Since when is a size 12 an "XL"?

The chart I provided is based on traditional sizing over the past 30 years. Sizes have changed a lot because of vanity sizing.

Many clothing companies make their own size charts and don't follow guidelines. Clothing companies that want to market to a greater population will vanity size because it makes economic sense to market to people ranging from size 6-16. There are plenty of companies that call a 6 XS because it opens up to a larger target market.

It doesn't change the traditional sizing. It all depends on brands and shopping perceptions. People who are used to wearing a brand marked L but that are a size 14 will view the size as such. People who wear a different brand who are used to wearing XL but that are a size 12 will view their size as such. Take these 2 women into the opposite woman's store, and they will both complain that sizing is off.

This is why i prefer to be naked.

My issue is more taken with the fact that someone selling active wear is making the statement that someone who is larger than a size 12 cannot possibly be active. MFP is a prime example of very active people that do not fit into this peg hole. In the same way that being skinny does not mean you are healthy/ in shape.

I wish more pants sizing was done just with inches instead of the 2-12 style size, because I never know, going into a store which size their 6 is going to be, one I can wear or one that is too small on me. But when a pair of jeans says the waist is 29 I know it will fit, it doesn't matter what "size" they want to call it.

Although, I do kind of sympathize. As a big guy, I can rarely find pants above a 38 in some stores, including my favorite brand American Eagle, and am often forced to go to their website to shop. It sucks, but it is what it is.

Up Early, according to this chart: http://www.healthdiscovery.net/links/calculators/ideal_bw_women.htm, you are underweight for your height and frame.

Thanks for your input! I'm not underweight. Charts are a guideline - charts are not reality. I would also add that is just *one* example chart. There are many other charts with different ranges.

This is just where my weight naturally settles when I'm eating right and exercising.

Although, I do kind of sympathize. As a big guy, I can rarely find pants above a 38 in some stores, including my favorite brand American Eagle, and am often forced to go to their website to shop. It sucks, but it is what it is.

That's what happens when you fall outside the norm...any norm.

I have a 32" waist and take a 35-36" inseam...never found in stores. Plenty of 32's, all too short.

Then when I do find 32's that are long enough, the cut is always too thin for my butt and legs.

I should boycott, no doubt.

I usually just go up to 34's and call it good.

i don't know, i take more issue with stores like old navy, who sell plus size clothes but ONLY online. love the message of 'sure we'll take your money but we don't want to see you in our stores, fatty.'

Really? I didn't realize that. So, I guess plus sizes don't need to try on clothes? That's really odd.

yeah not only that, but they price gouge something fierce. i was looking at their bathing suits--you could get a cute patterned bikini top for $15. go into the plus size section? there's only one bikini top to choose from, it's black, it's ugly, it's boring--it's $40. i think the whole ~it costs more because of the extra fabric~ excuse is bs to begin with, but nothing, NOTHING can justify making that bikini top nearly 3 times as much as the straight size ones.