Plus Size Guide and Chart

This chart is meant to be used for a general guideline only. Consult size charts from manufacturers to get a perfect fit.

U.S. Plus Sizes

Sizes

1X

2X

3X

4X

5X

14W

16W

18W

20W

22

24W

26WE

28WE

32WE

Bust

41.5"-43"

42.5"-45"

44.5"-47"

46.5"-49"

48.5"-51"

50.5"-53"

52.5"-55"

55.5"-57"

57.5"-59"

Waist

33.5"-35"

34.5"-37"

36.5"-39"

38.5"-41.5"

40.5"-44"

42.5"-46.5"

44.5"-49"

49.5"-51.5"

52"-54"

Hips

44"-45.5"

45"-47.5"

47"-49.5"

49"-51.5"

51"-53.5"

53"-55.5"

55"-57.5"

58"-59.5"

60"-61.5"

 

 

How to Measure

Shopping for a plus size dress to wear to a special celebration on your social calender? Like many teens and women, you may not be sure what size to order. Don't worry. We can help take the guess work out of shopping online for plus size dresses for special occasions.

Just follow these three easy steps to land a dress that fits and flatters your curves!

Step One: Take your measurements

Use a cloth measuring tape to take your bust, waist and hip measurements. Do not use a steel tape measure. You won't get accurate results. Tips:

  • Best not to measure yourself! Better to ask a friend, relative or professional tailor to measure you.

  • Wrap measuring tape around your body snugly. Be carefully not to make it too tight!

  • Write down your measurements. Then keep them handy to check the size chart shown with each dress.

Bust

Measure all around the fullest part of your chest over the bra cups.
Tip: Keep your arms relaxed!

Waist

Measure all around the narrowest part of your body.
Tip: Measure just above your belly button.

Hips

Measure around the fullest part of your lower body. If you're 5'3" or shorter, measure 6" below your waistline. If you're 5'4" or taller, measure 7" below your waistline.
Tip: Stand with your feet and legs together and go all the way around your body.

Hollow-to-Hem

Everyone asks what is "hollow-to-hem"? It's the length from the indentation in the front of your neck to the edge of the hem on the skirt of the dress. It will tell you how long the dress will be on your body. Tip: Always have someone else get this measurement. If you do it yourself it won't be right.

Step Two: Check the size chart

Compare your measurements with the bust, waist and hips measurements for the size chart for each dress. The dress must be large enough to fit you in the bust, waist and hips.

Tip: If any measurement is too small, take a larger size. Between sizes? Always order the larger one!

Step Three: Be Size Wise

Never ever guess your size.

Tips:

  • Don’t assume you wear the same size in a plus size dress as you do for everyday clothes.

  • Sizes for special occasion dresses vary widely depending on the designer.

  • Select a dress style that fits and flatters your curves.

  • Focus on fit not size.

  • Plan on alterations for a perfect fit.

  • Letting out a dress is almost never an option.

  • The dress must fit you at three critical points on your body: bust, waist and hips. If even one if too small, the dress won't fit.

  • Between sizes? Always take the larger one.