Why am I a size 16?

Before I decided what my size was, I went to the website of one of my favorite clothing stores (in this case NY Co) they have their size charts posted from tiny to tent-sized. There are petites and grands. Short and tall, so many things determine what size you are. Then I asked my personal coach what she thought--and was reminded that toning exercises will reduce waist sizes and tighten bust sizes. So...there is a few ideas "why." Insurance guides do not seem to reflect the real world, but the size of actual clothing seems to be more realistic. Hope that helps.

Women's sizes are not standardized. I can wear a size 8 jean in some brands, and in others I'm a 12. On average, I'm a size 10. You can't look at the number because it means nothing at all!

Just buy the size that fits properly, don't worry about "ugh, I don't want to buy an 18!" or "I need Levis because then I'm a size 12!" You always look better in clothes that fit you properly, and no one sees the tag, so buy based on what it looks like, not the number!

i am 35..weigh 175 and am 5'7" i was in a size 18 weighing 224 and i am now in a 12...not sure of my measurements cause i have never checked that....hmmmm

I saw a photo on fb today that showed 5 different women at 150 lbs and the difference in heights and clothing size, it was pretty interesting. What everyone else above said. I actually went down a size at the store last night because the size I bought last time fit ok on the waist but the thighs were really baggy - I mean a LOT. Kinda weird so I went down a size and they are a big snug but they fit a lot better.

Give an example of a store where you are a 16. Because they are all different

Never mind, someone beat me to it.

your shape and height are probably a factor. sizes dont tend to take into account height and body shape.

As long as youre happy with yourself though who cares what the label in your top says!

I am 38, female, 5' 6". Waist 28.5cm and Hips 37.5cm and weight 10st 10lb. So how am I a size 16 when the size guides I have looked at say at most I should be a 12. What is wrong with me?

When you say cm? you mean inches right? 28.5 cm waist is like 11.22 inches:noway:

To the OP - I assume you are British? My measurements are slightly bigger and I am mainly a UK 12 (US 8). Do you have big boobs, or carry weight in your stomach? It also depends on the shop.

There shouldn't be variances if you are going off measurements alone; make sure you are measuring properly. If the measurements are correct, perhaps you are just wearing your clothing looser than they were meant to be. My cousin wears a size 4 but she buys lots of things in a 6 because she prefers looser/ baggier fits.

vainty sizes now days or depends on brand my 90 pound 4 foot 6, 7 year old wears a med in hollister and abmercombie it depends on the compnay

on another note make sure your measuring right and there is not a thing wrong with being a 16 just throwing that out there

I was a size 16 because I ate too much and didn't move enough.

there are american, british and medieval measurements happening all over this - i have no idea what is happening

My daughter said - forget the number - go with what looks and feels comfortable.....I have to go buy jeans this week....probably still a 14 in some, but hoping for a 12....but as long as they are not baggy, like I am wearing now....it is all good.

only you see the number on the tag. the world sees the fit. you will look smaller in the correct size. don't let the number get to you - with vanity sizing and realism sizing, no two stores are the same. just make sure the fit is right.

As said, it's not unusual to have your size vary all over or not fit what it seems it should by measurements.

I went by the same measurements on a site recently and one item was too tight to even get on and the other one was hanging off me too big.

Body shape and just the slight variation that can occur at times in even automated production can make for weirdness.

Even if you have the right measurements according to a store's chart the articles of clothing might not fit right. I've shopped at Torrid and Lane Bryant (online and physical stores) for years and I just have to pray the pants fit me when I try new ones according to their size measurements... it can vary by 3 sizes.

As it is now, my clothing sizes run from 16-20 at different places.

Best thing you can do: stop fretting about the size number, it's basically never gonna make sense or be particularly reliable. Just order/buy from stores with a good return policy.