How Plus Size Clothing Sizing Works
There are now more possibilities for plus-size clothing than ever before. Although this is excellent for extending your wardrobe, it is really difficult to determine your size. The fact that plus-size clothing manufacturers really utilize numerous distinct sizing standards to describe their products is what causes the sizing uncertainty.
So, when it comes to shopping for plus-size clothing, we know how crucial it is to discover the proper pieces to boost that confidence. Fortunately, determining how different systems differ will help you determine your ideal size. View our buying guide for plus-size men, women, and children’s clothing!
Jump right into the Frequently Asked Questions
Plus Size Clothing Table of Contents
- Plus Size Clothing Chart
- How To Choose The Right Plus-Size Clothing
- How To Measure Plus-Size Clothing
- Frequently Asked questions
Plus Size Clothing Chart
Related: Plus Size Halloween Costume Size Guide for man and women
Each manufacturer is different, and the sizing comparison is not exact. To determine your size in any of the sizing systems, you can use this general chart.
Plus Size Women’s Clothing
Related: Women’s Plus Size Clothing Size Chart and sizing conversion, Plus size Intimates Size Chart for your lingerie, Bra plus size chart, Sexy Lingerie Plus Size Chart for Women
Tops and Dresses
Related: Tops Plus Size Chart and Styling Ideas for curvy women, Prom Dresses Plus Size Chart for an important night-out! Dress Plus Size Chart and Fitting Guide, Dress Plus Size Chart and Fitting Guide for curvy women, Summer Dress Plus Size Fitting Guide for Maxi women
| Size | Waist | Bust | Hips | UK | AUS | NZ | |
| 10 | L | 30 (76.2 cm) | 38.5 (97.8cm) | 40 (101.6cm) | 10 | 40 | 14 |
| 12 | XL | 31.5 (80cm) | 40 (101.6cm) | 41.5 (104.14cm) | 12 | 44 | 16 |
| 14 | 1X | 33 (83.82 cm) | 41.5v(105.41cm ) | 44 (111.8cm) | 14 | 45 | 18 |
| 16 | 1X | 35 (88.9 cm) | 43.5 (110.49cm) | 46 (116.84cm) | 16 | 48 | 20 |
| 18 | 2X | 37 (93.98 cm) | 45.5 (115.6cm) | 48 (121.92cm) | 18 | 50 | 22 |
| 20 | 2X | 39 (99.1cm) | 47.5 (120.7cm) | 50 (127cm) | 20 | 52 | 24 |
| 22 | 3X | 41(104.14cm) | 49.5 (125.73cm) | 52 (132.1cm) | 22 | 54 | 26 |
| 24 | 3X | 43 (109.22 cm) | 51.5 (130.81 cm) | 54 (137.2 cm) | 24 | 56 | 28 |
| 26 | 4X | 45 (114.3 cm) | 53.5 (135.9 cm) | 56 (142.24 cm) | 26 | 58 | 30 |
| 28 | 4X | 47 (119.38 cm) | 55.5 (140.97 cm) | 58 (148.32 cm) | 28 | 60 | 32 |
| 30 | 5X | 49 (124.46 cm) | 57.5 (146.05 cm) | 60 (152.4 cm) | 30 | 62 | 34 |
| 32 | 5X | 51 (129.54 cm) | 59.5 (151.13 cm) | 62 (157.48 cm) | 32 | 64 | 36 |
| 34 | 6X | 53 (134.62 cm) | 61.5 (156.21 cm) | 64 (162.56 cm) | 34 | 66 | 38 |
| 36 | 6X | 55 (139.7 cm) | 63.5 (161.29 cm) | 66 (167.64 cm) | 36 | 68 | 40 |
Denim Jeans
| Size | Waist | Hips |
| 10 | 30” (76.2 cm) | 40” (101.6 cm) |
| 12 | 31.5” (80.01 cm) | 41.4” (105.2 cm) |
| 14 | 33” (83.9 cm) | 44” (111.8 cm) |
| 16 | 35” (88.9 cm) | 46” (116.84 cm) |
| 18 | 37” (93.98 cm) | 48” (121.92 cm) |
| 20 | 39” (99.1 cm) | 50” (127 cm) |
| 22 | 41” (104.14 cm) | 52” (132.1 cm) |
| 24 | 43” (109.22 cm) | 54” (137.2 cm) |
| 26 | 45” (114.3 cm) | 56” (142.24 cm) |
| 28 | 47” (119.4 cm) | 58” (147.32 cm) |
| 30 | 49” (124.5 cm) | 60” (152.4 cm) |
| 32 | 51” (129.54 cm) | 62” (157.5 cm) |
| 34 | 53” (134.62 cm) | 64” (162.6 cm) |
| 36 | 55” (139.7 cm) | 66” (167.64 cm) |
Lengths
| XShort | Short | Regular | Tall |
| 24” – 27” / 60.96- 68.6 cm | 26” – 30” / 66.04-76.2 cm | 29” – 33” / 73.7-83.82 cm | 32” – 36” / 81.23-91.44 cm |
Bottoms
| Size | Waist | Hips | XShort | Short | Regular | Tall | |
| 10 | L | 30 (76.2 cm) | 40 (101.6 cm) | 24-27 (60.96-68.58 cm) | 26-30 (66.04-76.2 cm) | 29-33 (73.7-83.82 cm) | 32-36 (81.3-91.44 cm) |
| 12 | XL | 31.5 (80.01 cm) | 41.5 (104.14 cm) | 24-27 (60.96-68.58 cm) | 26-30 (66.04-76.2 cm) | 29-33 (73.7-83.82 cm) | 32-36 (81.3-91.44 cm) |
| 14 | 1X | 33 (83.82 cm) | 44 (111.8 cm) | 24-27 (60.96-68.58 cm) | 26-30 (66.04-76.2 cm) | 29-33 (73.7-83.82 cm) | 32-36 (81.3-91.44 cm) |
| 16 | 1X | 35 (88.9 cm) | 46 (116.84 cm) | 24-27 (60.96-68.58 cm) | 26-30 (66.04-76.2 cm) | 29-33 (73.7-83.82 cm) | 32-36 (81.3-91.44 cm) |
| 18 | 2X | 37 (93.98 cm) | 48 (121.92 cm) | 24-27 (60.96-68.58 cm) | 26-30 (66.04-76.2 cm) | 29-33 (73.7-83.82 cm) | 32-36 (81.3-91.44 cm) |
| 20 | 2X | 39 (99.1 cm) | 50 (127 cm) | 24-27 (60.96-68.58 cm) | 26-30 (66.04-76.2 cm) | 29-33 (73.7-83.82 cm) | 32-36 (81.3-91.44 cm) |
| 22 | 3X | 41 (104.14 cm) | 52 (132.1 cm) | 24-27 (60.96-68.58 cm) | 26-30 (66.04-76.2 cm) | 29-33 (73.7-83.82 cm) | 32-36 (81.3-91.44 cm) |
| 24 | 3X | 43 (109.22 cm) | 54 (137.2 cm) | 24-27 (60.96-68.58 cm) | 26-30 (66.04-76.2 cm) | 29-33 (73.7-83.82 cm) | 32-36 (81.3-91.44 cm) |
| 26 | 4X | 45 (114.3 cm) | 56 (142.24 cm) | 24-27 (60.96-68.58 cm) | 26-30 (66.04-76.2 cm) | 29-33 (73.7-83.82 cm) | 32-36 (81.3-91.44 cm) |
| 28 | 4X | 47 (119.4 cm) | 58 (147.32 cm) | 24-27 (60.96-68.58 cm) | 26-30 (66.04-76.2 cm) | 29-33 (73.7-83.82 cm) | 32-36 (81.3-91.44 cm) |
| 30 | 5X | 49 (124.5 cm) | 60 (152.4 cm) | 24-27 (60.96-68.58 cm) | 26-30 (66.04-76.2 cm) | 29-33 (73.7-83.82 cm) | 32-36 (81.3-91.44 cm) |
| 32 | 5X | 51 (129.54 cm) | 62 (157.48 cm) | 24-27 (60.96-68.58 cm) | 26-30 (66.04-76.2 cm) | 29-33 (73.7-83.82 cm) | 32-36 (81.3-91.44 cm) |
| 34 | 6X | 53 (134.62 cm) | 64 (162.6 cm) | 24-27 (60.96-68.58 cm) | 26-30 (66.04-76.2 cm) | 29-33 (73.7-83.82 cm) | 32-36 (81.3-91.44 cm) |
| 36 | 6X | 55 (139.7 cm) | 66 (167.64 cm) | 24-27 (60.96-68.58 cm) | 26-30 (66.04-76.2 cm) | 29-33 (73.7-83.82 cm) | 32-36 (81.3-91.44 cm) |
Tall
| Size | Bust | Waist | Hips | Canada | Europe | UK/AUS/NZ | |
| 10 | L | 39.5 (100.33 cm) | 31 (78.74 cm) | 41 (104.14 cm) | 10 | 40 | 14 |
| 12 | XL | 41 (104.14 cm) | 32.5 (82.6 cm) | 42.5 (107.95 cm) | 12 | 44 | 16 |
| 14 | 1X | 42.5 (107.95 cm) | 34 (86.4 cm) | 45 (114.5 cm) | 14 | 45 | 18 |
| 16 | 1X | 44.5 (113.03 cm) | 36 (91.44 cm) | 47 (119.4 cm) | 16 | 48 | 20 |
| 18 | 2X | 46.5 (118.11 cm) | 38 (96.52 cm) | 49 (124.5 cm) | 18 | 50 | 22 |
| 20 | 2X | 48.5 (123.2 cm) | 40 (101.6 cm) | 51 (129.54 cm) | 20 | 52 | 24 |
| 22 | 3X | 50.5 (128.3 cm) | 42 (106.7 cm) | 53 (134.62 cm) | 22 | 54 | 26 |
| 24 | 3X | 52.5 (133.4 cm) | 44 (111.8 cm) | 55 (139.7 cm) | 24 | 56 | 28 |
| 26 | 4X | 54.5 (138.43 cm) | 46 (116.84 cm) | 57 (144.8 cm) | 26 | 58 | 30 |
| 28 | 4X | 56.5 (143.52 cm) | 48 (121.92 cm) | 59 (149.9 cm) | 28 | 60 | 32 |
| 30 | 5X | 58.5 (148.6 cm) | 50 (127 cm) | 61 (154.94 cm) | 30 | 62 | 34 |
| 32 | 5X | 60.5 (153.7 cm) | 52 (132.08 cm) | 63 (160.02 cm) | 32 | 64 | 36 |
| 34 | 6X | 62.5 (158.8 cm) | 54 (137.2 cm) | 65 (165.1 cm) | 34 | 66 | 38 |
| 36 | 6X | 64.5 (163.83 cm) | 56 (142.24 cm) | 67 (170.18 cm) | 36 | 68 | 40 |
Plus Size Men’s Clothing (Inch)
Related: Men’s Plus Size Clothes Size chart and Fitting Guide
| Plus Size | Chest | Waist | Neck |
| 1X | 46-48 / 116.84-121.92 cm | 42-44 / 106.7-111.8 cm | 17 / 43.2 cm |
| 2X | 50-52 / 127-132.1 cm | 46-48 / 116.84-121.92 cm | 18 / 45.72 cm |
| 3X | 54-56 / 137.2-142.24 cm | 50-52 / 127-132.1 cm | 19 / 48.3 cm |
| 4X | 58-60 / 147.32-152.4 cm | 54-56 / 137.2-142.24 cm | 20 / 50.8 cm |
| 5X | 62-64 / 157.5-162.6 cm | 58-60 / 149.9-152.4 cm | 21-22 / 53.34-55.9 cm |
| 6X | 66-68 / 176.64-172.72 cm | 62-64 / 157.5-164.6 cm | 23-24 / 58.42-60.96 cm |
| 7X | 70-72 / 177.8-182.9 cm | 66-68 / 167.64 /172.72 cm | 26 / 66.04 cm |
| 8X | 74-76 / 187.96-193.04 cm | 70-72 / 177.8-182.9 cm | 28 / 71.12 cm |
Plus Size Men’s Clothing (cm)
| Plus Size | Chest | Waist | Neck |
| 1X | 117-122 / 297.2-309.9 cm | 107-112 / 271.8-284.5 cm | 43 / 109.22 cm |
| 2X | 127-132 / 322.6-335.3 cm | 117-122 / 297.2-309.9 cm | 45 / 114.3 cm |
| 3X | 137-142 / 347.98-360.7 cm | 125-132 / 317.5-335.3 cm | 48 / 121.92 cm |
| 4X | 147-152 / 373.4-386.1 cm | 137-142 / 347.98-360.7 cm | 51 / 129.54 cm |
| 5X | 157-163 / 398.8-414.02 cm | 147-152 / 373.4-386.1 cm | 53-56 / 134.62-142.24 cm |
| 6X | 167-173 / 424.2-439.42 cm | 157-163 / 398.8-414.02 cm | 58-61 / 147.32-154.94 cm |
| 7X | 178-183 / 452.12-464.82 cm | 167-173 / 424.2-439.42 cm | 66 / 167.64 cm |
| 8X | 188-193 / 477.52-490.22 cm | 177-183 / 449.6-464.82 cm | 71 / 180.34 cm |
Plus Size Men’s Pants (Waist)
| Size | Waist (inch) | Waist (cm) |
| L | 34-36 | 86-91 |
| XL | 36-38 | 91-96 |
| XXL | 40-44 | 101-111 |
| 3XL | 46-50 | 117-127 |
| 4XL | 52-54 | 132-137 |
| 5XL | 56-60 | 142-152 |
| 6XL | 62-64 | 157-162 |
Plus Size Men’s Pants (Length)
| Size Length | Inches | Cm |
| Long | 33 | 84 |
| Extra Long | 35 | 89 |
Clothing Size Charts for Plus Size Kids (Girls)
Related: Swimwear Plus Size Fitting Guide for kids, men and women, Kid’s Plus Size Clothing Guide for boys and girls
| Size | Height | Chest | Waist | Hip |
| 7-1/2 | 49-50-1/2 | 28 / 71.12 cm | 27 / 68.6 cm | 30- ½ / 76.2 ½ cm |
| 8-1/2 | 51-53 | 29- ½ / 73.7 ½ cm | 28 / 71.12 cm | 31- ½ / 78.74 ½ cm |
| 10-1/2 | 53-½-55 | 30- ½ / 76.2 ½ cm | 29 / 73.7 cm | 33 / 83.82 cm |
| 12-1/2 | 55- ½ – 57 – ½ | 32 / 81.3 cm | 30 / 76.2 cm | 34 / 86.4 cm |
| 14-1/2 | 58-60 | 33 / 83.82 cm | 31 / 78.74 cm | 35- ½ / 88.9 ½ cm |
| 16-1/2 | 60-62 | 34 – ½ / 86.4 ½ cm | 32 / 81.3 cm | 36- ½ / 91.44 ½ cm |
| 18-1/2 | 60-62 | 35 – ½ / 88.9 ½ cm | 33/ 83.82 cm | 37- ½ / 93.98 ½ cm |
Clothing Size Charts for Plus Size Kids (Boys)
Related: Plus Size Boots size chart for adults and kids
| Size | Height | Chest | Waist | Hip |
| 8+ | 49-51 (124.5-129.54 cm) | 30 / 76.2 cm | 29 (73.7 cm) | 30- ½ / (76.2 ½ cm) |
| 10+ | 51- ½ – 54- ½ (129.54 ½ – 137.16 ½ cm) | 30- ½ / 76.2 ½ cm | 30 (76.2 cm) | 31- ½ / (78.74 ½ cm) |
| 12+ | 55-57 (139.7-144.8cm) | 31- ½ / 78.74 ½ cm | 31 (78.74 cm) | 33 / (83.82 cm) |
| 14+ | 57- ½ – 59- ½ (144.8 ½ – 129.9 ½ cm) | 33 / 83.82 cm | 32 / (81.28 cm) | 34- ½ / (86.4 ½ cm) |
| 16+ | 60-63 (152.4-160.02cm) | 34- ½ / 86.4 ½ cm | 33- ½ / 83.83 ½ cm | 36 / 91.44 cm |
| 18+ | 63- ½ – 65- ½ (160.02 ½ – 165.1cm) | 36 / 91.44 cm | 34- ½ / 86.4 ½ cm | 37 / 93.98 cm |
How To Choose The Right Plus-Size Clothing
Related: Plus Size Socks Size Chart and Styling Guide for men and women, One Piece Swimsuit Plus Size for a perfect swim
To feel appealing and confident, stock your closet with clothes that are both comfortable and flattering. So, when it comes to shopping for plus-size clothing, we are mindful of how crucial it is to discover the proper items to support that confidence.
But how can you tell which option will suit you the most? Let’s check:
Know Your Body Shape.
Knowing your body form is one simple approach to deciding what kind of apparel will fit your body the best. At the end of the day, you should only wear clothes that make you feel comfortable. But if you’re looking for clothing trends that will make you feel beautiful, knowing your body type is a terrific place to start.
The hourglass, diamond, apple, and pear are a few of the most prevalent body types. Find out your body form and the best styles and cuts for it by doing some study.
Do Your Measurements.
Spend some time measuring yourself correctly. Particularly when it comes to online shopping, this will substantially simplify things for you. If you don’t know which size fits you best, it can be tough because sizing can vary widely from store to store.
If you have your measurements on hand, it will be much simpler for you to choose the size that will suit you the best because many websites offer a fit guide for their sizes. Measure your hips, waist, and bust with a measuring tape.
Tweak With Textures.
Never feel obligated to wear something overly basic or boring! Your outfits will stand out if you use a variety of materials in your collection. Think of wearing a sweater with a distinctive knit texture or a printed belt.
Consider which clothing items or accessories you can utilize to make your outfits stand out from the crowd. There are so many interesting ways to play with texture in your wardrobe.
Learn more about how to choose the right plus-size clothing (video)
How To Measure Plus-Size Clothing
Related: How to Measure Your Body for Clothing Sizes
The most crucial measurements to take when measuring yourself for clothing are:
- Bust. The widest part of your bust should be the starting point for the measuring tape as you wind it around, under your armpits, and back to the front. A snug fit is ideal, but not too tight.
- Waist. Your natural waistline, which is around 2 inches (5 cm) above your belly button, is where you should wrap the tape measure. To determine if you have a natural waistline, bend to one side.
- Hip Measurement. Measure the distance between the fullest area of your hips and buttocks, which is approximately 8 inches (20 cm) below your waist, when standing straight with your feet together. To check that the tape is as level as possible, use a mirror. By selecting the widest region of your thigh and wrapping the tape measure around from side seam to side seam, you may also measure your thigh.
- Pants Inseam Length. Only pants are measured using this specific method (jeans, trousers, shorts). The inseam is the space between your ankle and the top of your inside thigh. You can get around this by counting the distance from the crotch to the hem of your favorite, most comfortable pair of jeans.
For the most precise results, if you opt for the latter option, set your pants on a smooth, hard surface and smooth out any creases or bumps.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do plus sizes compare to regular sizes?
The waist, hips, and bottom of a person’s size garment are cut more generously than those of a misses size counterpart, giving these areas more generous proportions. Misses’ plus size clothing has a lower bust difference than matching women’s sizes, while women’s sizes may run fuller.
2. What size is plus-size clothes?
Extended size is defined as sizes 7X and over, whereas the plus size is defined as sizes 18 and over, or sizes 1X–6X. The plus sizes range from 14W to 24W. For sizes 26W and larger, the terms super sizes and extended sizes are comparable.
3. What size is XL in plus size?
Typically, an XL is equivalent to a 1X. For men, XL indicates regular sizing, and for women, it misses sizing. The smallest size for plus-size clothing is typically 1X.
4. Is plus-size XL the same as XL?
A typical measurement is an XL, while plus sizes are 1X+.
5. What is a size 18 in plus size?
The fit model for straight sizes is typically a size 8 or medium. The fit model for plus-size clothing is typically a size 18 or a 2X.
6. How do I know if I’m plus size?
Sizes 18 and up or 1X to 6X are considered plus sizes in the fashion industry, while 7X and above are considered extended sizes.
7. Is XXL the same as 1X?
XXL and 1X sizes are not the same while shopping for men’s or women’s apparel. 1X refers to women’s larger-size clothing designed for curvy women.
8. Is size 14 considered plus-size?
Some clothing lines consider anything 14 or larger to be a “plus” size, but others begin plus sizing at a 16 or 18. So size 14 is technically plus-size.
Conclusion
The most important thing, at the end of the day, is that you are comfortable in your clothing. Consider what makes you feel the most confident and put together, then stock your closet with options that speak to you.
Shopping for plus-size clothing can be difficult, and finding clothing that fits well might seem impossible. Consider some of the recommendations above the next time you’re looking for new clothes for your wardrobe.
If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments section below.
Picture in this post is by Lance Reis on Unsplash
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