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Clothing sizes

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Defren

Well-Known Member
Messages
3,106
A lot of you will get what I am saying here. Losing weight is brilliant, and so is the shopping for new clothes. Who doesn't like a bit of retail therapy? My issue is clothing sizes for woman. Men seem to have it so much easier, choose what you like grab the size you think you are, and it fits. Not so for us. I am now between sizes, the clothes I have been wearing are loose while the next size down is still a tad small. I have tried different stores, but the problem seems to be universal. I am wearing a pair of cargo pants today, every few steps I have to pull 'em up. That's not so bad at home, but when I go out later, a belt is needed. Ok, no real hardship, but why is there such a gap between sizes? I also know I lose tummy fat very slowly, I have mentioned this before, stick arms and legs, cheekbones, and a bump! So I know it could be a while before the next size down fits, even with steady weight loss.

Help... Does anyone know anywhere where I could get clothes that fit? Oh and another issue I have I am two sizes smaller in tops than bottoms. I really am a very peculiar shape at the moment.
 
Hi Defren. :)

There may be a tailor (some work from home), in your area that can alter your clothes as to fit properly, in particular expensive shirts etc;
You will be surprised how good these people are.(they will also recommend what clothing is best for you.)
For cheaper goods I would find shops like T J Maxx I think.
I hope you get sorted out.

Roy. :)
 
I think the size issue is the same for both sexes.

Since I've lost height due to age and joint/bone problems, I find myself at an in-between stage for off-the-peg inside leg sizes. I can buy from a catalogue but when they arrive they are nothing like the sales photograph and then I struggle to get the supplier to send return labels.
My only option is to buy longer and then go to all the hassle of getting them professionally shortened... by that I mean altered without stitch marks and both legs exactly the same length ~~ yes, I am one fussy old grandad :angel:
 
Hi Defren, I have the same problem of a big tummy compared to my hips. So things that fit around my waist flap loose around my hips, so frustrating. Just empathising, sorry, don't have a solution ...
 
Thanks everyone.

Roy, this is twice you have mistaken me for a man. I have the wrong equipment to be a male/dad. :lol: I wouldn't thank you for fitted shirts. :lol: However, I do like your idea of a tailor, that could well be the answer. Buy clothes I like, then have them altered. Yes, I like that, off to see if we have any local. Thank you.

Joanna (female (for Roy's benefit)). :lol:
 
I find that manufacturers do not have a uniform size. I can fit in 8's 10's and 12's depending on the make.
If you want something like a suit I find M and S is the place where you can mix and match the tops and bottoms. If it is a really special occasion then I have a daughter in law who can make anything even though she has no formal training. Nobody is a perfect shape and we all have some part of our anatomy that will not show clothes off to the best advantage.
 
Hi Joanna, :)


Woops so sorry :oops: , now the penny has dropped. ( I thought how strange for a man to have wrong equipment. )

You can also understand why my daughter gets annoyed at me when I always get things a little wrong.

Roy the plonker. :)
 
I found alterations to be the only way - luckily I can do it myself.

I've given up finding trousers of the right leg length, I know I will have to buy longer and take them up. I've sold a lot of my clothes on ebay, which is also a great place to buy 'transitional' clothes......you know you'll lose more weight but it's expensive to buy a whole new wardrobe each time you drop a size. This morning's bargain was brand new Jasper Conran jeans for £2.50!

Before low carbing, I had a lovely collection of designer knitwear for winter. None of it fits, so I've sold it all and bought the most beautiful yarns to knit myself some new sweaters! I'm now knitting frantically.... :lol:

Ju
 
Thanks for the replies. CC I have tried M&S and even with their sizing, I am too small for one size too big for the next size down, it's very frustrating.

No worries Roy, but thankfully I am now female to you too. :lol: Bit of a relief, Mr Defren was getting worried.

Jules, I don't do any crafts, sad but true. I am not arty at all, and knitting and sewing etc are way out of my league. I have bought odd bits from ebay, but only new items, one of my quirks, I can't wear clothes someone else has. :oops:

I did manage quite a feat yesterday, I had a good idea :lol: During the summer I wore maxi dresses quite a lot, so, I hunted around and found a lambswool heavy winter dress, it was a wee bit short, so I bought some wooly winter tights. I tried it all on when we got home, it fits lovely and everyone said it looked really nice - result. So, I may buy some more winter dresses and wooly tights, as that seems to solve the problem.
 
I was about to suggest dresses as that what I have to do :lol:
I've found Primark to be good for dresses and t shirts (and I have a pair of leggings from there that are SO comfortable) so that might be somewhere to try?
 
BlindFaith said:
I was about to suggest dresses as that what I have to do :lol:
I've found Primark to be good for dresses and t shirts (and I have a pair of leggings from there that are SO comfortable) so that might be somewhere to try?
Click to expand...

Thanks for that Natalie, dresses are going to be me until I finally fit into the smaller size. I am actually really pleased, as the dresses and tights are so easy to dress up or dress down and are really comfortable.
 
Asda have some great stuff as well - I've had a few dresses and smock-type tops from there that fit really nicely.
I'm not sure what their trousers are like but their jeans are oddly sized. The size I am is too small, but the next size up and I can put them on and take them off without unzipping them :lol:

The good thing about Asda and Primark type places is that they're fairly cheap so when you end up fitting into a smaller size you won't have spent a fortune on your clothes!
 
BlindFaith said:
Asda have some great stuff as well - I've had a few dresses and smock-type tops from there that fit really nicely.
I'm not sure what their trousers are like but their jeans are oddly sized. The size I am is too small, but the next size up and I can put them on and take them off without unzipping them :lol:

The good thing about Asda and Primark type places is that they're fairly cheap so when you end up fitting into a smaller size you won't have spent a fortune on your clothes!
Click to expand...

True, very true. I don't mind buying dresses I may grow a bit big for - add a nice belt and you can keep wearing them. Trousers are different. I have lost 'me bum' so the size I fit into waist wise is very saggy at the back, the next size is perfect on my rear, just won't quite fasten. I do wear leggings as my legs are also very thin. I can't tell you what a very peculiar shape I am. all skinny with a bump - very odd!! :lol:
 
I have a problem in that I too have a flat bum and big stomach. I also have an abdominal hernia which sometimes sticks out like a football (!) AND an increasing 'apron' where the weight's come off but the skin has stretched beyond redemption!!! have considered wearing trousers the wrong way round!
Dresses is a good idea but many of them at the moment are 'under the bust' styles and they make me look pregnant, which at my age is a bit implausible .
Have just tried one of my dresses on for a party on Friday and it's too big . Don't know whether to laugh or cry as I love it so much. I'm going to try to put some darts in to make it a bit smaller. Hope it works.
 
rtee said:
I have a problem in that I too have a flat bum and big stomach. I also have an abdominal hernia which sometimes sticks out like a football (!) AND an increasing 'apron' where the weight's come off but the skin has stretched beyond redemption!!! have considered wearing trousers the wrong way round!
Dresses is a good idea but many of them at the moment are 'under the bust' styles and they make me look pregnant, which at my age is a bit implausible .
Have just tried one of my dresses on for a party on Friday and it's too big . Don't know whether to laugh or cry as I love it so much. I'm going to try to put some darts in to make it a bit smaller. Hope it works.
Click to expand...

I know exactly what you mean. The dresses I have bought are quite plain, and have no under the bust, or waist, they are basically just up and down plain. I can if I choose add a nice belt to dress them up a bit, or leave them as they are, just plain but comfy. So far it's working out well and my no bum but bump do look more in proportion. They're not of course, but they look it and that suits me fine until I drop another dress size and my trousers fit bum and bump. :lol:
 
Defren,
sometimes mail order fashions are "smaller" for label and the fashion ranges such as "New Look" are smaller.
You and I should get together. I'm 2 sizes bigger top than bottom. Always have been! Chain store and supermarket sizes are generous as are some styles from M&S
Hana
 
I am a skinny granny and my grand daughter is getting married early next year and I am dreading trying to find something really nice to wear, because I am a size 8/10 all the clothes are trendy (as in long but very low or ok at the top but barely covering knickers)I really would love to wear a dress but it looks like blouse and skirt at least I will be able to fit top and bottom seperately :oops: That doesnt sound right but the ladies will know what I mean
CAROL
 
Hi Carty, have you tried Wallis clothes? I get a lot of work clothes from Wallis, they are classy and a decent length etc. Also Debenhams Classic collection is pretty classy too.

How nice to have something so special to look forward to!!
 
hanadr said:
Defren,
sometimes mail order fashions are "smaller" for label and the fashion ranges such as "New Look" are smaller.
You and I should get together. I'm 2 sizes bigger top than bottom. Always have been! Chain store and supermarket sizes are generous as are some styles from M&S
Hana
Click to expand...

Yes we should get together Hana, we might be able to organize a decent wardrobe :lol:

I have bought some long length sweaters that I can wear tights or leggings with, and more dresses. I can be pretty comfortable in these, and they will be fine with a belt when I am smaller.

One thing that really was funny, I had cleared out a lot of my clothes, got rid of the ****, sent more to the charity shop, and only kept what I though fit now or was smaller. I popped on a pair of saved PJ's that for some reason I thought were fine, and as fast as I pulled them up and stood up, they fell down. More in the charity shop bag. :lol:
 
Reading this thread and just thought....have we got any fashion designers / dressmakers on here? Maybe it would be feasible for someone to start up a clothing line for unconventional sizes ie: bigger tops & narrow hips or narrow shoulders & larger hips. You can get petite clothes or big man's sizes etc but is there anyone that caters for those that don't fit the traditional 10, 12, 14 etc?

Regards
Angie
 
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