It is hard enough to find clothing styles that flatter and fit your body type but just trying to figure out what size you are can be its own battle. Believe it or not there is no such thing as universal sizing. Companies use what they call “fit models” to gauge how they want their clothing to fit and how they want to size it. However there are sizing categories that can help guide you thru the clothing maze.
For women there are 3 major clothing categories. Junior, Missy, and Plus size. Each category is geared for certain body types and demographics. Once you have de-bunked these size classifications shopping and picking out apparel will be that much easier and more fun.
Junior sizes are done in odd numbers i.e., 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11. Clothing in this category is created for younger women/girls with narrow bodies and slim hips. Usually bodies that are still developing. Also apparel using junior sizing tends to be at the peak of their fashion trend.
Whereas Missy sizes are generally considered for the mainstream woman. They are done in even numbers i.e., 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12. Clothing in this category is created for women with curves and more developed bodies of any age. There are also times when Missy bottoms get translated into waist sizes. They break down as follows; 2(26) 4(27) 6(28) 8(29) 10(30) 12(31). Fashion made in this size category tends to hit two spectrums, either fashion forward or conservative.
The third sizing category is Plus sizes. Most Plus size clothing starts at a size 16. It generally uses numbers such as 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X. Fashions in this size category are all over the board. Since 67% of American women are a size 14 or larger you will be able to find everything from super trendy to classic conservative.
Remember ladies size ain’t nothing but a number. Don’t let it make or break your fashion finds or interests. However let sizing help guide you to the correct fit for your body which in turn will make whatever fashion style you’re going for look that much better on you.
Happy Shopping!
