What size am I really?

I've been fortunate that XL works for me in either gender.

But it helps to know your own dimensions, as many sites offer comparison guides. However my latest shopping visit, the staff allowed me to try on some cropped jeans. I thought I was a 22, but ended up being a 20.

With the briefs, you may not have paid attention to which aisle you were in or thought you were buying a matching style or cut.

Hi Wilma,

You’ve entered the dilemma that most face.  Sizing can be all over the map.  As you found out it’s best to try things on as some clothing runs larger and others not so much.

Alice

Wilma, I have found that most clothing is made to a set standard, but it is only standard to that particular manufacturer.  But that is not even true all the time.

For instance, Secret Treasures panties at WalMart are displayed on two different cube style display racks.  But, if you look close, they each use a different sizing.  I usually wear a size 9/XXL in bikini panties.  One line is 'true' size, but XXL in the other sizing is a 12 -14 and just too big.

Learn your measurements in metric and inches to be sure, but also try things on if you can.  It takes a bit of trial and error, but it is learnable.

PaulaF

Each brand sizes differently. It's common. The same (unfortunate) phenomenon occurs in shoes

Wilma, yeah, it's annoying all right. Why can't they all just use standard sizes? Some jeans brands do use women's waist measurement, just like men's. And that's nice, but then it still depends on the rise for how big I need to go anyway. Ugh. I just have to be able to try stuff on if I want to be sure it will be a good fit.
My top dresser drawer is the lingerie drawer (and socks). But, I'm pretty sure I have more panties in the bottom drawer of stuff that doesn't fit me right, so I don't wear them.
Birel

Hi Wilma It is defiantly a learned skill Learning can get expensive if you are not prepared to wait in the return line . It has been said already know your body measurements and your body type. That is just the beginning. It is something you do have to learn in order to happy with your purchases. It always amazes me when i find something I love and it actually fits it a cause for celebration ha ha. It does get easier for sure. Once you find your fit and the type of clothing you enjoy wearing then you will need more closet space. Many have said already SHOES!!! OMG . Its so much easier to be a man but not nearly as much fun as presenting as a woman. Its work that is for sure but fun work.

Luv Stephanie

The problem with underwear is that you can't return the item and will end up with a banana in a carrier bag rather than a peach wrapped neatly in cling film.

If you shop online it is difficult and I do buy online a lot. I would never buy from a supplier that doesn't give a size guide. Fortunately a lot do this and I have found that I have rarely been disappointed. After a period of time you may get a supplier you are happy with and buy from them as I do. That's not to say that I had the same issues as you have until I found my go to supplier in underwear.

I buy most of my clothes in the shops and the differing sizing was always an issue. I have created my 'Rule of the thumb'. I open my palms and measured the distance between my thumb and little finger which is 8". If I see a skirt I like I will open both hands and put my thumbs together and go across the band of the skirt and if it is the length of my hands it fits. The skirt will generally say a size 12 but could be a 14 or, in rare cases a 10! For a dress I do the same across the bust and if there is about 4" left over it fits. That is a 12, 14 and even a 16 on the label. I occasionally buy underwear but can size it up in the shop.

As Lisa says, welcome to the world of women. That's why they order a couple of sizes of the same item to try on and return the ones that do not fit. I will take a couple of sizes into the changing room just in case.

Try to find a brand you can trust and stick to them - Good luck.