Measurements for clothes size?

[Justonedayatatime11]

I'm confused and looking for help! I've put on a fair bit of weight over the past 6 months and decided to measure myself, which seems to have confused me even more. My bust/waist/hips measurements are 34/28/33, which seems to give me 3 different dress sizes. I'm 5ft 7. Can anyone point me in the direction of a reliable sizing calculator to help?

Asos have a fit calculator on there site which seems to be pretty reliable. boden used to have one but i dont now if its still available

Every retailer has different size guides, best to check the actual measurements at each place

You just have to get the size which most closely matches your measurements, usually bigger rather than smaller if you're between sizes, and look at fit - is it relaxed v bodycon and reviews which mention sizing up or down. It's more of an issue when you are looking at dresses and jumpsuits, etc which need to fit your whole body. Unfortunately there is no consensus on sizing for women's clothes so a 10 in some places can be a 12 in others, etc. Add vanity sizing and it can be a real pain getting a good fit. Having things altered is sometimes worthwhile. If you can see yourself it's not easy but can save you money when it comes to alterations.

That should read if you can sew yourself

You really need to look at the sizing chart for the individual brand. The differences are surprising, last week on John Lewis online, I found one brand that sized me as an eight and another that had me at sixteen! I am usually a size 12.

So apparently I have size 8 boobs, size 11 waist and size 6 hips. I definitely do NOT have size 6 hips, maybe size 16! Think I measured in the wrong place, like just above my hip bones? I'm more confused than ever now

This site
sizes.darkgreener.com
Gives size by brand. I find it helpful

The Online size charts never match the clothes in my experience. I measure a 12 waist and 16 hips according to the guides but all size 12 trousers fit fine

To measure your hips you need to measure round your bum at the widest point if you stand side on to a wall mirror.

Thanks wowfudge, that brings me out at size 12 hips . Clearly I'm a freaky shape. Is it even possible to shrink your hips?!

I guess it depends how much fat you carry on your bum! The gluteous maximus - largest muscle in the body - is there. Squats and lunges can help tighten up the muscle.

Just a thought, are you measuring your bust round the fullest part of your boobs or using your bra measurement? For clothes you need to measure round the fullest part.

Can anyone point me in the direction of a reliable sizing calculator to help?

I don't think there is such a thing as a reliable clothing size, never mind calculator.

I have just bought two pairs of Hollister shorts, different styles but the same size. One pair fits perfectly, the others are practically falling off when I walk.