Sizes

Clothing sizes mystify me.

My mom ordered a skirt for me online.We looked at the sizing chart, and based on my measurements, we chose a 26. I really had my doubts about that number, but hey--we're following the sizing chart, so it should be right, right?  Uh, no. I got into the store, tried it on, and it was practically falling off. I got a 24 of the same style off the rack--also rather too big. I got a 22 of a slightly different style, liked it, got it. It fits quite well through the hips, but a belt is helpful because the waist is a little big.

I was very happy several weeks ago to fit into a pair of size 24 jeans. I had a pair of 22's and a couple pair of size 18 pants that I love waiting in the wings.I was cleaning out the closet yesterday and decided it had been long enough since I last tried them on, and to see how close I was. Frankly, I didn't expect much, because the 24's aren't loose at all.  The jeans went on, zipped, and buttoned, to my suprise. Still not comfortable enough to wear, but that day is closer than I realized.

What the heck, I thought. I might as well try the pants on, too, even though I KNOW I won't be able to fasten those up.  Ha--wrong again!  And again, way to tight to wear or even sit down in, but by Thanksgiving, they might be comfortable. I really thought I'd need to be at least ten pounds less before I could even get them zipped, so this is a pleasant surprise. 

Shirts are just as bad. I generally get loose, t-shirty type tops.  The last one I got (with the skirt) was a 1X. This is very good, because I have a bunch of 1X shirts I like waiting for me as well.  But then Jeff brought me home a Breast Cancer Awareness T-shirt from work. It's a 2XL, and it's fairly snug across the chest. I've only worn it a couple times, and generally just around the house. I also have a button down 3X shirt from Old Navy that fits but is also a little snug, even though there's some Spandex in it.

I know the answer to this apparent mystery:  "You can't go by the number. Styles differ.  Manufacturers differ. You HAVE to try clothes on to see if they'll fit."  It may be a pain, but it's kind of a nice problem to have again.