XL And Growing As infants, clothing sizes start with "3 months, 24 months" etc. As they grow, numbers replace the calendar method and single-digits & double-digits (4-2X+) are assigned to the clothing sizes. By adulthood many of us have become double-digit(letter) inflators and the humiliation starts. Time to go shopping. This sizing model dictates which section of the clothing department we shop in and sadly we all find ourselves huddled around the one rack of over-8(S) clothes. Sweaters and tops have always used the letters S, M, and L. However, now we have new ones that once only existed in men's clothing: XL, even XXL. We all know that clothing manufacturers fantasize about runway models when sizing their products but let’s get real. I know that M(edium) seems to be a little snugger than the medium we grew up with, but how can sizes 10-12 be considered Large? Allow us some dignity as we shop! How does one now deal with the masochistic experience of taking an XXL to the checkout clerk who is an S or S-Petite? Maybe they could change the size tags to show bust sizes or perhaps they could assign a plant name to equate to a particular size. Here are some ideas for sizing (gardeners’ ideas are welcome): S = Sweet Pea M = Mimosa L = Lily XL = Lavender XXL = Sweet William Whatever they choose, make shopping an enjoyable experience. After all, we pay big bucks for our clothing purchases. Don’t make it doubly painful for us by adding humiliation to the buying experience. Maybe they're trying to embarrass us into dieting - please don't bother - the marketing media has that corner covered. For sensual flower viewing!