It's not just women's clothing, though.  I have a pair of khaki slacks from The Gap I like, so I went to buy another pair some years later.  My original ones are a 33.  The new ones are a 30.  ALL the pants in the store were like this, with the 30 being what a 33 used to be.  I measured them at home, and yep, 30 is the new 33 it seems.  Maths don't real I guess. Yet from their sister store Banana Republic I'm able to wear the 33 slim cut and have it fit perfect every time, to the point I can just order online without worrying.  I've been buying the same size from there for over 10 years, too, since they introduced that cut.  Good thing I never got a case of the dad-bod, because you know, I workout and eat healthy.