Fashion has been a part of human history for thousands of years, constantly evolving and transforming with the times. Yet, despite how integral clothing is to our daily lives, there are still many things about sizing that can surprise us. Recently, a TikToker has left people baffled by revealing that XXL and 2XL, which many assumed were the same, are actually quite different. This discovery sparked a wave of reactions online, with many people expressing their shock and confusion.

Understanding the Sizing Mystery

For many, buying clothes can be a frustrating experience, especially when it comes to figuring out the right size. Women, in particular, often struggle because sizing varies significantly across different brands. Even if two garments have the same size on the label, they may fit differently due to brand-specific measurements. The confusion only deepens when it comes to similar-sounding sizes like XXL and 2XL.

TikTok user @itsmakaylasmith recently brought this issue to light, leaving her followers stunned. In her video, she demonstrated how the same shirt in both XXL and 2XL fit her body differently. While the difference may seem minor, it highlights a deeper issue with how clothing sizes are labeled and understood.

Explaining the Difference Between XXL and 2XL

In her TikTok video, @itsmakaylasmith posed a question to her followers: “Should I make a video explaining the difference between XXL and 2XL?” She then proceeded to model the same shirt in both sizes. To the untrained eye, the difference might not be immediately obvious, but when worn, the distinction became clear.

The XXL size is cut similarly to other standard sizes like small to extra-large. However, the 2XL size is designed differently—it’s not just wider but also longer, with extended sleeves and a longer torso. Essentially, XXL is designed to fit within the regular sizing spectrum, while 2XL is tailored to accommodate a different body shape, providing more length and room in key areas.

Aesthetic Differences in Patterns

Another critical difference between these two sizes lies in the design patterns used. While they may look identical on the rack, the pattern for 2XL clothing is altered to allow for longer sleeves and a more generous fit around the waist and hips. This subtle change is what makes the 2XL size better suited for people who need a bit more length in their clothing, while XXL maintains a standard fit that aligns with the rest of the size spectrum.

@itsmakaylasmith Did you know that XXL and 2XL are different ? 🤔 I remind people of this often because it can be so confusing! Just like how 1X is not the same as XL! #sizingproblems #plussizefashion #fashionquestions #plussizeexperience ♬ Rich Flex Carter Walsh Remix – CarterWalsh

Followers React with Shock and Curiosity

After seeing @itsmakaylasmith’s demonstration, many of her followers were left with their minds blown. Comments flooded in, with one user writing, “Wow, I always wondered what the difference was. I just thought they were the same. Thanks for the heads up.” Another user, identifying as plus-sized, was equally surprised, saying, “WHAT. And this comes from someone who is plus size.”

Some viewers had even more questions. One follower asked, “I never realized this. What are the biggest differences that you notice between the sizes?” It’s clear that while many people are familiar with these labels, few understand the nuances that set them apart.

The Expert’s Take on Sizing Issues

Dr. Simeon Gill, a Lecturer in Fashion Technology at the University of Manchester, has spoken extensively about the challenges of sizing in the fashion industry. Unlike women’s clothing, which is often labeled with vague sizes like small, medium, and large, men’s clothing is typically measured using specific dimensions like waist and inseam length. Dr. Gill believes that standardizing women’s clothing sizes in a similar way could significantly improve the shopping experience.

“Sizing should be improved, but to do so would need to recognize population variability and require more sizes or a fundamental change in how we provide products,” he explained. Dr. Gill further suggested that women’s jeans, for instance, could benefit from being labeled like men’s, with waist and leg measurements rather than just generalized sizes. However, resistance to change in the fashion industry, driven by fears of lost sales, remains a significant barrier.

Unexpected Quirks in Fashion History

Interestingly, the differences between XXL and 2XL aren’t the only peculiarities in the world of clothing. For instance, did you know that the buttons on men’s and women’s clothing are sewn on opposite sides? Historically, this was done to make it easier for servants to dress wealthy women, while men, who usually dressed themselves, had buttons placed on the other side.

Fashion is filled with quirky details like these. For example, high heels, wigs, and makeup, which are now associated mostly with women, were once popular among men in the past. It wasn’t until the mid-20th century that women began wearing pants in public, a shift driven largely by their increased participation in the workforce during and after World War II.

The Ongoing Frustrations of Sizing

Despite the countless innovations in fashion over the centuries, one of the most persistent frustrations remains the inconsistency in clothing sizes, especially between men’s and women’s garments. The issue is only made worse by misleading labels like XXL and 2XL, which are assumed to be interchangeable but, in reality, cater to different body shapes and measurements.

Moving Toward a Better Understanding of Sizes

As consumers become more aware of these discrepancies, there’s hope that brands might start adopting more standardized sizing practices. For now, the best advice is to be aware that sizes can vary significantly between brands and even within the same brand. Trying on clothes before purchasing—or reading reviews and size guides when shopping online—can help mitigate some of the confusion.

In the end, whether it’s XXL, 2XL, or any other size, what matters most is finding clothing that makes you feel comfortable and confident. Fashion should be about expressing yourself, not stressing over confusing numbers on a label. With more conversations like the one sparked by @itsmakaylasmith, perhaps we can move toward a world where clothing sizes make a little more sense for everyone.