Struggles with clothing sizes

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Replies

  • annekka
    annekka Posts: 517 Member
    Oh! If you are looking for tiny waist and large thigh jeans and pants I recommend Ann Taylor. Their regular cut is tighter in the waist and larger in the hips and thighs than many brands and then they have a Curvy Fit that is even more so. I haven't had a chance to try Loft pants but the size chart online looks the same.

    Thanks for the recommendation. I do believe there is an Ann Taylor store not too far from where I live (in a fancy outdoor mall) so I could go there some weekend when I have free time and try some things on.

    You might want to try Loft, too. They're owned by Ann Taylor but slightly more affordable. Never pay full price though unless you LOVE the item and can't live without it. They literally have sales every 2 seconds.
  • Tabbycat00
    Tabbycat00 Posts: 146 Member
    Hi! I'm 5'2 34-23-34 and sadly, to find jeans that fit I do need to spend about $200 for designer styles that come in a size 23". Other than jeans I do a lot of shopping at Forever 21, Zara, Urban Outfitters and a bunch of tiny boutique shops. Sometimes it's the boutique shops where you can find the best random stuff.
  • kikisf
    kikisf Posts: 58 Member
    My BF is 5'1" 125ish and she has had great success wearing GAP kids! I know that sounds strange but she looks fab. Because she is a true hourglass figure if she doesn't wear fitted she will look heavy.
  • DancingMoosie
    DancingMoosie Posts: 8,619 Member
    I shop at Old Navy most of the time. I fit between a 0-2 in pants and XS in tops. They do not even carry size 3, their sizing is even #s. I know their quality can be inconsistent, but I shop there enough to basically know what fits and what I like. I have their "Navyist" card, so I get bucks back from using that card wherever I shop. So, most of my clothes end up being somewhere between free and $3 and I get free shipping. I have also found some great soft stretchy skinny jeans in the junior department of JCPenney. I wear a 3 usually in Juniors. I am 5'3' , about 115 and muscular. The last dress I bought was a 2P at JCPenney (katherine h brand) and I think they run small. I have an old Jones NY cocktail dress(over 10yrs old) size 4 that fits me like a sack, so I know its not all vanity sizing.
  • tahxirez
    tahxirez Posts: 270 Member
    becky10rp wrote: »
    Definitely worth the trip!! I'm originally from Marcellus, NY - live in Maryland now, but everytime I go back to visit my Dad, we end up at Destiny....can't be helped!

    Funny Story: I work a second job at a shoe store in Destiny. The other day I decided to make a stop at VS before I headed to work and I honest to God got lost. IN THE MALL. It was borderline sad and hilarious at the same time.

    I have good luck at Macy's and they usually have a pretty great clearance section.

    Lol I can never find the "old" section of the mall if I enter on the Destiny side. And Lawdy the parking now! It used to be straight forward and easy, not anymore that place is jam packed lol Totally love the upstairs though with all the activities...I wish they had all that when I was in college.
  • tahxirez
    tahxirez Posts: 270 Member
    Any of you wearing kid's sizes...Do you try on at the store? I don't want to be "that" weirdo but I would def have to try on...
  • TangledThread
    TangledThread Posts: 312 Member
    tahxirez wrote: »
    Any of you wearing kid's sizes...Do you try on at the store? I don't want to be "that" weirdo but I would def have to try on...
    Thank you for asking. I was wondering the same thing.
  • I tend to shop the sale racks in high-end department stores, right at the end of the sale when they ONLY have the tiny sizes left and they are heavily discounted because they need the floor space. It means that the clothes are better quality and nicer so they last longer and I end up spending about the same than if I had to replace everything every year. I don't have time or the interest to do much/any clothes shopping. I found a fabulous winter coat by Rag and Bone in XXS in Neiman Marcus for about 20% of the ticket price.

    Other than that, I do shopping online because most petite ranges aren't in stores only online.

    I got a Rag and Bone coat in Nordstrom the same way. It was XS and really tight but I like my clothing tight and no way was I passing up a bargain like that (it was 50% off)
  • French_Peasant
    French_Peasant Posts: 1,639 Member
    tahxirez wrote: »
    Any of you wearing kid's sizes...Do you try on at the store? I don't want to be "that" weirdo but I would def have to try on...

    Ha ha! No way! :)

    The couple of shirts I have bought, I have just slipped on over my tank top to try them, and I generally have two vigorous children running amok, so if anyone looks askance, they probably just chalk any weirdness up to being a beaten-down mom.

    You shouldn't get any attention if you try them on at a place like an Old Navy, Gap or Macy's, etc., or even Sears, where they have a lot of really cute (and durable!) Land's End clothes for kids, right next to the adult line, so the fitting rooms are convenient. It might be a different story if you strolled into a Gymboree or Childrens' Place. But here's a good cover story: "My niece/nephew is the same size as me, so do you mind if I try these on really quickly?"
  • mom23mangos
    mom23mangos Posts: 3,069 Member
    A size 12 girls jeans fit me best because I'm short. I'll second many who have said H&M. Their clothes fit me better than anywhere else.
  • flaminica
    flaminica Posts: 304 Member
    tahxirez wrote: »
    Any of you wearing kid's sizes...Do you try on at the store? I don't want to be "that" weirdo but I would def have to try on...

    If by "that weirdo" you mean the person who wants their clothes to fit and doesn't care what random strangers think, then yes, we do. I've personally never gotten a second glance in a changing room. If it's a department store, and you're self-conscious, you could always carry your things over to the ladies' department.
  • tahxirez
    tahxirez Posts: 270 Member
    flaminica wrote: »
    tahxirez wrote: »
    Any of you wearing kid's sizes...Do you try on at the store? I don't want to be "that" weirdo but I would def have to try on...

    If by "that weirdo" you mean the person who wants their clothes to fit and doesn't care what random strangers think, then yes, we do. I've personally never gotten a second glance in a changing room. If it's a department store, and you're self-conscious, you could always carry your things over to the ladies' department.

    I actually was referring to stores like Gap Kids (or whatever its called) and the Childrens place. I'm not so much concerned at a Kohl's or JC Penney where no one pays attention to what you try on or guards the changing room like corrections officers.
  • peleroja
    peleroja Posts: 3,979 Member
    tahxirez wrote: »
    flaminica wrote: »
    tahxirez wrote: »
    Any of you wearing kid's sizes...Do you try on at the store? I don't want to be "that" weirdo but I would def have to try on...

    If by "that weirdo" you mean the person who wants their clothes to fit and doesn't care what random strangers think, then yes, we do. I've personally never gotten a second glance in a changing room. If it's a department store, and you're self-conscious, you could always carry your things over to the ladies' department.

    I actually was referring to stores like Gap Kids (or whatever its called) and the Childrens place. I'm not so much concerned at a Kohl's or JC Penney where no one pays attention to what you try on or guards the changing room like corrections officers.

    IME the salespeople generally react positively ("oh, I wish I could do that, kids' stuff is so cheap!" and that kind of thing.) If they're making fun of me behind my back I have no idea so I don't care...I'm also sure it's not that rare, honestly, because so many brands are sizing adult women out of their clothes. When one of my girlfriends special ordered a designer suit from a children's boutique downtown a while ago for herself, the saleswoman said that she gets tons of other women doing it too. I haven't had a single experience where someone made me feel weird or like my business was anything other than welcome.

    I order most stuff online though now that I know what size I am in the brands I buy a lot, and the stuff I pick up on a whim at Costco or whatever I don't bother trying on because I have a pretty easy to fit body proportions-wise. I can always return it if it doesn't work but 99% of the time it's fine.
  • tahxirez
    tahxirez Posts: 270 Member
    Okay great! I can't wait to get out there and try some stuff on :)
  • tomteboda
    tomteboda Posts: 2,171 Member
    This is where I plug eshakti.com Sizes 0 - 36W , available in standard sizes for women 4 '6" to 6'11" and custom cut in any size. Dresses, coats, skirts, pants and shirts.

    Your local tailor is also a great option. Alterations are surprisingly inexpensive.
  • robininfl
    robininfl Posts: 1,137 Member
    I'm tall but stepdaughter about 5' even and 95lb, she has great success ordering Asian sized clothing on amazon and other websites. Cheap and runs short and small - I sometimes do order the same sort of stuff and usually take an XL at 5'9" and 135lb (I am a pretty solid Small/Tall in American sizing).

    And as Tomteboda says, it's easy to tailor stuff to be shorter/smaller in waist.
  • Psychgrrl
    Psychgrrl Posts: 3,177 Member
    Thredup.com Best. Thing. Ever. Online resale, everything from basic to designer.

    You can set a range of sizes and read the descriptions regarding measurements regarding fit. Been so happy with all of my purchases. And then there's the saving money part! Who doesn't like "like new" Lululemon at 50% off? Haven't sold anything through them, so I can't comment on that piece.
  • BananaBite
    BananaBite Posts: 135 Member
    edited November 2016
    First off: I don't think you are a size 1/2 at 124 lbs. You are more likely a 5/6. When I was 124 lbs I was about a size 6/7. But jeans are jeans and everything is up for grabs depending on your structure. I would go more for a size small in tops. It will be fitted but not snug.

    I usually just shop at thrift or discount stores. But for higher end stuff, check out Macy's, JC Penney, Nordstrom's. I also love H&M, American Eagle, and Banana Republic. They have good quality for the price.
  • kgirlhart
    kgirlhart Posts: 5,162 Member
    First off: I don't think you are a size 1/2 at 124 lbs. You are more likely a 5/6. When I was 124 lbs I was about a size 6/7. But jeans are jeans and everything is up for grabs depending on your structure. I would go more for a size small in tops. It will be fitted but not snug.

    I usually just shop at thrift or discount stores. But for higher end stuff, check out Macy's, JC Penney, Nordstrom's. I also love H&M, American Eagle, and Banana Republic. They have good quality for the price.

    When were you 124 pounds? Sizes have changed. I am 5' 4.75" and 130 pounds. I wear a size 4 jeans. Twenty years ago when I was this size I wore a 7.
  • DancingMoosie
    DancingMoosie Posts: 8,619 Member
    edited November 2016
    I don't understand the comments of comparing even #s to odd, like "I used to wear 2 and now wear 5." Well, they aren't in the same department or cut the same. Odds are juniors, evens are misses. And they aren't interchangeable across brands. I wear 26 in Levi's skinny (misses) but 3 in juniors Arizona, 0 or 2 at old Navy.
  • tahxirez
    tahxirez Posts: 270 Member
    First off: I don't think you are a size 1/2 at 124 lbs. You are more likely a 5/6. When I was 124 lbs I was about a size 6/7. But jeans are jeans and everything is up for grabs depending on your structure. I would go more for a size small in tops. It will be fitted but not snug.

    I usually just shop at thrift or discount stores. But for higher end stuff, check out Macy's, JC Penney, Nordstrom's. I also love H&M, American Eagle, and Banana Republic. They have good quality for the price.[/quote

    Oh I'm not? News to me...
  • annekka
    annekka Posts: 517 Member
    First off: I don't think you are a size 1/2 at 124 lbs. You are more likely a 5/6. When I was 124 lbs I was about a size 6/7. But jeans are jeans and everything is up for grabs depending on your structure. I would go more for a size small in tops. It will be fitted but not snug.

    I usually just shop at thrift or discount stores. But for higher end stuff, check out Macy's, JC Penney, Nordstrom's. I also love H&M, American Eagle, and Banana Republic. They have good quality for the price.

    Chances are she is...depends on a person's body type. I'm a size 4/6 (us sizes) at 70 kg and 5'6". I'm lean and athletic with small hips. Anything bigger than that and it would fall off my body. Other people at my height and weight would struggle to fit into a 8/10 because their body type is different.
  • jrwms714
    jrwms714 Posts: 421 Member
    Just finding the clothes anywhere is difficult if you are small. I am a true petite, 5'0", 125 and my jeans run anywhere from a 6 to a 10. Retailers aren't addressing petites or talls all that much any more. I have several places where I order online but I have learned their lines and know what fits. And I am in a huge metro area with any store I need, and none of them work for me.
    Here's an interesting youtube that addresses all of this:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QwlT5f7H1c#action=share
  • kgirlhart
    kgirlhart Posts: 5,162 Member
    I don't understand the comments of comparing even #s to odd, like "I used to wear 2 and now wear 5." Well, they aren't in the same department or cut the same. Odds are juniors, evens are misses. And they aren't interchangeable across brands. I wear 26 in Levi's skinny (misses) but 3 in juniors Arizona, 0 or 2 at old Navy.

    I can't speak for everyone, but when I commented that I wear a 4 now and I wore a 7 last time I was at this weight it was because last time I was at this weight was 20 years ago and I wore junior sizes then. If I wore misses sizes back then it probably would have been an 8. I am not unaware that juniors and misses are different. I simply use the size that I wear now vs. the size I wore then. I thought it was rude for someone to tell the OP that they didn't think she wore a 1/2 at her weight. She weights less than me and I wear a 4 so I think she probably does wear a 1/2. I wouldn't have thought that I could wear a 4, but I can.
  • BrunetteRunner87
    BrunetteRunner87 Posts: 591 Member
    I don't like Old Navy personally. I think most of their clothes are huge. If OP is having trouble finding small clothes I'd suggest not to spend too much time there. I'm short but a little overweight and even I have trouble finding things there I don't swim in. Sometimes even the XS are too big.
  • French_Peasant
    French_Peasant Posts: 1,639 Member
    First off: I don't think you are a size 1/2 at 124 lbs. You are more likely a 5/6. When I was 124 lbs I was about a size 6/7. But jeans are jeans and everything is up for grabs depending on your structure. I would go more for a size small in tops. It will be fitted but not snug.

    I usually just shop at thrift or discount stores. But for higher end stuff, check out Macy's, JC Penney, Nordstrom's. I also love H&M, American Eagle, and Banana Republic. They have good quality for the price.

    I think the OP knows what size she wears. I am 140 lbs, 5'6", and can fit into plenty of size 6's, although not the size 6's I wore 20 years ago. Since you are 18, are you confusing junior and misses sizing? Big difference.
  • French_Peasant
    French_Peasant Posts: 1,639 Member
    So, I thought about this thread when I had an hour to browse Friday night without kids. First, I went to Old Navy, because it was an outdoor shopping center and I needed a hat and gloves. I also picked up a small white sweater (half price, fits great, made of some synthetic crap, but a nice classic style) and 8$ pajama bottoms, that fit, but fit weird through the butt (puffy butt...not the most flattering cut, made worse by the fact it is a large plaid with a poorly-joined butt seam, ha ha) but they were cheap and warm and the other pair has Boston Terriers, so that's cool.

    After girding myself against the weather, I then browsed through Ann Taylor, While House/Black Market, Eddie Bauer, and window shopped a few more places, and I didn't see a single thing that I felt compelled to try on. Everything was black and white and maroon and blah, so depressing, although WHBM had a really cute suede/fur vest that was basically the same as the one I bought from them last year. Talbot's had some cute things in the window, but for some reason they close at 8.

    I used to love clothes, but now things just seem to be dead to me, because I know there's a good chance they are going to: fit weird, not be lined, pill if they are sweaters, be see-through or show every detail of my bosom anatomy if I don't wear the right bra and/or annoying underlayer piece, and will shortly start falling apart in a variety of ways after a few wears and washes. So discouraging, because I want some new clothes, much as I enjoy wearing my (well made and well-fitting) wardrobe from 10 years ago.

    I just looked up "declining quality of Banana Republic" as that is one thing that really grinds me, and found the following article, which is a gem of explanatory revelation, if you are like me and have really come to despise shopping for clothing. The comments section is even better--a lot of insights about fabrics, technical details on structuring, etc. It's not just me that is filled with ennui.

    https://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2016/08/26/why-are-sales-suffering-at-so-many-womens-stores-they-made-bad-clothes/

    I do have to say, my boys Ralph, Tommy and Calvin do not often let me down.
  • b3achy
    b3achy Posts: 2,152 Member
    edited November 2016
    Have to say I appreciate folks bringing up shopping in the kid's sections. I also will often peruse the kid's department (and not just the girls, but with the sleazy cut of pants (tight fit and low waist) these days for females, I often head to the boy's department to get more modest jeans/cargo pants, etc). Plus, kid's clothes are so much cheaper price wise and often sturdier than many women's clothes brands. I've been doing this since college, when I realized I wore a boy's 4.5 boot (from ROTC)/women's 6 shoe, and the ROTC pants my supply sergeant provided me fit me way better than any women's clothing pants at the time. I needed to buy some hiking boots in my Junior year of college and the women's boots at the outlet were $60 and the same brand in boys boots were $25 (this was 30 years ago). But it was enough to convince me to be that "weirdo" trying on kid's clothes, if nothing else to save a ton of money. Also, I disliked that women's 'khaki' pants were usually cream or white when I wanted/needed khaki tan pants for work, so I could only find them in the boys department. I'm a big fan of shopping in the kid's department once you figure out what size you are there. (And yes, you'll often hear me mumbling under my breath about buying them for my son, if someone walked by...even though I don't have kids.)
  • Krock83
    Krock83 Posts: 64 Member
    I am short (5'3) and curvy which is always a challenge. I have been buying all of my clothes on www.eshakti.com because for $10 I can give them my custom measurements and they make the clothes to fit my size. Otherwise I've been shopping at Gap Factory and occasionally loft.
  • stealthq
    stealthq Posts: 4,298 Member
    I'm on the smaller side, too - 5'3", 117 lbs (currently heavier, but I fit in the same clothes I did before).

    J Crew and Gap have a lot of things that would fit me really nicely if I were their target body type. J Crew is always too straight through the waist/hip for me (hourglass) and the both places assume I have more slender biceps.
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