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What is considered a plus size? It shouldn't be hard to define, but it is. Sizes vary from retail store to retail store. And it seems like every article you read about what size makes a woman a “plus size” says something different.
A plus size is supposed to be anything above size 12. Seriously. That's, like, most of the United States. Yet fashion designers, retail buyers and retail stores have been really slow to catch onto this fact.
The problem is that sizes aren't consistent from brand to brand. A size 14 in one line of clothing may be an 18 in another. It gets very confusing. Add in that most online stores have their own sizing, or even worse, carry a bunch of different designers that each have their own sizing. Next thing you know the link you're clicking on the most is that “size guide” link on every single item you're looking at. And then, there's that disappointment when you realize they don't even carry a plus size.
So, how can you stay on top of which measurements make a woman a plus size? And which measurements do you even need?
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If you like to shop for clothes a lot, the easiest thing to do is periodically take your bust, waist and hip measurements. Then you can look at sizing charts to figure out your size in a particular line of clothing. You could probably end up with three different sizes from one department store.
Why do women have all these inconsistent sizes? According to Slate, the government sent out statisticians in the 1940s to measure a bunch of women to come up with standard sizes. They realized (duh!) that women were too many different shapes and sizes to standardize. So theNational Institute of Standards and Technology basically told designers to make their sizes whatever they wanted, totally arbitrarily.
My husband has often remarked how much easier it would be if women's sizes worked like men's. You measure your waist and the length of your legs and boom! You know which pair of pants to buy. Not so in the women's department. Torrid‘s plus sizes are single digits, whereas other stores, like Lane Bryant, have double digits. It's never the same!
That's why size is merely a number, not a judgement. Don't let that stupid number work on your head. It wasn't until I was an adult that I figured out that 1) no one else knows the number on the tag of whatever I'm wearing and 2) going up one size usually makes you look thinner. If you're busting out of a shirt, everyone will be staring at your buttons, waiting for one of them to pop. If you wear a shirt that fits, they're just going to think you look smashing.
Don't worry about shopping in stores that are labeled “plus size.” If you feel good, and think you look good, that's the only measurement you'll ever need.
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FAQs
How can I determine if I fall into the plus-size category? If you find that clothing sizes above the traditional retail cut-off (typically a US 12/14, UK 16, or EU 44) fit you more comfortably, you might be considered plus-size in the fashion industry.
What size is officially plus size? ›
According to PLUS Model magazine, "In the fashion industry, plus size is identified as sizes 18 and over, or sizes 1X-6X and extended size as 7X and up". The article continues "Susan Barone [...] shared, 'Plus sizes are sizes 14W – 24W.
What weight range is plus size? ›
Female measurements: Plus-size women working in modeling are usually a size 12 and above. Their weight should typically be between 161 and 205 pounds, with a chest size of 41” to 45”.
Is size 12 a plus size or mid size? ›
Midsize vs Plus Size vs Petite Size
| Size Category | USA Size | Approx. Height |
|---|
| Midsize | 10-14 | 5'4" - 5'8" (162 - 173 cm) |
| Plus Size | 16 and up | No specific height |
| Petite | 0-14 | Under 5'4" (Under 162 cm) |
Feb 27, 2024
Curvy sizes will range (within the D5585) from sizes 00-20. Very thin women can be significantly curvier than plus sized because from a technical (pattern) standpoint, patterns for thinner people are significantly curvier than those for plus sizes.
Is a plus-size 14 the same as a regular 14? ›
A size 14 from the missy range and a size 14W from the plus range can have the same bust measurement, but other measurements will differ. The plus range usually has a fuller waist, thigh, and bicep compared to the same size in the missy range.
Is size 16 fat? ›
Size 16 is average by todays standards.
Is size 18 fat? ›
Small Fat — sizes 14-18
Someone who wears the smaller end of plus sizes and may be able to fit into some straight size clothing.
Does plus-size mean obese? ›
Summary. “Fat” and “plus-size” are terms often used to refer to people who live and occupy space in a larger body. “Plus size” is a term often used in the fashion industry, typically to refer to clothing marketed primarily to women. In general, body descriptors should only be included when necessary and relevant.
Is 170 pounds considered plus size? ›
Average American weights heights are considered obese -- about 170 lbs./5'3” for women and 197 lbs./5'9” for men -- so “average” doesn't mean “healthy.”
Plus-size fashion models are generally 5'9″ and up and are asked to have unblemished skin, healthy hair, and well-kept nails. Plus-size fit models can be shorter—between 5'6″ and 5'9″—while commercial modeling gigs (a.k.a. real-people modeling) offer more flexibility.
Is 2X the same as XXL? ›
The sizing of XXL and 2X can vary between brands, but generally, they both refer to larger sizes in clothing. However, some brands might use different sizing conventions. XXL typically represents extra-extra-large, while 2X might signify the same size, depending on the brand's sizing standards.
Is size 12 curvy? ›
However, “plus sizes” usually begin at 14 or 16 (Which I believe is a misnomer; in reality, 12–16 sizes are actually pretty average.) Size 12 is not plus sized unless you're really short.
How do I know if I'm a plus size? ›
Plus-size clothing is generally considered a women's size 18 and beyond. “Missy” or “straight” sizes range from 00–16/18, XXS–XXL whereas plus sizes range from 12W–28W, 0X–4X and greater. You might think plus sizes are just extended straight sizes, but guess again.
How big is a size 14 woman? ›
Women's Size Guide (Numeric)
| US Size - Numeric | 00 | 14 |
|---|
| Bust | 31" | 40" |
| Waist | 23" | 33" |
| Hip | 34" | 43" |
The fashion industry defines plus-size clothing as sizes 12 to 24, though many retailers offer up to a size 28 to meet demand. From Business Insider.
Does free size mean XL or XXL? ›
Free size means it should fit most people. That means fitting both larger AND smaller people. So a baggy fit on a smaller person, a standard fit on a standard person, a tighter fit on a larger person.
