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Original poster

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

68 replies

BeaAggressiv · 26/02/2022 00:02

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

OP posts:
ClariceQuiff · 26/02/2022 10:33

Charity shops might be a better idea than buying pre-worn clothes online, as you can try on to check fit (or take a tape measure if it's easier). You can donate them back once you get to target and they're too big for you!

Original poster
BeaAggressiv · 26/02/2022 10:45

@Roominmyhouse

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.

Not started exercising yet but plan to on Monday. Joined the gym, just not had the guts to go!
OP posts:
picklemewalnuts · 26/02/2022 10:55

@BeaAggressiv don't rush the breast lift! Mine refilled after a few years. It's where I lose weight first, but eventually it redistributed from my back and hips to my bust.
A different style bra may well help- T-shirt bras with the moulded cup really helped me.
Now I'm back on lace cup bra's- 36E is my starting point.

harrumphs · 26/02/2022 10:58

Well done OP!
Re sizes there is just a huge variation between brands so I think you just need to keep trying stuff. At 11sr4 I was a 14 so I imagine if id been a stone heavier I'd be 16-18 (and I've got small boobs)
I'm buying lots of stuff online for the first time. Brand websites usually have fairly good size guides with measurements so you get some of an idea.

Roominmyhouse · 26/02/2022 10:58

@BeaAggressiv good luck for Monday then! 👍🏻

Original poster
BeaAggressiv · 26/02/2022 11:07

[quote picklemewalnuts]@BeaAggressiv don't rush the breast lift! Mine refilled after a few years. It's where I lose weight first, but eventually it redistributed from my back and hips to my bust.
A different style bra may well help- T-shirt bras with the moulded cup really helped me.
Now I'm back on lace cup bra's- 36E is my starting point. [/quote]
Noo they've been saggy since kids born. I've always wanted a lift, prior to weightloss, not its even worse. DP has to lift my boob up to find my nipples 😂 Not sexy, kills my confidence. Even if they filled up they would still be touching my belly button and looking down.

I plan to get a breast lift and tummy tuck in one.

OP posts:
BornBlonde · 26/02/2022 11:13

I know you've said you don't want to spend a lot of money on bras but a well fitted bra completely changes your shape. I think it would make a big difference to your shape and how clothes fit.

I would recommend making a fit app't at Bravissimo. Buy 2 nude bras as a start

Massive well done on your weight loss! That's amazing! I'm currently a size 20 & despite being so unhappy I cannot get motivated to lose weight. Can I ask how you motivated yourself?

A580Hojas · 26/02/2022 11:15

5 stone in 7 months? That's very fast.

Original poster
BeaAggressiv · 26/02/2022 11:19

I had a gastric sleeve after 15 years of struggles.
Best thing I've ever done. Only ever been able to lost a stone or 2 on my own then regained that with a few lbs added usually.

Gone off chocolate and fizzy drinks completely and I was a binge eater. Can't stomach takeaways. Mostly eating protein and veggies now. Very few carbs, can't stomach bread at all. Completely different person.

OP posts:
LiveFromNewYork · 26/02/2022 11:21

As PP said the high street does not cater well for those with large busts relative to their waist/hips. It's just major trial and error, finding stuff in fabrics with a bit of give and a bit more length in tops, avoiding buttons in the main. I rarely find things that suit or I want to buy. I just bought a size 6 jacket. I am most commonly a size 10 so agree the sizing is all over the place at the moment.

picklemewalnuts · 26/02/2022 11:23

That's interesting Be. Kiev lost mine via slimming world and I'm keeping it off, but hate the constant draw toward the foods I can't afford to eat. I did binge mid week because I got overtired. It's a state of constant vigilance.

Original poster
BeaAggressiv · 26/02/2022 11:27

@picklemewalnuts

That's interesting Be. Kiev lost mine via slimming world and I'm keeping it off, but hate the constant draw toward the foods I can't afford to eat. I did binge mid week because I got overtired. It's a state of constant vigilance.
Yes, that's why I struggled for so long. I have mental health issues that were throughly tied to my eating habits so I was never stable long enough to lose the weight. When my head went south so did my eating.

Now when I'm sad I can't binge. I just physically can't.
It's been a long hard road, not the easy way out its sometimes made out to be and I still find it difficult mentally but physically it's the best thing I've ever done for myself.

OP posts:
Original poster
BeaAggressiv · 26/02/2022 11:29

My brain still wants to binge, I get sad sometimes when people around me are stuffing their faces but I know that's the bad side of me that got me to 17stone in the first place and I'm better off without her.

OP posts:
ClariceQuiff · 26/02/2022 11:32

@BeaAggressiv

My brain still wants to binge, I get sad sometimes when people around me are stuffing their faces but I know that's the bad side of me that got me to 17stone in the first place and I'm better off without her.
Exactly. I think that's why bariatric surgery is so effective - people physically can't give in to the urge to over-eat.
Lineofconcepcion · 26/02/2022 11:34

@LiveFromNewYork

As PP said the high street does not cater well for those with large busts relative to their waist/hips. It's just major trial and error, finding stuff in fabrics with a bit of give and a bit more length in tops, avoiding buttons in the main. I rarely find things that suit or I want to buy. I just bought a size 6 jacket. I am most commonly a size 10 so agree the sizing is all over the place at the moment.
A good option is using your local tailor. You can buy the size that fits the boobs and have it tailored. Very much worthwhile as it results in a much classier well fitted look.
IggyAce · 26/02/2022 11:44

Well done on your weight loss. Over lockdown I managed to lose over 7st (had a type 2 diagnosis just before lockdown 1). It was a nightmare trying to judge my sizing I went from 18/20 to 10/12. I found the what’s my size useful that some websites have and found them accurate.
I haven’t brought anything as yet in H&M but from experience with my teen dd they are small fitting. Next is generous and in some styles I could probably get in an 8. M&S I’m a 10. Primark depends on style and fit some T-shirts I prefer the fit of a small others I choose a medium.

Original poster
BeaAggressiv · 26/02/2022 12:44

Wow Iggy! What an achievement! Congratulations

OP posts:
MrsSkylerWhite · 26/02/2022 12:47

We’ll done, fantastic.

UK sizing is a nonsense.
Are you still losing? I always buy in charity shops anyway but it makes sense to do the same while you’re dieting. Most changing rooms are open again, now.
I don’t even look at sizes. If I
Think it will fit, I try it on.

CPDubs · 26/02/2022 12:50

Have you checked your bra size @BeaAggressiv with BOB measurements? If not I’d highly recommend it as you may find once you’re in the proper bra clothes look better. I was wearing a 44d and found out I should have been in a 38gg and I looked so much better!

worriedmum2022 · 26/02/2022 12:54

@BeaAggressiv

Don't waste your time with I'll fitting cheap rubbish from b&m and primark it's all awful quality - spend a little more and get something decent would be my advice

CottonSock · 26/02/2022 12:56

I was also going to say check out bravissimo for bras and clothes.

Gwenhwyfar · 26/02/2022 13:04

@ClariceQuiff

Charity shops might be a better idea than buying pre-worn clothes online, as you can try on to check fit (or take a tape measure if it's easier). You can donate them back once you get to target and they're too big for you!
Charity shops are very complicated with sizes because they often categorise clothes according to the size on the label and the clothes all come from different shops originally. At least if you go to a high street shop you can get used to what the sizes are there, although it's still better to try on of course.
Gwenhwyfar · 26/02/2022 13:06

[quote worriedmum2022]@BeaAggressiv

Don't waste your time with I'll fitting cheap rubbish from b&m and primark it's all awful quality - spend a little more and get something decent would be my advice [/quote]
She's still losing weight though so doesn't want to spend on things she won't be wearing for long.

newbiename · 26/02/2022 13:07

As others have said uk sizes are rubbish.
Best to try on.
Get a decent fitting bra.

Pumpernickelsoup · 26/02/2022 13:08

I am 5”6 and at 12 stone 4 I am around a size 14 and at 10 stone 4 I was around a size 10, sometimes a 12 depending on the shop the clothing originated from. Congratulations on the weight loss, 5 stone is amazing!