Women's Sizes Question

Hi - ok this might sound like a dumb guy sort of question... because basically it is. But here goes... I don't understand women's sizes at all. Why are there just even sizes - 20, 18, 16?? Women's sizes must be really different because I see woman go from 22 to and 18 and see a big difference. But the size difference is so small??? Is that like going from a 2XL to a L in men's sizes? Just curious because I have seen other posts that post-op are talking about a 1 from Chico's. Now do some manufacturers have there own sizing systems? I am just confused and have no reference point.

John- You pretty much have the idea-a 22/24 is a 2x and an 18 is a L. I might be wrong, but I think the odd sizes are for juniors and only go up to a 13. It's just a way to distinguish whether something is made for a younger demographic. Or, when you're 15, to distinguish whether you're wearing your MOM'S kind of frumpy clothing (ewwwwwwwww grosssssss). There is enormous variation in what a 14 (for example) can be from one manufacturer to another. I like shopping at Wallyworld (WalMart) because they flattered me by having jeans in a size 14 that I can put my squishy self into! One thing I'm sure glad of is that women's sizes don't advertise to the world what size you are-ppl have to guess. With men's jeans, it must really stink to have your size on the outside of the pants for the world to see. Hugs, Susan a svelte size 14

Hey Susan - thanks for the info. I hate the fact that Levis have their size on the tag. I think they are the only ones that do that. But, the last pair I bought didn't have them on it Maybe the found some pitty for my big butt! I haven't worn jeans regularly in a long long time. They were just too hot - I loved chinos/dockers for being cooler. But now I am looking at some jeans again. As far as those size 1's from Chicos - the women I know are basically in the size 12 -14 range. So I am thinking that can't be the same size 1 that I have heard about before. That's what triggered my question in the first place. I have become a shopping fiend! It's just SO weird for me to think - I can buy something at just about any store I go to now. Yesterday, my wife and I were volunteering at an animal rescue event - it was a *****illy as we were in the shade. I am always cold it seems. So I walked into the Ross next to us and bought a hooded Nike sweatshirt for $16 - As I walked to the register I was in shock: A - that it was that cheap, B - they had a size to fit me and C - I actually did it *by myself*. I would have to have clothes falling apart and then be dragged to a big and tall store to get new ones. I hated it. Especially the dorky old salesmen saying "That makes you look 10 lbs lighter". OK, give me 5 I need to lose 50 pounds! Jeez! BTW - Great new photos on your post and in your Yahoo Album! way to go!

Chico's does have their own sizing system. Also some manufacturers sizes run big or small. Like when I was an 18 I could wear a Lane Bryant 16 (I thnik they just want to make us feel better). I am wearing a 10 in Guess right now and finally my size 16 Jordache jeans fit. It is a gamble, no matter what as a woman. That's why we have to spend so much time trying everything on. It isn't as simple as men's sizing which is exact, by inches.

Junior sizes go up to size 15.

No....now that I am shrinking...they have decided at most retail stores to have extended Junior sizes.....they now go to 23. They weren't around when I was larger and in school so I had to search the world over to find something "un-grandma" to fit me! I now wear a 14.....so far and I am shooting for a 7/8! Hugs, Terri -80lbs

Ladies go in even sizes. 14,16,18 etc (and down to a 2) Juniors go in odd numbers 9,11,13 (and down to a 1 and up to a 21 that i have seen) even though they skip 2 numbers it's only 1 size. As for L XL, etc. I don't have a clue. Whatever fits me better is the size i get. Most clothing companies have their own version of a size 12 too. It may fit like a 10 does or like a 16 does. there is no perfect system! By the way you are really sweet when you said "Women's sizes must be really different because I see woman go from 22 to and 18 and see a big difference. But the size difference is so small???" I don't know why but that is really nice to me! And kudos to you for trying to understand the world of women's fashion. Some of us gals don't even go that far! Kristin