Women's sizes - am I crazy?

**Wheetsin** · 12-05-2006, 02:41 PM

I always just kind of knew that 1X = X-Large. I mean, "1X" means it has one "X", and "X-Large" has one X. Just like "2X" would be "XXL", "3X" "XXXL", etc.

Am I wrong?

I really want to know.

Because this weekend, my mother and I disgreed about that (she believes "1X" is the same as "XXL") -- and THREE retail clothing clerks we involved in the discussion also agreed with her.

Their premise is that S, M, L, and XL are "base" sizes. XXL begins "plus" sizes. Saying "1X" indicates "1 size into the plus sizes", which is XXL.

lisah25 · 12-05-2006, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wheetsin

I always just kind of knew that 1X = X-Large. I mean, "1X" means it has one "X", and "X-Large" has one X. Just like "2X" would be "XXL", "3X" "XXXL", etc.

Am I wrong?

I really want to know.

Because this weekend, my mother and I disgreed about that (she believes "1X" is the same as "XXL") -- and THREE retail clothing clerks we involved in the discussion also agreed with her.

Their premise is that S, M, L, and XL are "base" sizes. XXL begins "plus" sizes. Saying "1X" indicates "1 size into the plus sizes", which is XXL.

From my experience, 2X does not equal XXL. An example, we ordered team shirts at work, and the Admin translated the 2X two of us put down as XXL. And the shirts were too small. They sent 2X, they were fine.

I do fine that XXL is about a 1X, and so on.

Sunshine2 · 12-05-2006, 02:50 PM

I used to work in retail. There is a difference in XL & 1X. XL is basic XL, 1X is womens XL. It is not the same as regular XL, it is "slightly larger", and it could be the same size as XXL, but I do believe it is slighly smaller than XXL, in the comparison I did. Its just made for a "womans size", versus misses. Most of the regular s,m,l and xl are made misses style, a little more fitting in areas, vs 1x and is less fitting around the waist (in tops) and it might be a little bigger in the boob area. But I would not say it is exactly the same as XXL.

I'll give you an example (when I was smaller, about 5 years ago), I was wearing a 14W. I tried on a 14 regular, and it was too snug, but I found the same dress in a 14W and it fit like a glove. I even tried on a 16 in the dress in the regular and it was too small, but the 14W fit perfect.

The difference is Womens clothes are made with "less" curve, they are even made different than misses. They might not be much bigger, just made different and fit better for some. Its hard to explain and I hope you understand.

DrewsLou · 12-05-2006, 03:23 PM

I have to agree with your mom on this one Wheetsin!

Jachut · 12-05-2006, 03:28 PM

Well since sizing is NEVER consistent from store to store anyway, i never even try to equate sizes. I just try on what "looks" right and dont really worry about what the label says.

XXL in Target and XXL in a big and tall men's store for example for my DH are two ENTIRELY different things.

**Wheetsin** · 12-05-2006, 03:36 PM

Damn!

:)

Alicia521 · 12-05-2006, 03:37 PM

Wheetsin - I agree with your mom. For me XXL is most similar to 1X. I actually think the 1X's might be cut slightly larger than XXL since 1X is a plus size.

Sunshine2 · 12-05-2006, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wheetsin

Damn!

:)

I know, it sucks being wrong! ;)

ousooner · 12-05-2006, 03:53 PM

Wow, I am shocked. I thought just like Wheetsin.

flabuless · 12-05-2006, 07:21 PM

Here is a good reference site... http://www.onlineconversion.com/clothing_womens.htm i use it all the time...but I don't know whether it answers your question or not..
:)

Woodys · 12-05-2006, 07:23 PM

Hope you didn't have any money riding on this Wheatsin!

Carol

**Jack** · 12-05-2006, 07:31 PM

....some foreign built stuff may be marked XXL but it ain't the same as US XXL.....don't ask how I know this....

even some US built "L" fits me while foreign (some) "XL" is tighter....

I dont' know what they do....as DW says....don't worry about the label, wear what FITS!!!!

sure....

bitteroldhag · 12-06-2006, 11:04 PM

I went shopping for smaller clothes (well, not that much smaller) and ran into the size problem. I may be able to wear and XL in one blouse but have to get a 2X in another one. I got size 16 pants and they fit, but I got some size 14 stretch jeans and they fit too. I read an editorial about this lately and it seems that men's clothes are made to measurements, but women's clothes are all over the place. Some clothes makers like Alfred Dunner make really big clothes so you can get a small size even though the clothes really aren't that small. It's all very confusing and it takes a lot of time trying on clothes which I loathe. So I just buy stuff from ebay (big surprise,huh?) and either it fits, or I wear it anyway. I got my mother an expensivef 2x cashmere sweater several years ago for Christmas. She put in a drawer and forgot about it, but I decided I was going to get it out and wear it. It has little holes all over it. Apparently silverfish eat cashmere. I just love the sweater because it's lightweight but warm, but I guess I'll just wear it to the grocery store. However, I bought myself two used cashmere sweaters on ebay and I will just keep them in the freezer. Silverfish don't like freezers.

DerickM · 12-07-2006, 12:37 AM

yes...yes you are crazy:p

Boo Boo Kitty · 12-07-2006, 06:07 AM

I really think the problem is consistency. There is NONE. The do whatever they want...and we suffer! :)