This article explains how there is no standard when it comes to clothes sizing. I have been so frustrated as I am losing weight because it seems impossible to find a size that is consistent for me.

At 145 pounds I have the following in my wardrobe:

skorts - size 8

slacks - size 12

cropped jeans - size 10

regular jeans - size 12

just bought a wedding dress - size 14

yes, 145 pounds and I had to buy my dress in a size 14. We just can't get caught up in those numbers...

Insane!!!!

Check out the article...

http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/beauty/what-size-are-you-really-the-truth-behind-vanity-sizing-2532831/

You're making me feel better! At 178 lbs and 5'6", I have size 16 pants ( baggy), size 10 pants (fit good), size 12 pants ( can't even pull them up!), and two pair workout pants in large. One pair fits great and one is baggy. Same kind of thing with my tops: from 1x down to medium, with varying fits. At least my bra and undie size seems consistent!

Lynda

I find that it depends on the manufacturer. The cheaper the clothes the tighter the fit. If I buy something at a high end department store I wear a smaller size that if I buy something at Target. So sizes vary as do patterns for making clothes. You just have to be flexible and understand the numbers don't really matter as long as it feels good.

You're making me feel better! At 178 lbs and 5'6", I have size 16 pants ( baggy), size 10 pants (fit good), size 12 pants ( can't even pull them up!), and two pair workout pants in large. One pair fits great and one is baggy. Same kind of thing with my tops: from 1x down to medium, with varying fits. At least my bra and undie size seems consistent!

Lynda

Everyone is so different :-) I am also 5'6", but I carry my weight in my stomach and my boobs. The stomach always means my pants have to be a much bigger size than anything else. I just bought a casual dress with an empire waist in a size small (?!?). Great because I am skinny on top (except for the boobs) and it skims over my stomach. I couldn't get close to a size 12 pants till I got down to 150 pounds. In underwear, I still wear a size large and my tummy can still overwhelm them. Just a fact of life for me...

Nice to know we are not alone.

I find that it depends on the manufacturer. The cheaper the clothes the tighter the fit. If I buy something at a high end department store I wear a smaller size that if I buy something at Target. So sizes vary as do patterns for making clothes. You just have to be flexible and understand the numbers don't really matter as long as it feels good.

While I completely agree that high end is sized larger...and this is REALLY true for shoes....it irritates the thunder out of me that the same manufacturer can have huge discrepancies.

What I find amusing is that I used to love spandex. Now it drives me nuts. I want 100% cotton on all pants especially. With having lost over 100 from my highest weight, I need the 100% cotton to act as a girdle to firm me up! Spandex only helps the jiggle!

Rest easy about the size 14 wedding dress. I don't know why but wedding dress sizes are always smaller than regular dresses by about 2 sizes. So a 14 wedding dress = size 10 regular dress. Good luck with your upcoming wedding!