Suzy - have you gone into the store to try on the next size down? I'm sure you would be very surprised to see that you probably fit into the next size down if not 2 sizes.
Everyone's body is different. People who are the apple shape seem to stay in pant sizes longer because they tend to gain/lose in the belly are (gain first/lose last). Pear shape (thicker thighs/booty) tend to drop shirt sizes super fast and jean sizes slower. People with a broad top half have the reverse effect. So you really can't say 10lbs = 1 dress size. It just depends on your shape.
I am considered a pear shape and at 232ish lbs (5'9") I am in a size 16 (only in Liz & Co jeans (formerly Tint Jeans) and in other jeans I'm a 18 and sometimes 20 just to get them to fit my booty and thighs. My waist fits a 16 (14 when I'm not bloated)...it's very annoying.

You sound like me. I have very thick thighs and a "ghetto" booty (my daughter told me I'm a "whooty" haha). My hips are not wide but I do have a nice set of "birthing hips". I can put on the 18's or 20's in Old Navy and they are super duper tight on my thighs, but I have this HUGE gap in the back that I could probably fit a basket ball into.
I hate shopping!

It's no better this side of the pond either. I've never heard of Lane Bryant but I am currently a UK size 10,12 or 14 in my favourite clothes shop. I have to take all 3 sizes into the changing rooms to save repeated trips back out! Very frustrating.

The funny one was when I went to go try on some jeans. I found a pair of size 16s (I was trying on a variety of 14s and 16s). For the 16s, they were huge on me and I could slip them on and off without unbuttoning. Same brand, same style, etc, I tried on the size 14s and I couldn't button them.

hehe! I have a big butt and hips too, they run in the family. Also the big boobs.

I've slowly started taking things from the back of my closet that I haven't worn in several years. But they're mostly running pant, knit shirts etc. They're all baggy. I am a little afraid to try on new jeans though because I'm afraid I'll feel defeated. Jeans are so much more unforgiving. Yes, my jeans I have now are 18W.

I'm glad I'm not alone in this and that hopefully once I get to size 14 I can hope to move into new sizes more quickly as I shrink :O)

However, I'm really excited to hear that the smaller sizes run bigger nowadays! The last time I was a size 10 was 15 years ago so I'm looking forward to reaching that again.

That's just totally insane!

I finally broke down and got a "custom" set.
I didn't feel like I was portioned right...now I got the booty & the boobies!

Im in a 22..Ive lost almost 20lbs and they arent budging yet lol still fit the same as when i started.

I don't know about the "10 lb. per size" thing because I have to lose a good 15-20 lbs. to go down a size I'm currently in a (tight) size 14, I was mostly in 12's (also a little tight) at my lowest weight of 185 lbs.

I too agree that sizes are crazy! I am a clearance rack/thrift store/garage sale shopper and I try on everything. I sizes 6, 8 & 10s in my closet. Today I have some cute size 10 Levis khaki jeans that came from my gf when she cleaned out her closet and a thrift store Christopher & Banks sweater size S. I don't really care what the number on the clothes say, just that they fit and are cute and comfy! And for the record I am a rectangle/banana shape.

I've gone down 25 lbs (ok .5 to go!) and am still wearing the same clothes. I didn't wear much that was very fitted, so I guess that is part of it. I can tell a difference to some extent but I honestly don't remember everything I was wearing being so tight that it all fits now, 25 lbs later! Some stuff is starting to get a little big but not really to the point where it's TOO big yet.

It's kind of frustrating - I can see a difference when I look at my own body, and there are a few items of clothing that I can wear now that I couldn't before. But mostly it's all the same old stuff, and I also haven't had any comments from anyone outside my immediate family, I think in part because I look the same since I'm wearing the same clothes. Hopefully, by the time Spring weather rolls around, I'll be fitting into a lot more of my older clothes I haven't worn for a long time and maybe people will finally notice???

I'm glad for this thread. I've been waiting forever to go from size 18 to 16! Now I feel better about it.

This is bananas. I have clothes in my closet that ranges from 24-18w. All of the 24s are too big (thank God). The 22s are loose and the 20s are fitting but I like my clothes are loose. Anywho, I want to go to a store and try on brand new clothes because some clothes grow with you or stretch. One pair of the 18s fit but another pair of the 18s wont come past my hips. I check my inches because I can see progress. Some places it's a little slower moving.

Well i was my optimum/goal weight as UK size 12, i am now between a UK 14 and 16 was edging closer towards a 16 before i started losing. Although i can still squeeze into most of my size 12 twelve tops with a little stretch, i have a couple of size 12 dresses and skirts i can still just about breathe in, but becasue i have gone on a journey of discovery over the last few years i have few new things and lots do new ideas. When i reach my goal or lower, i intend to get down to UK 10, i will completely rethink my wardobe and go on big shopping spree, financed by the dear parents.