"One size fits all" is a description for a product that would fit in all instances. The term has been extended to mean one style or procedure would fit in all related applications. It is an alternative for "Not everyone fits the mold." "Tool targets faulty, 'one-size-fits-all' computer interfaces", July 2008, EETimes.com, web:
-->showArticle.jhtml?articleID=209102259 EETimes-259
"

Arsenic Arsenic is a chemical element; it has Symbol (chemistry), symbol As and atomic number 33. It is a metalloid and one of the pnictogens, and therefore shares many properties with its group 15 neighbors phosphorus and antimony. Arsenic is not ...

contamination lacks one-size-fits-all remedy", Jill Sakai, WISC.edu, December 10, 2007, web:
WISC-14545
It has been in use for over five decades. There are both positive and negative uses of the phrase.

History

The term ''"one size fits all"'' has been used as a common, cliche phrase for over 50 years.

Positive views of the phrase

There are several positive views of the phrase "one size fits all": * A

wristwatch A watch is a timepiece carried or worn by a person. It is designed to maintain a consistent movement despite the motions caused by the person's activities. A wristwatch is worn around the wrist, attached by a watch strap or another type of ...

could be considered as fitting all people.For source references, refer to each nearby linked article. * In women's clothing, a flexible or open garment can be labeled as one size fits all; however, the size is typically a medium size (able to expand), rather than actually fitting petite or extra-large (XL) sizes. * A neck chain could be designed to be worn by a person of any size. *

Bicycle helmet A bicycle helmet is a type of helmet designed to attenuate impacts to the head of a cycling, cyclist in collisions while minimizing side effects such as interference with peripheral vision. History History of designs A cycle helme ...

s with ring fit systems allow for a single size, also known as universal fit. "One Size Fits All Bicycle Helmets", BHSI, April 2009, web
BHSI-onesiz
* In military gear, some items have just one size (but smaller or larger people have already been excluded from military service). * Many baseball hats available for commercial purchase are labeled and marketed as "one-size-fits-all. However, it is not uncommon for these to not fit persons with large or small heads, and therefore it is important to measure the head for the appropriate

hat size A hat is a Headgear, head covering which is worn for various reasons, including protection against weather conditions, ceremonial reasons such as university graduation, religious reasons, safety, or as a fashion accessory. Hats which incorpor ...

first.Baseball Caps for Big Heads & Small Heads
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Negative views of the phrase

There are many negative views of the phrase ''"one size fits all"'' including: * Many customers prefer to have custom-tailored clothing. * Men's

suit A suit, also called a lounge suit, business suit, dress suit, or formal suit, is a set of clothes comprising a suit jacket and trousers of identical textiles generally worn with a collared dress shirt, necktie, and dress shoes. A skirt su ...

s typically have specific sizes for chest & waist measurements. *

Shoes A shoe is an item of footwear intended to protect and comfort the human foot. Though the human foot can adapt to varied terrains and climate conditions, it is vulnerable, and shoes provide protection. Form was originally tied to function, but ...

are an example where sizes (and widths) vary depending on the specific person. * For the

U.S. The United States of America (USA), also known as the United States (U.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It is a federal republic of 50 states and a federal capital district, Washington, D.C. The 48 contiguous ...

G.I. Bill The G.I. Bill, formally the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944, was a law that provided a range of benefits for some of the returning World War II veterans (commonly referred to as G.I. (military), G.I.s). The original G.I. Bill expired in ...

in education, options and coverage will vary depending on each person. Politically, the phrase has come to mean that methods of administration or political beliefs in one country should not necessarily be applied to another.

Notes

{{Reflist Slang Sizes in clothing Design

History

Positive views of the phrase

Negative views of the phrase

See also

Notes