disc herniation or spinal degeneration in the lower lumbar region. Sciatica usually begins in the buttock area and, depending on the severity of the underlying nerve comression and inflammation, may extend down the entire leg to the ankle and foot.

Piriformis syndrome, also known as “pseudo-sciatica” (meaning “false sciatica”), is actually referral pain and other symptoms (tingling, numbness, etc.) caused by tightness and knots of contraction in the piriformis muscle, which runs from the upper femur bone to the edge of the sacrum, the triangular pelvic bone that is below the lumbar spine. The symptoms of piriformis syndrome are very similar and may be indistinguishable from true sciatica.

In some cases, piriformis syndrome may cause true sciatic nerve irritation, as the sciatic nerve may run underneath or even through the middle of the piriformis, so contraction of the piriformis may produce sufficient compression of the sciatic nerve to produce actual nerve symptoms. This is one of the main sources of confusion when it comes to distinguishing true sciatica from piriformis syndrome.

As mentioned earlier, the symptoms of true sciatica are very similar to piriformis syndrome. Both cause pain, tingling, burning, “electrical shock” sensations, and/or numbness down the leg, often all the way to the foot. In addition, both sciatica and piriformis syndrome tend to be at least partially related to biomechanical functional problems in the joints of the back and pelvis and they may even be present simultaneously in the same person, so it an be difficult to tell them apart.

But since the most effective treatment for the two conditions varies signficantly, it is important to determine the correct diagnosis if at all possible. In most cases there is an easy way to distinguish between sciatica and piriformis syndrome.

Two simple maneuvers will distinguish sciatica from piriformis syndrome in the majority of cases (when the problem is one versus the other and not both conditions at the same time). First, in a seated position, if one straightens the leg on the painful side (so that the leg is parallel to the floor), and the sciatica symptoms increase, this is usually a sign of true sciatic nerve irritation.

The second maneuver is done in two parts. First, from the sitting position one bends the leg and pulls the knee on the painful side towards the same-side shoulder. In all but the most severe cases, there is usually no major increase in pain in this position. The second part of the maneuver is to pull the knee toward the opposite side shoulder. An increase in the sciatica-like symptoms is a strong indication of piriformis syndrome.

It is important to distinguish between sciatica and piriformis syndrome, because the treatment for the conditions varies, and getting the diagnosis right typically leads to more effective treatment.

You know that you should use some form of sunscreen every day, right? Even during those colder winter month, sunscreen is vital to your skin’s health. But, how do you choose from all of those SPFs on the market? Is one sunscreen better than another? How do you know which one to select? This article will help to clear up that SPF confusion.

What Is SPF?

Quite literally, SPF stands for “Sun Protection Factor.” In every instance, the higher the SPF number, the more protection you will receive against the sun’s UVB rays. While this information might be old news to you, did you know that the SPF number also indicates the amount of time that you can safely stay out in the sun?

For example, if you happen to be a person with sun sensitive skin, a SPF of 15 will allow you to safely remain outside for 15 times longer than they normally would. This logic can be applied to any SPF number out there.

The Higher the Better?

So, now the question is: what number should you be looking for? Well, most skincare experts tend to recommend a SPF that’s between 15-30. Any SPF number that’s higher than 30 generally doesn’t provide much more protection.

However, if you have extremely fair skin, you may want to seek an SPF or 15-30. This tiny bit of extra SPF may protect those with fair skin better than a lower number would. Even if you have dark skin, you should still wear sunscreen. Dark skin can burn just as easily as light skin can.

Powder, Liquid, or Spray?

Is there a difference between all of the powders, liquids, and sprays on the market? Is one type of sunscreen better than another? Generally, all types of sunscreen have been designed for mass use. Thus, the most important thing is to look at that SPF number.

However, you should also read sunscreen ingredients. If you use a sunscreen that’s integrated into another product (moisturizer or foundation), be careful about the ingredients included in that product. Some of these products may actually harm your skin.

Best Sunscreens

The best way to choose a sunscreen is to select one that is made from organic ingredients. These sunscreens do not contain a large amount of toxic chemicals. Instead, they are often composed of natural ingredients.

If you happen to have sensitive skin, choose a sunscreen that won’t make your skin break out. Likewise, if you intend to swim or sweat while wearing sunscreen, make sure to select a waterproof version.

Enjoy the Sun

The sun can be a welcomed thing. Sunshine feels great on skin, it gives us a boost of Vitamin D when we need it, and it has the ability to invoke positive feelings. In short, don’t avoid the sun completely.

Still, make sure that you wear a proper SPF every single time you venture outside – no matter what the season might be. This way, you can enjoy the sun without worrying about your skin.