can’t believe I didn’t know this. Credit: SEAN GLADWELL/ Getty

If you’ve ever purchased an item of clothing that says on the label that it’s your size, but when you put it on it doesn’t quite fit right, then you may be about to learn the reason why.

Sharing a video of herself in the two different sizes, Makayla penned in the caption: “Should I make a video explaining the difference between XXL and 2XL??”

Watch the video below:2XL and XXL aren’t the same size – in fact, they’re cut very differently. XXL is a bit larger than XL in all measurements and 2XL is a lot bigger, but not longer than an XL.

As you can see, the XXL fits in a very uniform way, whereas the 2XL is more breathable, and takes the arm and abdomen size into consideration.

2XL is not the same as XXL. Credit: SolStock / Getty

Many people were stunned when the TikToker dropped the knowledge and took to the comment section to share their reactions.

A third shared: “WHOAAAAAA This makes so much sense,” and a fourth added: “Noted for when im next buying for other people. clothes never seem like a safe gift but knowing this may change that!”

So if you prefer to wear something that hugs your body then XXL is the way to go, whereas if you prioritize comfort, then 2XL is your choice.

Some people think sizing should be improved. Credit: Olena Ruban / Getty

Dr. Simeon Gill, Lecturer in Fashion Technology at the University of Manchester, previously told the BBC that sizing should be “improved”.

“But to do so would need to recognize population variability and requires more sizes or a fundamental change in how we provide products,” Gill continued. “Sizing for jeans – in fact, for all clothing – should be based directly on body measurements of the individual it is made to fit.”

“There is no good reason that women’s jeans should not be sized as men’s jeans are, with waist and leg length. Most of this is about existing practices, and fear of change [and] lost sales,” they added.