I keep hearing how sizes have changed.  A used-to-be size 12 is now a size 10 or whatever.  Someone who used to wear a size 8 at 140 lbs now finds they can wear a size 4 when they get down to the same weight.  You know, you've heard it here too.... sizes have changed over the years.  So tell me..... when did that happen? I've been in plus sizes for the past 16 years...... so ??


Just curious.

Ginger

 Ginger,
I think how it works is the higher your weight, the more weight it takes to lose a size. So for example, I started at 245 and wore a size 18, and now I'm 211, and I'm still a size 18 (it started tight, then my pants are now loose, but I am still an 18). But previously,I lost weight and went from 200 to 170 and I lost 3 or 4 sizes. So once you get lower it will happen!

Also, the reason someone that was 140 and used to wear a size 8 and now wears a 4, well that has a lot to do with exercise. Exercise tightens everything up, so that can account for a few sizes. 

This is just my experience.

Steph

I don't know but it is true.  I'm now in 6s and have never worned 6s in my adult life. But they are no longer standarized.  I bought some 8s at a Thrift store yesteday and they are too tight but the 6s fit fine. And I wear a PS in almost all tops but have one XL that has some spandex in it that couldn't be any smaller and still look ok.

Yes, sizes are so strange! I know I started at such a high weight, and it seemed to take forever to drop sizes - even at 100 lbs down!  I started at 30/32 - and have been wearing a 26/28 for the last two months or so. I was so scared to try any more clothes on for fear that I wouldn't have gone down any more sizes, but I have. I actually was able to get on a pair of 20's yesterday at Avenue. BUT if I were to go do that at Fashion Bug, I would probably not be able to get into them.  For me, it depends on the store...I sure wish everything was standardized since now it's just trial and error.

The sizing of clothes has actually changed (and I respectfully disagree with the person who said that muslce toning accounts for the change, especially since MANY of us don't work out...). 

I kept MANY of my clothes from when I was on the way up in weight, so I wore a bunch of 15-20 year old clothes as I was losing weight (I tend to buy classic, conservative styles rather than trendy items, so no one knew that theyw ere that old!)  I had a pair of Dockers that were a size 18 that I was wearing at the same time that I had a brand new pair of Dockers that were a 14.  I currently wear either size 10 or 12 pants/skirts (mostly 10s), but I have three skirts in my closet from way back when that are 14s or 16s that fit perfectly.

I don't know exactly when the vanity sizing happened (it was probably a gradual process, anyway), but I do know that the one skirt I have that is a size 14 that fits was purchased in 1990 when I started my regain after losing a bunch of weight after having the thyroid oblation done (for Grave's Disease).

Lora

I've totally noticed this! I thought I was losing my mind when I went shopping the other day. I fit into a size 14 and I havent even hit Onederland yet!  The last time I wore a 14 I was 150 lbs

AND different Makers are differest Sizes... i totally notice that!!! even in shoes!!! and a Womans size 18 is NOT that same as a Regular size 18... you can try on Both and the regular size 18 will be Tight as Heck!!! and the Womans size 18 will fit you exactly! its really WEIRD!

 Very true.  In the past when I weighed 165, the smallest size I could squeeze into was a 12.  Right now i'm 167 and can almost get into 8's.  They definitely have changed.

 It's all about marketing. Say you go to Wal-Mart and you fit into a size 16, but you go to Gap and you fit into a size 12. Which store are you going to spend your money at? Probably at the store that says you are a size 12, even if it costs you more money. It's all about a persons vanity. This has been going on for years. 

I think everyone is different and I think for me, it's about vanity sizing AND
exercise.  I have always shrunk a size or 2 when I really exercise and work
at it.   But....sizes have changed dramatically over the years. I remember
wearing size 8 at 110 lbs in the 70's, 80's. My measurements back then
would put me in a size 1-2 now.  Works for me!  I wouldn't spend a fortune
at an expensive store to get a smaller size of something say at Ross, but
who doesn't love single-digit sizes, however you get them!