My clients often ask, “What’s my size?” and I will be honest, I can’t give a definitive answer. Over the years the average size of a woman has changed along with the measurements and sizes that go with it. While there are similar measurements used for some sizes there is not necessarily one standard guide used by all.
From my own experience, the answer to “What’s my size?” can vary by three to four sizes depending on the store and/or brand. I can fit into a size 14 pants in one brand, a size 16 in other, but need a size 18 or 20 in yet another brand. Having said that, it’s important to keep in mind that even within the same store and the same brand you may experience different fits.
For example, I recently purchased a pair of high waisted pants along with a pair of mid rise jeans from Target. Both items were size 16 and both were from Target’s Universal Thread brand. While I normally wear a size 16, the high waisted pants were very snug on me, difficult to button, and were pulling at the seams along my thighs. When I tried on the size 16 jeans I found they were easy to button and were actually loose on me. The jeans were so loose that I was able to pull them off without unbuttoning them. Again, both pants were size 16 and were from the same brand at Target yet both had completely different fits.
So often women go to try on clothes and when the size they “believe” should fit doesn’t they question themselves and sometimes feel as though they must have done something wrong. I am here to let you know that you did nothing wrong. It’s not your body, it’s not you, it’s the clothes and the brand. The simple question, “what’s my size?” is not easy to answer anymore.
Next time, before you go shopping, take your four measurements and figure out what your body shape is. You can do this by checking out the blog on measurements or by going to the What’s Your Body Shape page at Turnkey Style.
Remember, style is not a size. It’s not the number on the scale or the size on your clothes. You can look good, feel good and have confidence no matter what the answer is when you ask, “what’s my size?” Feel free to reach out if you need help or have questions. I am only a text, phone call, or email away.