Plus Sizes:
What do all those numbers mean?

Whether you are a Plus Size Petite or an Empress, queen size sizing can be confusing enough in a store where you can see the garment and even try it on. In cyberspace there are no dressing rooms…but if you are aware of your dimensions you can take much of the guesswork out of the equation and will have better luck finding a true fit.  Keep in mind that your most ample curve is the most important of your numbers.

Before you start take a look at your current wardrobe. Which items are the best fitting? Which of your pants have the best leg length? What do you feel most comfortable and confident in? You will need to be wearing your most ideal bra when measuring. If you don't have a measuring tape you can always use a long piece of ribbon or string. Be sure to never pull too tightly. It is always better to have to return something because it is too big rather than too small. If a friend can't help, consult a mirror to make certain you are holding the string or tape parallel with the ground. For accuracy, measure 2 or 3 times.

Let's start at the top. When measuring your bust concern yourself with the fullest part of your bosom. Wrap the tape or string around yourself, drop your arms, and relax. Make a mark on your string, not a knot (an alternative is to take a blouse that you dearly love the fit of and, measuring 1" down from the armhole, run your tape straight across to below the other armhole and multiplying that number by 2). Now we move down to the waist. Your 'natural waist' can be found by wrapping the string around your waist and bending side to side. For your "low waist" measurement, drop the string 4 to 6 inches down (you'll need this number for sizing panties, below). For your hips you should be standing with your feet about 6 inches apart. Locate in the mirror or ask your friend to find the fullest part of your hips. It is generally 8" below your waist. The last measurement you will need, your inseam, can be taken directly from pants you feel are the ideal length. Starting at the hem, follow the inseam up until it meets the crotch seam. Pretty painless so far, eh?

Now, the practical application is where it can get tricky. If you just find it all to be just too much math, relax. Many websites catering to full bodied women have excellent customer service besides concise sizing charts (this is helpful since many manufacturers have their own sizing systems). A few sites have even adopted virtual models you can create yourself with your own measurements and features. Believe me when I say bathing suit shopping will never be the same with a virtual model doing all the work. Gone are the days of yanking, pulling, untwisting, sweating, elbowing the dressing room walls, and just plain evil lighting.

So what exactly is the deal with all those X's, Q's, and W's and how do they apply to you? Easiest first…W stands for Woman which in itself implies that you are not in the Junior's or Misses' section. Q, of course is for Queen but it is so arbitrarily used (although it generally means it will fit someone weighing between 165 and 285 pounds) that we will ignore it as well. As for the X's, they stand for extraordinary…

Remembering that it's your fullest curve that will dictate the size you choose, here is a reasonable working chart for clothing. When ordering on-line, it is suggested you take a look at the company's own sizing chart before you hit 'send'. 

                  Size         Bust           Waist         Hip

1X =        14/16       40-42"       34-36"      46-48"

2X =        18/20       44-46"       38-40"      50-52"

3X =        22/24       48-50"       42-44"      54-56"

4X =        26/28       52-54"       46-48"      58-60"   

5X =        30/32       56-58"       50-52"      62-64"

6X =        34/36       60-62"       54-56"      66-68"

Bathing suits and lingerie are a less exact science but if you have found a reliable manufacturer, half of the battle has been won. If you are confident in a 2-piece, it is recommended you find a source specializing in separates for the best fit. Many bra style bikini tops correspond to your real bra size.

                  Size         Bust       Waist       Hips   

1X =          16            42"          33"         42"

2X =          18            44"          35"         44"

3X =          20            46"          37"         46"

4X =          22            48"          39"         48"

5X =          24            50"          41"         50"

6X =          26            52"          43"         52"

For panties you will need that "low waist" number. As a general rule, look at the size on your favorite pair.

                 Size        Low Waist

1X =           8              44-46"

2X =           9              48-50"

3X =          10             52-54"

4X =          12             56-58"

5X =          14             60-62"

6X =          16             64-66"

If you aren't sew-savvy you may want to search the phonebook or your neighborhood for an inexpensive tailor or seamstress. While it does add to your fashion budget, it will be an investment in the long run. You may have a few outfits in your closet right now that haven't seen the light of day because of a minor fitting issue. Women in the Petite Plus category (under 5'3") are very well aware that tailoring is sometimes the only solution. Keep in mind that the Internet has opened up an entirely new universe in which to shop and lots of retailers are realizing that full bodied women would love to shop, too. With advances like Virtual Models, it is becoming apparent that a future where voluptuous women are just as important to designers as those sized 0-12 is just around the corner! In the meantime, arm yourself with your numbers and have a great time shopping!