No Labels, Please
Remember when I proved, using side-by-side photos, that weight is truly just a number on the scale? In that post, I showed you that while I am now the same weight as I was years ago (after some up and down and back up), I look totally different. I feel totally different.
Now, after an exhausting week of shopping for clothes, I can prove that size is just a number, too.
In summary:
- Despite the fact that I am now about 10 pounds heavier than I was in fall 2007/spring 2008, I still easily fit into the pants I owned at the time.
- I tried on pants at seven stores, ranging from size 2 to size 12 and found no consistency, even at the same store!
- I had to try on about 25 pair of pants before finding one that fit me just right.
Let me dive into this a little more…
I am desperate for a pair of work pants that I can wear to dress up or dress down; that fit me well enough to look tailored but not so well that I need to double up on my Spanx. That are not too junior but not too old lady. That will last through several washes (I don’t do dry cleaning) and don’t need heavy duty ironing.
I know, it’s a lot to ask. So, this weekend, I sucked it up and spent a few hours going from store to store looking for just one pair that fit the bill. Three hours later, I found what I needed, but I also found that I am size twoelve.
You read that right. I’m size twoelve.
No Tugging, Please
- Gap/Express: 6/8/10 (depending on the cut)
- Old Navy: 6/8/10
- Banana Republic: 10
- J. Crew: 6/8
- Mossimo (Target): 2/4/6/8 (seriously)
- Vera Wang (Kohl’s): 6
- Juniors Department (anywhere): 10/12/++
- Ann Taylor: 2/4/6
- Charlotte Russe: 6/8/10
You see why it’s so frustrating? What I found especially interesting is that the higher the quality of the clothes, the lower the size I fit into. (vanity sizing?)
I ended up finding that perfect pair of pants — Gap’s curvy cut black pants. And despite the turmoil and stress (and almost giving up about five times), this may have been the most freeing shopping experience of my life.
Because for the first time, I decided that just like I can’t let the scale determine my worth, I can’t let size labels make or break my body image. I am size awesome, and I will rock whatever I wear.
Besides, if someone is close enough to me to get inside my pants (to look at the label, of course!), they probably already think I’m beautiful.
About Katy
Great post!! I love the title — twoelve. And really so true.
LOVE this! I wish stores were more consistent with sizing. I hate having to bring multiple different sizes to the fitting room. Especially when there’s a limit on how many items you can bring in.
Also, I’ve never heard of vanity sizing before. That’s really interesting!
AND, you ARE beautiful!
Oh I can’t tell you how much I agree with this post—shopping for pants and jeans horrifies me, but having this attitude saves my sanity.
Ha! I always imagine what it must have been like for women before the mass production of clothing began and everyone made their own clothing based upon their own measurements. It seems as anyone would have naturally felt more confident without the comparison issues we deal with today.
loved the title as well.
AND THE CONTENT.
it’s a crazymaker and a jealous maker.
the hubby is in and out and CLOTHED in moments as it seems—for now?—the menfolk are always the same size.
FOR NOW.
Great post! Breaking it down by store, I totally agree with you and am often in a lot of the same categories — especially w/ Target! Congrats on finding the right pair of pants lady!
I went shopping yesterday for dress pants and noticed the same thing. It is frustrating to me, b/c I want the consistency of the same size in everything. Would make it a lot easier!
As someone who is trying to lose 20 pounds from two pregnancies, I loved this post, because it is so true. Thanks for sharing the experience that we all dread (along with swimsuit shopping!).
Awesome post! And exactly the reason I despise shopping for jeans! Because I don’t even know where to start with the way they size things.
Katy- AWESOME post and really timely for me. I’m in the process of losing a significant amount of weight and am already down 30 pounds. I am fitting back into clothes I had before I gained the weight and there are two pieces in particular that when I fit in them comfortably, I’ll know I’ve “made it.”
Howeer, while it’s amazing to fit back into clothes and clothing stores I love again, I sometimes grow very discouraged by the wide range of sizes that I need when I try on clothe- anthing from an 8 to a 12. I keep reminding myself that it’s how I feel about myself, and how I feel physically that matters. This post was such a great reminder that I need to keep my perspective healthy and sane. I keep saying, “When I’m a size six again…” I’m making a pledge that I will no longer say this. Thanks, Katy!
Just start saying “size awesome.” The minute I wrote that in the post, I felt empowered.
AND this is why I hate shopping. 8-\
Those differences are crazy!!
awesome post! I work in retail and it can be challenging to find sizes, but in fact, it’s good to take multiple sizes in with you. Mass manufacturing does make the jeans/pants different and isn’t consistant. I would love for you to come into American Eagle and try some jeans on. I noticed it wasn’t on your list of places. We have a variety of fits and washes and we always want you to walk out with the best fitting jeans no matter what the size number is. Keep up the awesome blogging girl!
Kelley,
Ah, so mass manufacturing is to clothes what factory farming is to food?
Thanks for the invite!
Oh, I finally dragged myself to the mall to go pants shopping this weekend and had the same experience. I am short (5’1″), with a small waist, but I do have hips (thanks, mom!) and thighs (thanks to running). I actually tried on some jeans that were too snug around the CALVES. Most pants that fit in my thighs and hips have enough room in the waist for a small child. At least now I have the confidence to blame the clothing manufacturers rather than myself. I can’t be the only petite woman with curves.
@Coco Hi there petite woman here 5″3 24inch waist but DD chest, booty and big hips ( curves). Trying to find pants is a nightmare. I mostly have problems with the pants fitting around my thighs but occasionally in the calves too and yes, gaping majorly at the waist!! I have big strong muscular legs and I love to run. Just wanted to write and say.. I feel your pain!
My mom always told me that she gave me birthing hips and that someday, I’ll thank her.
But my big booty DOES help me run! And do lots of squats!
Great post, I had a very similar experience trying to buy a new pair of jeans a few months ago, I was ready to pack up, leave town and live in the country wearing hippie skirts for the rest of my life.
I wish they would standardise sizing! It’s no wonder people get preoccupied with their size when it changes depending on what brand you decide to try on that day!
I hate pants sizing! I’m pretty sure I have pants spanning 0-8 in my collection
Not fair that I can go out and buy my husband jeans … and they fit every time!
“I am size awesome, and I will rock whatever I wear.” I LOVE that!! Thanks for the reminder that size is just a number
This is so true!! And this is why shopping for pants online is nearly impossible, because sizes and fit are completely different from one brand to the next. I do believe that they do vanity sizing and I can’t stand it. I think a size 00 is completely ridiculous (even 0… I mean, come on!).
I think you’re on to something and should start a new line of pants with sizes like “awesome”, “fabulous”, and “beautiful”! lol
Oh my gosh…what a great idea!
as others mentioned… that is by far the most frustrating thing about shopping.. lack of continuity in sizing..
but I do love the Gap Curvy pants.. they are so flattering!!
The Limited also makes a really flattering pant..cant think of the name but buy a size down of whatever fits in the store.. they tend to stretch after a few wears..
Oooh, I’ll have to check The Limited. Thanks!
I really enjoyed this post!
I have had similar experiences, and it is so frustrating! In the past, trying on the “wrong” size would send me into a downward spiral, and getting into a “better-than-expected” size would make me so happy!
It’s totally ridiculous, and I am happy to say that arbitrary sizing rarely sends me into a tailspin anymore.
On another note, I have the Gap Curvy jeans and like them a lot. I was thinking of getting the “Perfect Trousers”, which when I tried them on confirmed the vanity sizing theory (apparently I sized down this spring, along with their new marketing campaign!)
This is so true! Why do we put so much emphasis on numbers when the way the size womens pants dont even make sense?? Why dont they size ours like they do mens? this is how wide your waist is.. this is how long your legs are. Plain and simple. Instead there are women out there that fit into size 00.. how is a 0 a size? are you non existant?
Sizing is… insane. I cannot believe people hang all their emotions about their size and weight on such an arbitrary number.
I always struggle with finding perfect pants because I have a big butt, wide hips, and a small waist. Gap Curvy fit jeans are PERFECT for me, however. I seriously couldn’t believe it when I first tried them on.
I’ve given up on pants altogether. Dresses FTW!
My thighs are a 14, my waist is a 10, my butt is an 8…it’s a nightmare.
I love dresses, too…I’m dreading the day that empire waists go completely out of style.
Sounds like me!!! I am anywhere between a size 4-8 depending on where I shop. It’s maddening.
that’s just awesome! love this post!
Soooooooo funny that you just wrote this post because I’ve been looking for a pair of skinny jeans (I caved into the trend!), and has the same experience! I tried on EIGHT pairs at Target yesterday and was all over the place with sizes. I ended up purchasing a size 11, which I thought was hilarious since I’m usually a size 6. I didn’t care though, they fit pretty well and were cheap enough for me to not regret caving into the trend, so I bought em. It is ridiculous how big a disparity there is in sizing though!
I caved, too…I didn’t go for jeggings (I’m thinking they’ll fall out of style soon?) but I figured the skinny jeans worked with boots and could be dressed up or down.
AMEN sister! I’m wearing pants in 6/8/10 right now. Guys have it much easier in the size department, don’t they?! I have noticed some consistency in Liz Claiborne’s line – even from year to year, but I think Brie has it right – dresses make it much more simple.
Oooh, there’s a Liz Claiborne near me…I’ll have to check it out!
Guys really do have it easier. My husband never understands why I bring the same pair of pants into the dressing room, in four sizes. Sigh.
I’m the same way. I wear a L or XL for Forever 21 and a 2 in other stores. I usually am around a 10 though, which I like to refer to as a dime piece!
Great post!
I can soooo relate with you on this. I need pants so bad and I never can find any that fit or are high enough quality w/o spending a fortune. I put it off b/c literally I have to go to 10 stores to find any. I have an added problem: I am between petite and junior size and the length is NEVER right. Pants suck!
Great post!!!! Today I’m wearing a 6 from the Gap and tomorrow I will prob be wearing a 2 from Ann Taylor! Who can keep them straight?!
Great post – this issue drives me crazy. I’m fairly consistently a size 6 (sometimes 4) in dresses, skirts and blouses. But anything that has to fit my butt specifically requires a size 12. I made my Halloween costume from a McCall’s pattern and I was a size 14 by their size chart! It drives me ballistic because I really can’t wear pants. It’s not as much that I’m bothered by the number (I do own two pairs of size 12 pants alongside 4 and 6 dresses/skirts, and size consistency doesn’t bother me too much) but that there are no pants that I don’t have to wear a belt with, which I hate, or that I don’t have to keep tugging up because they don’t stay up at the waist or at my hips due to being too big for me in those places. That said I am going to try out the Gap curvy cut thanks to your suggestion! And I’m happy because I had no idea this was such a universal issue! I often think I’m the only freak whose butt is 3 sizes bigger than the rest of her body.
Ellie,
My colleague and several other commenters swear by the Curvy line, so I hope it works for you!
And I have had some luck in the past buying bigger pants for my hips and having them taken in at the waist…
I hear ya! I can never find pants, even in the same store, same brand, with the same fit and size. Frustrating! Glad you found something though.
I have lost almost 40 pounds, and my Old Navy size 16 jeans drive me nuts! Some of my size 16s are too big, some still tight despite losing 40 pounds, and my Calvin Klein jeans from Costco are getting too big! So what the heck gives? According to my measurements (which I go by more so than the scale or pants sizes) I have lost an inch and a half in my waist and about 2 inches in my hips (and inches other places like bust and upper arm and thigh) yet the pants sizing is still all wonky.
Do you know how depressing it is when you’ve lost 40 pounds to put on a pair of jeans in the size you wore before the weight loss AND THEY ARE STILL TIGHT?! It’s SOOOOOO aggravating! I usually shop at Old Navy too because well, I’m putting myself through college, don’t have unlimited access to mom and dad’s money so I have to buy my own clothes and am on a budget. Old Navy is usually pretty budget friendly. Oh, and, a pair of Old Navy size 12?s from a few years ago that used to be big on me before I had health problems and gained weight, well i can get them on, but can’t quite get them closed yet. I could probably fit in CK size 12s though, based on how baggy the size 14s are getting
But after that experience I’m totally turned off from Old NAvy. It’s really just kind of mean to mislead people with sizes like that. Why can’t they just be honest? What’s a girl losing weight to do? I try not to get down about the sizes, the measurements are really what I base my progress off and how everything I wear fits (starts getting too big, etc) because those things don’t lie, unlike jean sizes!
You’re so right about sizes being discouraging…I hope you had a chance to look at the other post I had linked up, where I show photos of myself at the same weight (but totally different lifestyles). Seeing those photos really pulled me out of a funk.
I hope Old Navy and other brands are listening to its customers…I’m pretty loyal when companies make clothes that fit me and make me feel great. And vice versa.
P.S. 40 pounds!? You ROCK!
I think that last statement about anyone being close enough to get inside your pants and notice that label already thinks you’re awesome. So true! And anyone who cares what size you are isn’t worth a friendship/relationship anyways.
YES. YES. YES.
They’re all just numbers. Sometimes I’m a large. Sometimes I’m a small. But in reality, what I am is ME.
Swoon.
What a wonderful lesson for all of us! Thank you for sharing this. So important to not get stuck on a number.
It’s really so exhausting! I get so frustrated sometimes I just give up, which really isn’t good since I started a new job a few months ago and now I need pants for the winter! I know that each store/fit is different in it’s size so I try my best not to pay attention to the number. It’s so frustrating.
I hate that Vanity Sizes exist. You may think Vanity sizes is only for women, but that’s not the case. Men are dealing with it too.
I used to be able to go into a store, buy my size and walk out. Boom, done super fast. Not anymore. I went to buy some clothes over the past few weeks, I bought size 34 waist jeans. They were big on me.
Did my body composition change that much after my triathlon training?
So, I did a little experiment. I happen to have some size 34 jeans that had gotten too small. Instead of giving them away, I, of course thinking positively, decided to put the pants in the back of my closet. Recently, I pulled them out and tried the pants on. They fit just fine. Not too small, but not too big.
I concluded that current stores have changed the new pants waist size to make me feel better. That’s garbage in my mind. All the stores are doing is making me a frustrated buyer. Now, I have to go back to trying clothes on.
I did the same thing with shirts/sweaters. I bought a size Large Sweater the other day. It was huge on me, and I know I’m not shrinking that much. I had to return the sweater for a different size.
I never really let size matter to me, but I wish it were standard. I never understood women sizes. 2, 4, 6, 8, etc… For the longest time, mens clothes sizes were easy. Waist and Length. Shirts have neck size, and sleeve size. The numbers mean something. Not anymore. Clothing manufacturers please stop it!
A while back I saw this infographic about Men’s pants sizes that I thought you all might be interested in.
http://www.esquire.com/blogs/mens-fashion/pants-size-chart-090710
What worked for me was moving to a country with totally different sizing methods – size means nothing to me now, it’s just ‘pick a bunch that look the right size and try them on’.
I think that higher quality clothes are sized lower because generally they are marketed to the people who can afford (and want) that quality, who are generally a bit bigger than the people who like to shop at H&M. I don’t see too many 16 year olds in Banana Republic.
That’s such an interesting perspective — I never thought about how women in other countries look at sizing. Where do you live?
I’m so glad to see a post on this topic! I was just thinking about it the other day
Beautiful! I was just telling a friend recently not to cling to numbers because if a shoe is labelled a size different than your own but it fits, it’s the one for you! Beautiful ending.
Awww, like Cinderella!
LOVE this post so much! I gave up on sizes oh so long ago. Short, fat, with huge boobs and tiny waist does nothing for clothes shopping. Buy what fits, not what fits into the size you think you are and find a good tailor. Nothing looks better on anyone than clothes that fit!
Of all things to make me think of tailoring… “What Not to Wear!”
I love how they really embrace people of all body types and show them how to tweak clothes to fit them. And they *always* talk about how confidence is the difference-maker.
Everytime I go shopping for pants or jeans I think I had it right in high school when I just bought and wore guys jeans all the time. It was SO much easier! Unfortunately that doesn’t so much fly at work . . . (dang!)
I don’t go pant shopping because how annoying it is! The sizes are never consistent and I always grab the wrong one and curse my way out of the fitting room. And I know I am already beautiful in the pants that I walked in with
Scale or no scale, we are all BEAUTIFUL
The only pet peeve I have with online shopping – minus clothing purchase! I can never imagine not getting into a fitting room before making my purchase.
I may be a shopping “expert” but I HATE shopping for pants. Most. frustrating. thing. ever. Good for you for sticking with it until you found something you really loved, and for ignoring those (ridiculous) size tags!!
I know this is super duper late…but I just wanted to point you to Express for dress pants. I get all of my work pants there when they are on sale…about $32 on sale and they are the perfect fit all around…I can throw then in the wash, hang dry and wear right off the line…my black, brown and white ones are great dressed up or down. Just a suggestion:)