Why are all the sizes out of whack?

[Art002]

Hi,

I'm wondering what the consensus is on inaccurate sizing--specifically places like the Gap, Old Navy and American Eagle.
I know most women's sizes are ALL over the place these days, but I'm referring to men's sizes. I have found that the above mentioned have their men's waist sizes COMPLETELY off!!! I have a 32 waist, but these companies don't seem to mark their merchandise accurately at all. Their 32 waists are at least a 34!
Anyone else finding this?
It leads me to wonder what is going on and how anyone can actually shop online at these places!!
Just going into the stores, I have found that sometimes I take a 31 waist, and with differing styles inside of the store sometimes it has to be a 30. Not to mention that every so many months they seem to keep changing their sizing-----case in point, a pair of loose fit jeans that was a 31 months ago fit me, but now it seems that I need to take a 30!!!
What gives????
I don't gain nor lose weight---my waist is the same size and at any other quality jeans manufacturer (levis, guess, etc) I have always, and still do, take a 32.
Has anyone figured out exactly how much the gap or old navy size up their men's pants? Is there some sort of average you go by? Do they generally size up by 2inches per waist or what?
All I can say, is beware of these places. They tell you online to measure your waist and then order accordingly---but if you do, I GUARANTEE it will be TOO big.

I think I won't be shopping in these place for pants anytime soon again. I hate shopping as it is, but having to try on 3 or 4 different sizes to see what fits is ridiculous, especially when the bloody waist size on men's pants SHOULD be exactly what it states.
I've heard lots of people complaining how men can just buy their size without trying it on,.....but let me tell you that's not the case anymore (at least at the gap, old navy and American eagle)

what a crock!!!!!

[DarkWolf]

It's the fit and "style" of pants you have to pay attention to, as much as size.. Sucks anymore.. Some pants fit ultra tight on say 30 waist (which is mine) because of the style of pants they are, and some hang off your butt, which still bugs me that that's in.. I don't want to see boxers any more than I want to see thongs on people walking around..

Breaks down to always try on pants first, then pick up a pair that fits you well and looks good, not that says the right size.. But, online is a loss still for buying clothing.. Too bad they don't display a "true size".. You know.. Like TV's do now? When they say 27", they're truely 27"..

Thank God bell bottoms arn't in aga----oh wait.. yeah, you can buy those too.. *cringe*