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What is Your True Size?

By: Nancy Howard : 11/8/2008 6:04:35 AM : 550 comments

I don�t know about you, but for the past several years clothes shopping has become more of a headache than the nice enjoyable activity it once was. Sadly, for me the fun is long gone and is replaced with countless hours of frustrations. There was once a time I could go into any store, pick something right off the rack, make a purchase and go home. But not today. That would be too easy.

Like a hunter searching for his prey, I head out early in the morning just as the stores are opening while I still have the energy for what I presume to be a day long mission. After trying pants after pants, hour after hour, store after store, I find myself literally worn out heading home more times than not dejected and empty handed.

While the styles and trends do count for many of my frustrations--I am not a BIG fan of the low rise trend--just finding a size has become a chore. In one store I can easily be a size 4, in another a size 6, and yet another I could wear a size 8. And let�s not even talk about online purchases without knowing beforehand my size in a store. Why is that?

Well the answer lies within a sales tactic that clothing manufacturers discreetly call vanity sizing.

So what exactly is vanity sizing and how did it come to be?

Knowing how women are glued to being a certain size, the clothing manufacturers researched and learned that women like being a smaller size. As a consequence, the manufacturers discovered that women are willing to spend more money just to have a smaller size on a tag. In other words if you have two pairs of identical jeans with the same identical waist measurements--one store labels it a size 10 priced for $20 and another store labels it a size 6 for $50, according to the research, more of us would choose the latter just to have the smaller size in our closet. This trend is especially more prevalent in higher end stores where sizes tend to run smaller even though they are the exact numeric size as their less expensive counterparts.

Because there is no industry standard, we, as women, must succumb to the scrutiny of looking high and low for the perfect size in EACH individual store. As a result, when I find the size I can wear at that particular store, I come home and put all the data in an Excel spreadsheet. So the next time I am in search of the perfect pant, jean, blouse, etc. all I have to do is pull out my handy-dandy cheat sheet and just pray that the clothing manufacturers haven�t decided to re-vanity size their items since my last shopping escapade.

I would like to believe I am one standard size, as it was in days of my youth, but that is now a thing of the past. This is one reason why we, as women, need to liberate ourselves from the size on the tag and just buy what fits regardless of the games the manufacturers are willing to play.

Would you spend more money just to have a smaller tag on an article of clothing? How much more would you be willing to spend for that smaller size tag? Do you find it frustrating that there is no standard sizing between stores?

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Comments (Scroll to end to leave a comment)

SHEILAS71 6/6/2010 12:50:19 AM	I never buy clothes for the size, i buy them for the fit. I have had acouple of pants from different stores that were supposed to be the same size and weren't. I tried each one on and got them because they fit me but, each one was a different size. And yes i do believe that vanity sizing exists. I would never pay no more than 10.00- 15.00 for a pair of pants and it can be done and they look good. I have better things to spend my money on these days.	550
MSREMUS119 4/30/2010 3:31:18 AM	This "vanity sizing" crap is the very reason I tend to wear MEN'S jeans most of the time. My true size, however, annoys me more than the obscene(to me) waist measurement of the men's size I wear as I'm only 2 inches slimmer in my waist than my fiancee. I actually pay less for my jeans simply by buying mens jeans rather than women's of a similar cut.	549
MIEZEKATZE 4/29/2010 4:05:02 PM	Somewhere out there, there must be a store that sells clothing only according to inches. If not, it sounds like there could be a market for one! My boyfriend would love to buy my clothes, but he never knows what size I am!	548
FUTBOLPLYR7 4/29/2010 3:18:32 PM	Women are lied to enough in our culture, why lie to yourself? I would never pay more for a "smaller size" because it's not, in fact, smaller. It's the same size with a different number plastered on it. It would be awesome to have clothing measure in inches like men's clothing. I know that a lot of women don't want clothing measured in inches because they don't want others to know how many inches around their waist, thighs, bust, etc is... but again, let's be honest. People may not know exact inches, but they can see you. And with men... if your husband or boyfriend finds you attractive, they're not going to suddenly go "OMG, YOUR WAIST IS HOW MANY INCHES?!" and run away. They don't care, trust me. My (patient) husband went jeans shopping with me. I told him it would be long and arduous, but he went anyway. I am 5'10" and wear an 8-10. He was amazed at how many pairs of pants I could go through of varying sizes and styles, and how jeans were not universally flattering. Safe to say he has a new respect for a well-fitting pair of jeans. =)	547
ANGBART80 4/28/2010 12:21:10 PM	I'm extrememly jealous of my husband who can just give me his measurements, I go to the store and bring him back pants and they fit him!!!! I can not do that. I have to spend hours trying to find the right pants!!!!!!! Why can't they do that for women? Just do waist and length size?	546
DAKOTANMISTY 4/28/2010 10:27:05 AM	I think the vanity sizing is rediculous! The fashion industry is hard enough of young girl's body images.....so now they want to penalize us for wanting that size number? Totally true about no uniformed size charts for the different labels/stores. Every Christmas or Birthday, my DB has the hardest time shopping for clothes for me. One day, he shook his head at me, and said I have no idea what size jeans you wear, your dresser has 6, 8, 10, 12, 14.....which is it? I just sorta smirked and said it depends. Last Christmas, we were shopping for family gifts, and I tried on a pair of jeans, and said-here-you can give me these. He sighed and said that saves me a whole lotta hassel LOL now what size shirt do you want to go with it?	545
UMBLAH21 4/28/2010 10:22:30 AM	No way, I would not pay more for the smaller size. I do wish sizes were universal. In my closet My pant sizes range from 16 to 20 depending on the brand. Most of my pants are 18's but who know what size we really are, I guess it would be the majority out of the bunch, or we could add all the sizes and average them to creat our own size. Stupid designers, sizes should go by measurements like guys pants. 30x30 baby. :)	544
MEGLYNNEG 12/28/2009 11:05:29 AM	Thats what the store Torrid tries to do. They make sizes for plus women, but instead of being a size 24-26, their clothes say 4. The clothes there are a crazy amount of money, so I stick to DEBS in the mall where my clothes will say size 22 for $15. The only thing I had ever bought from Torrid was Lingere because I cant seem to find plus size lingere anywhere else. It's annoying when I go shopping with my boyfriend, or friends for opinions but they're all so bored and annoyed because I can't seem to find something that fits normal. I think stores should have the same sizing and that they shouldn't say size 24, if they're made small so the pants are really like size 20's. It's a waste of time for everyone and then no one wants to buy your products.	543
POSTMODERNME 12/27/2009 9:13:12 PM	No way, I won't pay more for a "smaller" size tag. That would just be trying to fool myself. It would be ideal for sizes to be standardized across the boards, but until that happens, I've made peace with just getting whatever size fits me best, whatever it may be. Besides, if it bothers me that much, I just rip the tag out! Yes, I've really done that...	542
OMAMARY 12/27/2009 4:48:54 PM	I feel foolish. I always thought I wore a smaller size in more expensive clothes because they were made better. OOPS	541
HEYNONNYNONNY 12/27/2009 4:11:05 PM	It's silly that we don't have a standard measurement system, but it's understandable that women prefer to pay for the smaller size. It's hard to lose weight, and women want to see results when they go shopping.	540
NEW_HUSKER_MAMA 12/27/2009 12:37:43 AM	I agree with Lawli56 ... make women's clothing the same as men's clothing ... instead of arbitrary sizes, make the label state what diameter of chest for shirts, blouses, etc.; & waist/inseam sizes for trousers, jeans & pants! I'm one of those women who do not have time to try on several different pieces of clothing just to find the one that will fit correctly! Most of the time I've got a cranky 5 yr old in tow & just don't want to go thru the hassle! LOL! Clothing prices have just about gotten to the point where I'd rather sew my own clothes rather than buy something off the rack... at least I know it'd fit right!	539
CYNDERWHOTOO 12/24/2009 10:38:16 PM	What is a size o, where do you go from there. No where. What is 1x 2x. I don't look at the size anymore. If I like something and its fit well I wear it. I am a large woman. I can wear anything from 13 to 16. Large to 3x I belt larger tops for a waist line and I wear jackets or shirts over form fitting shirts and pants. I usually get compliments. Size means nothing to me, it all in the way you wear it.	538
LAWLI56 12/24/2009 8:32:31 AM	I'd be much happier if they just put the size in inches or centimetres... they don't lie.	537
FITNSPARKIN 12/23/2009 8:57:47 PM	What I find absolutely ridiculous is that despite gaining 40 lbs, I can still find jeans in the same size I wore 5 yrs ago. No I don't pay extra for them, thats just the way it works. I am all for universal sizing in all clothing and I think someone needs to push for this and regulate the clothing industry sizes like medicine, etc is regulated. But when I get down to my goal weight, I want to be the smallest size possible.	536
MRSKITTKITT 12/23/2009 4:53:59 PM	No, I wouldnt pay more for that size tag.I shopped at a store a long time ago for plus size women that did away with the numbers 4-26 entirely. They had their own sizing system. 1-3. It was nice in a way because I didnt feel so huge with my size 24 tags. But the thing is I really WAS that overweight. But I think of them sometimes when I am looking for clothes now. I dont worry so much about tag sizes- but it is frustrating that different clothing companies have different sizing. I am still getting used to it. But for years I didnt worry too much because I just sat in size 22/24 and everything between those two sizes fit. Now I am experiementing because my size has gone down to between 10-12. Its fun, when you cn find the size you want quickly! But I am not investing too much because Im not at my goal. God bless-	535
JENNI92871 12/23/2009 3:41:24 PM	I have jeans in size 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, & 26 all are different names & cuts & all fit me at this time, well the 26's are a little loose LOL but the rest fit fine go figure LOL. I didn't pay more for the 16's I buy all my clothes on clearance racks ~ Khols & find a dot save alot ~ Bealls outlet. I'm thrifty with the $, but I wouldn't pay more for the smaller size tag, I have a friend who says she's a 12/14 I know she's more like a 16/18 but I see her buy the smaller size & squeeze into it. I'm at the point I no longer care about the size ( sure everyone wants to be in the single digits) but my problem is I'm short & cutting off 3-10 inches isn't the way I want to spend my free time, So I buy the ones that are more like 3 inches to long & put on high heels LOL. Basically the the pants that are soposed to stop mid way between the knee & ankle would be perfect if they were a inch longer LOL.	534
GATHERINGLEAF 12/23/2009 3:39:36 PM	No way would I spend more money for a smaller size on the label. I just pick which ever looks the cutest.	533
HISFUTUREMRSJ 12/23/2009 3:27:45 PM	Um... N.O.! I will NOT waste all that money on a more expensive (smaller size), knowing it is the same size of a 10 but I'm paying for the # it says on the tag. That's really rediculous. I think that's just simply another thing that women can use as an excuse to not face the fact that they need to LOSE THE WEIGHT! My thing is this, if I am a 10 (which I'm between a 10-12) and I desire to be a solid 8... I'm not going to buy a $50 pair of size 12's just because the tag at the higher end store says its an 8. You know? I'd be fooling myself to believing that I'm OKAY with where I am and wouldn't spend too much time actually working the weight off! My Fav store for the last 2 years is NY & CO. I LOVE LOVE LOVE their business apparel and jeans. It's like they market for WOMEN. ITs not a teeny-bopper "Fashion buggy" type store for little young girls, but it's not a one-size-fits-all type of store. Many of their clothes, I believe, fit true to size and I love the way the clothing feels on my body. I wore a true 10 in that store, and also would sometimes buy my pants in a size 12 just for a loser feel, especially because I am a high heels wearer and like my pants to fall right at the bottom of my heel to the floor. And the good thing is, you are buying your true size. Their pants may be between $36-$46 per pair, but they are worth every penny and have various styles of clothing to fit everyone's budget!	532
TIALENA 12/23/2009 5:04:59 AM	Styles are crazy! I wouldn't spend more only because of the tag size but I would if the item was comfortable and I liked the fit. Then I usually cut the size tag out. lol! But that's only because the size can do such a number on your esteem -when it really doesn't matter!	531
LEXIFAY 12/22/2009 10:24:10 PM	I will never understand the logic behind this. If it fits and looks good, the tag be damned! Sizes exist for comfort, specifically to accommodate people of different body types. There is nothing shameful in being a larger size, if that's what makes you beautiful. :)	530
LELEA3 12/22/2009 10:17:41 PM	I will spend more money on something that looks better and feels good when I wear it! Not just because of the number on the tag!	529
RARAAVIS 12/22/2009 9:30:32 PM	i HATE this! aaahhh! even when i was thinner, this was a problem since i bordered on the edge of "plus" size and "normal". now that i am a size 18, it is even worse. and my boyfriend just doesn't get it. he buys all his clothes online and usually without a problem. i never buy online because i will just have to return it. i won't buy anything unless i try it on. and i dread a shopping day. it is very exhausting. i would never spend more on something just because it had a lower size tag. no way. i don't care what the size is. it is a nice reality check for me anyway. besides, who is going to see that tag? no one. ridiculous.	528
TLSPEARS1 12/21/2009 11:40:41 AM	I have an additional problem. I am tall and most pant lengths are too short for me. So I get a double wammy. Once I find something that is long enough, then I have to make sure that they fit in the hips/thighs and waist. Then I go into sticker shock when I check the price tag. I can't wait for something to go on sale, because the tall lengths will not be there by that time. I refuse to pay more for anything that doesn't fit well and is comfortable regardless of the tag size. Yes I love saying I have some size 6 jeans but I don't pay extra for them. Unfortunately tall sizes are even harder fine in size 6 then in 8/10.	527
JHUBKA84 12/21/2009 10:57:05 AM	I really cannt say that i shop for a particular size that i want to be...i go straight for what size i know i am and go from there...that being said it makes no sense to me for retailers to do the vanity thing....but my solution to this is Lane Bryant and their perfect fit jeans......i dont even mess with other places anymore cause i just get sick and tired of leaving depressed and wanting to curl up and cry....my problem has always been that if it fits in my waist, the rest of the pant is big enough to fit another person....my belly is really my only problem(currently working on that)....so when i found the jeans at lane bryant I was beyond estatic that they fit all over, so i stick there....the down side, they are kinda pricy but i am willing to pay for both dress pants and jeans that fit me perfect....	526
NIKEIT2009 12/19/2009 4:39:23 PM	Good article and something I have noticed the past few years as well. When i was a child, my mother wore an XL or even an XXL. My was a LOT bigger than I am now at a lower weight and overall size. So, how is it I have to wear the same size as she did back then? I have started to shop in the "womens" department because most XL are not a true XL anymore. I will not spend more money just to wear a smaller size either :( I am what I am for now LOL This whole "vanity" sizing is a complete waste of my shopping time.	525
CLAIREMZM 12/19/2009 12:33:24 PM	I noticed this when I decided I had lost enough weight to move from stretchy pants to jeans. I tried on the size 14 that I had been wearing and it was so big I could swim in it! I tried a 12 and the same thing happened. I finally stopped at size 10. I KNOW I'm not a size 10! It doesn't make me feel better to know that I'm wearing a size 10 because it's not REALLY that size! It's very frustrating and insulting, I think, that the clothing manufacturers have adopted vanity sizing.	524
LIZZIE888 12/19/2009 4:49:05 AM	I have clothes from over 10, 15 and 20 years ago in my "can't stand losing you" collection and its fascinating to see how the sizes have changed over the years. I'm a UK size 16 at present - the size 16 from 10 years ago won't fit me and the 16 from 20 years ago is similar to a UK12 now - thats an 8 or so in the US. But I know I buy into this. I know the sizes are effectively random even within one shop let alone across many, but given the choice of "industry standard" I have to admit that if it meant I was a "bigger number" I wouldn't like it! The fact that I know its empty flattery and is appealing to my vanity does nothing to change this...	523
4SCOTT 12/19/2009 12:50:04 AM	I WANT MORE FOR MY MONEY SO I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE 2 CHEAPER PANTS THAN THE LABEL. BESIDES WHO ELESE SEES THE LABEL BUT YOU. I HAVE BEEN BUYING LESS EXPENSE PANTS AT LIKE ROSS OR TJMAX BECAUSE I AM STILL LOSING WEIGHT AND HATE ONLY BEING ABLE TO WEAR THEM FOR A MONTH OR SO.	522
PO_PAZZA 12/18/2009 9:50:02 PM	Wow, you hit a nerve with this topic, Ms. Nancy. Today, I bought an outfit of same-brand separates that included pants, knit top, silk jacket and a matching knee length coat. Pants, small; top, medium; jacket, medium; coat, small. Huh? The owner of the shop just shook her head. Sometimes two of the same size pair of pants come in varying lengths, she told me. I think the pattern cutters are practical jokers, giggling as they work their nefarious deeds.	521
LADYIRIS313 12/18/2009 4:24:04 PM	I'll confess .. I bought a dress once that I didn't even like, but it said "Medium" .. I've never been a medium in my life (laugh). When my husband quit smoking a few years ago, he gained about 30 pounds. I had to cut the tags out of his pants because when he saw the waist size, he WOULDN'T wear them. He's more vain than I am .. and my pal, Peter ... I do the same to clothes I send him. He won't wear the pants if he sees a size '40' on the waistband, but he wears a 40-42". What we say we believe and what we actually do are sometimes two different things, and manufacturers are aware of that, it seems.	520
HEALTHY541 12/18/2009 12:11:26 PM	While I like to see that I am wearing a smaller size I will not pay more for an article of clothing just to say I am wearing a smaller size. I go by what fits the best. It is amazing to me that 30 years ago I wore a size 14 and it fit great and I was 30lbs lighter, now I wear a size 10! It wasn't too hard to figure out that clothing manufactures/stores were up to something!	519
KITTYF54 12/18/2009 8:34:32 AM	That's one of the main reasons I sew. I sew what fits and it doesn't matter about sizes, I can take any pattern and size it to fit me with a tape measure and some extra tissue or scrap fabric. I go by whether or not the style attracts me. now whether the style FLATTERS me is another question. LOL Kitty	518
HOLALOLA 12/17/2009 11:29:18 AM	It's nice to see a smaller size, because it makes me feel good, but it really doesn't matter. I'll buy whatever fits. But I'll tell ya, now that I'm smaller, things fit more easily! The frustrating part is having to try on three pairs of every jean to figure out if it fits or not because each store or brand is different. At one point I had shorts and jeans that were sizes 5, 8, and 11, and they all fit perfectly. Talk about inconsistent!	517
TAMMYLOU96 12/17/2009 9:23:05 AM	About a year after I had my daughter, my husband and I were invited to wedding. At that point, I had lost my baby weight and then some so I went shopping for a new dress. The one I ended up with was more expensive and a size smaller than another dress at a different store I was considering. Something about putting on a smaller size made me feel that much better about all my hard work to lose weight. Someone posted about no one knows what size you are wearing. That is true, but I knew and I felt like a million bucks in that dress and that is what matters!	516
JESSBLUE22 12/17/2009 6:00:54 AM	Has anyone else noticed any 'reverse' vanity sizing? I believe some brands, in order to keep a thin image attached to their label, intentionally run small or intentionally do not carry larger sizes. One example: when I was a teenager I wore LEI jeans size 11. In the course of a year I went from being able to fit size 11 to size 13 new LEI jeans being way too small. I hadn't gained and still fit the older size 11s in my closet. I do agree with the poster who said the overall effect of de-regulating sizes has decreased size awareness. Sometimes I fantasize about the ease of men's shopping. Interesting comments, all. And props to the women who spoke up about going for the smaller label. Even though I don't think I would- I'll admit its nice to see that smaller size. Thing is- advertisers study and act on observed consumer behaviors that we might not even notice or admit to ourselves! If they're doing it 'we' as a whole must be responding with our dollar.	515
LMSTRAW 12/17/2009 1:57:37 AM	I wouldn't dream of spending more money to have a smaller size. This gets frustrating, for I have fluctuated from a size 48 jean to a 8, currently in a 10, and with all those changes, I shopped at good will or consignment shops. The older the clothes, the bigger the number. AS a women who hates to shop, this is frustrating. I usually hold it up to my husband and ask "will my a** fit in these?" He always knows :) Linda	514
WALLOWA 12/16/2009 11:18:06 PM	good article.	513
MINDHORIZON 12/16/2009 9:31:34 PM	The number of the size of my clothes really does not concern me. I know what my measurements are, and I know what they used to be when I was young and slim. I do have to admit, though, that finding the right size can be time-consuming. I usually take at least two different sizes of things into the dressing room with me. I do get a little worried about sizes because I am already down to a size 6P or even 4P in some things, and I am still some 20 or so pounds away from my ideal weight. What size will I be then, and where will I find them? Some stores don't stock 0P or 2P. My understanding is that at one time, sizing was regulated. Maybe we need to petition for them to be regulated again.	512
RIKKIELLE 12/16/2009 6:50:39 PM	I actually have to confess that I WOULD spend the extra money on the smaller size tag without thinking twice. The way I see it, if I'm going to drop 86 lbs. you best believe I want the smallest tag in my closet.	511
LINBUTLER 12/16/2009 12:42:18 PM	I am the biggest bargain shopper there is. I love clothes and would rather have more that fit than less because they are a smaller size. I am also the same way about labels. I'd rather have a "no name" label that looks good than something ugly with someones name on the tag. I buy the size I normally wear and if it doesn't fit and I REALLY like it, I will go up a size. I also try to stick to the brands I know fit.	510
SOKOLATITSA 12/16/2009 12:42:09 PM	I 've hated shopping since I was 14. The best day to make a purchase is one you are not looking for something, but just happen to see something you like which magically fits you like a glove. I do feel better when a smaller size fits me but no, I wouldn't pay more for it as I never look at the tag after buying anyway... The sizing system is indeed frustrating, as you can end up in a dressing room with 15 items "your size" and not fit in any of them. Which actually happened to me the other day, I was kinda forced into a shop with good quality clothing to get a dress for a wedding and ended up in the dressing room with 15 dresses recommended (both size and style) by the saleswoman of which i liked none and fit in just one (probably the worst of them all!). Plus they were ridiculously expensive. It was ironic, all in all, that I felt bad I couldn't wear clothes I didn't even like...wanted to laugh so much! I will definitely be sticking with stores I know my size in. The Excel thing is smart but I can't be bothered to be honest. 4 stores are more than enough to find simple jeans,black pants and tops.	509
MTRAND2 12/16/2009 10:12:38 AM	Wow.... this is very interesting. I sure didn't see that coming. Years ago - and I remember this as my biggest weight loss triumph - I wore NY and Co. jeans size 6. I will always remember that. When I think about how great I did, I immediately think of those jeans. Now I just bought a pair of Chico pants, second hand, and I saw "size 1." It baffled me at the store, but I took them, and they fit, and I figured that it was second-hand because they labeled the size tag wrong. I am like a 14 or something! How ridiculous (and interesting) that these pants that say size 1 fit me! I also hate shopping because these huge sizes in the mall are too tight. Makes me feel bad. So I guess I buy right into it. Ugh..	508
GARDENQE2 12/15/2009 7:04:36 PM	The sizing difference is very frustrating. The styles are even worse. There are only two styles available: the skimpy half-nude teen-age hooker style, and the yards of flowing fabric frumpy old-lady style. I have found a few internet sources for moderately stylish clothes for a woman my size, but then I have to buy and return until I figure out their mystery sizing. I wonder if clothing manufacturers have any real human beings on their staffs!?!	507
BON_TEMPS 12/15/2009 5:02:25 PM	I don't think there is anything I dislike more than clothes shopping. I don't care what the tag says because it's not like anyone can see it while I'm wearing my clothes! Even a few years ago before I put on weight it was a challenge. As someone who has a 0.75 waist/hip ratio and a short torso, most of the clothes I try on look ridiculous on me. Thank goodness for 'right fit' jeans! They are the only ones that fit properly. Unfortunately, they are only made in the bigger sizes so after I lose weight I may be right back where I started. Clothes shopping can easily bring me to tears, it is so frustrating.	506
DBCLARINET 12/15/2009 12:07:10 PM	I agree with the commenters who say we should size everything like men do -- in inches, with a waist and an inseam. I'm 5'8" and slim, and have actually been vanity-sized out of some stores (as in, even their XS is too big!) That just makes me wonder what someone who is 5'4" and my proportions wears! Kids' clothing?	505
DMBLUVR 12/15/2009 11:25:41 AM	I learned long ago that I need to just buy what fits. Even when I was a size 4, I realized that I was not a size 4 in every store. Now that I am a size 10-12 I need to keep telling myself that as long as I buy clothes that fit (no matter what size they are) then I will look good. i think that is a big issue with women. I see tons of women with clothes that are too tight, etc. because they don't want to buy that bigger size. Women should realize that if you just buy the size that fits you it makes you look better.	504
MARIELYNN49 12/15/2009 10:28:46 AM	I buy what fits. I always start with a size bigger than I think so I can feel great when I get to buy the lower size.	503
SMASHY1 12/15/2009 9:36:08 AM	deleted	502
WELSHPIXIE322 12/15/2009 8:50:47 AM	For the most part, I am always the same size, but my problem is that most pairs of pants (of any kind) are entirely too long for me and hemming ruins the shape of the pant leg. I am 4'11" and a size 4 and my pants are usually at least 3 inches too long. I just recently (like this past weekend) found a pair of 4 Short jeans that were flattering and not long at all. They were literally the perfect size and this was at the Limited and they were on SALE!! So I got an awesome pair of jeans for $20. But I don't think I would have spent the original price of $70 on the jeans. I am a poor college student after all. :)	501