Fashion and clothing have been around for thousands of years, undergoing countless transformations. There’s so much information about something everyone uses daily, yet few have given it any thought. For example, a TikToker is blowing people’s minds by sharing that XXL and 2XL aren’t the same size.

Modeling the Difference

Women struggle to guestimate their clothing sizes, particularly because some brands have slightly different sizes, despite the tag having the same number. However, it’s even more confusing when you consider how companies determine the sizes and that there are so many including XXL and 2XL. While some may have known that tidbit already, @itsmakaylasmith has astounded followers by pointing out how different the 2 sizes are.

Explaining the Difference

“Should I make a video explaining the difference between XXL and 2XL??” She questioned in a video modeling the same shirt but in an XXL and a 2XL. However, it’s seemingly far more complicated. Unexpectedly the XXL and 2XL shirts are different sizes, fitting her body differently. XXL is cut the same as clothing sizes between x-small and XL whereas a 2XL is wide but also longer, with longer sleeves.

Aesthetics of XXL and 2XL

Another key difference between the two sizes is the pattern. Although they may look identical, the 2XL pattern has been altered to accommodate the longer sleeves and bottom.

Followers Respond

Several followers shared their amazement at the TikTokers XXL and 2XL demonstration.

“Wow I always wondered what the difference was, I just thought they were the same. Thanks for the heads up.” Wrote one person.

Meanwhile, another exclaimed: “WHAT. And this comes from someone who is plus size.”

Others were left with more questions. “I never realized this. What are the biggest differences that you notice between the sizes?” Questioned one follower.

Encouraging XXL and 2XL Clarity

Dr Simeon Gill is a Lecturer in Fashion Technology at the University of Manchester and has commented in the past regarding the sizing issue in fashion. For example, men’s clothing is labeled by body measurements, waist, height, and sleeve. “Sizing should be improved, but to do so would need to recognize population variability and requires more sizes or a fundamental change in how we provide products,” explained Dr. Gill “There is no good reason that women’s jeans should not be sized as men’s jeans are, with waist and leg length. Most of this is about existing practices, and fear of change [and] lost sales.”

Other Strange Differences

Bizarre size discrepancies like XXL and 2XL aren’t the only fascinating thing about clothing. Purportedly, men’s and women’s clothing have buttons sewn on different sides, a design that made it easier for royal women to be dressed by their servants. Meanwhile, men typically dress themselves regardless of status.

Although makeup, wigs or weaves, and high heels are worn by women, they were once popular fashion choices for men. However, women weren’t allowed to wear pants in public until the mid-20th century, when they joined the workforce.

Fashionable Frustrations

Fashion has undergone many changes over thousands of years but perhaps the most frustrating is the difference between the sizes in men’s and women’s clothing, particularly when they have misleading labels like XXL and 2XL.