Maintaining: Measuring vs Lbs = Discrepancies

Okay so ive been maintaining purposely for the last few weeks, actually been maintaining whilst trying to lose about 5 months.. but since being a little easier on myself, ive gained between 4-9 lbs, back down a little now to withing 2 lbs of where I want to be for now thankfully but my measurements are up about 0.5 of an inch each thigh, waist about an inch, same with my tummy.. am i dehydrated causing this loss but gaining in reality in inches? I certainly dont feel as slim as I did when i started maintenance. Anyone have any experience where the scales says you're doing well, measuring tape says no.. I dont think my scales are broken either Ive tried a couple.

I can suggest a couple of explanations.  One is that your body is still adjusting to your new weight or set point. Two years ago, I dropped about 15 pounds and then gained 5 to 10 of them back last year.  This year, I seem to be about 4 to 5 pounds lighter than last year but not yet back to my minimum let alone my ultimate goal.  However, I am fitting comfortably into the smaller clothes that I bought when I hit my minimum.

Secondly, my weight fluctuates as much as 3 or 4 pounds.  This appears to be mostly fluid.  Particularly after certain meals -- pancake breakfasts and/or pizza dinners -- for example my weight will go up abruptly for a couple of days and then drop back to where I have come to expect it to be.

Measurements are tough because bodies are soft and a change in measurement could mean nothing more than a change in tension on the tape.  I have given up on measurements for the most part because I keep getting high numbers for my waist and hips even though my clothes are fitting comfortably.  For example, I have been measuring 35 or so inches for my waist and then putting on a size 34 pants with room to spare.

I suggest that you try not to worry about the measurements too much.