Buying clothes is a challenge when it comes to getting the right size for our loved ones. Sizes range considerably from brand to brand, and many of us fluctuate in size from season to season. Sometimes our self-perceived body size is different than we think I remember shopping with one sweet gal who insisted she wore a size14 when she actually fit into a size 10. As she struggled with the size concept, I remained sensitive to her perception and spent the day concealing the sizes of the clothing she tried on hidden from her. When we finished shopping, I simply cut out the tags, she loved her new wardrobe and was able to move beyond the number enigma. Here are some tips ef you are buying clothes as gifts and are not sure on the size:
- When dealing with a numbered size like: 10, 12, 14, choose the slightly larger one.
- If catalog shopping – select the smaller size. Retail secret: many mail order vendors make garments ½ size larger than off-the-rack sizes – because they know that someone will return something that is a little too small before they will return something a little too big.
- If the garment is sized: “small, medium, large” -=- go with your gut feeling, the odds are in your favor that you will be right.
Be careful about giving the gift of clothing unless you know the receiver well. You don’t want to offend someone by missing the size completely – too big or too small can make things a bit awkward – believe me, I know this one from experience!
If all else fails, you can always give them a new scarf to update their winter coat. In any case, tuck the gift receipt into the package with this poem a friend of mine wrote and puts in each clothing gift:
“I tried to find the perfect gift, though you may not agree;
If you don’t love the color or style, return it please, for me.
Replace it for one that’s pleasing, one you will enjoy
A gift that’s used is better far than one that’s unemployed!”
Most of all, remember, take time to share your time, love and faith with loved ones this season, whether it’s in the form of a gift, a conversation or an action.
Jill Swanson, owner of Beauty Made Easy, image coach, style consultant, corporate speaker, national speaker, and the author of Out the Door in 15 Minutes, Simply Beautiful Inside & Out, Simply Scarves, and Simply Closets. If you’re looking for the gift that will always fit, check out Simply Scarves! 
It would be easy to believe that Jill was born with exceptional looks and style, but she is living proof that beauty begins within. Underneath her impeccable exterior is evidence of a profound challenge. Jill was born with a rare birth defect. 
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