Skirt size

[Willie W]

Maybe someone can help me. How can I find out my skirt size? I'm looking for a tailored skirt. Something with a zipper and a button waist. I can't figure out my size. I wear a women's 16 dress and misses 12 jeans (sometimes a 11 junior) but I don't understand the sizing on skirts. I usually buy skirts with an elastic waist. (Right now I'm wearing a girls size 16 skirt) What I want is a pencil skirt and a leather skirt but I don't want to spend the money until I'm sure of the size. I can't go try on skirts because I'm not even close to being passable in public. What I've been doing is buying different sizes from a thrift store and then donating them back when they don't fit.

[Kimberly Kael]

Maybe someone can help me. How can I find out my skirt size?

Unfortunately, there's no such thing as a single, consistent size that everyone adheres to. Even if you find the perfect fit in one size 12 skirt, you'll find another that is so much looser or tighter as to make you doubt your sanity. Part of it is the amazing variety in styles that I love so much in feminine clothing. One item might be impossible to get over your hips in a smaller size while another will flare so much that it's solely your waist that determines the right size.

In general, I find that my women's pant size and skirt size are pretty close, so I'd recommend starting with a 12 - but it's only a starting point.

I don't want to spend the money until I'm sure of the size. I can't go try on skirts because I'm not even close to being passable in public.

I know how you feel, but in practice these two statements are completely unrelated. Unless you're in a small town where everyone knows what everyone else is up to, I'd recommend just walking into whatever store strikes your fancy in drab and asking to try on the skirt you want. They may do a double-take, but I've never been turned away (I had to one sales associate to double-check with her manager when she was unsure, but that's it.)

[Carol Ann]

Hi Willie,
Oh I know that feeling as in one I wear a 16 and in another a 14. Me I start at 16 take it home and if it's to big I take it back and get a 14. Never had a problem with a exchange except at times they don't have the size I need or color so I get my money back.

[DonnaT]

Measure your waist with a string, wrap it around your waist and mark the two ends where they overlap. Then take the string to the store, and match the marked string to the waist of the skirt.

[Angela]

Yep as Donna says, use the old "CDrs rope trick" and your skirts will fit fine.

[KimberlyS]

I have skirt sizes from 14 to 18 that all fit well. As others have said in this and other posts, sizes are not uniform across styles and manufacturers. I like the idea of the string method but never used it. I always held skirts up to me to check the waist size. And interestingly that was one of the things that got me to trying on femme things in male mode. I thought I knew where the SA's were, but as I was holding up a skirt an SA came up from behind me and asked if I would like to try on the skirt. She took me by surprise. Not really sure if I said yes or not, but she said to follow her back to the fitting rooms. By the time I had tried on the skirt she had a couple more for me to try on. I was a bit unsure standing there in a skirt and opening the door to get the two she brought. But that day opened up that I could try things on in male mode.

It is funny how much we a CDers worry about things. Then only to find out later that to others it is no big deal.

Happy Shopping

kim
joe in a skirt

[Willie W]

I would like to thank you all for the tips; I think I will try the string measurement idea.
I did a little searching on skirt sizing and it seems a 16 may be a good starting point. I took a chance and ordered a size 16 leather skirt on Ebay. I got a good deal, only cost $15.00 including shipping. I can't wait to get it.

[Steve]

I try on things all the time at Lane Bryant and Catherine's and Fashion Bug. Just go when it's quiet and ask to use the Dressing Room.

Heck I bought shorts Sunday, had to wait for the dressing room was free and I suprised Woman when I came out "Wow a Man". I went back this AM and got some Tank Tops and another pair of shorts. Had to try on shirt and had the Salelady see which fit better.

Once I even had talk with lady, she naturally assume I was "Gay". Nope, just different.

Today I dropped off Box of Whitman's and Cookies from Wallyworld.

I always followup with some small present. They know me by name at 2 of the stores. Great customer service that way.

DM

[Diannna]

Willie,
Like it has been said, all mfg's 16's are not alike. Women's clothes are the worst for that. Here is something else to ponder. I myself wear a size 16 skirt. but once in a while when I put on a couple pounds, An 18 is too big. What to do! I have found that a 16 woman's fits pretty darn good. The length of the skirt may be a bit shorter, but I tend to wear most of my skirts a finger or two above the knee anyway. Remember, this doesn't always work though. I've bought 16 W and thought it should be an 18. Oh well, good luck.