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YouLookFab Forum » Topic: . https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-many-different-sizes-do-you-keep Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 10 Apr 2026 05:23:48 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php HiggsMistress on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-many-different-sizes-do-you-keep#post-1070373 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 23:23:05 +0000 HiggsMistress 1070373@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm been a size 2/4 most of my life depending on whether it is that time of the month and the brand/cut/designer of clothing. I'm also short (5'2) so if I gain 5 pounds or more I'll go up a size.  I'm also hitting menopause and it's really affecting how things fit around the waist area - not happy with that!  Looks like I'll be keeping those 4's for awhile.       DonnaF on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-many-different-sizes-do-you-keep#post-1070363 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 23:15:21 +0000 DonnaF 1070363@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My weight fluctuates maybe three pounds on a day to day basis.  Five pounds makes a HUGE difference since I am 5' 1".  Even a few pounds make a difference if something has a waistband that sits at the true waist -- so I bought a waist cincher LOL!  I've also noticed that as I have gotten older, my waist has grown and my seat and shoulders have shrunk so clothes fit a little differently.  I still buy roughly the same size -- at a lower weight. About the only things I have in two different sizes are the Halogen pencil skirts.  I think I bought the bigger ones when I was slightly heavier.  They shift around a bit but aren't too bad.  I decided that I don't really care for dress slacks, so when those pairs got too big after losing three or four pounds I got rid of them.  Jeans with their spandex seem always to fit since I don't wear them very snug to begin with. Marmee on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-many-different-sizes-do-you-keep#post-1070294 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 21:58:40 +0000 Marmee 1070294@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My shift in sizes sounds like yours, although I don't think I've ever been a zero. I've recently lost some weight, and find my skinny jeans are loose, but I'm wearing them anyway after reading one of Angie's posts about sizing up in skinny jeans.  I even like my jeggings better now!  And I notice that I have no problem with muffin top with my oversized jeans! Carla on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-many-different-sizes-do-you-keep#post-1070284 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 21:50:45 +0000 Carla 1070284@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sizes 8 through 12, small through large, are represented in my closet, but that is because different designers or fashion lines are made differently. My weight and measurements have been pretty much the same for most of my adult life +\- 5 lbs, but I only weight in once a week, at the gym, on their proper medical scale. 5 lbs doesn't make much of a difference, but 10 lbs would. On my apple tendency build it would manifest as lost waist definition, and belly bulge, so I would feel it in the waistband. Day Vies on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-many-different-sizes-do-you-keep#post-1070248 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 21:29:13 +0000 Day Vies 1070248@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Since high school I've never been smaller than an 8/10 or larger than a 14/16 (the larger # is for the top). My pants and skirts have been very steady for the past 15 years -- 10/12 vanity sizing means I'm a 10 but I know I'm a 12. Some things I get in a 14 because I prefer a slouchier/roomier fit (skinny jeans). I really don't have much beyond that unless the sizing is really funny.   Gaylene on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-many-different-sizes-do-you-keep#post-1070051 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 18:53:42 +0000 Gaylene 1070051@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ A few jeans in one size up, because a slightly larger size in a close-fitting jean can feel a bit more comfortable if I get to the top of my weight range but are still wearable when I drop, as long I wear a belt. But that's about it. I did make the mistake of buying some very fitted items when I lost 35 pounds a few years back, but ended up donating them because even gaining back 5 or 6 pounds made them feel uncomfortably snug and revealing. I decided that I don't want to be held hostage by my clothes. When I switch into my sized-up jeans, I know it's time to cut back for a week or two until I can wear all my pants comfortably. I stopped weighing myself a year ago because I started getting too fixated on specific numbers. I lost weight for health reasons so I won't go back to my former weight, but five or six pounds one way or the other don't enter into that equation. Life is too short to fret about being a specific size or number on the scale. carambola on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-many-different-sizes-do-you-keep#post-1070035 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 18:36:06 +0000 carambola 1070035@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I keep things from 5 pounds ago, but put them away so they don't taunt me or tempt me. Von on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-many-different-sizes-do-you-keep#post-1070017 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 18:28:18 +0000 Von 1070017@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think it has to do with how you're built - I can gain and lose 5-10 and have no problems with my pants or anything else - I have no idea where the weight goes, but I think it's all over.  But let me have a tinge of abdominal bloating, and I'm having a real life pants crisis if I don't have a size up!  If you don't want to keep just in case pants, I recommend a good go-to wrap dress - with a pattern!  They hide most everything! tammyw on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-many-different-sizes-do-you-keep#post-1070013 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 18:26:21 +0000 tammyw 1070013@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is totally me. I'm hoping to get some jeans on sale when the nordstrom sale starts nov 6. Amy on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-many-different-sizes-do-you-keep#post-1069981 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 18:07:48 +0000 Amy 1069981@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm not short at 5'8" but do carry my weight in my hips and thighs. I suspect some ladies have a more even distribution of weight across their body, so a few pounds for them doesn't require different clothing sizes. Greyscale on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-many-different-sizes-do-you-keep#post-1069969 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 17:48:07 +0000 Greyscale 1069969@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The first few pounds go straight to my boobage, so I have two sets of bras. I also have a few pairs of looser jeans for bigger days and skinnier jeans for thinner days. I'm lucky in that extra weight goes mostly to my waist, and with my hourglass shape, most clothing still fits. But anyway, I think it's totally normal to have two sets of clothes for shape fluctuations. Like you, I have to remind myself not to discard things as soon as they don't fit. TraceyLiz65 on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-many-different-sizes-do-you-keep#post-1069956 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 17:28:14 +0000 TraceyLiz65 1069956@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ We definitely have to deal with the reality that is our lives.  This is something that occurs quite often with women and just a fact of life.  We might as well embrace it!   Aziraphale on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-many-different-sizes-do-you-keep#post-1069946 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 17:10:57 +0000 Aziraphale 1069946@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think Sveta's answer supports what others have been saying.  Sveta is tall and statuesque.  A 5 lb weight fluctuation on her is barely going to register.  I, on the other hand, am 5'1".  A 5 lb weight fluctuation on me = too-tight pants. The shorter you are, the more likely it is that a minor weight change is going to affect your pants size.  Having said that, my weight remains remarkably stable.  I have all different sizes of jeans, ranging from 24 to 27, but that's just manufacturer's differences.  All my jeans always fit me.  BUT, I have (according to my doctor) "hormone-sensitive breasts", which means they swell up a lot for the second half of every cycle -- enough that I wear a bra with slightly larger cups during those two weeks!  It's quite funny, actually.  Just because the same thing doesn't happen to all of my friends doesn't mean I'm not normal.  It's just a peculiarity of my body.  My waist and hips do not seem sensitive to monthly hormone fluctuations, although I know that's a more common issue for other women.  So there ya go.  Keep a couple of different pants sizes, and don't worry about it.  ;-)    Sveta on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-many-different-sizes-do-you-keep#post-1069925 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 16:46:26 +0000 Sveta 1069925@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don't have anything like this. I did gain about 0.5 size since 3 years ago but it is pretty stable now. Also my preference for fluid fit pants really helps with this as well Liz A. on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-many-different-sizes-do-you-keep#post-1069915 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 16:39:00 +0000 Liz A. 1069915@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You ladies are scaring me.  I thought these fluctuations were some freak occurence.  You're telling me this will last a lifetime?!?! Amy on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-many-different-sizes-do-you-keep#post-1069837 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 15:56:54 +0000 Amy 1069837@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes, I have this problem too. It has coat me quite a bit over the years to keep my bottom half clothed. Pants are always at the top of my shopping list because when I split the difference between all the sizes I have, I never have very many to choose from that fit me at whatever size I am at the moment. I've been keeping the non-current sizes in a bin too. If you store the bin in an out of the way place, it prevents uncomprehending questions from your S.O. Men simply do not fluctuate sizes like women do. texstyle on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-many-different-sizes-do-you-keep#post-1069830 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 15:53:39 +0000 texstyle 1069830@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I probably shouldn't say it but I'm afraid as we get older the problem can move to the middle and make tops harder to fit - especially any that are slightly body con. I range in size too but some of the sweaters I thought were great last year seem just a bit snug this year and I don't want invest in more sweaters as it's too warm here most of the year to wear them. UGH! Part of it is that the style trend has shifted to less body con - and so I "see" them as tighter than they are now. Thistle on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-many-different-sizes-do-you-keep#post-1069816 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 15:36:44 +0000 Thistle 1069816@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ One size up, one size down in bottoms. Any weight fluctuation takes place here. Only my current size in tops. AviaMariah on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-many-different-sizes-do-you-keep#post-1069813 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 15:34:56 +0000 AviaMariah 1069813@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm right there with you.  5 extra pounds goes straight to my bottom/thighs.  I used to just have different sizes hanging in my closet which was really frustrating. Just recently I have starting keeping a plastic bin for the pants that don't fit.  Only the ones that fit are allowed to hang in my closet.  It's amazing how many fewer trousers I have this way...makes me realize I do need more!  Anyways...it's working good so far.  When my weight changes I "shop" my bin before determining if I need more. Mo on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-many-different-sizes-do-you-keep#post-1069443 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 04:35:37 +0000 Mo 1069443@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Living this right now with just 3 silly pounds. Half a size -even worse. rachylou on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-many-different-sizes-do-you-keep#post-1069439 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 04:29:12 +0000 rachylou 1069439@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Right now I'm a 6 but I'm keeping some 4s and 8s on hand... because 5 lbs either way and I do change sizes and then it's pure anguish I tell you, pure anguish! carter on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-many-different-sizes-do-you-keep#post-1069432 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 04:21:25 +0000 carter 1069432@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I found Angie's post that Anne mentioned: <a href="http://youlookfab.com/2009/01/30/garment-fit-and-weight-fluctuations/" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/2009/01/.....ctuations/</a> Jennifer...yes, extremely annoying! Thanks, Laura. If the clothes rack in the laundry room counts as "having the space", I suppose I do. Although that long line of pants in there always prompts my husband to ask just how many pairs of pants one woman needs. jennifer on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-many-different-sizes-do-you-keep#post-1069418 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 04:04:07 +0000 jennifer 1069418@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Between salt intake and the monthlies I can fluctuate about 7pounds in just a few days and drop it the next week .Annoying isn't it? Laura (rhubarbgirl) on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-many-different-sizes-do-you-keep#post-1069415 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 04:01:08 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1069415@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think there was a similar discussion recently about what pants to keep in varying sizes for a tailored look. I've been thinking about this because I have lost weight, but for those of you that are in smaller sizes I am sure that it is even more of an issue because the delta between sizes is less. I personally think that if you have the space and it doesn't bug you, you should keep everything you still like, and can imagine wearing if it fit. Sometimes you can't replicate things and it always costs more! carter on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-many-different-sizes-do-you-keep#post-1069410 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 03:56:45 +0000 carter 1069410@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Joy, you are so right about day to day fluctuations as well. I have tried gentle and not-so-gentle shapewear. They can extend the life of one size for a couple pounds, but after that I just feel like a sausage. Thanks, Anne. I will search for the blog post. Anonymous on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-many-different-sizes-do-you-keep#post-1069402 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 03:49:16 +0000 Anonymous 1069402@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The smaller you are, the more a very few pounds (or eating something salty the day before or not getting enough fiber)! can put you into a different size. If this is your pattern, you do need to hang onto a variety of sizes. Have you tried gentle shapewear? It can help. anne on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-many-different-sizes-do-you-keep#post-1069398 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 03:44:33 +0000 anne 1069398@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes I think this is a good idea - and yes I do that too. I think your whole approach is sensible  Angie wrote a blog on it  - I can't seem to search the site at the moment but I think it had "fluctuating weight" in the title or text carter on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-many-different-sizes-do-you-keep#post-1069393 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 03:37:48 +0000 carter 1069393@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ .