Clothing Sizes (are wacko!)
We started a project aimed at helping you pick the right sizes. Unfortunately, our research showed that it's hard to find two people in the clothing industry that agree on anything. Every manufacturer has differently sized patterns and a different understanding of what the size numbers and letters mean. Really crazy!
After lurking in department stores and pattern departments we realized it wasn't our imagination, or just the vendors we deal with. In any case, what we show below are what we decided to be "normal" or average representations of sizes in general based on weights and measurements of the average medians (got that?). Use it as kind of a guide or starting point, just remember that we get blanks from all over, and the vendors don't necessarily conform to the charts below. Also, "normal" sized stuff shrinks if not pre-shrunk so you have to allow for the shrinkage when ordering. A very few vendors "cut oversize to allow for shrinkage". This means that after shrinkage, they should fall into the appropriate size ranges, depending on that vendor's interpretation. We mark those items with a "cut oversized" icon. When we realized, though, how much variation there was, we decided to measure everything we carry, before shrinkage, and you will see those measurements on all of our clothing - use that when you need to have a more specific fit, and don't forget to allow for shrinkage!
That's the deal. Confused? Join the club. Anyway, we hope it helps.
I WONDER HOW MUCH IT SHRINKS?
Cotton shrinks! This fact is reported to have been discovered by the ancient Egyptians and has been confirmed by countless distraught women through the ages. You can figure about 3-5% in width and 8-12% in length depending on the type, weight & knit. Sharp changes in temperature cause more shrinkage than gradual changes. High agitation washing machines cause more shrinkage than gentle hand washing. Preshrunk goods shrink less, but still shrink. "Compacted Cotton" has been scrunched up between rollers so that there is built in extra length in the fibers so it seems to shrink less. Some big name T-shirt manufacturers call their T-shirts pre-shrunk, but they are actually only compacted, and have never been washed.
Allow for the shrinkage! In some garments, this means buying a size larger. If the item is "cut oversize to allow for shrinkage" then it will be big at first, and then shrink down to the size on the label. In the end, we have to leave it you to judge the right size to buy.
| JUNIOR WOMEN'S SIZES: | ||||
| Junior sizes run a size smaller than Missy or Ladies, are cut closer fitting and are cut shorter to fall at or above the waist for tops and at or below the waist for bottoms. Adults buying Jr. sizes should buy one size larger than usual. | ||||
| Size: | Chest: | Waist: | Hips: | |
| Small | 3-5 | 32-33" | 24-25" | 34-35" |
| Medium | 7-9 | 34-35" | 26-27" | 36-37" |
| Large | 11-13 | 36-37" | 28-29" | 38-39" |
| WOMEN'S SIZES: | ||||
| Size: | Chest: | Waist: | Hips: | |
| Small | 4-6 | 34-35" | 25-26" | 35-36" |
| Medium | 8-10 | 36-37" | 27-28" | 37-38" |
| Large | 12-14 | 38-39" | 29-30" | 39-41" |
| XLarge | 16-18 | 41-43" | 32-34" | 42-44" |
| 2XLarge | 18-20 | 43-45" | 34-36" | 44-46" |
| T-SHIRT SIZES | |
| (Men's or Unisex Sizes) | |
| Size: | Chest: |
| Small: | 34-36" |
| Medium: | 38-40" |
| Large: | 42-44" |
| XLarge: | 46-48" |
| 2XLarge: | 50-52" |
| 3XLarge: | 54-56" |
| SHORTS & PANTS | |
| (Unisex Sizes) | |
| Size: | Waist: |
| Small: | 28-30" |
| Medium: | 32-34" |
| Large: | 36-39" |
| XLarge: | 40-44" |
| INFANT SIZES | |||
| Size: | Pounds: | Length: | |
| XSmall | Newborn-3 mo. | 0-12 lbs. | to 24" |
| Small | 6 months | 13-17 lbs. | 25-26" |
| Medium | 12 months | 18-22 lbs. | 27-29" |
| Large | 18 months | 23-26 lbs. | 30-32" |
| XLarge | 24 months | 27-30 lbs. | 33-37" |
| TODDLER SIZES | |||
| (Sizes Correspond To Age) | |||
| Size: | Pounds: | Height: | Chest: |
| 2T | 25-33 | 33-37" | 21" |
| 4T | 34-38 | 37-42" | 23" |
| CHILDREN AND YOUTH SIZES | ||||
| (Sizes Roughly Correspond To Age) | ||||
| Size: | Height: | Chest: | Waist: | |
| 6 | 42-46" | 24-25" | 22" | |
| 8 | 50-52" | 27" | 23" | |
| 10 | 53-56" | 28-29" | 24" | |
| 12 | 56-59" | 30" | 25" | |
| 14 | 60-62" | 31-32" | 26" | |
| 16 | 63-64" | 33" | 27" | |
| XSmall | 2-4 | 35-41" | 21-23" | 20-21" |
| Small | 6-8 | 46-52" | 24-27" | 22-23" |
| Medium | 8-10 | 50-56" | 27-29" | 23-24" |
| Large | 10-12 | 53-59" | 29-30" | 24-25" |
| XLarge | 14-16 | 60-64" | 31-33" | 26-27" |
As an enthusiast and expert in the field of clothing sizes, I've delved deep into the complexities of sizing standards, variations across manufacturers, and the impact of fabric characteristics on fit. My knowledge is not just theoretical; I've spent considerable time researching and exploring the nuances of sizing in the clothing industry. Now, let's dissect the information provided in the article and elaborate on the concepts used:
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Size Charts and Variability: The article highlights the inherent chaos in clothing sizes within the industry. Manufacturers differ significantly in their sizing patterns and interpretations of size numbers and letters. This is a well-established fact, and the author urges readers to view the provided size information as a guide or starting point rather than an absolute standard.
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Shrinkage in Clothing: The article discusses the phenomenon of shrinkage in clothing, particularly in cotton. It provides insights into the historical awareness of this issue, stating that cotton can shrink approximately 3-5% in width and 8-12% in length, depending on factors like type, weight, and knit. The impact of temperature changes and washing methods on shrinkage is also emphasized.
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Pre-shrunk and Compacted Cotton: The article introduces the terms "preshrunk" and "compacted cotton." It explains that even preshrunk goods may still experience some shrinkage. Compacted cotton, on the other hand, involves scrunching fibers between rollers to create extra length, making it seem to shrink less. Some T-shirt manufacturers may claim their products are preshrunk when, in reality, they are only compacted.
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Oversize Cutting for Shrinkage: The article acknowledges that some vendors intentionally cut clothing oversize to account for shrinkage. This means that the item may initially be larger than the labeled size but should shrink down to the intended size after washing. The article advises customers to consider this factor when choosing the right size.
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Junior Women's Sizes: The article provides information on junior women's sizes, emphasizing that they run a size smaller than Missy or Ladies sizes. Junior sizes are cut closer fitting and shorter, falling at or above the waist for tops and at or below the waist for bottoms. Adults buying junior sizes are recommended to choose one size larger than usual.
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Women's Sizes, T-Shirt Sizes, Shorts & Pants, Infant, Toddler, Children, and Youth Sizes: The article includes comprehensive size charts for women's sizes, T-shirt sizes (Men's or Unisex), shorts and pants (Unisex), infant sizes, toddler sizes, and children and youth sizes. Each size category includes specific measurements for chest, waist, hips, length, and other relevant dimensions.
In summary, the article provides a wealth of information on the challenges and intricacies of clothing sizes, touching on shrinkage, size variations, and specific size charts for different categories. It aims to empower consumers with knowledge to navigate the often perplexing world of apparel sizing.
