Confused about clothes sizes / measurements

[1clavdivs]

I was a size 18 for a while, but have lost a fair bit of weight over the past year. I bought a few things in size 16 a few months ago until they got too big, now am currently wearing size 14 jeans.

I ordered a bunch of tops yesterday online assuming I would be size 14 on top too. I tried them on this morning and they're all too big, so I grabbed a tape measure and took my measurements, then compared them to the brands' size guides.

Here's what I don't understand: I know the 14s I bought are all too big for me, in all the brands. But according to the size guides, for my measurements I should still be buying size 18s.

Am I misunderstanding how to do this? I mean I suppose it doesn't matter as I'll just exchange the 14s for 12s, but I'm confused and curious.

Do you have big boobs? That will up your size.

Oversized is currently in fashion. Could it be that? Clothes sizing is just very hit and miss.

Are you narrow shouldered?

For dd's christening half a century ago, the weather turned hot. MIL at that time was about the same weight as me. I lent her a couple of blouses to try and they just hung off her. The difference was our shoulders. I am very broad shouldered, she wasn't and of course isn't.

Even when I was skinny a Next blouse gaped at the front on me unless I sized up from a 10 to a 14. Whilst I'm generous of bust, I am not big busted.

Yes, huge. That might be it, but the waist measurement tells me I'm a size 18 too, even though the size 14 waist is enormous on me.

@seven201 maybe it's that.

@RosesAndHellebores not particularly no. Big boobs but not big shoulders, I don't think. So that might be part of it.