Shopping for clothes online can be a bit of a gamble, particularly when you're never quite sure how a garment will fit until it arrives at your door. And with sizing varying between brands, and even individual collections, choosing the right size isn't always as straightforward as it should be.
However, some Zara shoppers believe they've discovered a handy way to work out how a garment will fit before buying it - and apparently, the clue is hiding in plain sight on the label. According to the popular theory, the symbols found on Zara's clothing tags can offer an indication of the item's fit, potentially helping shoppers decide whether to stick with their usual size or opt for something different.
What do people think the symbols mean?
Square: The item fits true to size. Triangle: The item fits small, suggesting you should size up. Circle: The item runs large or is oversized.
The theory has ignited considerable debate amongst shoppers, with some insisting they've spotted a noticeable difference between items bearing different symbols.
What have people said about the symbols?
Responding to the theory on Instagram, one shopper commented: "In the fashion world, these symbols are usually used to indicate which body shape the garment is advised for. The main body shapes. Round suits people with wide waist shape, usually unflatteringly called apple shape, triangle is broad shoulder slim hip, square is no major difference between shoulder, waist and hip, and usually have a figure eight, or two triangles on top of each other, points together in the middle meaning suits curvy hour glass."
"So I am surprised Zara are using a common code in the fashion world for something different to what they were invented for. No wonder shoppers are confused," the shopper added.
Another shopper weighed in on the sizing debate between brands, noting: "The real problem is Zara's smaller jeans size in the woman section is the same as the 11-12 years in the kids section."
A third customer commented: "It is definitely true. I bought a silk skirt in a size medium and it had a triangle and my husband picked me up one with a square and it was a solid 1.5 inches wider."
Yet another user added: "Still doesn't explain why the sizes are so different just because different collections."
The truth about the symbols
Despite the theory gathering momentum online, Zara has now clarified what the symbols actually mean - and it turns out it's not a secret sizing system at all.
A Zara spokesperson debunked the theory, explaining that the symbols actually correspond to different sections within its clothing range.
So, while shoppers may have spotted differences in the fit of garments carrying different symbols, the label itself is not intended to indicate whether an item comes up small or large.
When it comes to finding your perfect fit, Zara's website directs customers to make use of its measurement guide. Its website states: "If you want to know the measurements of any item, you can check our measurement guide. If you can't find the size you need, please contact us so we can help you."
