about dress sizes

always trying

This is probably a dumb question, but since I will have almost a whole day of shopping time, and I am thinking I will be looking for a red dress for autumn to go with a jacket in my closet, I will try on dresses. You see, I seldom wear dresses, and havn't bought one for about 3 years, I don't know what size i wear. So if I want order something on line I have to make an attempt to find a suitable size to order, So my ? is are sertain lables sized similarly, and what about fabrics. Like do you buy larger in things like jersey, or something. Reason I,m asking is my tops run the gammet from smalls to large, and sizes 10 to 14. I am comfortable ordering 6's in all kinds of bottoms, but all kinds of tops from t's to coats seem to varry a lot, and i have never purchased any kind of top without trying it on. But there are sure some cute dresses on interenet stores.

12 years ago

Dressing

3 replies

Latest reply was from DonnaF

Thistle

Veteran

Take your measurements. Most stores will list the brand measurements. And each brand varies. Sometimes by a lot.

I have a hard time finding dresses as my top is over a full size smaller than my bottom. However, some designers seem to account for this.

Over time, you learn which designers work for you (in my case, Ralph Lauren), and which are cut for a completely different shape (in my case, J.Crew).

12 years ago

Nicole D

Veteran

Thistle is right....you need to know your brand and know if that brand is reliable with respect to sizing. In general, go with your top size, it is easier to alter a big bottom than let out a tiny top. My dress size and jacket sz are pretty aligned.

12 years ago

DonnaF

Veteran

I completely agree with Thistle and Nicole. Also, should you find yourself trying on a juniors brand, you will be going up several sizes. For example, I have a Forever 21 jeans jacket in Medium. In Misses, I would be XS or a Petite Small. While in principle I believe in Angie's suggestion never to leave a retail stone unturned, I know that some stores and some brand are long shots. I've never had a Banana Republic shirt or dress fit me, but I might have more luck with their pants. I study each brands measurement charts and read reviews, but nothing is foolproof! Also, some women prefer to wear their clothes tighter or looser than others, so a fit that works for one may not work for another who is exactly the same size.

Good luck! I find dresses tough to fit. And don't forget to bring that jacket with you.

12 years ago

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