AnnieP Posted May 15, 2007 Share Posted May 15, 2007 I hate clothes shopping at any time, and tend to do all mine via the internet but today I am really cross. Just taken delivery of some stuff from Next and another delivery from Joe Brown's. The Next stuff fits fine: (Size 14 bottoms and size 16 tops). The Joe Brown's trousers (Size 14) don't touch me and I made the fatal error of not checking what their "Large" tops actually are: Turns out they are size 14-16 and I can't even get the T shirts over my head! I HATE having to send stuff back, and why oh why do they insist 14-16 is LARGE? What IS the average top size of women in Britain? I bet its not 10 -12. Surely whatever it is, THAT should be classed as medium? Thanks guys. Rant over. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Couperwife Posted May 15, 2007 Share Posted May 15, 2007 I am totally with you there. I am a pear shape - size 14 bottom and 12 top. however, if I go into some shops im a 16 top. Couperman get really annoyed with me (wont shop with me - actually just wont shop at all ) cos i have to try absolutely EVERYTHING on. One shop I go into (bon Marche) Im actually too small for their small size, but other shops, im actually too big for the Large. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Looney Posted May 15, 2007 Share Posted May 15, 2007 I find no consistency between sizes in different shops. And why oh why do they assume if you have a comfortable sized bottom (i.e. you'll never be uncomfortable sitting down! ) like me, do they also assume that you have a huge waist? I'm sick of having inches to spare around waist bands of trousers. A dressmaker told me I have a hollow back....which translates as having a big a**e! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlottechicken Posted May 15, 2007 Share Posted May 15, 2007 I have a lovely Joe Browns top which is sized as a medium, but measures just 16 inches from armpit to armpit. I also have a size 16 jacket which just about fits, but size 10 tops from BHS are more than generous! I also get exasperated by the size of waists on clothes too, I am long bodied and the hipster look does not suit me I now tend just to pick things up and measure with my hand span, which I know is 8 inches, and I always carry it with me , or hold bottoms to you and see if they match the side seams of whatever you are wearing, so find out what the actual measurement is that way. I mainly buy in charity shops so these methods are useful, I gave up buying online recently as they fail to give actual measurements. QVC are good though, they give all measurements even the length of tops, which I find really useful. It's a mad world Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted May 15, 2007 Share Posted May 15, 2007 .............I just wish I could fit into a 16 in anything Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlottechicken Posted May 15, 2007 Share Posted May 15, 2007 .............I just wish I could fit into a 16 in anything If you could find the shop that sells the proper size 16s Sarah, you probably could! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bronze Posted May 15, 2007 Share Posted May 15, 2007 well according to debehams site I'm a size 12 bust, a size 10 waist and size 16 hips. No idea what size dresses I should buy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted May 15, 2007 Share Posted May 15, 2007 I agree with you all. I hate clothes shopping Haven't a clue what size I am in trousers/jeans. In McKays I buy a 14, other places it varies between 16 and 18. Ordered some from La Redoute the other week and couldn't even get into the the 18s Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted May 15, 2007 Share Posted May 15, 2007 I tried on a pair of size 18 jeans the other day, and they fitted perfectly apart from around the waist, where there was several inches of spare material.......when I showed the sales girl, and asked if they did other 'fits' she replied, 'yes, fatter ladies tend not to have a waist, you're quite strange'........ compliment or insult, do you think?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubereglu Posted May 15, 2007 Share Posted May 15, 2007 Clothes sizing is so stupid. Take New Look for example-you'd have to be a size 6 to fit in their size 8 stuff and the trousers are really stupid. I take it they're based on 'AVERAGE' people, however no one is an average size, therefore none of it's the right shape on everyone! Same with shoes! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Looney Posted May 15, 2007 Share Posted May 15, 2007 I tried on a pair of size 18 jeans the other day, and they fitted perfectly apart from around the waist, where there was several inches of spare material.......when I showed the sales girl, and asked if they did other 'fits' she replied, 'yes, fatter ladies tend not to have a waist, you're quite strange'........ compliment or insult, do you think?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted May 15, 2007 Share Posted May 15, 2007 Annie. I think Joe Browns stuff IS small in general. I love their catalogue clothes but they never stock any big sizes. My husband has lots of their stuff and their clothes are always on the small side. Its them and not you - so dont worry !! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popcorn Posted May 15, 2007 Share Posted May 15, 2007 OOOOOOOOOOooooooo Annie - I'm with you 100% I have no idea what size I am since having Stefan. I have clothes that range from a size 16 to a size 20. The actual size of the clothes doesn't bother me so much, I just wish there was a consistent 'standard' size 10, 12, 14, 16 etc so I know where I am and can order things that actually fit from various places, rather than the same place as you get used to their sizing. The other thing that really bothers me, is when you try something on in the shop and it fits perfectly, but when it's been worn a couple of times it goes all big and baggy and out of shape. Good to know we are all singing from the same song sheet I guess.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Basset Posted May 15, 2007 Share Posted May 15, 2007 OOOHHhhh, I so agree. I have such a wide range of sizes in my wardrobe. My gripe is also trousers -- when they fit my (very large) hips, there is so much slack around my waist. Gina - I love the name Stefan. It's also my brother's name. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bronze Posted May 15, 2007 Share Posted May 15, 2007 OOOHHhhh, I so agree. I have such a wide range of sizes in my wardrobe. My gripe is also trousers -- when they fit my (very large) hips, there is so much slack around my waist. exactly my problem Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Frugal Posted May 15, 2007 Share Posted May 15, 2007 And me . I HATE buying trousers now the sizes are going up and up . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popcorn Posted May 15, 2007 Share Posted May 15, 2007 Gina - I love the name Stefan. It's also my brother's name. Thank you. We love it too. It's a lovely name for a boy! .....back on topic....... .....and trousers these days never accomodate short, plump legs either.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AmandaR Posted May 15, 2007 Share Posted May 15, 2007 (edited) I can so relate to all of you! My wardrobe consists of clothes ranging from size 10 to size 16 I also have a problem of having no waist - I'm a straight up and down kind of girl and have lived my life with a belt round my bottoms pulling in bunches of excess material. I have the same issue with buying clothes for my daughter. I danced the day I discovered adjustable waists but have found that they tend to stop doing them at around age 10 sizing. The poor love has no waist and legs up to her armpits (I'm sooo gonna hate her when she's 18 ) and all her trousers and skirts have 2 pleats digging into her where I have had to mock up gathering in an inch either side. But what can you do...you can't exactly walk round naked, can you (at the thought). Edited May 16, 2007 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted May 16, 2007 Share Posted May 16, 2007 Phew, I thought it was just me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnnieP Posted May 16, 2007 Author Share Posted May 16, 2007 Phew, I thought it was just me What? Walking around naked Debs???? Thanks one and all: You've cheered me up. All stuff packaged up and ready to return, but I'm so as I really liked their clothes. I MUST go on a diet..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gallina Posted May 16, 2007 Share Posted May 16, 2007 Spare a thought for people who are an unusual shape and tall as well! It's absolutely desperate. I am 5' 11", which doesn't seem all that tall to me (perhaps because my son is 6' 6"). But since M&S stopped doing their extra long clothes there is nothing in Oxford to fit. All trousers are out, as I have a 36" inside leg; and the waist of dresses comes about four inches too high. I wanted a dress, so took the train to Reading to visit Long Tall Sally for the first time, and they said, "Sorry, we don't have any dresses at the moment." I won't go there again! As for shoes, there is just one shop in Oxford that sells just one pair of ladies' shoes in a size 9, so I can only have the one style, ever. A final moan: my son was so tall that he went into mens-wear at age 9, and I had to start paying VAT on his clothes. I haven't even started on my shape.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted May 16, 2007 Share Posted May 16, 2007 Gallina,have you ever tried Evans for shoes? I think they go up to a size 10, & have some really nice styles Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted May 16, 2007 Share Posted May 16, 2007 Like Debs, I'm glad it isn't just me either! My faithful old, cotton trousers ripped across the thigh when Jazz jumped up at me over the weekend - I need some more straightaway........ When I go into Stratford this morning, I shall drive up Bridge Street, round the island and back down . If there is a space then it is meant for me and I shall have to go to M&S to see what they have. I'm not looking forward to it I 'like' M&S because they do have the different lengths and don't assume that just because you are a size 18 that you are over 6' tall. I'm fed up with shortening sleeves and trouser legs with clothes from elsewhere Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted May 16, 2007 Share Posted May 16, 2007 Boys have problems too! Just because I have a *coughs* slightly larger waist, doesn't mean I'm 6'4 tall! Its not my fault I have short 'hobbit' legs! Annie - you don't need to go on a diet - you are lovely! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bronze Posted May 16, 2007 Share Posted May 16, 2007 I am 5' 11", which doesn't seem all that tall to me (perhaps because my son is 6' 6"). But since M&S stopped doing their extra long clothes there is nothing in Oxford to fit. All trousers are out, as I have a 36" inside leg; and the waist of dresses comes about four inches too high. Theyve stopped doing extra long? Can I swear now. I got all my trousers from their cos they were the only place that vaguely fitted. I'm 5' 11 too Gallina doesnt seem tall to me either (husband is a shorty at 6') Long tall Sally are horrible. they assume because you are tall that you'll have a really long body too so I look like a clown in their stuff with a really baggy crot ch area Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
