https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-to-gripe-about-sizing Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 05 Apr 2026 07:04:02 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-to-gripe-about-sizing/page/2#post-712850 Wed, 05 Sep 2012 20:14:14 +0000 Anonymous 712850@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree, Sylvie. Just a couple of weeks ago, I called CWC to order some tees. The size chart said that an XS(4-6) is supposed to fit a chest measurement of 34 to 35 inches. When I asked about the actual garment measurements, I was told that the extra small had a chest measurement of only 33 inches. Had I not called, I never would have guessed that, and the kicker is that it wasn't a top that had a lot of stretch or that was supposed to fit really close to the body. Go figure! CWC has an excellent return policy and great sales. I just wish they'd make their sizing consistent. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-to-gripe-about-sizing/page/2#post-712842 Wed, 05 Sep 2012 20:00:56 +0000 Sylvie 712842@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I only buy from stores with free shipping and where I can return in store. There's no other solution for me because I otherwise am going to trek all the way out to the store where my petite size or desired color may not even be in stock. I can try things on in the privacy of my own home.</p> <p>The inconsistency in fit from brand to brand doesn't bother me because I feel it's fair - some brands should be cut for rectangles and some for pairs and no one brand is going to be able to make an article of clothing fit every different body type. What I'd really like is accurate sizing charts - if you tell me that the S is supposed to fit people who have 34-35 inch busts, I shouldn't need to size up to an M! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-to-gripe-about-sizing/page/2#post-712816 Wed, 05 Sep 2012 19:24:11 +0000 Anonymous 712816@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In my closet, I have everything from size 4 to size 6 and from size XS to size M. While most of my clothing is petite, I also have misses' short pants and misses' regular tops. In the end, what matters is the fit. Cut the tags out if you don't like what they say, lol! What makes shopping so difficult for me is that my favorite online store, Coldwater Creek, has inconsistent sizing. On top of that, they recently changed their sizes. When in doubt, I have to call and ask a sales rep. for actual garment measurements. It's annoying, but at least I manage to find stylish clothing that fits. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-to-gripe-about-sizing/page/2#post-711512 Tue, 04 Sep 2012 12:07:50 +0000 ramya 711512@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lets add to that the confusion of european sizing, indian sizing and usa sizing... I am totally at loss at what fits me now </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-to-gripe-about-sizing/page/2#post-711006 Mon, 03 Sep 2012 17:34:51 +0000 biscuitsmom 711006@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Im sorry/relieved to hear smaller ladies have the same gripe I do! Tops I usually get a XL or L in, but pants range from 16-20, which drives me crazy, because I get so freakin' hurting/worn out trying more than 3 pair (which is a joke, cuz even if they 'fit' you still need to see if you like the style, cut, etc on you) Ive totally given up buying pants online, unless it's a duplicate of what I have-just a different color....dresses are not usually a problem, luckily </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-to-gripe-about-sizing/page/2#post-710763 Mon, 03 Sep 2012 13:32:04 +0000 BB 710763@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>VANITY SIZING! (I range from an XS to M, (2-4), (26-28)! I know how you feel! </p> <p>I no longer care about the #'s on the tag, so long as it fits, I'm buying it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-to-gripe-about-sizing/page/2#post-709764 Sun, 02 Sep 2012 02:15:08 +0000 Keix 709764@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm, I didn't realize that J.Crew was cut for a slim rectangle. Now it makes sense why I am always a size smaller in J.Crew than Anthropologie (which I suspect is cut for a slim hourglass, because in fitted-waist styles I have to either pass or size up significantly). For example, I take a size 0 in J.Crew's pencil skirts but 4 or 6 in Anthro pencils... my waist is the most "out of proportion" from standard size charts, as I'm a rectangle with apple tendencies. I'm 5'2" and 118 pounds, which always seems "heavy" for wearing a size 0/2. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-to-gripe-about-sizing/page/2#post-709599 Sat, 01 Sep 2012 22:14:46 +0000 qfbrenda 709599@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with you, Una. The big issue is with online ordering. I bought skirts at Target once and needed a size 4 in one style and an 8 in the other. It didn't matter since I was at the store with my tape measure and took home what I needed. But when I'm paying return shipping for something that SHOULD have fit, it's aggravating. I don't have a big budget and I hate to see it wasted on unnecessary shipping costs.</p> <p>And I could commit to buying more in brick and mortar stores... but then you come back around to how I need petite sizes half the time and stores don't have them except online...... sigh. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-to-gripe-about-sizing/page/2#post-709541 Sat, 01 Sep 2012 19:38:42 +0000 velvetychocolate 709541@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie was saying:</p> <p>"The whole size thing is even trickier at the moment because of the very on trend "opposing trends":</p> <p>- Body con<br /> - Volume</p> <p>You often need to size up for body con, and size down in volume. "</p> <p>This is useful! The blouse I recently ordered from Nordstrom in a medium was really large on me and I was very surprised, but the thing is - it's a "volume" style. I will have to keep this tidbit of wisdom from Angie in mind when shopping for things that might be part of the opposing trends category. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-to-gripe-about-sizing/page/2#post-709534 Sat, 01 Sep 2012 19:22:00 +0000 Transcona Shannon 709534@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I find Gap for me is bad that way - I wear one size in their long &amp; leans, a different size in their black straight leg dress pants, and a different size again in their skinnies. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-to-gripe-about-sizing#post-709530 Sat, 01 Sep 2012 19:17:55 +0000 catgirl 709530@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shannon, you are right, and you have such a healthy attitude. You should be contagious! Actually, that is usually how I feel too. It's the online ordering that is aggravating me, because I don't have the option of trying on all the sizes without putting out a whole lot of $ and then constantly shipping and returning/exchanging. </p> <p>And because it's not even consistent within brands, I can't be SURE I'll be an 8P in j. crew just because something fits, even if it's the same style from season to season! For example, the floral j. crew dress I posted is much tighter in the shoulders in the same size as the snow leopard one I have of the same dress. ARGH! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-to-gripe-about-sizing#post-709507 Sat, 01 Sep 2012 19:01:04 +0000 Irene 709507@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, I get how it is hard to standarize women's sizing, but that doesn't give retaliers an excuse to size out (thanks for the word, Una!) half of the Spanish female population (or more). And that's what they do. I went shopping with a friend last week and she was trying on some nice floral t-shirts. She had to pick a Large and she's not even that big -she's NOT overweight by any means, plus she's a pear so carries most of her weight on her lower body- and the tops looked way to tight for my taste. I wish she could have sized up, but she couldn't because, hey, there are no bigger sizes! She kept the tops anyways because I guess she's used to wearing too tight tops, but I didn't love them on her, to be honest, and she would probably have sized up -she has no issues regarding sizing, I think- if she had been able to.</p> <p>On a side note, I do see how inconsistent sizing might be actually good -somehow. Well, I can't speak for everybody here, but I tend to be a bit obsessive over things sometimes, and body image is one of them. So, if in one day I can be a 34, a 36, a 38 and a 40, it means I truly don't know what size I am, so I just don't really know my size at all. if I am clueless about my size, I can't really feel wrong about it. And even if I compare myself to other women, they will have the same issue as well so I won't really know what size they are either. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-to-gripe-about-sizing#post-709504 Sat, 01 Sep 2012 18:56:23 +0000 Kim 709504@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I bought a pair of skinny corduroys for the fall from Joe Fresh. I didn't bother to try them on because I "know" my size there, (I have some of their jeans too.) Tried them on at home, they are too tight...Size 6 is what I bought. I took them back for a size 8, (a good fit). Checked my jeans at home from Joe Fresh (also skinny legs) size FOUR (and a big four at that I had to take the waist in on these babies, but not on my cords)....</p> <p>Same company, same coverage (bottoms) and 4 whole sizes different....Makes you want to go hmmmmm....</p> <p>I think they may do it to keep you in the store longer. You *have* to try things on or you'll be returning things...Either way you are in the store longer and tempted to buy more. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-to-gripe-about-sizing#post-709486 Sat, 01 Sep 2012 18:37:42 +0000 Traci 709486@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sorry for the ot...<br /> Thistle, I believe Nordstrom does offer tailoring as you describe. Not while you wait, but they offer pretty extensive alterations and they're somehow free. I'm not sure if the free requires a minimum purchase or a certain level of Nordies card, or what. Some of our more Nordie savvy members could explain more than I can. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-to-gripe-about-sizing#post-709476 Sat, 01 Sep 2012 18:23:30 +0000 Transcona Shannon 709476@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have clothes in my closet that all fit and are sizes M, L, XL, 10, 12 and 14. It all depends on the store and the style. In shoes I'm anywhere from a 6, 6.5 and a 7. Same reason.</p> <p>This used to make me feel bad when I had to size up in certain stores but I've gotten over it. it's just a number that they've sewn onto a tag - no matter to me. It's how the clothes fit and make me feel that matter. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-to-gripe-about-sizing#post-709450 Sat, 01 Sep 2012 17:51:10 +0000 Thistle 709450@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie - thank you for the link to the reasons why the sizes are all over the map.</p> <p>I would totally drive to the brick and mortar store and pay the extra to have the items tailored. Could you even imagine if they tailored it while you shopped so you could have a perfect garment when you left? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-to-gripe-about-sizing#post-709447 Sat, 01 Sep 2012 17:49:24 +0000 qfbrenda 709447@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm 5'1" and about 5 lbs heavier than you at the moment (going to get at least 3 of those off, but I digress...) and I'm frustrated along with you. I just had to send back a blazer from Coldwater Creek, which has everything in petite. I ordered the smallest size and I kid you not, the shoulders each went an inch past my shoulders! And it's not like I have a slim shoulder line... they are 39 inches, for crying out loud. I'm not exactly tiny. I follow fashion bloggers who are 4'10" and less than 100 lbs.... THAT'S tiny. There's no reason for the smallest size to be that huge on me. Sigh. I wish I would have saved my money on shipping. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-to-gripe-about-sizing#post-709443 Sat, 01 Sep 2012 17:43:16 +0000 K. Period. 709443@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes! Yes! Yes, Angie! Thank you so much for the link back. I really appreciate the variety in different brands. I'm a rectangle and if my only choices in clothing were made for curvy girls, I'd be miserable. It does make shopping more challenging until you know the lines and stores that match your body style. However, having suffered through the 80s as a very thin girl with her waist pinched unbearably in almost everything, I am very grateful for variety! Fitting my adult, post baby body flatteringly is possible, and without extensive and expensive alterations! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-to-gripe-about-sizing#post-709440 Sat, 01 Sep 2012 17:38:38 +0000 catgirl 709440@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh my gosh, thank you all so much for a) sympathizing and b) not scolding me too much for body issues, because I know YLF is a really body-positive forum. I promise it's not about the weight or the perceived need to be a certain size - I'm generally very accepting of my own bod, flaws and assets and all, and I truly find every body type lovely. It really was more about feeling like the fashion industry is constantly psyching me out with some kind of "think you're this size? Ha ha, think again!" form of torture.</p> <p>You all are right about the mass market retail sizing for sure. I have friends who are totally sized out at places like F21, where I am a L and sometimes XL. And Zara has me all over the place, so I can't shop there online. </p> <p>It makes me feel so much better that I'm not alone in my annoyance and confusion. Angie's and Gaylene's points are very well taken, and I will keep them in mind the next time I'm taping up yet another box.</p> <p>LOVE YOU ALL! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-to-gripe-about-sizing#post-709438 Sat, 01 Sep 2012 17:36:55 +0000 Anonymous 709438@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, thank goodness, I thought it was just me. I have everything from XS to L and 0 to 10 in my closet and THEY ALL FIT. So when I go into a store and a SA asks what size I generally wear...well, how the heck should I know?I'm OK with size differences between brands but WITHIN a brand, well that is just unacceptable. I should be able to walk into a store and know how I fit in that particular store. I hate that I have to bring 3 different sizes of each item into the changing room. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-to-gripe-about-sizing#post-709389 Sat, 01 Sep 2012 16:15:42 +0000 sarah 709389@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Una, I'm right there with you. Well, I'm 5'2" and 119 (I REALLY want to be 115, but I just can't seem to make that happen). I think shoulders and busts are a huge deal in how things fit. I have narrow shoulders but a sizable bust, and that gets me every time. And the fact that in some brands petites and regulars are different in more than just length, while in others, they aren't drives me batty. It's really an annoyance, esp with online shopping. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-to-gripe-about-sizing#post-709358 Sat, 01 Sep 2012 15:29:32 +0000 Angie 709358@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gaylene and Lemonade, inconsistent sizing can also be a blessing in disguise: </p> <p><a href="http://youlookfab.com/2009/03/20/inconsistent-sizing-a-blessing-in-disguise/" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/2009/03/.....-disguise/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-to-gripe-about-sizing#post-709355 Sat, 01 Sep 2012 15:21:21 +0000 Gaylene 709355@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think we all know that sizing is all over the map, but, frustrating as that is, I actually feel that it's not always such a bad thing. Before I get all those shoes thrown at me, hear me out.</p> <p>We all know that trying to compare bodies based on a few measurements--bust, waist, hip--doesn't begin to account for all of our variations. Even if we throw in a few more measurements like height and weight, how can those numbers possibly describe broad shoulders, narrow rib cages, a full bust, a high hip, short legs, a full booty? Our bodies are so unique that, even on the this forum, it's hard to find a body double. So whose body shape would we take as the standard? And some women like a very body conscious fit, while others like things a bit slouchier. And then there are the designers' visions--who do they see wearing their clothes and how do they envision the garment draping on the body. </p> <p>I think all of us have been frustrated, amused, and aghast at sizing-- and it does causes so many headaches when ordering online. But Lemonade brings up a very good point. If clothing ever became totally standardized and was only available in a limited number of shapes and sizes, then many of us would really be in bad shape. </p> <p>And, as you probably know, Una, if you travel to the UK, you'd probably be able to add a couple more sizes to your portfolio. Hmm, one woman who can range from a size 12UK to a size 0. Sounds rather magical to me... But, really, how can one do anything but laugh and then grab an armful of whatever looks like it is more or less the right size and start trying things on. And those online stores need to understand that, without free shipping, they are not going to stay in business very long. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-to-gripe-about-sizing#post-709343 Sat, 01 Sep 2012 15:05:59 +0000 Angie 709343@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's annoying - especially when you shop online. </p> <p>I went shopping with a client last week who usually wears a size 8/10 - although she is petite, petites don't work on top. She bought sizes: XS, S, M, XL, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 across two casual wear capsules. That's how varied the sizes were. </p> <p>The whole size thing is even trickier at the moment because of the very on trend "opposing trends":</p> <p>- Body con<br /> - Volume</p> <p>You often need to size up for body con, and size down in volume. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-to-gripe-about-sizing#post-709301 Sat, 01 Sep 2012 13:44:52 +0000 cinnamon fern 709301@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It is indeed annoying! I always wear a smaller size in dresses than anything else, which makes no sense - surely your dress size should be the same as either your pant size or your jacket size - but it is not.</p> <p>AG - apologies if I am pointing out the obvious - but do you really need petites? I learned only recently that petites are smaller in the shoulder relative to everywhere else, ie if you have a 4 and a 6p that are the same size in the bust and waist, the 6p will be narrower in the shoulders and back. Maybe everybody but me already understood this. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-to-gripe-about-sizing#post-709267 Sat, 01 Sep 2012 12:36:06 +0000 Preppy Pear 709267@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think the only thing that really bugs me is when they plain just don't make an item I like in a size that will fit me. I'm currently about a size 10 (though we've established that sizing is stupid). But years ago I wore a size 18, and I'm tall, and I wear a size 11 shoe...I don't know, I spent so many years feeling so wrong because everything I liked didn't come in my size. I was convinced it was me, not the clothes.<br /> Now I'm pretty average-sized, and talls and big shoes are more readily available online, so I can find most things I want, and I've really come to terms with how arbitrary sizing can be. But sometimes I still feel a little grotesque and freakish. Sizing is stupid not just because it's inconsistent, but because it makes a judgement on whose bodies are "okay." </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-to-gripe-about-sizing#post-709256 Sat, 01 Sep 2012 12:00:38 +0000 Anonymous 709256@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm with Nicole. I am not sure what size I am anymore. My old halogen pencil skirts are a 4 but I had to go up to an 8 on the new ones. I did not like them at all, so I returned them. My tops are ranging from S to L, and 4 to 8. For dresses and pants... I don't even know!!! I'm just eyeballing and ordering multiples these days. I never look at sizes, it's too frustrating. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-to-gripe-about-sizing#post-709197 Sat, 01 Sep 2012 09:10:15 +0000 Irene 709197@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>5.4", 114 pounds. </p> <p>I'm angry at Spanish sizing because it's so much less forgiving than, say, UK sizing. Most mainstreet Spanish stores (think ZARA, MANGO, MASSIMO DUTTI, BLANCO) only have three sizes: S, M, L. You can get lucky and some items will be at XS and XL too, but not that many. For pants, you have from 32 (your size 0) up to 42 (your 10). BUT I'm a 38 (size 6) and some people would consider me slightly underweight, so you can imagine what our 32 looks like (extremely tiny, normally worn by very petite women or, well, women with eating disorders). That means that larger young women -but still not oveweight nor plus size- go to shop at other European and American stores: C&amp;A, Primark, Forever21, Promod, H&amp;M... it makes total sense, of course. </p> <p>I can easily need a Large size in Spanish stores. I was trying on some denim jackets last week and I couldn't button up the Medium... and the Large was really tight on me. There was no ExtraLarge, they just don't make it. And all right, I do have a big bust, but I also have a small band-size, so it's shouldn't feel so tight across my back, and it did. I have the same issue with bottoms, and I'm not even that curvy around my hips since I'm an hourglass with IT tendencies.</p> <p>What bugs me is the fact that larger women will not be able to get into those clothes if I need a Large size and there are no bigger sizes of that same item. I am a slim woman, even if I have curves, but not all women are made the same way -I was slighly overweight in the past, so I would know- and I understand that they have to put a line somewhere between 'average' and 'plus sized'... but do they have to put the line between 'slim' and 'normal weight'? </p> <p>It's ridiculous.</p> <p>So just be happy your country catters for you! My mom is normal-sized, just not very slim, and it's really hard for her to find nice clothes -she's an IT as well, Una- that fit her... oh, and don't get me talking about bras, Spanish stores don't even acknowledge that +C cups exist (and Cs only to be found in basic styles) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-to-gripe-about-sizing#post-709163 Sat, 01 Sep 2012 06:22:21 +0000 shiny 709163@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>By the way.. you should try this dress!!<br /> <a href="http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=70019&#038;vid=3&#038;pid=917384" rel="nofollow">http://bananarepublic.gap.com/.....pid=917384</a></p> <p>See my other post today; I have this in black (small petite) and it's awesome. I know you and I have similar builds. This is a very flattering dress. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-to-gripe-about-sizing#post-709162 Sat, 01 Sep 2012 06:19:09 +0000 shiny 709162@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm one inch shorter and 4 lbs lighter. Normally I find Gap, BR, and ON fairly consistent in their sizing across the board -- I am either a 2p or a 4p. EXCEPT for dresses at BR! I need to size up, especially if the dress has structure (defined waist) and is not made out of any sort stretchy material. If it's a knit dress with cotton/spandex blend and offered in XS/S/M/L, I take the S. But if it's a dress with lining and a non-stretchy fabric and especially if it has a waistband, forget it, I have to size up to a 6p or even an 8p, but if I get to the 8p size, the fit is way too off in the vertical proportions. </p> <p>My conclusion? BR's fit model is not 47 years old, with broader shoulders, thicker waist, and a C cup chest. Hee hee. It really is that simple!</p> <p>Jcrew is even worse. First, their clothing is cut for a rectangle type, which I'm not. But also I do not find any consistency in their sizing, and no rhyme or reason for the difference between their petites and their regulars. In other words, if a garment in regular seems promising I can't be sure it'll be scaled down proportionately just so for a petite. That said, because of the unreliability and high shipping costs, I rarely, if ever, risk ordering petites from Jcrew. The last thing I ordered was my coat. I tried it on first in the store as a regular, then crossed my fingers the petite would work, and by sheer luck, it did. Otherwise, I will only buy regulars that I've tried on in the store, and fit... usually we're talking XS. And many of their XS tops are still way too large on me. I've also gone to the extent of asking for detailed measurements from customer service, only to be completely puzzled by what I'm told... the measurements just make no sense to me.</p> <p>Long winded way to say.......... it's not you, it's the clothes. </p> <p>Tip: try Ann Taylor. I have long been a BR loyalist, but lately BR has just not been doing it for me, while AT has been knocking it out of the park. I switch between those stores all the time, and at this moment, for about the past year, I have had far better luck at AT. It's not just fit: I am finding AT's colors and styles very refreshing compared to BR, which is looking stale to me lately. But I have faith BR will come around again; I think they are just having an off year. </p>