Determining Your Clothing Size

A single clothing size may vary by a half inch to as much as three inches between women's clothing brands. That is why you can wear a size 6 in one dress, a size 8 in another and even a size 10 in another. Clothing designers and apparel brands use size and fit as the means of differentiating themselves from other clothing lines. Depending on the line's target market, brands may choose to have garments with a generous cut or a close fit. The biggest factor a brand uses for determining their fit is the customer they are targeting. Clothing companies will use a fit model who is representative of this target group. The fit model does not look like the models you see in ads. She is shorter and has average proportions just like the average American woman.

Finding the companies who use your height and proportions on their fit model is the secret to finding the clothes that fit.

Proportions are determined by the measurements of the bust, waist, and hips. These measurements are then separated into groups which make up both the clothing sizes (6) and clothing size ranges (6-8). Some groups will also have unique characteristics that make them a better fit for certain body types (petites, juniors, plus, and talls). These are often called Specialty Sizes.

Missy Sizes
Size: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20
Size ranges: XS(2-4), S(6-8), M(10-12), L(14-16), XL(18)
Height: 5'4" to 5'8"
Characteristics: This group is considered to be the "average" body size with slightly larger hips than bust.

Tall Sizes
Sizes: 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20
Size Ranges: XS(4), S(6-8), M(10-12), L(14-16), XL(20)
Height: 5'8" to 6'
Characteristics: Proportioned similar to a Missy size but for a longer frame. Sleeve length, back length, and inseam are all longer.

Women's Plus Sizes
Size: 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42
Size Ranges: 1X(16-18), 2X(20-22), 3X(24-26), 4X(28-30), 5X(32-34), 6X(36-38), 7X(40-42)
Height: 5'4" to 5'7"
Characteristics: Proportioned to fit a fuller body with more curvature through the bust, waist and hip areas.

Petite Sizes
Size: 0,2,4,6,8,10,12,14,16 (sizes may have a P behind the size - 2P)
Size Ranges: P(2-4), S(6-8), M(10-12), L(14-16)
Height: 4'11" to 5' 4"
Characteristics: Petite clothing sizes are fitted for a smaller body and bone structure than a Missy clothing size. This Specialty Size may have narrower shoulders, a smaller higher bust and/or slimmer or straighter hips.

Women's Petite Sizes
Size: 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30
Size Ranges: 1XP(16-18), 2XP(20-22), 3XP(24-26), 4XP(28-30)
Height: 4'11" to 5'4"
Characteristics: Proportions are adjusted to fit a fuller figure with a lower bustline and more curvature in the waist, hips, and thigh area.

Junior Sizes
Size: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15
Size Ranges: XS(1-3), S(5-7), M(9-11), L(13-15)
Height: 5'5" to 5'8"
Characteristics: Proportioned for a slimmer figure with less curves and a higher bustline. Bust, waist, and hips will have less definition.