Finding the right size

With many companies offering clothing online or your family wanting to buy you clothing as a present, one of the most frustrating things is the inconsistency in sizing.  

Order a 5xl from one company and it fits perfectly, from another it is broad across the shoulders but slim in the stomach, from another it is so baggy that two of you could fit in the shirt and from another it would be a large in many other brands.   

What we can do about this:

1. Know your measurements, get out a shirt, shorts or pants that fit you well, or have someone measure you.
2. Check the sizing charts the company you are purchasing from.  (Some companies offer very good sizing charts, others just offer a general chart but varying labels, others are just inconsistent  (one company that I find is inconsistent is Decathlon I find it best that I go in store and try on their clothes.))
3. Email the companies, asking details about the specific product you are ordering from, for me I am always concerned that there is sufficient room for my stomach.  (one company that I have found helpful with this is www.kingsize.com.au
4. Know the fittings of each brand.  For instance I have usually found shirts from cheaper department stores are usually a little shorter than more quality ones.  
5. Read the descriptions carefully.  One time I bought some basketball shorts online, and missed the very fine print that said that these are 4xl Chinese size, which is 2 sizes smaller than US size.   
6. Buy from companies that have a return policy if the sizing is not correct.   

Do you have any other suggestions for getting the size that suits you?  Let me know in the comments.