Traditionally, those looking for plus size clothing had few choices. You had to settle for baggy, drab clothing, nothing flattering or fashionable. But with more plus size celebrities and models, the fashion industry has finally taken notice.
However it’s important to know that plus size clothing is sized differently. Whereas straight clothing styles typically range from zero to 14, most plus size items run from size 14 to 24 or 26. When determining the proper fit, consider how the garments are designed.
Design and Fit of Plus Size Clothing
Plus size does not merely indicate a larger size. You don’t have the same proportions as those who might simply wear a larger size of straight size clothing. Straight size clothing is designed on the bust-waist-hip ratio. But plus size clothing isn’t based around proportions, because as people move up in size, they get considerably bigger in certain areas. Plus size clothing is looser, and if the style is more form fitting, many garments will be roomier in the bust area.
Size Variations
There are no standard sizes. Each brand and designer has their own sizing guidelines. It could be size 14 in one store and size 16 in another, depending on how it is cut. It also varies on how the clothing sizes are labeled. “XL”, “0X,” “1X,” “2X,” and such others are used for plus size clothing. But these labels vary from store to store.
Plus Size Shirts for Men
Measure the neck, collar area, and chest. Stand up and measure the thickest part of your neck. Keep your head straight up. Let two fingers slip beneath the measuring tape. Moving down to the chest, wrap the measuring tape under your armpits in a straight line around the largest and widest part of your chest. Keep your arms down at the side. Round it up if the measurement is between two whole numbers.
Plus Size Shirts for Women
Some shirts will flatter your body. Peasant tops are good for a casual outing, as they offer a loose, free flowing fit that does not cling to the body. Try wrap blouses for a more professional look. One side of the shirt wraps over the other, creating a V-shape to the front of the shirt. This style opens up the neckline to make you look longer and taller, while breaking up the chest and stomach area into different sections to make each part appear smaller.
Plus Size Pants for Men
Starting at the waist, wrap a measuring tape around the area where your pants would normally hit. Don’t pull the tape too tightly. Round up if the measurement is not a whole number. Stand tall and measure the widest part of your hips. Finally, measure both the inseam and outseam. For the inseam, place the tape from the pelvic area down to the ankle. And for the outseam, measure from the top of the waistband down to the bottom of the pant leg.
Plus Size Pants for Women
The measurement process is different than the men’s. First, measure the narrowest area of your waist, which usually is around the belly button area. Next, wrap the measuring tape around your hip. Most designers base their sizes on a woman’s waist size, while some focus on the hip. For example, a size 10 can refer to either a 28.5-inch waist or 40.0-inch hips.