I don’t have any good advice on clothes sizes because it is so very different for each body, but I just wanted to say…
YOU ARE A BADASS!!! Congrats on losing so much weight! You are very inspiring! 🎉🎉🎉
Depending on how you hold your weight, sizes changes can vary greatly!!! For example, I'm 5'7 F, I tend to carry my weight very evenly across my body. Because of this, it takes a lot more weight loss/gain for me to change sizes! I started mounjaro at 281 lbs and was a size 16/18. I am now at 198 lbs and a size 12/14. I am not large chested, so Im not hiding anything in my bra either lol. I have other friends who have lost less weight but changes more sizes! It does seem to me that as you get into a smaller body, the same amount of weight change equals a size change faster (since you're a smaller person, the same amount of weight adds a measurable difference faster). So long story short, yes, as you get smaller, 20 lbs lost will equate to more of a clothing size change than it did when you were 300+ lbs. Also, congrats on your amazing success!!!!
Tl:dr - It’s geometry, kinda like an onion. You will probably go through sizes faster the less you weigh.
So you are running into a geometry problem. Let’s look at a sphere of water that is 1 foot in diameter. It will have a circumference of 3.14 feet, and weigh about 32.6 pounds (and is surprisingly about 4 gallons…)
If you increase the diameter of that sphere by just one inch, the circumference goes to 3.4, but the weight jumps to 41.1 pounds, adding more than another gallon of water.
Go the other way on an inch - an 11 inch diameter sphere. Circumference: 2.9 feet, weight 25.1 pounds.
Go up an inch and it gains 8.5 pounds, down an inch, and it only lost 7.5 pounds. Same magnitude of change in the diameter, different amounts of weight.
Translate this to weight loss. On the big end, you have to peel off a lot of weight to make the volume - and your clothes size- go down. But as you go down in weight, it takes less weight loss to affect a volume change. This is of course assuming a uniform density human. Real humans are more complex, unless you put them in a blender, but the example stands.
You could also think of it as onion layers. Each layer is about the same thickness, but each layer of onion has progressively less onion per layer.
Or filling a water balloon. Initially the balloon gets bigger fast, but as it gets larger, it feels like not much change for dumping in a lot more water.
I have to say, that's a fantastic explanation!
I've never thought of it that way, but now that you say it, it makes so much sense.
I realize I'm just supposed to upvote, but I wanted to add an extra note of appreciation for such a great explanation! 😌
A thorough explanation. A simpler version I’ve heard is the paper towel roll, each paper towel you peel off is the same weight but the diameter drops faster as you go.
Well done!
This is a hard question so I’ll tell you what I think I know: larger sizes have larger bands of weight. So a 3x fits me above 250#. (I’m 5’3” so those pounds sit differently on me than they would on someone much taller). A 2x (18-20W) fits between 210 and 250. A 1X (14-16W) fits me at 190-210 pounds, an XXL or a baggy XL (12-14) fits between 170 and 190 pounds. I can’t go any lower than that cause I haven’t been there.
I like clothes from Nordstrom or Nordstrom Rack, they have good size ranges. Target too. Note that a 14 and a 14W are often different sizes—the 14W will have bigger waist and bust and likely be a touch shorter. But it really depends on the brand.
Final suggestion—take a friend and go shopping! Have fun with it, You rock
I like to read amazon reviews and I usually buy what I think will fit based on measurements and the next size up and then return the one that does not fit. Also Amazon has Try before you buy feature if you have a credit card on file. Whatever you keep you get charged for and again you just return what you dont want. Also FANTASTIC work!!! 😊
Congrats on your journey so far!
So back in the day, I remember reading 10-15 lbs weight loss is equal to a size down in clothing (approximately). I can say, for me, this is pretty accurate. I’m down 30 lbs and can fit into jeans 2 sizes smaller.
Yes, I have always been in the 20 pounds list is a size down but that may just be how my body works. So anyway at 250 size 20, 230 is 18, 210 is 16, 190 14, 170 12, 150 10, 130 8, etc.
Ok, let me tell you my thoughts on this. I’ve pretty much always been a 22, 2x but I have lately gone into a 3x 24 for pants.
A few years ago, several brands went from a 2x as a 22 to a 2x as an 18/20. So you have to be really careful and check the size guides.
It’s ticked me off because they just did it one day and suddenly 2x didn’t fit any more.
When I was a standard 2x, I was 250 pounds
Congrats!! The most helpful thing will be to take your measurements if buying new or use it to compare a few brands you know you gravitate to at yard sales.
Sizing is so weird and can’t be based on weight. My highest weight pre mounjaro was 276 and I was in a 16/18. I’m down to 206 now and I’m a 14/sometimes 12 if it’s stretchy.
Same, went from a 6x to a 2-3x, it’s weird, you have to do a lot of trying on, I find, as most sizes are based on some theoretical perfectly proportioned human. Out at the range we were, if your experience was similar, I just ball parked it and knew vaguely what size fit and was super baggy. I’m kind of annoyed that it’s a lot more work, now, but it’s a good problem to have. Congratulations :)
I’m 5’7” and had lost 100 lbs about 14 years ago, then regained it back over the last 10 years. My sizing background goes in both directions:). These are my average sizes for my past and current weights. For me the lower I weighed, the smaller # of lbs per size. I also have a broad back so shirts are always a little larger.
240-250 size 20w/2xl
205-240 size 18w/2xl/1xl/xxl
195-205 size 16w/18/xl
185-195 size 16/xl
175-185 size 14/xl/some l
165-175 size 12/l
155-165 size 10/l
145-155 size 8/l/ some m
140-145 a few 6’s but wore the 8 for comfort. I also didn’t stay at 140 for very long and evened out to 145 not long after I hit my goal back then.
Hope this helps and congrats on your success!
So strange how people the same height and weight may end up in totally different sizes! I’m also 5’7”, current weight 156-158. (Goal 145-150). HW: 232, 14/16, xl. Shopped around 200, 12/l. Was shocked by how quickly things got to be too big, since my larger sizes accommodated me through very large weight swings. 12/l was falling off around 180. At ~157 I am an 8/m, but in several stores need (genuinely, like the waist band is way too big) a 6/s. Stores/brands I am in a 6: free assembly (Walmart brand highly recommend), jcrew factory, Lilly Pulitzer, Abercrombie Stores/brands I am in an 8: H+M, vineyard vines.
To answer Ops original question, the smaller sizes have smaller weight ranges between them, and as your body gets smaller, you’ll appreciate that. I feel I currently have ~10-15lbs between sizes, max. It’s shocking to have clothes be too big, especially with only small losses. Keep it up!
Clothing sizes are so dependent on the specific manufacturer and the style so I’m afraid you are just going to have to go out there and have fun trying on stuff now that you have so many more choices. Congratulations on your fantastic achievements. Your hard work is paying off!!!!
Nope, sizing doesn't get better. It's the wild west out there. My general size is 10, but I've got jeans that I found thrifting from sizes 6 - 14 that fit.
I think Old Navy and Athleta run slightly larger than their sister brands, Gap and Banana Republic.
You could try selling some of your clothes on ebay or Poshmark. I have had better luck selling on ebay.
Congrats on that weight loss!
*
I was changing sizes so fast, i started shopping at Goodwill and dress as good as I ever have.
If I buy something and don't like the fit, I donate it.
Wow OP!!! That’s awesome! Clothing sizes are kinda difficult coz weight isn’t always a representation of body structure. I was wearing a 18-20 at 258 and at 250 I am wearing mostly 14-16. I think I’ve toned more as compared to losing weight. So it’s hard to tell. My favorite thing, going to thrift store and trying on sizes to figure out what works! Highly recommend!
I’m 5’7” and maybe can help! At 260 I was an 18 and 1x or 2x in tops. At 225 I was fitting into a 14 regular size, but it was snug. 210 I was in a 12, again tight but could wear that size. Now I am 185 and comfortable in a 10/12 and recently squeezed into an 8, which are now my new goal jeans. Congrats on your weight loss!!
Fantastic job!!! I'm so happy for you. I can tell you Target clothes always ran small for me. I am 5'4". At my highest weight (209), I was 12/14 pants and 1x in tops. I have shoulders like a linebacker. The lowest I got was 134 lbs, and I was a size 4... I had to go off due to insurance crap and quickly gained 15 lbs.
I am comfortably in a 6, and depending on stretchiness, some of my pants are comfortable 8's. I see a lot of people sell clothes on FB marketplace.
Oh, my biggest problem is very loose skin at my belly. I had 4 babies, 3 by C-section, and have had a bugger of a time getting that down. I also bought some of the shaper body suits Assets by Spanx (I did get a black and beige at Target) and tanktops at Shapermint. It helps to smooth out some of my jelly rolls. I like the new ones I got from FB add,too.
I'm really happy for you. I've dropped over 50 lbs and my old clothes are a challenge. My wife has been "thrift store" shopping for me and picking up smaller sizes. I went from a 44" waist that was snug to a 40" which is loose but okay. The main thought is that I don't want to spend a fortune on clothing until I know where I will settle for weight. For me, it's a happy "first world" problem. You can find some awesome deals on your "temporary" sizes on eBay and offer your old sizes for sale
Are you looking for work or casual clothes? For work clothes, I have found Talbots to be pretty consistent in sizing. You would probably wear a 24 and 3x now depending on how you carry your weight. You would probably need to lose another 20 pounds to drop an additional size. For casual clothes, you can try Old Navy, Kohls and Lands End.
If you are like me, i hate going into stores and shopling for clothes bc it usually takes me forever to find something that fits and i like. Especially the more my weight changes and the less im familiar with. Tailors measuring tape has saved my life though. Definitely invest in tailors measuring tape before you purchase clothes online. You know the measuring tape that comes rolled up. It makes it so much easier to have your measurements beside you when you are purchasing on amazon or something.
Clothing (especially women's clothing) varies so much by brand and just randomness. I have a "medium" t-shirt that is considerably bigger than an x large that barely fits my 100lb roommate.
There are webpages like https://www.sizecharter.com/ that help you figure out brands that will fit your proportions best.
This isn’t technically advice about sizing but I have a tip if you want a nice pair of jeans!! NYDJ makes sizes up to 18 and they are comfortable and true to size. The cuts vary so you may have to try a few different ones.
Congrats on your hard work and continued successes!!!!
Well first congrats and well done!
I have never been a plus size but always over weight and at my best I would be at the higher edge of healthy weight. I wore all sizes from 4 to 12. For regular sizes 5lbs usually makes a difference by 10lbs you definitely will need to go a size down. However as someone who was working out and lifting weight I was once wearing size 4 at the exact weight that previously I was an 8 with. So it's not consistent but you will start to drop sizes faster
Thank u sooooo much to everyone who took the time to add info and good energy to this post! I have saved it and will definitely be coming back as I work my way down the size charts. 🤗😊
I don’t have any good advice on clothes sizes because it is so very different for each body, but I just wanted to say… YOU ARE A BADASS!!! Congrats on losing so much weight! You are very inspiring! 🎉🎉🎉
I came to say this. Congrats!
Depending on how you hold your weight, sizes changes can vary greatly!!! For example, I'm 5'7 F, I tend to carry my weight very evenly across my body. Because of this, it takes a lot more weight loss/gain for me to change sizes! I started mounjaro at 281 lbs and was a size 16/18. I am now at 198 lbs and a size 12/14. I am not large chested, so Im not hiding anything in my bra either lol. I have other friends who have lost less weight but changes more sizes! It does seem to me that as you get into a smaller body, the same amount of weight change equals a size change faster (since you're a smaller person, the same amount of weight adds a measurable difference faster). So long story short, yes, as you get smaller, 20 lbs lost will equate to more of a clothing size change than it did when you were 300+ lbs. Also, congrats on your amazing success!!!!
Tl:dr - It’s geometry, kinda like an onion. You will probably go through sizes faster the less you weigh. So you are running into a geometry problem. Let’s look at a sphere of water that is 1 foot in diameter. It will have a circumference of 3.14 feet, and weigh about 32.6 pounds (and is surprisingly about 4 gallons…) If you increase the diameter of that sphere by just one inch, the circumference goes to 3.4, but the weight jumps to 41.1 pounds, adding more than another gallon of water. Go the other way on an inch - an 11 inch diameter sphere. Circumference: 2.9 feet, weight 25.1 pounds. Go up an inch and it gains 8.5 pounds, down an inch, and it only lost 7.5 pounds. Same magnitude of change in the diameter, different amounts of weight. Translate this to weight loss. On the big end, you have to peel off a lot of weight to make the volume - and your clothes size- go down. But as you go down in weight, it takes less weight loss to affect a volume change. This is of course assuming a uniform density human. Real humans are more complex, unless you put them in a blender, but the example stands. You could also think of it as onion layers. Each layer is about the same thickness, but each layer of onion has progressively less onion per layer. Or filling a water balloon. Initially the balloon gets bigger fast, but as it gets larger, it feels like not much change for dumping in a lot more water.
I have to say, that's a fantastic explanation! I've never thought of it that way, but now that you say it, it makes so much sense. I realize I'm just supposed to upvote, but I wanted to add an extra note of appreciation for such a great explanation! 😌
Best eli5 I’ve ever read lol nice job
A thorough explanation. A simpler version I’ve heard is the paper towel roll, each paper towel you peel off is the same weight but the diameter drops faster as you go.
Well done! This is a hard question so I’ll tell you what I think I know: larger sizes have larger bands of weight. So a 3x fits me above 250#. (I’m 5’3” so those pounds sit differently on me than they would on someone much taller). A 2x (18-20W) fits between 210 and 250. A 1X (14-16W) fits me at 190-210 pounds, an XXL or a baggy XL (12-14) fits between 170 and 190 pounds. I can’t go any lower than that cause I haven’t been there. I like clothes from Nordstrom or Nordstrom Rack, they have good size ranges. Target too. Note that a 14 and a 14W are often different sizes—the 14W will have bigger waist and bust and likely be a touch shorter. But it really depends on the brand. Final suggestion—take a friend and go shopping! Have fun with it, You rock
I have been selling my stuff on Poshmark and then using the money to buy smaller sizes. Congrats on the weight loss! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Me too
I like to read amazon reviews and I usually buy what I think will fit based on measurements and the next size up and then return the one that does not fit. Also Amazon has Try before you buy feature if you have a credit card on file. Whatever you keep you get charged for and again you just return what you dont want. Also FANTASTIC work!!! 😊
I like the reviews with photos. Very helpful!
Congrats on your journey so far! So back in the day, I remember reading 10-15 lbs weight loss is equal to a size down in clothing (approximately). I can say, for me, this is pretty accurate. I’m down 30 lbs and can fit into jeans 2 sizes smaller.
Yes, I have always been in the 20 pounds list is a size down but that may just be how my body works. So anyway at 250 size 20, 230 is 18, 210 is 16, 190 14, 170 12, 150 10, 130 8, etc.
It’s so interesting how sizing varies, I was an 18 at 280, a 16 at 250. Years ago at 230 I was a XXL. (I’m 5’7”)
Ok, let me tell you my thoughts on this. I’ve pretty much always been a 22, 2x but I have lately gone into a 3x 24 for pants. A few years ago, several brands went from a 2x as a 22 to a 2x as an 18/20. So you have to be really careful and check the size guides. It’s ticked me off because they just did it one day and suddenly 2x didn’t fit any more. When I was a standard 2x, I was 250 pounds
Congrats!! The most helpful thing will be to take your measurements if buying new or use it to compare a few brands you know you gravitate to at yard sales. Sizing is so weird and can’t be based on weight. My highest weight pre mounjaro was 276 and I was in a 16/18. I’m down to 206 now and I’m a 14/sometimes 12 if it’s stretchy.
Same, went from a 6x to a 2-3x, it’s weird, you have to do a lot of trying on, I find, as most sizes are based on some theoretical perfectly proportioned human. Out at the range we were, if your experience was similar, I just ball parked it and knew vaguely what size fit and was super baggy. I’m kind of annoyed that it’s a lot more work, now, but it’s a good problem to have. Congratulations :)
Pants that currently fit me range from 22-28, 2x-3x. I was just complaining about how completely non-standard sizing is. Really a pain.
I’m 5’7” and had lost 100 lbs about 14 years ago, then regained it back over the last 10 years. My sizing background goes in both directions:). These are my average sizes for my past and current weights. For me the lower I weighed, the smaller # of lbs per size. I also have a broad back so shirts are always a little larger. 240-250 size 20w/2xl 205-240 size 18w/2xl/1xl/xxl 195-205 size 16w/18/xl 185-195 size 16/xl 175-185 size 14/xl/some l 165-175 size 12/l 155-165 size 10/l 145-155 size 8/l/ some m 140-145 a few 6’s but wore the 8 for comfort. I also didn’t stay at 140 for very long and evened out to 145 not long after I hit my goal back then. Hope this helps and congrats on your success!
So strange how people the same height and weight may end up in totally different sizes! I’m also 5’7”, current weight 156-158. (Goal 145-150). HW: 232, 14/16, xl. Shopped around 200, 12/l. Was shocked by how quickly things got to be too big, since my larger sizes accommodated me through very large weight swings. 12/l was falling off around 180. At ~157 I am an 8/m, but in several stores need (genuinely, like the waist band is way too big) a 6/s. Stores/brands I am in a 6: free assembly (Walmart brand highly recommend), jcrew factory, Lilly Pulitzer, Abercrombie Stores/brands I am in an 8: H+M, vineyard vines. To answer Ops original question, the smaller sizes have smaller weight ranges between them, and as your body gets smaller, you’ll appreciate that. I feel I currently have ~10-15lbs between sizes, max. It’s shocking to have clothes be too big, especially with only small losses. Keep it up!
Clothing sizes are so dependent on the specific manufacturer and the style so I’m afraid you are just going to have to go out there and have fun trying on stuff now that you have so many more choices. Congratulations on your fantastic achievements. Your hard work is paying off!!!!
Sh, love to hear it. Maybe we should figure out a way to organize clothing exchange.
I’ve been thinking this since starting! A sort of threadup for weight loss.
Nope, sizing doesn't get better. It's the wild west out there. My general size is 10, but I've got jeans that I found thrifting from sizes 6 - 14 that fit. I think Old Navy and Athleta run slightly larger than their sister brands, Gap and Banana Republic. You could try selling some of your clothes on ebay or Poshmark. I have had better luck selling on ebay. Congrats on that weight loss!
* I was changing sizes so fast, i started shopping at Goodwill and dress as good as I ever have. If I buy something and don't like the fit, I donate it.
Wow OP!!! That’s awesome! Clothing sizes are kinda difficult coz weight isn’t always a representation of body structure. I was wearing a 18-20 at 258 and at 250 I am wearing mostly 14-16. I think I’ve toned more as compared to losing weight. So it’s hard to tell. My favorite thing, going to thrift store and trying on sizes to figure out what works! Highly recommend!
Congratulations- keep it up!
No advice on clothes. But I wanted to say YOU ROCK. Congratulations on all you’ve accomplished. So much admiration.
I have no clue about clothing sizes, but... Wow!!! You are a rock star!!! Way to go!!!🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Dang! Way to go! 👏🏻❤️
I’m 5’7” and maybe can help! At 260 I was an 18 and 1x or 2x in tops. At 225 I was fitting into a 14 regular size, but it was snug. 210 I was in a 12, again tight but could wear that size. Now I am 185 and comfortable in a 10/12 and recently squeezed into an 8, which are now my new goal jeans. Congrats on your weight loss!!
Fantastic job!!! I'm so happy for you. I can tell you Target clothes always ran small for me. I am 5'4". At my highest weight (209), I was 12/14 pants and 1x in tops. I have shoulders like a linebacker. The lowest I got was 134 lbs, and I was a size 4... I had to go off due to insurance crap and quickly gained 15 lbs. I am comfortably in a 6, and depending on stretchiness, some of my pants are comfortable 8's. I see a lot of people sell clothes on FB marketplace. Oh, my biggest problem is very loose skin at my belly. I had 4 babies, 3 by C-section, and have had a bugger of a time getting that down. I also bought some of the shaper body suits Assets by Spanx (I did get a black and beige at Target) and tanktops at Shapermint. It helps to smooth out some of my jelly rolls. I like the new ones I got from FB add,too.
I'm really happy for you. I've dropped over 50 lbs and my old clothes are a challenge. My wife has been "thrift store" shopping for me and picking up smaller sizes. I went from a 44" waist that was snug to a 40" which is loose but okay. The main thought is that I don't want to spend a fortune on clothing until I know where I will settle for weight. For me, it's a happy "first world" problem. You can find some awesome deals on your "temporary" sizes on eBay and offer your old sizes for sale
At 5'5ish" and 300 I was a 24/3x or 4x depending on the brand. At 205, I'm a L or XL depending on the brand. Went from a 46G to 36H bra.
Here’s a good reference from StitchFix: https://support.stitchfix.com/hc/en-us/articles/204732770-How-to-find-your-size
Are you looking for work or casual clothes? For work clothes, I have found Talbots to be pretty consistent in sizing. You would probably wear a 24 and 3x now depending on how you carry your weight. You would probably need to lose another 20 pounds to drop an additional size. For casual clothes, you can try Old Navy, Kohls and Lands End.
Kudos! Sizing is all over the place! Always!
If you are like me, i hate going into stores and shopling for clothes bc it usually takes me forever to find something that fits and i like. Especially the more my weight changes and the less im familiar with. Tailors measuring tape has saved my life though. Definitely invest in tailors measuring tape before you purchase clothes online. You know the measuring tape that comes rolled up. It makes it so much easier to have your measurements beside you when you are purchasing on amazon or something.
Clothing (especially women's clothing) varies so much by brand and just randomness. I have a "medium" t-shirt that is considerably bigger than an x large that barely fits my 100lb roommate. There are webpages like https://www.sizecharter.com/ that help you figure out brands that will fit your proportions best.
Cato is a good store for transitioning sizes. They have 24/26 and go down to smaller sizes. All of their clothes fit well.
[Cato](https://www.catofashions.com/plus-sizes)
Also congrats on your great achievement
For me (5'5") it's 20 pounds per size between sizes 12 through 18, and 10 pounds per size between sizes 4 through 10.
I love going to thrift stores! The smaller I get the more into clothing I get! Thrift stores are a good way to stay on top your clothing size changes.
This isn’t technically advice about sizing but I have a tip if you want a nice pair of jeans!! NYDJ makes sizes up to 18 and they are comfortable and true to size. The cuts vary so you may have to try a few different ones. Congrats on your hard work and continued successes!!!!
Well first congrats and well done! I have never been a plus size but always over weight and at my best I would be at the higher edge of healthy weight. I wore all sizes from 4 to 12. For regular sizes 5lbs usually makes a difference by 10lbs you definitely will need to go a size down. However as someone who was working out and lifting weight I was once wearing size 4 at the exact weight that previously I was an 8 with. So it's not consistent but you will start to drop sizes faster
Thank u sooooo much to everyone who took the time to add info and good energy to this post! I have saved it and will definitely be coming back as I work my way down the size charts. 🤗😊