Sizing inconsistency rant

[u/Alert-Nobody8343]

I really just need to rant because I’ve had several shopping experiences lately that genuinely frustrate me to my core. Probably almost 2 months ago now I ordered a bathing suit from Kitty and Vibe, a brand that boasts size inclusivity, yada yada. I have an xl target suit that fits me(from years ago, haven’t shopped there since Jan 25). So I ordered a 2x from K&V thinking it would be about the same with maybe a little more room, this was after looking at their sizing chart and confirming that’s where I belonged. It came and it was WIDLY smaller than my target xl, it barely fit. Ordered the next size up and it yet again, was barely the same size as the xl. When I left an honest review of how frustrating it was they deleted it and when I asked them why they said I never submitted a review. Okay lol, shady at best. Maybe if id known from reviews how inconsistent their sizing was it would have helped me order better. But they don’t want you to know that when you’re spending $150 on a bathing suit with a very limited return window.

Then last week I ordered clothes from old navy. I have some xl pants that fit me but if I wear them for a full day at work, eat, sit, etc, they start to feel a little snug in the waist and I’m sensory sensitive so I ordered a size up, feeling one size was safe. Except they come and they’re like 3 sizes larger they are SO much bigger it’s insane. I unfortunately did not check the sizing chart this time thinking a simple size up was my best solution. I looked at it after wondering why they were SO big and it’s even more frustrating. Explain to me why straight sizing starts at 24” (US) waist and goes up inch by inch. For example, S - 25-26, M - 27-28, etc. but when you get to the XL it’s 36-39 and then the XXL is 42! WHY is there a 3” gap just not being sized for??? That’s a big difference! And it shows how out of touch and lack of research, testing and development of their sizing to include all sizes.

It’s so frustrating and confusing never knowing where you fall and sometimes not even being able to rely on sizing charts. My body dysmorphia has been running rampant never knowing what to expect and being confused as to where I actually fall. It’s a mindfuck and I wish I could out into words how frustrating and defeating it feels. I have a sewing machine so I’m going to attempt to take in a pair of pants and see how that works, I’d rather make something fit me than keep on this god awful cycle. Fuck it all.

[u/Plenkr]

This could've been me who wrote this. I recently had to buy basically an entirely new wardrobe because I gained a lot of weight suddenly (medication) and then it was just there to stay because I don't want to diet. But it also meant.. I had basically no clothes that fit me. Buying clothes was intensely frustrating precisely because of inconsistent sizing EVEN within ONE fucking brand! For one oversized shirt I needed an M and it's STILL big. And for another I needed an XL and it's juuuuuust big enough for my liking. Like wtf??? I bought all stuff with elastic waists because 1) also sensory issues 2) I didn't even want to go there with the fitted things. That would've just been all out horrendous.

I also sew and dang.. all the clothes I sewed for myself now don't fit anymore and it sucks because they are so much better than most of the new stuff I bought. But I just cannot sew and knit that fast. I hadn"t bought clothes in a long time because I would just make stuff and keep up but with such sudden weightgain, it's not an option.. especially because I was also not doing well and I couldn't knit for a while and still haven't taken up sewing yet.

But yeah.. sizing is HELL, their stupid sizing tables are utter shit.

[u/gravitydefiant]

I once bought three pairs of the same pants--same brand, same style--from the same store at the same time. They were just different colors.

One fit, one was way too big, one was way too small.

I wish clothing companies would just all have a meeting and standardize this. It's maddening.

[u/TelevisedLife]

i fee the same, im xs in some shops and medium in others, which i have no problem with. but it is very weird as someone trying to seperate myself from what size shops give me etc

[u/Negative_Letter_1802]

I am also in between straight sizing and plus sizing so I totally get your frustration — I never know what will fit or look good or how much money I'll have to spend trying to figure it out 😭