Need some help on clothing...on the border between "regular," "plus," and "tall"

[sarahc]

Hey there,

So I am starting to buy clothes for the first time ever, and I'm starting to realize why women's clothes sizing is weird. I am 5'11" and 195 pounds (I've lost 30 pounds in the last 4 months!)

I'm generally a size 16 (I think) but here's is what I have found:

1) You really need to look at the measurements - don't look at the sizes - I can be 14-18 in regular.

2) It depends on the label whether I should be shopping in the "regular" section, the "tall" section, or the "plus" section, and so I have to keep hopping around to see whether there is a tall session.

3) The more stylish the label or store, the more likely you are "women's" or "plus", and that means I'm probably a 14W.

4) I have significant "tall" issues. Not only am I 5'11" but I also have short legs, which means I need short pants. Not all pants have short inseams (although pants can be hemmed, of course). And I'm not sure with my short legs, should I be buying tall dresses/skirts or regular dress/skirts?

All this complexity means it's a lot of work to find right-sized clothes. I wish stores would just give up "sizes" and do what men have which is just have measurements (especially for bottoms). That way you can search and find the clothes that fit you more easily.

But I've concluded that that's not real life, and unfortunately, I'm doomed to waste hours trying to find right-fiitting clothes. Is that right?

Also, one last question, for those of you who are on this border between "regular" and "tall,; (5'10"-6'0), do you find it easier to shop online or in stores?

[Faith]

I relate to your whole post, I can answer this one though:

Also, one last question, for those of you who are on this border between "regular" and "tall,; (5'10"-6'0), do you find it easier to shop online or in stores?

I'm 5'10", long waist and legs. I've found nothing online that fits on first purchase, I had to return and refit. Typically for me it's the tops. My broad shoulders means bigger==blousy and I've lost shape. My longer waist makes 'normal' sizes short in the waist.

I only shop local and try them on now. I hate the 'shop, order, anticipate, doesn't fit, return/swap, try again"

[sarahc]

Yeah, I thought about the "blouse-y" problem, as I am long-waisted as well (fortunately, some of my height comes from my very long neck), and that's why I'm staying away from fitted tops for now.

Also, given my short legs, I'm going with high-waisted trousers, which hopefully will help with normalizing the look of how tops fall at the waist. We'll see....

The benefit of long-waisted, however, is that it does make you look shorter (which is helpful for us!). A few times I have had friends ask me how tall I was and I tell them, and they think I'm 5'8"-5'9". But when I actually stand next to them they realize I am actually 5'11".

[Virginia]

I've concluded that that's not real life, and unfortunately, I'm doomed to waste hours trying to find right-fiitting clothes. Is that right?

Yes, depending on how important it is to have a wardrobe of stylish and well fitting clothes.

I 5'11" but I also have short legs, which means I need short pants. Not all pants have short inseams (although pants can be hemmed, of course). And I'm not sure with my short legs, should I be buying tall dresses/skirts or regular dress/skirts?

You may find Petite sizes fit your better.

All this complexity means it's a lot of work to find right-sized clothes. I wish stores would just give up "sizes" and do what men have which is just have measurements (especially for bottoms). That way you can search and find the clothes that fit you more easily.

Mens clothes are no easier, you just happen to be used to them. Sizes are based on current fit trends, baggy versus fitted, and rise so "Measurements" are very little help as to whether a person likes the way they fit. Boys, Young Mens, Mens and Big & Tall are our equal to Girls, Juniors, Misses, Womens/Plus. I'm not Big or Tall and usually wear Boys size 20/XL, Mens 30/31's/Small and Young Mens 32/Medium in pants. Shirts are tricky. I buy Mens Small but stick with Mediums in Young mens. I can't wear Boys because of my boobs. Of course no one ever mentions sleeve length except for dress shirts, so I have to try everything on because I have long arms.

[sarahc]

You may find Petite sizes fit your better.

Interesting...I had assumed that the problem with petite for dresses and skirts is that the overall length would be too short (because I'm 5'11)...but I can see if you got a midi or maxi dress, it might work. Is that what you mean?

[Virginia]

I was referring to your having short legs. In fashion and clothing, a petite size is designed to fit women of shorter height than the average so they don't look childish/immature wearing girls clothes. It's worth a shot. I'm 5'10" and alot of things my female alter considers tops can be worn as short dresses for shorter women. Forget sizes and wear clothes that please you.

[Harley Quinn]

I'm 5'11.  Stay away from sun dresses... unless you wish to wear them like a long shirt.  lol. I prefer "in store" shopping for fit and fabric texture.  Things you can't tell by shopping/buying online.  After a bit, you'll find the brands that fit you best.  I can't really relate too much to the "short legs".  I have to deal with long legs...  However, there are going to be some good boutique jeans companies.  Here in the states, Buckle is a good bet for fitted jeans (they offer a hemming service as well).  They also use the measurement system.  As for the many hour hunt for clothes... Yes. Until you find your "go-to" brands you're pretty much stuck with the hours and hours of clothes hunting.  When you're looking at "tall or regular" skirts... It's going to be a craps shoot. However, most will list their hem line.

[Gertrude]

Look at the length of dresses and skirts if provided.  44-47 is considered midi length dress, but for me, 46 is about mid knee. Midi would be 50-52 for sure. I hate when descriptions say mid calf or knee length. For whom? If you want clothes for you, try eShakti. Also, jc penny has tall and the Liz Claiborne is decent. I got a sheath and blazer in tall and it works better for me than men's clothing.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[sarahc]

I hadn't heard of eShakti before, but I went to the website and.....

I LOVE THEIR STUFF!

It's reasonably affordable, too. Are their pieces of pretty good quality?

Thanks for the recommendation!

Sarah

[Jin]

I have to try on everything. Short legs, wide shoulders. That means 14/16 in bottoms, 18/20 in tops. Dresses I have to go with the larger sizes, flare sleeves or sleeveless. I like my hemline just above my knees so I do not have to worry about panties unless it is windy out. Shorts should be short, no 'shants' for this girl!
Half the fun is getting "the look" from other shoppers.
Once sales help determines that you are shopping for yourself, you cease becoming a pervert and become a customer.

[sarahc]

ok - it seems pretty apparent that shopping in stores totally beats online shopping. I'm not anywhere close to being able to do that, but good thing to keep in mind.

[Gertrude]

I hadn't heard of eShakti before, but I went to the website and.....

I LOVE THEIR STUFF!

It's reasonably affordable, too. Are their pieces of pretty good quality?

Thanks for the recommendation!

Sarah

EShakti will make it to your measurements


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Patty_M]

Gertrude, before you mentioned eshakti I had never heard of the site.  Thanks for your post! 

I love many of their dresses and tops and will be ordering from them in the not too distant future.  It makes me wish that there were more occasions to wear dresses.

[Gertrude]

Gertrude, before you mentioned eshakti I had never heard of the site.  Thanks for your post! 

I love many of their dresses and tops and will be ordering from them in the not too distant future.  It makes me wish that there were more occasions to wear dresses.

Occasions? Getting dressed is good enough. I've spent my whole life dressing as someone I'm not, so if and when the opportunity arises, pants will be a rarity.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[TonyaW]

Also, one last question, for those of you who are on this border between "regular" and "tall,; (5'10"-6'0), do you find it easier to shop online or in stores?

I'm tall  (6'2") so often need the tall sizes, which don't usually seem to be in stores.  I've had pretty good success trying things on in store and the ordering the tall size.

Sizes vary so much from brand to brand an even within a brand. Trying it on is the best way to see what works. Besides,  trying stuff on is the fun part of shopping.



Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk