How does this sizing make sense?

[SizeWiser]

I've recently had two pregnancies back to back. I'm carrying some extra weight. Before I had the babies I was always a size 8-10. My weight would fluctuate by about 8lbs but I'd always be able to fit into an 8 (sometimes a bit more snug) or a 10(sometimes with a bit of room).

I'm now about 7lbs heavier than my 'top end' pre pregnancy weight, and have lost a lot of muscle. All of my jeans at home either don't fit or are very tight. I've been feeling really down about my weight and my body.

Today I went shopping and in both Next, New Look and River Island, a size 10 not only fit, but had room. Yet my size 10 clothes at home are so tight, and the size 8s are a definite no. Have sizes just gotten bigger over the last 2/3 years? I can't imagine I've shrunk my clothes because I don't tumble dry my jeans, though I do wash everything at 40°.

I'm both very happy but very confused at the same time. Has anyone else noticed sizes getting bigger recently?

Are you comparing like for like brands? I find Next are on the generous side for jeans. It also depends on styles and really varies between shops. I can very a 12, 14 or 16. Also in the same shop I can be a 12L but not a 12 regular...not just for length...the regular just won't do up.

Yes shops vary wildly! But yes, I have New Look and River Island jeans along with Next tailored trousers all at home, they either don't fit or are a real squeeze. But today in the shops they were roomy. It's absolutely bizarre and a real issue for my bank balance.

I buy most of my jeans the lily's and 3 pairs of jeggings in the last 3 years from m &s and they all are too tight in my normal size 10, but in store this week the size 10s fit and the 12s are too big, I wonder if they shrink after a while, has anyone else found this to be the case.

I dont really shop in River Island or Next but I have plenty of New Look jeans.
Not sure about years ago but I always size down in them now as I find NL does come up bigger.

Sizes have definitely got bigger, I am at least 1.5 stone heavier than pre children, but am still wearing the same sized clothes (not the same clothes)

Yes - some brands have made their sizes bigger, even in recent years, but it really depends on the style and brand. It varies so much, it’s crazy.

I can fit in a modern sized 12 dress with room to spare, the 14s sat in my wardrobe all too small

Im wearing size 8 jeans - never in my life have I been size 8