So, I'm A Size 12, 14, 16, 18 And 20.... Apparently

If you've followed me for a while, you'll know that high-street sizing is a massive bugbear of mine. After all, at university I wrote a a 5,000 word dissertation on UK sizing and had an extract of it published in The Telegraph.

But while shopping recently, I've come to realise that sizing is even more whack than usual. 

I'm a UK size 16-18. I'm usually smaller in tops and larger in trousers (thanks to my massive bum). So when I was buying some clothes in Tu Clothing and I could get a skirt in a size 14 and a top in a size 12, I was stunned to say the least.

The skirt, which is a grey plaid, is quite roomy, so sizing down one or two sizes was needed. And the lemon cardigan, which is ribbed and a skinny fit, is very stretchy so is the ideal garment to size down up to three sizes.

Clothing sizes are WEIRD, right?

Then, last week I went into Uniqlo.. a shop I really rate. I have a dress from them that I bought around three years ago. It's got a built-in bra, is perfect for summer, and I love wearing it. I have this in a size large. So when I tried on three pairs of trousers in the size XL, and they couldn't get past my thighs... I knew something was off. I then tried on a skirt in the same size, and nope, not possible to get it past my bum. 

But the funny thing is, a size large jacket or dress from Uniqlo fits me well. So, how does any of this make any sense at all?

Primark is another shop I've tried clothes on in recently. Usually I'm a 16 or 18, so I tried on a size 16 of the new viral yellow dress. Although it fitted me, the straps were too big and gappy, and sizing down would have meant the bodice was too tight. 

I then headed into Next and tried on a dress I really liked the other day. They only had a size 14, but I figured I'd give it a go and if I got stuck, so be it. But much to my surprise, the dress fit me like a glove. It was perfect. It was the ideal length, width, everything. At first I thought it was a tad too small around the bust, but then I adjusted the ribbon along the top and it was like a dream come true. 

The moral of the story is sizing isn't the be all and end all, and the number in your clothes means NOTHING. Hell, I'm a size 12 and a size 20 according to some shops. 

If I let the sizing discrepancies get to me, I'd be in such a bad way, mentally. But I'm lucky I can just shake it off when the thoughts creep in. I can see how sizing can really mess with people's body image, mental health and self worth, and stores need to band together to prevent this from happening. 

A standardised clothing chart across all UK clothing stores and brands is needed more than ever, and I won't stop banging on about this.