Vanity sizing?

I do this too. I can wear a size 10, but then I look in the mirror and say to myself, "eh, I'm really about a size 14."

This is negative thinking. If I'm in a size 10, then I'm a size 10. I'm not sure why I feel the need to tell myself I'm "really" fatter than I am, but I'm guessing it's a self-esteem/habit thing.

I'm trying to get in the mindset that size doesn't matter, but I admit if I try on jeans at one store in a 10 and they fit great and another pair at another store in a 12 or 14 and they fit the same, I'm buying the 10s! lol

I could care less about the sizes. I don't remember what size I was last time I weighed 125lbs because it was well over 20 years ago around 6th grade ! ! ! I wear a size 0 in Gap jeans(boyfriend cut), but a size 4 and 6 in their other cuts, 2 in Old Navy Diva jeans the Sweetheart cut is too big even in a size 0, and a size 4 or 6 in Rue 21 jeans. I can wear an XS from Old Navy and Gap, but need a M-L at Rue 21. Charlotte Russe clothes fit me weird, and I have to try on clothes from every store because every store is different. It frustrates me to no end that there is not a standard, but I could care less what the size chart said 10-20 years ago. Today is what matters, and today, I'm loving the feel of my size 2s.

As for the BMI chart, I'm 5'2, weigh 125lbs, and look "tiny", but have huge knee, elbow, and ankle bones. My surgeon explained that my bones have grown more dense to carry my massive weight for so many years, and that is why my goal weight was 150. Most people think I'm too "thin" and look sick that knew me when I weighed 270lbs. My goal was to be healthy, not skinny or a certain size, and I've achieved that goal. Regardless of what the BMI chart says or the tags on my clothes reflect, I know that my health has improved, and I dodged several big bullets by losing my excess weight.

I am so glad to read this I thought i was imaging things..I am wearing a size 18 misses now and I last wore this size I was I know 10-20 lbs smaller can hardly remember back that far so I'm guessing, but I know the smallest I ever remember being is a size 16 and that was 40 lbs less than I am now....

Yes, the vanity sizing will drive you nuts! I wear size 8 Levis.  Yesterday at the Salvation Army I bought the cutest size 10 little wool plaid skirt (American Eagle - $2.50) as well as an Ann Taylor size 12 corduroy skirt ($2.00). The sizes might be different, but I'm developing an eye for what fits me and I'm normally on target. 

I can also eyeball something and know that it would've fit me last year when I was at my highest, I guess I'll never forget since I was that size for so long.

You gotta just let the whole sizing thing roll off your back. I buy a lot of clothes a thrift stores, and you wouldn't believe the variety of sizes that have come home with me! I can honestly say that I have been known to cut the tags out of my clothes as soon as I get them home. I have come to realize that my waist is 27 inches and my weight is 133 (today, lol- I jump between 130-140 for the past year) regardless if the tag says 4 or 14...

This bothers me as well. I am 5'5" and weight between 115-120 and I wear a 0 or a 00 if the store carries it or an xxsmall. But if you take what I wear now and my measurements (32-24-35). 20 years ago that would be a size 6. For example, I just bought a couture piece the other day that cost me well into 2K and I was a size 4.


I just wish things were uniform. It makes for buying clothes online very difficult.

I'm not sure if anyone hit on this reason for the change of size, but.....you do what you have to in order to sell more. It's all about making you feel better about yourself. I know I'm more inclined to buy more clothing if I think I'm in a smaller size. Just call me a conspiracy theorist!!