We have so much in common, Frances, I want to cry cry cry. The size inflation is CRAAAAAAZY, I agree! I'm sitting here in a pair of XS Ripcurl shorts - they're my favorites right now but I sure as ### are NOT an XS. I weigh 20 lbs more than you and am 2 in taller. This is NUTS. I wore a 4 back in the day and I too was surprised at Euro, UK + AUS sizes. I like the picture of you and your mom very much. Your horizontal stripes are everywhere now and seldom a great idea.