Plus Size Fashion 101: How to Find the Right Size EVERY Time

If you've shopped for plus size fashion you've probably been confounded by the very different sizes masquerading as 1x, 2x, 3x etc.

Let's clear up the confusion and get our facts straight.

What Size Am I?

What You Need to Know About a Size 18W Standard

• Patterns are created to fit a size 18W model.
• She is approximately 5'10" tall with a 44"-47" bust, 36"-39" waist, and 46"-49" hips.
• All sizes in this range are made larger and smaller based on that size 18 fit model.
• The difference between sizes is generally 2".
• The size range in standard plus sizes is generally 14w to 24w and 1x to 3x.

Extended Missy Sizes: The Size 8 Standard

If we're gonna take the mystery out of plus size fashion we need to talk about a popular category I think of as add-a-size. These are really extended Missy sizes. Missy is the term used for women's clothing in even numbers, sized 0-12 or 14. Extended missy sizing fits smaller than plus-size sizing. Traditionally Missy sizes never extended beyond Size 18, not anymore. Here's what they mean by plus size:

What You Need to Know About a Size 8 Standard

• Fit is based on a size 8 model.
• She has a 35.5"-36' bust, 27.5"-28" waist, and 37.5"-38.5" hips.
• All sizes in this range are made larger and smaller based on that size 8 fit model.
• The difference between sizes is generally 1".

Recently many of these "missy" lines have been extending their sizes up to a size 20 or even 24. Remember the difference between these sizes is 1" not 2". Beware of that difference.

Extended Junior Sizes: The Size 7 Standard

Although they are being labeled "plus size" and marketed as plus size fashion, think of these clothes as missy made smaller. Junior sizes come in odd numbers and XS to XL. You can find these cute trendy fashions in extended sizes, usually labeled XXL and XXXL. They are popping up in malls across the U.S. and are very inexpensive.

What You Need to Know About a Size 7 Standard

• The size 7 "junior" fit model is smaller, younger and less developed than her "missy" counterpart by about 1" in all directions.
• You are likely to wear a size larger in extended juniors than extended missy.

Fortunately stores like Torrid are following a different formula (based on fuller youthful figures) to set a new standard in the junior plus size market.

Independent Plus Size Designer Sizes: Internal Standard

Here is where you will find the greatest variety in sizing and thank goodness! There is amazing variety to our fuller figures and many small, independent designers have stepped in to answer the call for clothing that fits real women of all shapes and sizes. I am a big fan of these independent lines.

What You Need to Know About an Internal Standard

• If you have trouble finding a fit that compliments your curves in department stores and major chains, try independents!
• These independents can be found in equally independent plus size boutiques and online.
• Yes, they can be a bit more expensive than mass produced clothing.
• Often the designer herself is the fit model and the cuts are more generous.
• These are professionals. Whatever sizing they use will be standard to their line.
• Added bonus: these designers may accept special orders.