Sizing

[Kevino19]

Hi guys, I was wondering if anyone else has this issue ? I've bought several skirts, all size 20 but I am amazed with regard to the difference in the actual size of my skirts. It seems that a size 20 can be from an 18 to 24. I feel for women in trying to get clothes to fit them with all of these differences.

[crfriend]

This is a common gripe amongst women as well. As my late ex- put it, "It's down to trial by fitting room."

By the time one gets done with "vanity sizing" and the entirely uncontrolled Asian "sizing" one never knows what one will get.

[Jim]

The sizes on the label mean almost nothing.

I carry a tape measure in my belt pack next to my wallet. Skirt sizes that fit run from 4 to 14 or 16, small to XL. And dresses are worse. You need to know both your waist and chest measurements and check both. Of course, if you can try it on in the store, that's best. My thrift store, where I buy almost all my clothes used, doesn't allow it.

[JeffB1959]

The difference in fit when it comes to skirts, regardless of the size listed on the tag often boils down to the type of skirt. If it has a stretch waistband, the fit will be better because it has extra give, however, if the waist is fitted, there won’t be as much give, if there’s any at all. Yeah, the best way to find out if something will fit is to try in the store before you buy, but, if that’s not an option, do so at home, but keep your receipt if it doesn’t fit and you return it for a larger (or smaller) size. I’m currently a size 12 women’s, but I’ve developed a knack of eyeing an item, be it a skirt or dress and can determine if it’ll properly fit. And, as also has been mentioned, keep track of your measurements so you’ll know what size will work best for you.

[Myopic Bookworm]

Sizes are crazy: I always try to shop with a tape measure. Waist size is sometimes deceptive because a skirt may fit higher than trousers. One of my early purchases was a second-hand skirt labelled as "16", which is one of my tighter fits, and that misled me as to my likely size; on two occasions, I've had to exchange or replace size 14 skirts with a size 12 (Next and Superdry). Now, I reckon I am usually a UK size 12 in skirts, but a size 14 in dresses because of my chest measurement. Shoe size are also a bit tricksy, and I usually rely on European sizing: provided that the width is OK, I take a size 43.

[phathack]

I buy all my clothing online.
I have a group of stores I go back to over and over again and again.
Usually they are consistent between items of the same brand.
My target is a size 24 which comes out like this
Skirts and other Buttom's
Size 3 at Torrid
2XL - Old Navy
3XL - Venus, Amazon The Drop
5XL Amazon China brands - I limit these because of the long shipping lag.
I ordered a custom printed USA 4th of July dress in April with a target 1st wear date of July 4th. Its a 5XL and should fit like an Old Navy 3XL. I have a couple of other dresses from them and they have been size consistent unlike some brands where the size goes up and down depending on what color you choose.
Some dresses 3X or 4X depending on the style of the dress, Snug vs Baggy fit.

[KeithWearsSkirts]

There are a number of videos on YouTube addressing the lack of consistency in sizing for garments marketed to women.

If trying a skirt on in a changing room is not an option in-store, then, if you wear something relatively close fitting, you can try a skirt on right over the top of what you are wearing.

Many of my skirts are from Etsy vendors who allow me to provide my measurements and have the skirt made to fit them.

I recently purchased a denim skirt from Levi's online. I had previously tried on other Levi's skirts in department stores and found the sizing very inconsistent across different skirts by the same brand, they are certainly not standardized to their jean sizes. The web page allows one exchange for size purposes but, if at all possible, I would recommend trying on Levi's skirts in the store before buying. Conveniently, stores like Levi's sell clothing for men and for women from the same store, solving the changing room problem. (Happily, mine fits.)

At department stores like Macy's, I habitually carry clothing from the women's section to a changing room in the men's section, usually one floor to another.

I have had mixed results with the "True Size" database tool available on some online retailers, often because I lack an ideal reference item. Curious how it has worked for others.

[denimini]

If buying online I will ask for measurements it they are not already supplied. If in a store I will get out my trusty tape measure.
As already mentioned, generally same brands are consistent so if you have one that fits it is a safe bet that the same size in that brand will also fit.
I have two very similar styled pleated skirts with pockets of different brands that fit well. Normally I take a size 10AU/UK but the Cotton-On is a size 8 and Supre is a size 12.
Imagine if car tyres were so varied between brands or shoes for that matter.

[DrFishnets]

As I am overweight just now, I fit into a UK size 20 to 24 in skirts and dresses. I can get away with wearing a size 20 to 22 if the skirts have the elasticated waistband but with skirts and dresses that fastens with a zip I have to go up to a size 24 to 26. If I was a normal weight my skirt and dress size would be a UK size 16 to 18.

[petieken]

I'm a newbie when it comes to skirts, however, I too found out that the sizes are all over the place.

Another issue I have is the hip to waist ratio. For men this is usually less than with women. I found that either the waist fits right, but the hips are too wide, or the hips fit right and the waist is too small.