women's pants sizes, so frustrating

It's also who makes the pants and how many countries are doing it....weird but true example. I found a great pair of khaki color pants years ago at TJMaxx...good brand, fit nice. They were 10 at the time. I decided a week later to go back and get the black color too...was happy they still had them. They were a bit snug...thought I put on weight. Tried on the khaki and they fit. Hubby said look at the "made in" not the size. He was right...two different countries, same pants, same style. One cut more generously. lol
You just can't win.

I've lost 32 pounds and have gone from an 18w to an *drumroll* 18!

Really, I'm fitting the entire range of 18's in my closet, it's a bit silly but whatevs. I'm healthier and I know it. Come to think of it, there are a few 16's I'm wearing too. Woman's sizes are a bit silly.

I'm over it. Skirts and dresses everyday.

Ditto this!!!!

Same here! I've lost 37 pounds, my old pants are literally falling off me, but when I bought replacements I wound up getting the same darned size. Add in the fact that I'm short, and pants shopping is becoming a nightmare!

I think this has already been stated, but I find that Old Navy is the best place for jeans. They have different styles for different body shapes, which is huge for me! I am an Apple shape, so no waist at all!! When I wear their "Diva", which sits just below the belly button and doesn't 'cut in' for a waist... I comfortably fit into a size 8. But if I try to wear another style that is made for ladies who have hips and a slim waist?? I have to go all the way up to a 14. I have long legs, so it is nice to be able to choose the inseam length appropriately as well. When they are too long, you can cut/hem them shorter, but if they are too short... your messed. Old Navy is inexpensive and the choices help so much. I don't even try anything on there anymore unless it says it is a 'Diva' cut. My friend wears the 'Sweetheart', as she can't get the Diva's over her hips.

Ladies: I will clarify:

I have been an 18, and in some places am now a 2 or 4 or 8

These numbers mean nothing.

Your clothes must fit you. Find a tailor. Buy a bit big, give them something to work with. A pair of pants/dress which fits you well will look best.

These were all taken the same day. Granted, the 2s were really tight, and the 10s were rather loose, but there's no consistency at all in clothing sizes.

I can relate to this!

I usually go for pants that have the actual waist size on them. like 31/32, etc.

My husband always asks why they aren't like men's where they just list the waist size and length. I used to be a size 24, lost 25 pounds and now I wear a 22, but there are several size 24s that I need to lose another 10-15 pounds to get in.

I've found that Macy's Style & Co. pants are either cut smaller or their waists are much smaller than other brands. Unfortunately I'm not a pear-shaped gal, so if they don't fit my waist, I can't wear them!

The Buckle has pants that are measured in inches. But they are more expensive than what you can get at discount or department stores. When I went to try on pants there a few years ago they even had a taylor that you could get them more fitted. I wish I wasn't a poor college student then, because I would have had the best fitting and looking jeans ever. But I couldn't afford the $50+ price tag and haven't had an opportunity to go back.

I would just like pants/jeans that don't have a watermelon-sized gap between the waistband and my back.

Lucky brand jeans do a great job of this, they are my favorite. They have no gap and double belt loop in the back that also helps. If they don't work you'll probably have to always get jeans tailored.

It is frustrating! I have a closet full of clothes in many sizes. I wish there was some standard sizing. I bet people wouldn't be frustrated and shop more knowing it will fit them.