Dressing rooms can be depressing. I, like many other women, have countless stories of times when I tried something on that I was sure was my size and came out thinking I was obese because my hips couldn't squeeze into the size-12 pants. Ruth Clemens, a British PhD student, had a similar experience at H&M after trying on pair of jeans in a U.K. size 16 (U.S. size 14). Instead of making the common mistake of questioning her weight, she called out the brand.

Clemens, who is normally a U.K. size 14 (U.S. size 12), wrote an open letter to H&M on Facebook expressing her sentiments about the brand's "unrealistically small" sizes. Her post has since gone viral with over 10,000 shares and 8,000 comments.

She posted the letter with a photo of herself in an H&M dressing room. The picture revealed unbuttoned U.K. size-16 jeans and a size medium top that didn't fit over her stomach.

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"As I'm sure you're aware, size 16 is the largest size you stock (apart from in your plus size range, which is very limited in store and does not offer the range of styles for the fashion-conscious that are available in smaller sizes)," she wrote.

She then noted her 5-foot-11 height and her "average" body type that is surely not overweight.

"It's already difficult enough for me to find clothes that fit well because of my height, why are you making jeans that are unrealistically small? Am I too fat for your everyday range? Should I just accept that accessible and affordable high street and on-trend fashion isn't for people like me?"

Clemens ended her letter by pointing out her size medium shirt that literally looks like a crop top.

"You might recognise the top I'm wearing - it's one of yours and it's a size medium. Sort it out would you. #whatdoesplussizeevenmean #bodypositive #fashionforall."

Clemens received an overwhelmingly positive response from thousands of commenters who've shared similar experiences when shopping.

"Unbelievable!!! It comes as no shock that many people including children/teens have low self esteem when it comes to their body. Will H&M sort this out?? I highly doubt it, and that is the upsetting thing!!! Fantastic that you have posted this," one commenter wrote.

Supporters also left comments thanking Clemens for raising awareness about this issue and for spreading the importance of being confident about their bodies.

"Well done for raising this post. I used to love H&M but I rarely shop there now for the same reason you highlight here. I'm a size 10 and have often taken several sizes in to a changing cubicle and a 14 doesn't fit me either. I know what size I am and I'm happy with how I look. H&M need to read this feedback and hopefully like most businesses will listen to their customers and make some changes. Ruth, you look amazing as you are!"

The massive response to Clemens post warranted a comment from H&M who apologized for her experience in their store.

"We always want our customers to have an enjoyable time when shopping in store and to leave feeling confident in themselves. At H&M we make clothing for all our stores around the world, so the sizing can vary depending on the style, cut and fabric. We value all feedback and will take on board the points you and other customers have raised."

The brand also responded to other comments on the post, answering customer complaints and apologizing for their experiences.

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Maya Allen Fashion and Beauty Assistant I’m Maya, Cosmpolitan.com’s fashion and beauty assistant.

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