How to Dress When You Are Between Sizes (2024)

FAQs

How to dress when you're in between sizes? ›

Buy a size up in tighter styles and a size down in the looser styles as long as the shoulders fit. It depends on the article of clothing and the brand. I buy certain brands/ labels because they fit my body and my style. If you are not particular about brand/label you want to also consider the fabric.

When you're in between sizes, stretch is your best friend. If you're running into the issue of clothes being too snug (like your pants), a little added stretch will help your clothes flex with you. A reworked shirt with stretch panels can also help you keep it moving without losing a more-professional look.

Always buy bigger. If you are in between sizes, the bigger size shouldn't be too-too big. A little bit of extra material never hurt anyone.

Look for fabric with structure

While you're in between sizes, especially postpartum when your body is regulating, structured fabrics will smooth over your body and won't cling to your tummy or back or hips in a way that accentuates the extra weight.

Wear High-Waisted Jeans, Pants, And Skirts.

High-waisted bottoms smooth out the stomach area and create the illusion of a flatter stomach.

It's easier to alter a piece that's too big than one that's too small. When you just don't know what size to order or if you think you're in between sizes, it's always a safe bet to go a size up. It's much easier to work with a garment that's slightly bigger than one that's too small, if you don't want to return it.

Traditionally straight-sized retailers have extended up to sizes 22 via “extended sizing,” while “plus sizes” run from 12-22 (or with even more offerings, 12-32). Caveat: Traditionally, most plus-size retailers started at size 14, and some straight sizes go to size 12. Needless to say, sizing has a lot of nuance.

How much weight do i need to lose to drop pants size? On average, every 10 lbs of weight a person loses will equate to 1 pant size smaller. So, for example, if someone lost 25 pounds, they would likely drop 2 and a half sizes in pants.

We always recommend staying true to the size corresponding to your body measures. Sizing down puts a lot of extra strain on the denim, which may cause the jean to rip or break. For stretch jeans, the stretch is there primarily for comfort and optimal movement.

Another way to check this is to slip a finger between the heel of your foot and the heel of your shoe. There should be just enough space for your finger to fit nice and snugly. If your finger slides in easily with space to spare, you should probably go down a half size, while if it's a tight squeeze, go up half a size.

Which clothing sizes sell the most? ›

When you look at the numbers, large is the most common shirt size. In fact, it accounts for about 30 percent of shirt sales. Coming in at 28 percent, the size medium is a close runner-up and extra large is next at 20 percent. The percentages are much lower for smaller and larger sizes.

To “drop a dress size” means losing anywhere from 3 to 10 pounds, depending on who's defining it. While it's possible to drop anywhere from 1 to 3 pounds healthfully in a week, dropping 10 pounds is not only improbable, it's also unhealthy, and can even backfire to make you gain weight.

A loose fit could put you at risk for injury. If you are between sizes, sizing down is a better option in this situation. It is always better to go half a size up for running shoes or trainers. Vigorous exercise will increase the blood supply to the feet and cause them to swell.

Look for clothing that fits well and flatters your body shape. Avoid baggy or oversized clothing, as it can make you look larger than you are. Pay attention to fit and proportion. Look for tops that fit your bust and pants that fit your waist and hips.