You've already gotten great advice (depends on body shape, etc.) but thought I'd give my info in case it helps. I'm 5'6"ish and my weight is evenly distributed. At 265 pounds I wore a size 24 and a 3x top. I started working out A LOT, which for me means that I can fit into smaller sizes at higher weights. I'm 208 now and am very comfortable in a size 14 and a size XL shirt, even some Ls, with one of my size 12 jeans fitting well too. I hope to be in all of my 12s by 190 - 195!