Does size matter to you?

Why, I ask anyone who cares, are so many women concerned about the size of clothing they wear. I hear women say "I'm a size 2", or recently a friend said she's a size 0.
Here's the truth, and many of you know this: clothing manufacturers are putting a smaller size number in ready-to-wear because it sells clothing. Otherwise known as 'vanity-sizing' many higher end designers use the smaller size label to attract buyers. (or should I say braggers). Seriously, I wear a larger size in Target clothes than I do in Ralph Lauren or DKNY.
I am only reporting this to women in general, not to argue or start a heated discussion, but just the facts. I've been overweight for about 15 years, but I saved many pieces of clothing (size 14, when I weighed 168). After topping out at size 18 and 224 lbs, I am now back at 165 lbs. I have bought many new pants and dresses, mostly at Macys and was excited to recently buy a size 8 pant. (eyes rolling and thinkin to myself: yeah, right)
No, this is not bragging, this is vanity sizing. At 165 lbs. there's no way I wear a size 8. I never wore less than a 12 even in high school. I went home with my new size 8 and 10 clothes, wondering how so many women get all caught up in this size thing. So I went to the very back of my closet and pulled out some of the saved size 14's I have. They fit perfectly, not big, not tight, just perfect.
So when someone asked me recently what size I wear, it seemed like such a lie that I wear a size 8 pant. Instead I said, "it depends on how much I paid for it". I'm an avid sewing enthusiast and I also kept all my cool size 14 patterns. So I made myself a new pair of capris in a 14 and they fit perfectly.
As a former professional dressmaker, I made it a habit NOT to reveal to a client what size I cut her dress. She don't wanna hear it, and would probably be pissed at me. Instead I gave an explanation that I drafted the pattern to her measurements. Sorta true. I made literally hundreds of bridesmaid and bridal gowns over a 25 year period and to all those who said they are size 2 or (ahem) 0--I always cut a 'pattern-size' 6 and took very few alterations from there. In most patterns, 6 is the smallest offered, sometimes a 4 in a Vogue pattern.
I made gowns for a musical a few years ago, and asked the gals what size dress they wear, thinking it would help me cut the dresses in the general area and alter from there. Three of the gals said they were size 14 and one said 16. According to their measurements, I cut them a size 22--yikes, don't let 'em see that pattern sittin around. Serious size denial.
Well, that's my two-cents worth on whether or not size matters :~)

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/SewJoe