People are only just finding out XXL and 2XL aren’t the same size

Shopping for clothes is hard enough without then wondering if two sizes are the same, and working out which one is the right size for you.

A TikToker has shown the differences in plus sizing. By modelling the same t-shirt in two different sizes, she's shown us that XXL and 2XL might initially sound like they would be the same size, but actually they're completely different.

Sharing a video of herself in the two different sizes as well as others, Makayla - who posts as @itsmakaylasmith - pointed out how different they can be.

The plus size fashion and lifestyle TikToker wrote on her post: "Should I make a video explaining the difference between XXL and 2XL??"

In the video she points out the subtle difference between XXL and 2XL, as while the labels sound like they should be the same, it's very different on the body.

The truth behind it is that they are totally different sizes and usually, plus-size clothes that carry the XXL label are cut the same way as regular sizes, only bigger.

As clothes sizes increase, this often means the length of the clothes, the size of the sleeves and other dimensions will be too large.

This is because the whole garment increases in size, meaning the length of the top and size of the arms may not be a perfect fit.

On the other hand, clothes that are labelled 2XL for instance, are cut specifically with plus-size bodies in mind.

This means the pattern has been altered instead of just making the entire garment larger and potentially making it a better fit.

It's not just us that didn't know the difference either, as the comment section on the TikTok video has been flooded with shocked shoppers who want to know more.

One person wrote: “Wow I always wondered what the difference was, I just thought they were the same. Thanks for the heads up."

An amazed viewer replied: "WHAT. And this comes from someone who is plus size."

While another shared: "Thank you!! I have to tell people this for Christmas time, I tell them please go to plus size sections cause sizing is F**KDD."

Another person wanted to know more as they commented: "I never realized this. What are the biggest differences that you notice between the sizes?"

Whether it's dresses, t-shirts or jeans, it seems our clothes can come in so many different shapes and sizes and that can be pretty confusing.

Dr Simeon Gill, Lecturer in Fashion Technology at the University of Manchester, previously told the BBC: "Sizing should be improved, but to do so would need to recognise population variability and requires more sizes or a fundamental change in how we provide products.

"Sizing for jeans – in fact, for all clothing – should be based directly on body measurements of the individual it is made to fit.

"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."