clothing/sizing woes

[musicotb]

Hello all! Need some fashion advice.

Well, I am a 24 year-old grad student on a measly grad student budget. It's a clinical audiology program, so we see patients, and I have dress code... ther eare 3 rules:
1) If you lift your arms, your stomach doesn't show
2) If you bend forward, you can't see down your shirt
3) If you bend forward, you can't see your underwear on your back

Problems...
I'm 5'2" and weigh 125 lbs. I have a 34B bra size and have a problem filling out a lot of my clothes. My legs are very short and my calves aren't big, but they are athletic looking (I've NEVER had skinny legs). I think that I am a petite in pants (actually, petite pants even occasionally drag on the floor...) but normal size in shirts - is this possible?

Anyway, I'll list my measurements... I am looking for assistance on determining if I am, in fact, petite on the bottom but not on top. ALSO, anyone have tips for shopping for clothes online? It just looks like it'll be the cheaper option...

Measurements:
Bust: 35" (34B)
Waist: 28"
Hips: 37"
Inseam: 28"
Torso (all the way around): 59"
Thighs: 29"

Thanks a bunch... I'm fashion-ignorant when it comes to fit & stuff =(

 

[hlbtimes2]

Its possible that you are petite on the bottom, but not on the top (short legs, average torso). Or it could just be the cut of the clothes you normally buy. You might trying buying from the Misses section rather then the jr's section. They might look more "old lady" like then you would normally wear, but will probably provide the coverage you need for work.

 

[rie'smom]

You are a petite size because of your height but yes you can wear a normal sized shirt. The only thing is you have to try on petite pants because sometimes they can ride up uncomfortably. Have you tried a girl's size-maybe a 14 or 16? Somtimes those clothes are cut in a way that fit petite women better-they are also usually cheaper.

 

[musicotb]

yeah, I've made the necessary switch from juniors to misses... It's still very hit-and-miss with sizing, though. I'm a 4 at some places, and an 8 at others, and the shirts usually aren't long enough, even without it being a low-cut on the pants... grrr at clothing manufacturers for not standardizing sizes!

 

[helenabear]

I'm 5' and my measurements are kind of close to yours. First off, I think you might need to be refitted for a bra. A 34B on a 35" bust makes no sense. You should measure your cage and that is your band size. If it is an odd size (like me) go up to the next even size. Then do the difference between band size and the chest to find out what cup size you are (1"=A 2"=B etc). You'd be shocked. I'm a 32DD/D (depending on the maker) and my bust is 37.5".

I'm also just a wee bit smaller on the bottom than you are, but not by much (an inch or two). I do NOT like petite sizing since they make it for a slimmer figure. I will buy regular pants and hem them and wear heels to make up for it. I have a 29" inseam.

I never buy petites on the tops as they don't fit my chest and waist right, but I'm not sure if that will work on not for you. I don't care for how much shorter the shirts are, so I go with the regular fit.

I like White House|Black Market for business clothes. I do prefer low rise pants, but all my shirts over lap. You're lucky that now, longer shirts are definitely in. If you have a Nordstroms, I was very pleased on the fit and price of the shirts I found. Macy's isn't bad either and they have an adorable line INC.

You will find the sizing thing to be way off no matter where you go. I have skirts in a size 0, and jeans up to a size 6. My average size is a 2 or 4 and most shirts are S or XS depending.

Good luck shopping

 

[golfgal]

I'm 5' and my measurements are kind of close to yours. First off, I think you might need to be refitted for a bra. A 34B on a 35" bust makes no sense. You should measure your cage and that is your band size. If it is an odd size (like me) go up to the next even size. Then do the difference between band size and the chest to find out what cup size you are (1"=A 2"=B etc). You'd be shocked. I'm a 32DD/D (depending on the maker) and my bust is 37.5".

I'm also just a wee bit smaller on the bottom than you are, but not by much (an inch or two). I do NOT like petite sizing since they make it for a slimmer figure. I will buy regular pants and hem them and wear heels to make up for it. I have a 29" inseam.

I never buy petites on the tops as they don't fit my chest and waist right, but I'm not sure if that will work on not for you. I don't care for how much shorter the shirts are, so I go with the regular fit.

I like White House|Black Market for business clothes. I do prefer low rise pants, but all my shirts over lap. You're lucky that now, longer shirts are definitely in. If you have a Nordstroms, I was very pleased on the fit and price of the shirts I found. Macy's isn't bad either and they have an adorable line INC.

You will find the sizing thing to be way off no matter where you go. I have skirts in a size 0, and jeans up to a size 6. My average size is a 2 or 4 and most shirts are S or XS depending.

Good luck shopping

Actually this is not quite correct about bra measuring. If you measure around your chest under your breasts then add 5 or 6" to get an even number, then measure around the FULLEST part of your breasts and the difference gives you your cup size, no difference is AA, 1" difference is an A, 2" is a B, etc. So if you are 32" around then you add 6" and come up with a 38. There is also more to the fitting then just the numbers too. Some of this changes as you get into larger sizes too. Bust shape being a big thing. Every manufacturer also makes their sizing a bit differently too. I was a certified bra fitter at Macy's for a few years. I have measured many people and very, very few fit the actual bra just by the numbers.

As far as clothing sizes being different, it also comes down to your shape. I have long legs for someone my height and can't wear petite pants or tops but if I am buying a suit (skirt/jacket) petites are the only thing that fit. The only thing I can figure out is my lower legs are longer in proportion to my thighs??? My arms are also long and I have a hard time finding shirts that have long enough sleeves. I am only 5'4" too.

 

[helenabear]

Actually this is not quite correct about bra measuring. If you measure around your chest under your breasts then add 5 or 6" to get an even number, then measure around the FULLEST part of your breasts and the difference gives you your cup size, no difference is AA, 1" difference is an A, 2" is a B, etc. So if you are 32" around then you add 6" and come up with a 38. There is also more to the fitting then just the numbers too. Some of this changes as you get into larger sizes too. Bust shape being a big thing. Every manufacturer also makes their sizing a bit differently too. I was a certified bra fitter at Macy's for a few years. I have measured many people and very, very few fit the actual bra just by the numbers.

Actually, *that* way of measuring bras is not correct. It seems to be the "American way" to do it. We have a lot of companies who only make 34-38 in A-C. If you add the 5 or 6 inches you will find out that everyone can pretty much fall into any size because of that.

This causes a TON of ladies to wear the incorrect bra size. A lot of riding up in the back and totally incorrect support.

If you watch shows like What not to Wear, you'll see people get the correct fitting. Also even Oprah has the correct way of doing it.

I know you say you are a certified bra fitter at Macy's but Nordstrom's and the real lingerie places (not Victoria's Secrets) and any place in Europe will NOT measure you that way. VS and places like Macy's do measure that way so you buy what it in stock.

Sorry to disagree, but I'd been through tons of issues with bras due to my small sature and a 36C or D will not fit me even though your measurements claim it will. Putting me in that actually will cause me back pain (due to not correct support) and the shape of the cups being 100% wrong.

 

[golfgal]

Actually, *that* way of measuring bras is not correct. It seems to be the "American way" to do it. We have a lot of companies who only make 34-38 in A-C. If you add the 5 or 6 inches you will find out that everyone can pretty much fall into any size because of that.

This causes a TON of ladies to wear the incorrect bra size. A lot of riding up in the back and totally incorrect support.

If you watch shows like What not to Wear, you'll see people get the correct fitting. Also even Oprah has the correct way of doing it.

I know you say you are a certified bra fitter at Macy's but Nordstrom's and the real lingerie places (not Victoria's Secrets) and any place in Europe will NOT measure you that way. VS and places like Macy's do measure that way so you buy what it in stock.

Sorry to disagree, but I'd been through tons of issues with bras due to my small sature and a 36C or D will not fit me even though your measurements claim it will. Putting me in that actually will cause me back pain (due to not correct support) and the shape of the cups being 100% wrong.

Well, I guess Oprah knows all. I still disagree and if you want to get down to it, Macy's lingerie department has a much better reputation then Nordstrom. I shop both places and Macy's wins hands down. Like I said, the numbers are just that, a starting place. A true bra fitter won't go by the numbers they will go by the fit. If you put my numbers into a bra the cups would be sagging and the band too big. They just don't fit me by the numbers. I also know that certain brands I have to go up/down in size. I agree that 90% of the women out there wear the wrong size bra but they are usually too small, not too big. I 'diagnose" bra conditions all the time when I am people watching at the mall, "oh, her bra is way too small, she needs a fuller cup, she needs to tighten her bra straps".

In my experience, most women wouldn't fit in ANY manufactured size because they often measure out at 28" or so but need more then a training bra for cup size.

 

[missypie]

Don't be obsessed with petite vs. regular. Buy what fits. Lots of schools have dress codes that say "If you lift your arms your tummywon't show" so stores like Aeorpostale have finally started cutting their tops longer.

Target has a pretty decent "career" section these days. Lots of separates that can be mixed and matched and look professional. Also, Banana Republic always seems to have some good clothes on the sale rack.

Here's what I'd suggest: Buy three colors of plain, lined, tropical wool slacks in a medium rise - like black, gray and brown. The untucked/fitted blouse is a nice look, as is the sweater set.

 

[helenabear]

Well, I guess Oprah knows all. I still disagree and if you want to get down to it, Macy's lingerie department has a much better reputation then Nordstrom. I shop both places and Macy's wins hands down. Like I said, the numbers are just that, a starting place. A true bra fitter won't go by the numbers they will go by the fit. If you put my numbers into a bra the cups would be sagging and the band too big. They just don't fit me by the numbers. I also know that certain brands I have to go up/down in size. I agree that 90% of the women out there wear the wrong size bra but they are usually too small, not too big. I 'diagnose" bra conditions all the time when I am people watching at the mall, "oh, her bra is way too small, she needs a fuller cup, she needs to tighten her bra straps".

In my experience, most women wouldn't fit in ANY manufactured size because they often measure out at 28" or so but need more then a training bra for cup size.

I guess we will have to agree to disagree. I cannot stand our Macy's and the fact that they only carry "common sizes" I have a hard time finding anything there that fits. Around here, Nordstroms has the reputation for finding clothes that fit and the prices aren't bad either. Our Macy stores are just as bad as VS when it comes to true size and selection.
I trust a place that will say "only 10% of the support should come from the straps. 90% should come from the band" That's why I do not believe in the method you mentioned. By your method, none of the bands will fit unless you put me in a smaller cup size... then I spill out over the edge.

I don't actually believe in Oprah, but I was shocked when she brought this method to the attention of the public in the USA. It seems only the private lingerie shops I go to use this. That and Nordstroms (mine here that is). Only other place I have heard it used was outside of the US was on the show "What not to Wear" Otherwise, honestly, I cannot stand Oprah... and am (honestly again) slightly annoyed that this was the one I mentioned that you chose to throw out at me (ignoring the European methods and private lingerie shops).

I have a feeling we just don't see it the same way and probably never will. The method I mentioned works great for me, yours does not work at all and will give me a bra that rides up in the back horribly or cups that aren't big enough. I am glad your method does seem to work for you and some others, but I know it was completely wrong for me.