Lost 5 stone and can't figure out what size I am!

[BeaAggressiv]

Why is it so complicated?!

All my size 22/20/18 stuff is absolutely hanging off me, I look ridiculous.

Yet I buy size 14, 16 stuff and I can't fit my boobs in it (am a very saggy 34E now)

I feel like my plus size stuff was just over sized. And now 'normal' 16s are too small in most places.

Yet I've fit perfectly in some 14 trousers (and I still have alot of weight in my belly!)

And it doesn't help that I like quite alternative things so in shops like killstar despite losing 70lbs I still have to buy a XXL, again mostly for boobs.

I bought 2 dresses from H&m in 16s... No where near fitting. I still want to lose another 2 stone so figured I would keep them.
But at 5ft5 and 10 stone 4lbs would I really still be a 16 in h&m?! Seems ridiculous

I give up

For clarification I am 12st4 now. Aim to be 10st 4 at goal.

Well done! And sorry to ask but how did you do it and how long did it take?

Sizing makes no sense. My feeling is that H&M, I have to go up a size, M&S is go down a size. Seasalt or White Stuff, usual expected size. Mad isn't it!

If you are buying online, look at chest measurements for a better guide.

I wouldn't get too hung up on sizes I have from size 10-16 in my wardrobe as I'm tall and sizing can be odd to place.

Amazing weight loss well done you

I've been buying 2nd hand bundles and bits on vinted/FB as I'm still losing weight so don't want to spend alot on clothes I won't be in long. So it's difficult to do so when I don't know what size stuff to look at.

Good idea to check out the shops website measurements though

It's taken me 7 months so far for 5 stone. My aim is 7 stone by a year.

Put simply, dress sizes in the UK are meaningless. There is huge variation from brand to brand - and even sometimes within the same brand.

I'm 5'4 and 10 stone - my clothes range from 8s to 16s.

It helps to be aware that clothes aimed at the UK market are cut for the most common UK shape - a pear - i.e. small boobs and waist, bigger thighs, bum and hips.

I'm like you - big of boob - another 34E, yet my hips are only 31 inches. Hence I need 16 in some labels for any fitted 'top' items with no stretch just to get them done up over my boobs, but if the 'fit' is around the hips - e.g. a straight dress - I often find an 8 will fit.

The only answer is to try on or check exact measurements before buying.

None of that should detract from your fantastic weight loss achievement!

No one will see the size labels on your clothes, but they will be seeing you looking so much slimmer, so keep going to your target and then accept whatever sizes you eventually find you need as part of the eccentricity of the clothes market rather than a comment on how you look.

There’s so much variation in sizes. The best you can do is try things on. Congratulations on your weight loss.
When I was a 32E I was a 12/14ish if that helps?

@ClariceQuiff

Put simply, dress sizes in the UK are meaningless. There is huge variation from brand to brand - and even sometimes within the same brand.

I'm 5'4 and 10 stone - my clothes range from 8s to 16s.

It helps to be aware that clothes aimed at the UK market are cut for the most common UK shape - a pear - i.e. small boobs and waist, bigger thighs, bum and hips.

I'm like you - big of boob - another 34E, yet my hips are only 31 inches. Hence I need 16 in some labels for any fitted 'top' items with no stretch just to get them done up over my boobs, but if the 'fit' is around the hips - e.g. a straight dress - I often find an 8 will fit.

The only answer is to try on or check exact measurements before buying.

None of that should detract from your fantastic weight loss achievement!

No one will see the size labels on your clothes, but they will be seeing you looking so much slimmer, so keep going to your target and then accept whatever sizes you eventually find you need as part of the eccentricity of the clothes market rather than a comment on how you look.

Thankyou. I really appreciate that.

I guess I am quite focused on label numbers. It feels like an achievement to get into smaller sizes but like you say, it's meaningless really.

I'd recommend Boob or Bust to get remeasured for bras. With such an amazing weight loss I'd be amazed if you're in the right bra. It might also help tops fit better. Sounds like you're size for bottoms and a different size for tops

@BeaAggressiv

I feel your pain! I have lost 4 stones 8lb since last April (I was bigger than you to begin with though)

I have recently bought a pair of jeans in a size 16, and a dress in a size 20!

I go off measurement charts for buying online. The size labels don’t bother me, I’m just thrilled to be finally making these changes in my life!!

I haven't lost weight like you, but having large boobs really does make clothes shopping difficult. I can happily wear a pair of skinny size 14 jeans but give me a non stretch tailored top and I'd be lucky to get my boobs in a 16 or 18.

I was going to suggest to you Pepperberry which is the clothing side of Bravissimo but having looked at their website have realised they stopped doing clothing last year. They used to make clothes for women with bigger boobs especially where the boobs are bigger than the waist size in conventional clothing. So they were good for dresses and fitted tops. You could order in a size and then buy curvy/really curvy/super curvy version depending on how big your boobs were. People will be selling their stuff on eBay still so have a look out for them. Bravissimo still sell lingerie, nightwear, swimwear, vest tops etc, and they are the best for bras for bigger boobs in my opinion.
Well done on your weight loss. How have you done it?

Well done on your weight loss OP. That’s amasing.

Agree with other that sizes don’t mean much. I am short and just under 10 st. I wear sizes 8 -14! Next is supposed to be big sizes, but I have jeans in a size 14 which fits perfectly while I am usually a 10/12 in jeans.
One advise - go to Rigby and Peller if you can and are near London and get the right bra. I spent a fortune there, but they fitted me into he right bra and I looked so much slimmer and you might fit smaller sizes better afterwards. It really makes a difference. Best money I have spent for a long time!

Well done! I'm in the same boat. I've pruned my wardrobe right down, and am getting by with a handful of things that still work- a pair of jeans, a dress and a tunic. Several different tops, so I can ring the changed there at least!

It's likely to be the shapes that aren't working for you any more. Think again about your shape- pear, apple, hourglass- and look again at what will suit you.

I'm in a size 14 Mom jean, but a size 16 works for most things. I now need a belt on tunics and tops, as they don't sit right without.

I think there's a website you can enter your measurements and they tell you your shape.

The hardest thing I've found is bras. Took me a while to find one that copes with the losses skin around my back.

Take time- I swear the skin and fat redistributed itself after a while, regardless of weight loss. Your shape will likely change again.

Also, take collagen. I think it helps the skin cope with the dramatic changes.

If you can get to the shops I'd go on a trying on spree. No need to buy anything. You'll be able to see what suits your new figure and get a better idea of sizes for different articles of clothing and brands.

I'm a similar shape and the only style of dress I can get a decent fit in is this sort of cut.

I signed up to Vinted yesterday and was shocked to see that in their filters for sizing, a 10 is a medium and a 12 is a large! Crazy world 🤷‍♀️

I agree with other posters, sizing is so random depending on brand. I have a few different sized in my wardrobe.

Oh and really well done on your amazing weight loss!

Thanks.

Am again reluctant to spend huge amounts on bras when I still have 28lbs to lose. Am just getting by with primark/asda. But when I reach goal I will definitely invest in some proper bras :)

Well done!

Agree with everyone here that it’s so inconsistent, it’s hard to determine. I’m always a size smaller in M&S or next, for example.

You’ll always have an issue with big boobs but that’s less about your size and more about your shape so don’t let that skew your achievement!

I do plan on getting a breast lift eventually as they are just spaniel ears now. But that will be in a couple of years

@EmmaH2022

Well done! And sorry to ask but how did you do it and how long did it take?

Sizing makes no sense. My feeling is that H&M, I have to go up a size, M&S is go down a size. Seasalt or White Stuff, usual expected size. Mad isn't it!

If you are buying online, look at chest measurements for a better guide.

I had to go down THREE sizes for a seasalt jacket

OP you just have to ignore the sizing and wear what fits nicely. You'll get used to certain shops and if they come up small or generous.

Definitely go and get measured properly for some new bras. When I lost weight I was in completely the wrong size (I had tried to measure myself) and it made a big difference to how my clothes fitted once I was in the right size. I also had a much nicer shape overall.

When it comes to clothes sizes you just have to try stuff on and ignore the sizing. There doesn’t seem to be much consistency between brands.

Amazing weight loss!

Sizing really does depend on shop and your shape. I’m 5ft5 over 13 stone, 34G and wear a 14 in trousers and usually a 16 on top.

Do you do much exercise? I found this makes more difference to my shape and size even if I don’t weigh less.

Firstly, huge well done!

I honestly wouldn’t buy bundles of clothes right now with no way of knowing the fit etc. say you were going to spend £50/75to see you to your target weight… I would buy:
Supermarket jeans £15/20
Basic T-shirt x2 £12
Maxi dress £20/25
Plus either a lightweight jumper or a jersey blazer.
Sainsburys, new look, Tesco, primark, H&M are all worth a look.

It's the same for everyone , I can be a 6/8/10/12 depending on shop!
You just have to keep trying stuff on and get an eye for somethings size on thr hanger .
A lot of stuff is oversized so I size right down .
I'd say as a blanket rule I'm a 8/10 but zara for example make things so small and plus size shops14 will be very big !