It is very confusing. I can put on some 12's and they are loose, others are a little snug. Then I can put on a size 14 skirt and it still fit perfectly. I tried on a pair of levi jeans 12, and they fit, I ty on Gloria Vanderbilt and I couldn't even get them close to closing. The 14's either, and then I put on a 16, they close, but fall all off because they are too big in the legs. Well of course I get the 12 levi's. I don't get it either. I just really look for clothes that fit. I listen to the women who work in the department stores and they say that it depends on the maker. I wish they could all get their stuff together, because it makes shopping so hard sometimes.