Question:
What are your waist and your hip measurements when you say you are a size 18?

I am 5'4" and when I last weighed 180, I had an hourglass figure. I wore a regular size 18 pants. My waist measured 34 inches and my hips were 44 inches. Some of you who are the same height, weigh 180 and say you wear a size 12 BUT what are your measurements? I think the clothing sizes differ a great deal from the US to Canada where I live. I feel very discouraged by these statements of being 180 and wearing a size 12. I could never wear a size 12 at 150 let alone 180. What's up with the sizes and body measurements?    — mary ann T. (posted on October 5, 2003)

October 5, 2003
Hi Mary Ann, I answered this question earlier today. I am a professional costumer. The US clothing industry changed their sizing twice in the last 12 years to jump start sales. Women who wore an 18, 12 years ago now wear anything from a 16 to a 12 depending on the maker. European sizes have not changed. To get an idea of current US size averages based on measurements, go to http://www.jcpenney.com and click on size chart. Best wishes -
   — M B.

October 5, 2003
Mary Ann, I am 5'5 and I weigh 183. I am very tiny up top now, have gone from a 46DD to a 36/38 C. I don't know my waist size, but, my hubby is 6'2 and weighs 198 and weirs a 36X43 pair of Levis and they are big on me, so, I would guess my waist is around a 32-34. I can where all 16's and most 14's, so, I understand your frustration. I also have a friend who is 5'1 and 150 and a size 6 and it BLOWS MY MIND! Good Luck. Heather Open RNY 8/15/02 - 305/183/150
   — heathercross

October 5, 2003
Frustrating, isn't it? I met a lady the other day at my support group who is 5'3 140 lbs and wears a size 6. She is tiny. I'm 5'2 1/2" 155 lbs and wearing a size 12. I know I carry a lot of muscle, but I doubt that at 140 I will be in a size 6 - a 10 maybe, but no way a size 6. I can't imagine I'll ever be that tiny!
   — Barbara C.

October 6, 2003
I'm 5'4", about 150 pounds, and wear a 14 or 16. I have a 34" waist. There's definitely vanity sizing and definitely not much consistency in sizes. You have to try *everything* on. But there's also a wide range of body types, with some people more muscular and some more flabby. I work with a woman who's about my height and weighs 10 pounds more but wears two sizes smaller--she's a lot more muscular than I am. There's also the matter of our bodies arranging themselves differently than when we were younger and thinner. All that redundant skin takes up room, and I understand that lots of people drop a size after plastic surgery. The clothing industry also seems to have largely dropped 18's and 20's from the misses size range, at least in stores, and now there are women's sizes that go from 14W on up. A lot of catalogs, on the other hand, still seem to sell the larger misses sizes. It gets *really* confusing. A 16 misses is usually smaller than a 16W. In tops, a 14-16W is similar to a misses L or XL but perhaps with bigger arms. You spend a lot of time in the dressing room, but it's SO much fun! Try not to get hung up on the numbers, they're so inconsistent that it just becomes silly. You do get to learn what works for *you*. For instance, Dockers pants tend to fit me well, but in a bigger size than many other brands. Even things like length are inconsistent. I'm best in a petite size, but some slacks in petite have 29" inseam, some have 28", and I've had to get petite slacks hemmed. That seems ridiculous for someone 5'4", but it's the way it is. I've also noticed that people have different preferences for how tight or loose they like to wear their clothing, especially tops. If you're younger and/or firmer you can get away with things much tighter; those of us who are older and/or flabbier tend to like things "comfortable"!
   — Celia A.

October 6, 2003
Hi, Im 5'5 186lbs and im wearing a size 14 misses, i think it is wonderful. Even if i get down to my goal weight of 160lbs and wear a 14 misses, im satisfied. The only thing that bothers me is is my stomach was flatter i would probably be in a size 10/12 now, but i have a big stomach to me. Good luck in your delimma 260/186/160
   — sexysag37