Dress sizings...

[CommonFlirtyLooksAboutThirty]

I know, I know, they're crap!

My measurements are currently 38-29-39 and on the way down (woohoo!) But clothing is a nightmare.

I have no idea what size I'm supposed to be and I don't find online sizing guides particularly accurate.

Plus, just getting anything to fit is a pain. All my dresses seem to he jersey wrap dresses otherwise they're too tight/too loose somewhere or other!

Anyone else have this problem?

Oh and any suggestions for how to overcome the fitting problem would be gladly received.

In many brands, you would be a 12 on the bottom half, or a 10 in some. I suspect you need a good 12-14 on the top.

I tend to wear size 12 jersey wrap dresses but anything is restrictive.

I don't like rigid fabrics because I have 'sensory issues' and they feel awful!

But if I could get something that fit properly, maybe that would help. I just never feel I look 'nice' or well put together, tbh

Just to add, my waist and hip measurements are the same as yours, and all of my skirts and trousers are 12s and 10s, but a 38 bust is usually a 14 unless there is stretch ( and with a small waist, you don't want to be hiding that).

Perhaps I just need to try harder... I think I've just got comfortable with what i wear and am not trying enough of a variety.

I hate clothes shopping and trying stuff on!

I tend to avoid trousers because my hip measurement is more bum than hip. And imagine bit self conscious of it!

Oh and any suggestions for how to overcome the fitting problem would be gladly received

I have a bigger bust than my dress size, if you see what I mean. So, with some clothes, dresses, usually, I buy too big and alter to suit.

^^^ Excuse the comma pandemic.

The problem with women's clothing is that even when the size guide gives actual body measurements the clothes themselves are often different from that and obviously that varies even more with the fit of the item, i.e. a fitted style is less forgiving. I am a 14. Except lots of tops - whether t-shirts or other styles - fit better in a 12. Possibly because I've got narrow shoulders? I'm pear shaped and short waisted which definitely limits what styles work as in order for things to fit on the hips that can often mean they are too big on the top and in some styles the waist is in the wrong place for my body shape. It's a minefield and with not being able to go clothes shopping at the moment it can takes ages to get things that fit well. I've found reviews helpful, but you're reliant on those who post reviews being truthful about their own measurements.

Forgiven!

I've ordered a couple of dressmaking patterns tbh - I thought I'd have a go at making a few myself to measure.

I have a friend who is into dressmaking and he said that dresses off the hanger are generally made for a C cup which is part of the problem. He said that even when you buy a bigger size, they generally only widen the bust area rather than deepening it.

Another reason why I prefer the stretchy wrap dresses I think.

I have very wide shoulders and back, a small waist and narrowish (athletic looking) hips. I wear a size 14 in dresses generally, though I fit 12 trousers better. Sizing slightly up often has the unexpected bonus of making you look slimmer.

wowfudge that's what I'm finding too I think.

My shoulders and hips are equal but it it fits on the top/hips, the waist gapes.

Men don't seem to have these problems!!

borntobequiet

I feel I just look like a bag lady most of the time 🙄

You may be better off going for separate rather than dresses, so you can emphasize your narrow waist and slim hips, whilst also allowing for your bust.

However, I think you're on the right lines with wrap styles, as they can be very flattering for larger busts.

A dress like this from Debenhams would probably suit your shape:

www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_62035+HS008345_-1

Also, consider wrap top jumpsuits, especially ones with adjustable waistband, as they will also flatter (try both 12 and 14 to see what works best):

www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_62035+HSWJ44335_-1

My sister is a similar size to you and she looks great in both of the above.

Most places do publish measurements for what measurements e.g. a size 12 should fit but in my experience they don't bear much resemblance to the actual size of the clothes.

Some of the vanity sizing is ridiculous. I still wear a pair of jeans I bought in 1988 (to do the garden!) which are size 14. In Next today I wear an 8-10!

I've got very similar measurements to you, OP - 40 29 38. I wear a size 12 top and bottom, and in dresses. I've got a few size 10 tops as well. I'm 5'7". I've also got sensory issues thanks to ASD. I just stick to jersey stuff!