Girls' Leggings

A women's X-Small is the same size as a girls 12-14.

A woman's Small is the same size as a girls 16.

I sell leotards, tights, shorts, other stuff related to gymnastics and dance in the store I work in.

The only "real" difference in the 2 size groups is that ladies may have a tiny bit fuller hip since most women have had children and their hips have slightly spread out.

The cup are will be a tiny bit fuller in the women's top garments. They may be a bit more suggestive too. Like a spaghetti strap instead of a wider strap, a deeper V in the front instead of a more modest cut. A larger arm hole, a tiny bit longer waist. The leo's may have a more high cut thigh hole. Not a lot of difference.

But in general terms, they are for just about the same measurements.

Our girl wears a 7 slim pant but I buy at least a size 8-10 for her so they are not vulgar looking. She has muscular legs and hiney due to gymnastics, dance, BMX, and other sports. So she can look nasty is a tight pair of leggings. When she is going to the next size up I will start looking at the ladies sizes. Even though she is only 8 now, when it's time to move up for a decent fit I will not ever worry about what a tag says. If it fits and looks good that's what we'll buy.

Have you tried Crazy8, also a Gymboree company? They offer quality clothing at lower prices, and their clothing goes up to size 14/XL and the sizing appears to be more generous than Gymboree's. I found the same as you with Justice, so for the money I've also gone to Target and been pleased.

Try Old Navy.
I get my daughter's leggings from there.
They have size L and XL. Which fits my daughter who is borderline size 12 but can fit a size 14.

My daughter likes it. And she isn't exactly delicate with her leggings.
It has lasted.
She has many colors.

Love Target leggings, I'm not sure on the sizes. My kids are younger.