Blog: Clothing vs. Lingerie - Why The Sizes Doesn't Always Match
Shopping for lingerie should be fun and exciting...
But it can also feel frustrating when the size on the tag doesn’t match the size you wear in everyday clothes. You might fit perfectly into a medium dress, but that same “medium” in lingerie feels tight, loose, or just off.
Don’t worry — it’s not your body, and it’s not that you’re shopping “wrong.” The truth is, lingerie sizing works differently than standard clothing sizing, and understanding why will help you shop with confidence.
1. Fabric & Stretch Are Very Different
Most everyday clothing is made with structured fabrics like cotton, polyester, or denim. These materials are built for durability and consistency.
Lingerie, however, is often designed with lace, mesh, satin, or spandex blends. These fabrics are:
- Lightweight and delicate
- Stretchier in some areas than others
- Designed to hug curves instead of skim over them
👉 That means two “mediums” won’t fit the same: your jeans medium is not your lingerie medium!
2. Design & Coverage Change the Fit
Think about the difference between a cocktail dress and a lace teddy.
- Clothing is designed for overall coverage — it considers shoulders, waist, hips, and length.
- Lingerie is designed to enhance or reveal. A bra focuses on bust fit, panties highlight hips, and a teddy might elongate the torso with straps or cutouts.
Less fabric means fewer places for adjustments — so the fit will naturally feel different than standard apparel.
3. Sizing Focus is More Specific
Everyday clothes use a “whole body” sizing chart (XS–XL or numbered sizes like 6, 8, 10).
In lingerie and costumes, sizing often targets one or two main areas:
- Bust (bras, camis, corsets)
- Hips (panties, booty shorts, garters)
- Torso length (teddies, bodystockings)
That’s why “One Size” lingerie exists — the fabrics are stretchy enough to fit a general range, but they may not line up exactly with your regular clothing size.
4. Costumes vs. Clothing Fit
Sexy costumes (like roleplay outfits) can feel especially different. They’re often designed for a curve-hugging, body-conscious fit, not for comfort while walking around all day.
This means:
- Zippers may feel snug
- Skirts may be shorter
- Tops may run tighter
👉 If you’re between sizes in lingerie or costumes, it’s usually best to size up for comfort.
How to Shop for the Perfect Fit
✔️ Read fabric details carefully. Look for stretch blends (nylon + spandex) if you want more flexibility.
✔️ Check the size notes. Many lingerie shops (like My Sinful Closet) include extra tips about fit.
✔️ Be open to a different size. Your “medium” might be a “large” in lingerie, and that’s completely normal. If there is any doubts, size up!
✔️ When in doubt, ask. Reach out to the boutique (that’s me 💋) for personal guidance before purchasing.
The Bottom Line
If your lingerie size doesn’t match your clothing size, it’s not a problem with you — it’s simply how lingerie is made. These pieces are designed to celebrate curves, highlight your shape, and bring out confidence in ways everyday clothing never could.
✨ Remember: Confidence is the best fit of all.
At My Sinful Closet, I make sure to include fabric details, size notes, and pairings to help you find lingerie and costumes that not only look stunning but also feel incredible.