Men’s
"); // Keep track of whether we are currently inside a container var insideContainer = false; $images.each(function() { var $this = $(this); // Check if the current image has alt="2-column" if ($this.attr("alt") === "2-column") { if (!insideContainer) { // If we're not inside a container, create a new one $this.before($container.clone()); insideContainer = true; } } else { // If the image doesn't have alt="2-column," we're not inside a container insideContainer = false; } // Move the image into the current container $this.appendTo($this.prev(".container")); }); var title = ""; var sortBy = '- Featured
- Shop All Men
- New Arrivals
- Best Sellers
- Rain Collection
- Sun Protection
- Freewheel MTB Collection
- Nikwax Care
- Award Winners
- Shop Spring Catalog
- Sale
- Outlet: Final Sale
- Men's Jackets
- Shop All Jackets
- Rain Jackets
- Hard Shell Jackets
- Soft Shell Jackets
- Vests
- Nikwax
- Men's Tops
- Shop All Tops
- Fleece
- Flannel Shirts
- Button-Up Shirts
- Base Layer Tops
- T-Shirts
- Men's Bottoms
- Shop All Bottoms
- Soft Shell Pants
- Hard Shell Pants
- Rain Pants
- Shorts
- Base Layer Pants
- Joggers
- Accessories
- Shop All Accessories
- Balaclavas
- Hiking Gaiters
- Gear Care
- Gear
- Shop All Gear
- Bivy Sacks
- Dry Bags
-
Shop New Arrivals
Shop by Activity
- Mountain Bike
- Hike
- Climb
- Run
- Water
- Snow
- Travel
Women’s
- Featured
- Shop All Women
- New Arrivals
- Best Sellers
- Rain Collection
- Sun Protection
- Freewheel MTB Collection
- Nikwax Care
- Award Winners
- Plus Sizes 1X-4X
- Shop Spring Catalog
- Sale
- Outlet: Final Sale
- Women's Jackets
- Shop All Jackets
- Rain Jackets
- Parkas
- Hard Shell Jackets
- Soft Shell Jackets
- Vests
- Nikwax
- Women's Tops
- Shop All Tops
- T-Shirts
- Button-Up Shirts
- Flannel Shirts
- Fleece
- Base Layer Tops
- Sports Bras
- Women's Bottoms
- Shop All Bottoms
- Soft Shell Pants
- Hard Shell Pants
- Rain Pants
- Base Layer Pants
- Accessories
- Shop All Accessories
- Balaclavas
- Hiking Gaiters
- Gear Care
- Gear
- Shop All Gear
- Bivy Sacks
- Dry Bags
-
Shop New Arrivals
Shop by Activity
- Mountain Bike
- Hike
- Climb
- Run
- Water
- Snow
- Travel
- Gloves
- Hats
- Gear
- Freewheel MTB
- Tactical
Discover
- Discover
- About Us
- How to Care For Your Gear
- Athletes
- Partnerships
- Responsibility
- Stories
- Films
- In the Press
- Discover
See AlsoWhat is Plus Size?Did you know we offer technical outdoor apparel from extended and women’s plus size options from XXS – 4X to 16W – 24W? These sizes create opportunities to get more people outside, but that starts with finding your best fit. Confused on the difference between size options? We'll cover all of that as well as the reason why we decided to focus more on women's technical apparel. Read on below.
What's A Straight Size?
“Straight” sizes refer to sizes small through large for women, or sizes 0-14. Straight sizes are more commonly found in U.S. retailers than extended and plus sizes, though it’s more and more common for an average adult woman to fall into the plus size range. That’s why carrying additional size options is more important now than ever.What’s the Difference Between Plus Sizes and Extended Sizes?
Extended sizes are built from the base pattern of straight sizes, which is commonly a size medium. Typically, that means taking the base size and expanding it to fit larger or smaller bodies. Extended sizes are written in the form of XS, XXS, XL, or XXL. These sizes will have a shape very similar to straight sizes, with a similar hip to waist ratio in all sizes.
Plus sizes, on the other hand, are built to fit a fuller waist, which is more common in plus size body types. In addition to starting with a different hip to waist ratio, plus size grading also accounts for the way that other proportions and body shapes change as size increases. These sizes are written in the form of 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X, and beyond. Numeric sizes are written as 18W-24W.
Outdoor Research Ambassador Megan Banker explains why it’s important to adjust that base pattern to a new person because of how shapes change:
“With all brands, not just outdoor brands, as you start to size away from that medium [base pattern of straight sizes], the proportions get weird. You end up with pants that have huge bottoms or shirts that have shoulders that are too tight.”
Does That Mean an XXL and a 2X are the Same Thing? What About a XXXL and 3X?
Nope! Even though “XX” might seem to mean “2” just as “XXX” could make sense written as “3,” the way these sizes are written are what differentiates their base patterns: Extended vs. Plus.
What Is 2XL or 3XL?
Traditionally, 2XL and 3XL were intended to be shorthand for XXL and XXXL. However, with the increasing availability of plus sizing, these abbreviations led to confusion and are no longer used here at Outdoor Research.
Now That We’ve Launched Plus Sizes, What’s Next?
We’ve had such a tremendous response to the launch of our plus sizes and extended sizes. And, our community keeps wanting to know what’s coming next. Here’s what we know.
Will there be more men’s sizes, petite sizes, big and tall sizes, or maternity sizes? We chose to focus on women’s plus size apparel because we found that this group was drastically underserved when it came to technical outdoor gear. Right now, we plan to continue our focus on this group until we’ve fulfilled their needs.
What about other underserved groups? There’s still so much opportunity to create great gear that gets more people outside. We’re actively looking for ways to do that – whether it’s for people of different genders, ages, abilities, cultures, and more.
Do you have the next great gear idea? Reach out to our customer service team at info@outdoorresearch.com with your product ideas and we’ll make sure it gets in the right hands.
Shop Extended Sizes
Shop the Women's Plus Size Apparel Collection
Back to blog
- Featured
07-Dec-2023 Story by Outdoor Research | 3 Min. Read | Stories
'; var paragraph = '' ; $(".collection-hero.banner").before(paragraph); $(".collection-hero.banner").before(sortBy); // move share button at bottom var elem = $(".article-template .article-template__social-sharing").detach(); $(".article-collection-wrap").after(elem); } $(".breadcrum-section").insertBefore($("#MainContent")); var playPauseButtons = `' + title + getFirstParagraph() + '
`; var wrapperDiv = $('.article-template'); var iframes = wrapperDiv.find('iframe'); var ytplayer; // Loop through each iframe iframes.each(function() { var iframe = $(this); // Check if the iframe's src contains 'youtube' or 'vimeo' if (iframe.attr('src').includes('vimeo')) { const vimeoVideoId = getVideoId(iframe.attr('src')); var img = ''; iframe.before(img); iframe.after(playPauseButtons); // Initialize Froogaloop player var player = $f(iframe[0]); // Bind events for each iframe var playButton = iframe.siblings('.buttons-controls').find('.play-button'); playButton.on("click", function() { if (iframe.attr('src').includes('vimeo')) { console.log("play"); player.api("play"); } }); var pauseButton = iframe.siblings('.buttons-controls').find('.pause-button'); pauseButton.on("click", function() { if (iframe.attr('src').includes('vimeo')) { console.log("pause"); player.api("pause"); } }); } if(iframe.attr('src').includes('youtube')){ var src = iframe.attr('src'); iframe.attr("src", src + "&enablejsapi=1"); iframe.attr("id" , "ytVideo"); const youtubeVideoId = getVideoId(iframe.attr('src')); var img = ''; iframe.before(img); iframe.after(playPauseButtons); var playButton = iframe.siblings('.buttons-controls').find('.play-button'); var pauseButton = iframe.siblings('.buttons-controls').find('.pause-button'); var youTubeUrl = iframe.attr('src'); console.log(youTubeUrl); iframe.src = youTubeUrl + "&enablejsapi=1"; playButton.addClass("youtube"); pauseButton.addClass("youtube"); } }); function getFirstParagraph(){ var extractedContent = ""; var firstImageFound = false; // Traverse through each element inside the specified container $("article.article-template").find("*").each(function() { // Check if the current element is an image if ($(this).is("img") || extractedContent.split(' ').length >= 40) { // Mark the first image as found if (!firstImageFound) { firstImageFound = true; } else { return true; } } // Check if the current element is a text-based element (paragraphs, headings, spans) if (!firstImageFound && ($(this).is("p, h2, h3, h4, h5, h6, span"))) { extractedContent += $(this).prop('outerHTML') + "\n"; $(this).remove(); } }); return extractedContent; }});Explore More
- Featured
'; iframe.before(img); iframe.after(playPauseButtons); // Initialize Froogaloop player var player = $f(iframe[0]); // Bind events for each iframe var playButton = iframe.siblings('.buttons-controls').find('.play-button'); playButton.on("click", function() { if (iframe.attr('src').includes('vimeo')) { console.log("play"); player.api("play"); } }); var pauseButton = iframe.siblings('.buttons-controls').find('.pause-button'); pauseButton.on("click", function() { if (iframe.attr('src').includes('vimeo')) { console.log("pause"); player.api("pause"); } }); } if(iframe.attr('src').includes('youtube')){ var src = iframe.attr('src'); iframe.attr("src", src + "&enablejsapi=1"); iframe.attr("id" , "ytVideo"); const youtubeVideoId = getVideoId(iframe.attr('src')); var img = '
'; iframe.before(img); iframe.after(playPauseButtons); var playButton = iframe.siblings('.buttons-controls').find('.play-button'); var pauseButton = iframe.siblings('.buttons-controls').find('.pause-button'); var youTubeUrl = iframe.attr('src'); console.log(youTubeUrl); iframe.src = youTubeUrl + "&enablejsapi=1"; playButton.addClass("youtube"); pauseButton.addClass("youtube"); } }); function getFirstParagraph(){ var extractedContent = ""; var firstImageFound = false; // Traverse through each element inside the specified container $("article.article-template").find("*").each(function() { // Check if the current element is an image if ($(this).is("img") || extractedContent.split(' ').length >= 40) { // Mark the first image as found if (!firstImageFound) { firstImageFound = true; } else { return true; } } // Check if the current element is a text-based element (paragraphs, headings, spans) if (!firstImageFound && ($(this).is("p, h2, h3, h4, h5, h6, span"))) { extractedContent += $(this).prop('outerHTML') + "\n"; $(this).remove(); } }); return extractedContent; }});
FAQs
What’s The Difference Between Plus Size, Extended Size, and Straight S? ›
Extended sizes are written in the form of XS, XXS, XL, or XXL. These sizes will have a shape very similar to straight sizes, with a similar hip to waist ratio in all sizes.
Extended plus size are items of clothing designed to fit individuals who are considered above the standard sizes. They provide a better fit for those with larger body measurements, as well as a greater range of choice when it comes to fashion.
What is the difference between straight sizes and plus sizes? ›Straight Sizes Vs Plus Size
According to general sizing guidelines, straight sized clothing ranges stop at 14, and anything larger than this falls under the plus size category. Discrepancies in sizes from different brands are another cause of confusion and frustration for customers.
Extended sizes are built based on the straight sizing pattern and refer to sizes XXS, XS, XL and XXL (0-4 AND 16-20). This means that the “base pattern” was adjusted to fit smaller and larger bodies. They will have a similar shape to the straight sizes, with a similar hip-to-waist ratio.
Is plus-size large the same as regular large? ›The size range for regular XL is usually somewhere in the range of a 10–14, as opposed to 1X which tends to start at 14 or 16. In women's clothing, XL is typically 0 or 1 size larger than the numerical sizing (ex. 16W-18W or XL-1X). The XL range in women's sizes usually refers to a size 16 or 18.
What is the highest plus-size? ›shared, 'Plus sizes are sizes 14W – 24W. Super sizes and extended sizes are used interchangeably for sizes 26W and above. Sometimes the size 26W is included in plus size'." Such clothing has also been called outsize in Britain, a term that has been losing favor.
At what size are you considered plus-size? ›When it comes to the fashion industry, "plus size" generally refers to clothing labeled size 14 and up in the United States, although this varies by brand and may start anywhere from size 12 to 18. In the UK, it's typically size 16 and up, and in Europe, the sizes usually begin at 44 and up.
Why is it called straight size? ›And within that range sample sizes for retail clothes and runway fashion are usually sizes 6 or 8. “Straight-sizes” are typically constructed to accommodate smaller bodies which means there is less room and ease in the garment resulting in a more restrictive fit for someone who is curvier or has a larger bust.
Is size 8 fat? ›Size 8 is a common size worn by many normal, healthy women. “Plus size” typically starts around a size 12.
Is size 12 a straight size? ›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.
What is a straight size model? ›
Fashion Modeling
However, with the inclusion of plus-size and petite models, the industry is seeing more variety. That said, 'straight size' models are generally still expected to be 5'9" to 5'11" with measurements close to 34-24-34. Plus-size models typically range from size 12 and up.
While a size XL is designed to fit a size 16/18, she may prefer to wear a size 1X, which equates to a size 14/16. This is because the plus-size section was designed with curves in mind. That means the arms will likely fit much better, the neckline will lay better, and the sleeves won't be too long.
Is large and XL a big difference? ›Small (S): 36-38 inches. Medium (M): 39-41 inches. Large (L): 42-44 inches. Extra-Large (XL): 45+ inches.
What is a 3XL plus-size? ›The Plus 3XL has room for an extra 2 inches around the waist. So, if you are heavier in the waist area go for the Plus 3XL because it will be a looser fit.
Is size 16 fat? ›Size 16 is average by todays standards.
Is plus-size 1X the same as XL? ›A: 1X is larger then XL. This is because L, XL, XXL are all in misses/womens sizing. 1X, 2X, 3X are all in women's PLUS sized sizing. So in this case 1X or 2X (being PLUS size garments for heavier set women) are going to be larger then an XL, XXL in regular misses sizes.
Are 3x and 3XL the same? ›A: They are both women sizes: 3x and xxxl are the same except xxxl has longer sleeves and the body of the item is longer because the (l) in the xxxl usually stands for long. Sometimes you will also see xxxl listed as 3xL. Thank you for your feedback! We failed to record your vote.
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 XXL the same as 3XL? ›3x is a big and tall cut vs xxl being a standard cut for men's sizes. The 3x is typically only slightly larger in the chest and waist area. This was the answer I recieved from Columbia customer care last year when I looked into it myself. Personally I have both in xl and 1x and the difference is not very noticeable.
What size is an XL Plus? ›While a size XL is designed to fit a size 16/18, she may prefer to wear a size 1X, which equates to a size 14/16. This is because the plus-size section was designed with curves in mind. That means the arms will likely fit much better, the neckline will lay better, and the sleeves won't be too long.