Where to start with clothes shopping?

[Sonalee Rashitwar]

I’ve continued to lose weight, to the point where my pants, jeans especially, are getting ridiculous. 5’2”, 151 pounds right now, and just need a few things to work until I hit my goal weight in another 30-35.

No car at the moment, so how does a lady kiwi actually figure out what’s going to fit without wasting a ton of money on returned items ordering online? Plus, it’s in UK/Australia sizing so I’m learning a whole different sizing system.

TL;DR: AAAARGH.

 

[Jellie Opal]

I'm going through similar! Really fucking sucks don't it! For the first time in my life, I have a BELT COLLECTION. It's bittersweet because losing weight and fat is so good for your health but killer on the wallet.

My simple solution to you is to look at stores from which you've gotten clothes before, take a look at their sizing, and measure yourself. Tape measures are cheap and readily available--you can even download one and print them out at home! Get a good idea about your sizes: waist size, hips and butt circumference, leg length, etc. Take a look at standard measurements for the sizes you're closest to and READ THE REVIEWS OTHERS LEAVE! As a Fatty McFatterson, reading the reviews of other shoppers has saved me a lot of time and grief. It'll give you great insights into how one particular shop sizes their clothes versus another.

There are also online custom-made clothing shops. While not cheap, the clothes they make are custom to your size and shape and often made with natural fabrics, like cotton, linen, and wool. I know you're wanting something that will simply work until you hit your next goal, so these custom clothing options are for future you.

Good luck on your weight loss! I've been steadily losing fat and gaining muscle for the past two years. It's an awesome feeling. I hope it continues for you!

 

[anliteralidiot]

I pray, and go by sizing charts. Failing that, I tailor it myself.

 

[Dr Naomi Hunter]

Unfortunately what i've learned about online shopping is that it's consistently inconsistent.

I pray, and go by sizing charts. Failing that, I tailor it myself.

This. This is your best bet. If you can't try them on yourself.

 

[Plantation Barbie]

Get one of those mini tape measures. I have one and they're actually quite handy for gauging your bra size.

 

[Neurotypical Mantis]

there are also online calculators that figure out your dress size after you've got your measurements done!

 

[Sonalee Rashitwar]

Thanks all! I was able to guess my measurements pretty closely because I’m a hipster jock who got new Lululemon leggings not long ago. The women’s size chart for that gets very granular in inches, because it’s such a fitted product.

 

[Otterly]

Check the measurements, but also start off by using places with free returns because damn,
1. Women’s clothing sizes are all over the place
2. Different brands have different proportions and use different sort of ‘standard bodies.’ So even of the measurements for you, it might be built for a more Amazonian woman, taller or wider etc.

If you’re short (I am) look for petite ranges as well. These aren’t just for thin women, they should be proportional for us short arses - so the arms and legs will be shorter, the shoulders narrower etc. This is really useful for things like jackets, where even if it fits you widthways without the petite adjustments it just looks like you’re a kid wearing an adult coat. Petite will ensure the shoulders fit you,
Also think about which measurements are most important. For a jacket it’s bust, for most dresses it’s bust. For jeans it might be waist or hips. And look for jeans brands that have a range of leg lengths.
You’ll find that some brands will fit your body shape better than others and at that point you can shop with a bit more confidence!
I’d also start off with the sites that do loads of brands under one roof - next is good for that in the UK.
Congrats on losing weight, it’s not easy when you’re a short woman to do it!

 

[Valstrax]

If there's one near you, try going to a thrift store! Sure it's a lot less reliable than going to a standard clothing shop, but usually the deals are very good. Then again, this is just coming from my own experience. YMMV!

 

[Premium Gonzo]

Where on earth are you ordering from that has AU sizing? I think in US size 0 is a size 6 AU and it goes up from there.

I find the leg length is usually where it gets tricky if you are a short or tall.

 

[Sonalee Rashitwar]

Where on earth are you ordering from that has AU sizing? I think in US size 0 is a size 6 AU and it goes up from there.

I find the leg length is usually where it gets tricky if you are a short or tall.

Very long story, but in the end, I’m an American living in NZ. I did find some pants that fit okay, at least! You’re so right about leg length, if I don’t watch it I’m stepping on hems.

 

[Premium Gonzo]

Very long story, but in the end, I’m an American living in NZ. I did find some pants that fit okay, at least! You’re so right about leg length, if I don’t watch it I’m stepping on hems.

Living the kiwi dream ! Hopefully south island and not the north

What size are you in pants? most of the trendy sizes tend to run small out Aus/NZ so it's usually a size up.

Also if you want nice stuff that's not super expensive CityChic has really cute stuff, they are always having sales. It's for fatties but they run smaller sizes as well. I've found some nice alternative stuff, comfy pants for work.

If you like more grungy or alternative Hell Bunny sizing runs very similar to AU sizing there stuff is quality, i got the most gorgeous 90's cargo pants in like a rusty brown.

These ones they are called Cameron jeans, really flattering and look way better in person.

 

[𝕺𝖑' 𝕯𝖎𝖗𝖙𝖞 𝕱𝖆𝖙𝖘𝖔]

Very long story, but in the end, I’m an American living in NZ. I did find some pants that fit okay, at least! You’re so right about leg length, if I don’t watch it I’m stepping on hems.

Taking in pants at the waist and hemming are really easy. I wouldn't attempt taking in the waist without a machine but hemming can easily be done by hand. At least you're lucky enough to be short, you can hem pants shorter but if you need more length like i tend to, you're kinda SOL. Generally if you go the tailoring route its best to order clothes a size or two bigger than you think you need for that reason too. A lot of mass produced clothes have barely any seam allowance to work with if something needs to be let out a little.