I was digging through my summer shorts today and came across a pair from a couple summers ago. Then, I looked at the tag. Wait?! What? This pair still fit. After discarding pair after pair, I realized the number on the tag is a lie. Ladies, I am 5’4 1/2″ (that half an inch is VERY important) and 130ish pounds. I fluctuate between 3-5 pounds daily. I have a short torso, carry all my weight in my stomach, and now my thighs. And I can wear between a size 2 to a size 8. With this particular size 8 tighter than the 2. Literally, the number doesn’t matter. Each manufacturer cuts their sizes differently. But that doesn’t matter if the style is different. Low cut, high cut, mid cut, straight leg, boot cut, flare, long and lean, skinny leg, trouser. Then the sizing is all sorts of skewed. 

Top to Bottom: Pink Shorts H & M Size 8, Green Kahki Shorts Ann Taylor Size 2, Dark Denim Shorts Levi’s Size 6, Denim Chino Shorts Gap Size 4, Blue Chino Shorts Land N’ Sea (bought at T.J. Maxx) Size 6, Black with print Chino shorts Merona (Target) Size 6

After looking at all the different sizing charts for top clothing companies I shop at, I measured myself. Waist is considered the SMALLEST part of your stomach. Usually around the belly button. My “natural” waist is above my belly button and measured at a 29. (For the record, I measured myself at 5:43 pm so I had food in me but before my nightly beer.) My hips measure at 36.5 inches. 

When I walk into Forever 21 (yes, I still shop there and I am no longer 21 or in my 20s), I don’t even look at my normal size small. The sizing always runs smaller at this store. I bought a skirt that was a large. I didn’t care because it fit great, was adorable, and only $5. 

Yes, I am sure some of you are thinking, easy for her, she wears a size 4. IT DOESN’T MATTER. I am short and petite. I look like my gorgeous mother. It’s my genetics. What I am saying is, give the size tag the middle finger. Buy what fits you. Keep trying on until you get the one that makes you feel confident and sexy. Don’t worry about the number. I am just trying to show you how big a difference sizing can be. I use to become so discouraged when I didn’t fit into my size 4. I would walk away in tears so frustrated. Even after working in retail for years, I knew even the same size could differ in length and fit. But, I still believed I had to be the right size. Now I get excited when I find a pair of pants or shorts that fit me and I feel GOOD in. That is what is important to me. I am comfortable and confident in what I am wearing. I seem to have a better attitude and mood when I enjoy what I wear. The number is no longer an issue. 

Size 8 shorts on top. Size 2 shorts on bottom

Size 6 shorts on top. Size 4 shorts on bottom

So, the next time you find yourself in the fitting room, remember that what the tag shows doesn’t matter. Think about how that piece of clothing feels on you. How it makes you feel. I have a good idea– cut the tag out. It is just a number. Go put on that new pair of jeans and strut your stuff. Showcase what you have. Love those hips and give them a little shake. I am finding once I do this, I am one step closer to loving the body that is mine.