YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Musings on sizing

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Musings on sizing https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-sizing Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 03 Apr 2026 23:28:40 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Neel on "Musings on sizing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-sizing#post-1231891 Thu, 24 Apr 2014 06:05:54 +0000 Neel 1231891@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Pastrygirl - it must be very hard to let go off the number once you have worked really hard to achieve a figure! I admire your efforts! Sveta - DH recently found a good pair of shoes from the kids section! He 5'7 but wears size 6 shoes! Slip ons and loafers are very hard for him. So yep, you should definitely look for oxfords and classic loafers in the men's section. They have some nice stuff too :) Caro - you crack me up! Lol! Aubergine - sizing up in tops is easier, especially with raglan sleeved tops. It looks perfectly slouchy :). I have to remember to size up on my skinnies o_O Fuzzylogic - You have your online shopping strategy nailed! Awesome! Its funny you mention high waisted skirts! I size up on low waisted skirts! Because I have a very high waist and wearing a low waisted skirt usually means going up two sizes (my midriff is my broadest part!)! I figured that out very recently :). fuzzylogic on "Musings on sizing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-sizing#post-1231478 Thu, 24 Apr 2014 00:00:38 +0000 fuzzylogic 1231478@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What a great shopping strategy, Neel!   Caro- bwahaha!  Have you seen the Tim Burton 'Alice in Wonderland'?  It is one of my favourite movies and the costuming is genius! See, not totally off thread..... ;-) I agree with others- sizing is so inconsistent between brands and sometimes within brands. For me, the size can also depend on: *the fabric (stretch etc) *the cut (I tend to size up for high waisted skirts as the manufacturers assume we all have a waist- blast you manufacturers!) *the look I want to achieve (slim versus slouchy) *whether the garment has shoulders (size up to accommodate my shoulders, down if I only need to accommodate by chest..... giggle giggle) So, once I got this sorted online shopping was a bit easier...... (insert goggly eyes here....!) Anonymous on "Musings on sizing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-sizing#post-1231468 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 23:49:06 +0000 Anonymous 1231468@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Go Neel! I'm sometimes bad about sizing up. I know I shouldn't be, but I am. Probably because sizing up for me also means crossing over into double digits. What's weird is that I sometimes do size up in fitted bottoms, which is where the double-digits hit, because I get so sick of looking that I'll deal with the number on the tag just to have something I like, but I never remember to try sizing up in things that are less fraught, like trying a M t-shirt instead of an S to get a little slouch. Caro in Oz on "Musings on sizing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-sizing#post-1231454 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 23:38:03 +0000 Caro in Oz 1231454@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Like Sveta I'm fine with the number as long as the clothes fit. I have clothes across 4 sizes in my current wardrobe & they all fit me, Unless I'm Alice in Wonderland I don't think it is me:) Sveta on "Musings on sizing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-sizing#post-1231380 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 22:29:58 +0000 Sveta 1231380@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ As long as they make the size which fits me best I am fine with whatever this size number is. Unfortunately it is hard when you are close to the top of the size range (to Laura's point) :-( Rabbit, I tried for man's button down shirts to get them long enough for me. Alas - this strategy does not work for gals with hips: if man's size fits in the shoulders it is way too snug in the hip area! :-( However being shoe size 12 maybe I should check their shoe selection...hmmm. I am already buying running and hiking shoes in the man's department because they have way more selection in my size...maybe flat oxfords is the next step? pastrygirl on "Musings on sizing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-sizing#post-1231374 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 22:15:08 +0000 pastrygirl 1231374@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've been trying to let go of the number, but I worked hard last year to lower my  number considerably, so it pains me to think of going up a size or two! I KNOW it's arbitrary. rachylou on "Musings on sizing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-sizing#post-1231159 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 18:43:16 +0000 rachylou 1231159@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It's very freeing indeed. Freeing from frump. For the last few months I've been trying both S's and M's - and it's amazing how frumpy one's fitted size can make one look in this age of drape and slouch. Neel on "Musings on sizing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-sizing#post-1231102 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 18:05:57 +0000 Neel 1231102@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow! I really love your shopping strategy Rabbit! I am sure you find goodies that no one else does!! rabbit on "Musings on sizing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-sizing#post-1231090 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 17:55:23 +0000 rabbit 1231090@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Since I shop sale/clearance a lot, I find sizing highly dubious.  Actually sometimes I think that's why great items end up returned and on clearance, their labelled size is just very off.   As a pretty much size 10 medium, I scan the racks of both mediums and larges and 1x (I like oversized tops), and also scan for anything hanging low in the small section (indicating that it's a tunic or oversized cut) and any promising jackets designed to be worn over layers.    I also try on petite large sizes as long as they don't have long sleeves.  I also scan the junior's larges. Recently I bought a pair of boots that fit me with thick socks at 7 1/2. I'm usually 8 1/2.   Now I check shoe sizes someplace I can try them on a full size smaller.   Men's small tees, sweaters, and button-ups usually work fine on me (and wow is the color and fabric selection of men's oxfords better than women's).   I'm still trying to figure out what size I am in boy's sneakers because that might be my entry into the longed for men's shoe section. ;) With jeans juniors size 11 pretty much fits the best when I don't have access to the full range of around 30ish numbered sizes.  I even have a few maternity tops that hang nicely and have a good length, and I never have been pregnant.  It's part of the 'no retail stone unturned' philosophy  to my mind --- no store clothes section unscanned.  Neel on "Musings on sizing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-sizing#post-1230980 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 16:30:57 +0000 Neel 1230980@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Laura - Between all this Victoria Beckham size 0 mania, I think it just makes sense that we women always hang on to that figure. It can be so depressing! I wish women were not as sexualized as today in the media. Haven't heard of a size 0 man o_O Suz - I envy your toned body (and Mo's and IK's and Ingunn's!!)! I am nowhere close to perfect. I wish I could show you all that naked body! ROFL! I have love handles and serious tummy pooch. And I wear crop tops? WTH is wrong (or right?) With me. Lol! Merwoman - I do that too now! Liberating isn't it?! Diana - Thats a very very interesting point about BFs! Wow. I am surprised. That number is seriously "Epic and $hit" to quote our very own LeopardLuxe! Vice versa - will sizing up make you feel better if it made you look better? Diana on "Musings on sizing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-sizing#post-1230955 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 16:08:31 +0000 Diana 1230955@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Good for you!  I have to admit having a bit of the same "issue" that Janet has, which is that sizing up for me means going from one digit to two (and sizing up in premium denim means going from one "decade" to the next), and somehow psychologically this still troubles me even though I know it shouldn't! As an aside, I have this theory that BF jeans sell very well even though I don't see many people actually wearing them because women are buying them 2 sizes smaller to wear as skinnies and it feels good to buy a smaller size.  merwoman on "Musings on sizing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-sizing#post-1230935 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 15:39:11 +0000 merwoman 1230935@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great post Neel! Since YLF, I generally take 3 sizes into the change room, The one I think will work (after eyeballing it on the hanger) and 1 up and 1 down. I'm oblivious to the number, just pick the one I think works the best. Of course arriving at that decision is another matter.... Suz on "Musings on sizing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-sizing#post-1230920 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 15:24:02 +0000 Suz 1230920@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love your attitude, Neel! And it's great to scour all the racks. You never know what goodies await. I do try to ignore numbers when I shop and search for the manufacturers who "get" me. I also find age has reduced my body image issues a lot. I am grateful just to be moving around and healthy. "Perfection" will never be mine, so why not enjoy what I have and what I can do?  Laura (rhubarbgirl) on "Musings on sizing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-sizing#post-1230919 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 15:21:09 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1230919@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Since I'm at the top of the misses size range sometimes I can't size up, which is frustrating. I know a lot of us in the no man's land between misses and plus get tired of the constant back and forth - is it this size, is it this other one? Neel, I admire your goal to be less hung up about the size. When I thrift I often find garments without the size tags, and not always removed because they were in an itchy location. I used to think that was silly - after all the size is the size no matter if you can read it every morning or not - but if that's what those women needed to do to relax about it, then that's cool. Plus it means that there's less competition to buy it secondhand, and I can snatch it up! Neel on "Musings on sizing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-sizing#post-1230892 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 14:53:33 +0000 Neel 1230892@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Janet - I did think of you when I wrote this post. I couldn't reply to your other post, but doesn't it show how inconsistent sizing is? And no you are not sad to think the way you do! *Slowly letting go* in my post says it all about me :D. I have always struggled with negative body image. I can relate :) Angie - you are such an inspiration yourself. And I love how the fashion world comes with all kinds of people, of all sizes and colors! And the way everyone has fun with fashion. That's another mantra I keep reciting :D Mo - I love that video!! Thanks for sharing! NDMom - You are an inspiration yourself. You are a strong and beautiful mother. I am glad I encourage you. It's an honour NDMom on "Musings on sizing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-sizing#post-1230868 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 14:31:45 +0000 NDMom 1230868@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Totally get what you are saying!  Good for you, Neel.  I am working on this myself.  Thanks for the post; you've been a encouragement to me to know others are enjoying clothes despite the size.  I love what Angie just posted  about being "the boss of your clothes."  I'm remembering that one! Mo on "Musings on sizing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-sizing#post-1230862 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 14:28:49 +0000 Mo 1230862@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Makes me think of the Special K commercials where the jeans are labeled Sassy and Knockout, etc,  instead of numerically.  <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQOpjnEG4GY">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQOpjnEG4GY</a> Angie on "Musings on sizing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-sizing#post-1230857 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 14:24:05 +0000 Angie 1230857@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ *chuckle* and  *applause*  As long as the clothes fit - size is not an issue. Love the way you are boss of your clothes, Neel.  Janet on "Musings on sizing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-sizing#post-1230842 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 14:11:56 +0000 Janet 1230842@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well, if you saw my thread about the Sad Love Story jeans last night, you'll know that I have not been as successful as you at letting that number roll right off my back. Now that looser fits are trending, in fact, I'm struggling a little bit, because going up a size for an easier fit means going back to sizes I was wearing before I lost weight a few years ago. Yes, they fit differently, but I have an unfortunate voice in my head that berates me when I have to reach for a double-digit size. It just goes to show how insidious this stuff is that I still struggle with this kind of thinking at my age. Neel on "Musings on sizing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-sizing#post-1230799 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 13:43:15 +0000 Neel 1230799@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I remember Angie's "Size is just a number" like a mantra every time I shop. And I can't believe how liberating and freeing it is to let go of that small but powerful number! I went shopping the other day with family. While others were scouring the racks for *their* size, I just bought whatever fit me. If they didn't have a small (ideally my size), I went for the medium. And I loved the slouchy fit. My people were a bit surprised, but loved it when I wore it! I now have more options. I can choose my fit and scour the xs/s/m/l racks for goodies! Of course not always possible when one needs a tailored fit (which is why I find button downs and sheath dresses hard!) But boy I am loving this freedom when it comes to my casual wear! I am slowly letting go of my negative body image when I have to buy a size 12 bottom (yep, that booty seems to be getting bigger and I have put on some pounds too) But learning to be comfortable in my own body is another life lesson that I learnt on YLF. Now when I try to squeeze into my now too tight skinnies I think "Darn I should have sized up by 2 sizes, stupid manufacturers" ;). So what about you? Have you been able to let go of that small powerful number? Especially now since slouch is all that we are talking about? Just pondering. I hope I didn't come across as snobbish? Pondering more!