'I bought a lovely £14 Primark skirt but when I got home I was so disappointed'

22 February 2024 , 16:04

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Megan took her usual size, but was left feeling annoyed (Image: Birmingham Live)

Sizing on the UK high street is notoriously inconsistent, and as much as we all try to brush off how ridiculous it is to wear one size in one shop and something two sizes bigger in the next, it is incredibly frustrating.

It can be seriously irritating when you don't have time to try something on, grab it off the rail, buy it, and take it home - only to find that your 'usual' size has come up way smaller than it would normally. Not only is it disheartening, you then have to make an extra trip to take it back to the store.

Birmingham Live reporter Megan Archer-Fox had a similar experience recently when her partner picked her up a skirt from Primark in her usual size. So, what did she make of the situation? She explains the whole ordeal below.

Megan's partner purchased her the skirt - but it didn't fit (Birmingham Live)

I've been thinking for a long time about upgrading my work wardrobe, but always get a bit overwhelmed when it comes to shopping around and picking a few pieces to make a nice outfit. My partner, bless him, went shopping with our children the other day and picked me up a new skirt and top as a present while out at Primark. He rang me first to check my size and I told him often I was a 12, but recently a 14 has been more comfortable (too many chocolates at Christmas clearly). So he picked me up a size 14 and came home.

I was excited to try my new outfit on later that evening - the top fitted perfectly and looked really nice. But then I stumbled across a huge problem. The skirt.The beautiful Knife Pleat Wrap Mini Skirt that I already knew would look gorgeous with my M&S knee high boots, a pair of tights and my new jumper - it didn't fit!

'I don't want children staying up late at weekends - I really need adult time'

A size 14 always fits me comfortably, in every shop. And in some stores, I size down to a 12. But this skirt struggled over my thighs and then refused to sit on my hips. I ended up lifting it high up to my waist to be able to zip it closed, and then - well - it looked entirely inappropriate to wear for work.

I was gutted - I'd have to return it. Did I want to size up to a 16? I could I guess. But I was annoyed. Sure, I could have gone myself to try it on, but I was working on the day my partner went out shopping. And many shoppers purchase solely online now. We pick the size we know we are normally, we shouldn't have to worry if it's going to be way too big or too small.

I had a glance on the Marks and Spencer website after (to console myself) and found this popular Jersey Mini A-Line Skirt for £15 which I think I might get instead. Perfect with my boots and a smart jumper. And I so love this Leather Look Seam Detail Mini A-Line Skirt too! It's selling fast, and they have my size so I might snap it up while I can for £25. Apparently, it's a favourite of Holly Willoughby. Also, this is really cute - and selling quickly on M&S online too - the Cosy Cotton Blend Column Midi Skirt.

I'm sad about the sweet grey skirt from Primark, and maybe when I return it I'll try on a bigger size and see if it fits properly then. I know a lot of friends have had similar problems with sizing in high street stores, I wish big brands could just sort themselves out to make it easier for us to buy the clothes we love.

Danielle Kate Wroe