How do you know what size to buy?

I am wearing size 22-24 and they are getting so baggy. I know I need some smaller clothes and just cant figure out how to buy them. I mean I know there are thriftstores but when I look at the smaller size and think I cant fit in that, and I dont want to waste my money, I think save it until you get thin. When should I buy some new clothes and when will my eyes be able to tell what size I need. So should I wear my baggy clothes until they fall off? I should I guess .but it doesnt look good when I go somewhere when my clothes are all baggy.. When did you start realizing that you was getting smaller? Do you know what I mean? Love Marie

Marie, I know what you mean. I've decided I have to try stuff on. I can't tell by looking. Lori

Still can't tell by looking, I see myself as at least a 24. Buy som 18's and 20's at Good Will. When they fit, go back and get 16's and 14's. Don't let them sit too long try them on frequently or they will be too big for you. I still buy at Good Will and take several bags to donate every time I go. Now I'm buying 10's and 8's. I'm sure that's where I will stop. They look so small to me, I can't believe they fit. Have fun!

Marie! You got a new picture! I wasnt sure who you were at first!! As for knowing what size clothes to buy... Good Luck!! I am wearing anything between 10-14 depending on how things are made.. But I still find myself grabbing up 18-24 and thinking they will fit. Just yesterday at JC Pennys the sales lady had to tell me I was in the wrong section for clothes! I was horrified when she said you in the wrong area- she was just trying to guide me to the area where clothes would actually fit. The best thing you can do is try on clothes.. If you are shopping where you cant try them on, take your measurements and a tape measure with you shopping. That way you can pretty much tell if something will fit. Dont always go by size alone!! I have a pair of Levis that are a 14 that I cant keep up on my hips, but I also have a pair of jeans that are a 14 that I cant pull up over my hips!! So measure if you cant try things on! You can wear clothes as long as you want to! Noone can tell you not to wear baggy clothes! having clothes that either fit me or close to fitting make me feel much better when Im in public.. At home- Im still wearing my 4X sweats and tying them tight to keep them up!! I look like a clown, but its quite comfy!! Good luck with your shopping.. Let us know how it goes Amber

LOVE the new pic Marie!! Like Amber I thought I had hit the wrong thread..I had to do a double take!! WAY TO GO GIRL!!! I cannot wear my 28 shorts anymore I look horrible in them. I wore my 22's to school the other day and those babies were tight but I got them up and zipped. I bought some 24 capris and the zipper is broken so I have to take them back and I bought a 2x shirt to go with them that fits up top but too tight on the belly so I'm saving it. I am bascially wearing one outfit/ a 30-32 shirt that is too big and some 26 capris and I keep apologizing to everyone for always seeing me in the same outfit. I told my son's teachers on Friday I know you guys keep seeing me in this outfit but it's the only one that fits and I explained that hubby said no new clothes until weight levels off and they said we'll throw you a party when you get your new clothes. We all giggled but I was still embarrassed. Here we don't have ANY plus sized clothing stores. I mean we have Macy's and stores like that but no speciality stores. I've tried Goodwill but can't find any larger sizes. I'm not giving up though. I have a neighbor who had her surgery last March and she has given me some 16's, 13's and I think maybe one 18 so I can wear some of that. I've picked through it. I think it will be a good while before I'm in 16's. When I went into Ross looking for clothes I automatically went to the 28's and 4x's it was strange looking at 24's and 22's. I was like what size should I buy??!! It was the strangest feeling. I can't wait to be digging through the 14/16's!! I think we are all stuck trying on dozens of outfits to find ones that fit just right. It's a plus though because we can actually ENJOY trying on clothes for the first time!!! Hugs, Jamie