Where to buy proper size 8 clothes?

[MrsRandom123]

I’m a size 8 but have noticed clothes getting bigger and last year had to buy tshirts, jumpsuits & midi / maxi dresses (basically looser fit things) in size 6. I’ve always shopped in new look & next mainly but this year all the size 6s are too big. I’ve tried 6s on in asda, tesco & m&s & have found the same. Even in jeans / shorts i’m finding 8s hit or miss with some being too big but the 6s in those are either tiny or still big it’s frustrating!

i’m not bothered by the size on the label i just want to be able to buy clothes that fit & i’m going to try taking my waist measuremenrs etc to see if that helps but can anywhere recommend any shops where a size 8 is an actual size 8 & not a vanity sizing size 6 or 8 as the shops mentioned above are in no way actual size 6s which were teeny tiny when i was growing up but sizes in general are ridiculous just now. Picked up an age 8 “baggy fit” tshirt the other day and not only was in top big for my 9 year old but i think it would have been too big for my 12 year old too! i’m not really into fashion more comfort i live in skinny jeans (i know i know) converse or boots and tshirt or jumper and in few warmer weeks we get its the crop jumpsuits or trousers, midi or maxi dresses & converse again with the no no denim jacket as well. I have boobs & hips & i’m not super skinny, i hate my arms being on show & i’m 5”4 & i just want to be able to get clothes that fit rather than look more stylish so any ideas where i can try? Thanks

I absolutely love this thread! Used to be a size 6/8 in Next, now everything is a tent. I do get stuff in New Look/H&M but sometimes want better quality and a change from that. Will definitely be checking out all the suggestions. I wish retailers would cater better for the smaller slim woman.

Boden? I'm a 10/12 but often have to size up in Boden, so I'm thinking the small sizes might actually be small?

I'd guess so. I've been a 12 my entire adult life but I'm two stone heavier now that I was in 2000. Therefore the standard size 12 has grown with me IYSWIM.

Just remembered I bought a top from Arket recently. It was true to size, I thought, but it's the first thing I've ever bought from there so generally I don't know what's it's like for sizing.

I think I’ve twice been taken by surprise by Arket sizing. Blithely ordered medium only to be swamped with fabric, and then forgot and did the same thing again.

Raey at Matches sizing is vast.

Toast have changed their sizing - apparently after innumerable customer complaints. So now I have no idea what size I’d order there.

The smallest size in Ted baker has always looked tiny to me, even when I was a size 8 in the early 2000s.

Arket sizing is all over the place. I have a size 12 trouser 4 inches smaller in the waist than a size 10 (bought the same season!). I think they’re generally small ish on the waist though so if you can visit and try on you might find something!

I'm in my 6-s and buy loads of stuff from kids department - jeans, pjs, jackets. Only casual stuff though, nothing smart or formal. Also boys socks - about 25% of the price of adult socks.