Everyone’s question is always the same,
“I’m not a model, how am I supposed to shop online when I don’t look ANYTHING like her?”
I’m a firm believer in the fact that if you buy the correct size in the clothing that’s featured on the model, you will look as good as her. Maybe not as perfectly primped, but you’ll still look good. I mean, I don’t look as fabulous as the model, but I don’t look bad in a pair of crazy hot pink bone leggings. AND she is wearing heels, I’m not. That counts, right?
So, how can you tell if you’ll look good in a style when the model’s a size 0 and you’re a size 6/8/10/22? Here’s some helpful hints:
- Figure out where your shape and the model’s shape are the same: Take the photo above. I’m a size 6, she’s most likely a size 2. Her legs aren’t bone thin, she’s actually pretty athletic and has muscle, which is the same as me. Granted, my legs are twice the size, but I also didn’t order an XS, I ordered a Medium.
- Figure out where your shape and the model’s shape differ: I have rounder hips and less shapely legs than the model above. Not a big deal when you are ordering plain leggings, but something to take note of on patterned or printed leggings.
- Check out her height, measurements, size she is wearing in the photo and coloring: Most sites post this now. This model was 5’8″, approx. 130lbs, wearing a size XSmall and is a blonde bombshell. I am 5’8″, not 130lbs, wearing a size medium, and a brunette bombshell. Coloring usually tells more when you’re shopping for colors in tops, but if you are smaller in height and/or weight, you can probably go smaller, if you’re bigger by 10lbs go up one size, 20lbs go up 2 sizes, etc.
- Know where you carry extra weight, especially if you’re carrying extra weight: When I gain weight, it goes straight to my bum and thighs. For others, it goes straight to the belly. Currently, I am carrying a lot of extra weight so I know I’m not the size I used to be. Don’t shop for the size you WERE shop for the size you ARE. You’ll look thinner if you dress for your current size.
- When in doubt order two, return one: If you just can’t figure it out, order the size you think you are and one size smaller, and check for the signs that your clothes don’t fit. You’ll only be out-of-pocket on that money for 2 weeks, and that means you can’t spend it on eating out and getting fatter.
Do I look like a super model in those pants? No. Do I look completely heinous? No. I look normal like a regular person like a normal sized person in kind of weird leggings, and would rock them at the gym with a longer black tank and a sick pair of pink sneaks.
Tags: activewear blog, fashion blog, figuring out size online, fitness blog, Fitness Fashion Blog, how to pick a size of clothes, how to shop for activewear, how to shop for clothes online, how to shop for workout gear online, how to shop online, what size am i if i've gained weight
Love the cool pants. I would rock them too! Did you find they were pretty true to size?
Yep, they are pretty true to size. I’m a large 6/small 8 and wear a medium.