Ever tried on your usual size only to find it’s either too big or too small? Now the SA Bureau of Standards (SABS) is looking to create a standard for clothing sizes.

Many consumers have had the experience of purchasing a new garment in their usual size only to discover later that it did not fit properly, SABS standards executive Sadvhir Bissoon said in a statement.

"The new SABS standard will ensure that the guidelines contain garment construction specifications which covers the process of standardising measurement prior to the preparation of clothing patterns."

The standard was simple and would provide an excellent guideline to manufacturers in the industry. Bissoon said they were not only focused on implementation of the measurement standard, known as the SANS 8559.

"We are also addressing issues such as the economic development of the country, including job-creation and boosting the growth and development of the clothing industry."