Remember walking into a store last summer? I tried grabbing this gorgeous floral dress labeled "L" that looked plenty big on the hanger. Got to the fitting room and couldn't even pull it past my hips. That's when I actually asked the attendant what are considered plus sizes in their store. Turns out their "straight sizes" stopped at 12 and anything above entered plus territory. But here's the kicker - later that week at a different boutique, their XL fit me perfectly. The inconsistency drove me nuts.
So let's cut through the confusion. When we talk about what are considered plus sizes, there's no universal standard. It's messy and frustrating. But after years of navigating this myself and talking to designers, I'll break down exactly how the industry defines it, where the lines blur, and how to find clothes that actually fit your body - not arbitrary labels.
The Real Numbers: When Does Plus Size Actually Start?
Straight sizes typically run from 00 to 12 or 14 in US sizing. So where do plus sizes kick in? Most mainstream retailers consider these ranges:
| Region | Plus Size Starting Point | Standard Size Range | Common Plus Labels |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Size 14-16 | 0-12/14 | 1X, 14W, 16W |
| United Kingdom | UK 18 | 4-16 | 18+, XXL |
| Europe | 46-48 | 32-44 | XXL, 48+ |
| Australia | AU 16-18 | 4-14 | 1X, 16+ |
Notice how the starting point varies? That's why "what are considered plus sizes" causes so much confusion. Even within the US, some brands like Old Navy start their plus line at 16 while Torrid begins at 10. Yeah, a size 14 could be straight or plus depending where you shop. Annoying, right?
Why Brand Variations Drive Everyone Crazy
I learned this the hard way ordering jeans online. My usual size 16 didn't fit at all from one brand, while another's 14W was swimming on me. Turns out vanity sizing causes huge discrepancies. Here's what actually determines when plus sizes begin:
- Design philosophy: Some designers scale patterns proportionally, others just enlarge straight sizes (which never works well)
- Target demographic: Brands catering to younger crowds often start plus at lower sizes
- Department vs specialty: Macy's might call 14+ "plus" while Lane Bryant starts at 12
The most reliable indicator? Check the size chart's hip and bust measurements. If your measurements exceed about 42" bust or 44" hips, you're likely shopping plus size sections regardless of the number tag.
Decoding Size Labels: What Those Letters and Numbers Really Mean
Walking through a department store's plus section feels like decoding hieroglyphics. What's the difference between 14W and 1X? Why do some brands use numbers while others use letters? Here's your cheat sheet:
| Label | What It Typically Means | Bust Range (inches) | Hip Range (inches) | Equivalent Straight Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14W/16W | Curvier cut than standard 14/16 with room for bust/hips | 42-44 | 44-46 | Standard L-XL |
| 1X | Standard plus entry point | 44-46 | 46-48 | XL-XXL |
| 2X | Second plus tier | 48-50 | 50-52 | XXL |
| 18W | Wider cut than standard 18 | 46-48 | 48-50 | XXL |
The "W" doesn't mean "wide" like many think - it indicates a curvier silhouette with more room in bust and hips compared to straight sizes of the same number. Frankly, I wish all brands would just use measurements instead of these vague codes.
My Personal Sizing Disaster Story
Last year I ordered three "1X" dresses from different retailers for a wedding. One was obscenely tight (felt like sausage casing), one fit perfectly, and one hung like a sack. All labeled identically. When I complained to customer service about what are considered plus sizes in their brand, they just sent their generic size chart. Moral of the story? Never assume sizing consistency.
Beyond Clothing: Where Else Plus Size Definitions Matter
While clothing gets most attention, what are considered plus sizes impacts other areas:
Intimates and Swimwear
Bra sizing becomes critical once you exceed standard band/cup combinations. Most brands cap at 38DD or 40D before entering plus territory. Swimwear often separates at size 14/XL. I wasted $80 on a swimsuit last season because I didn't realize their "XL" equated to a straight size 12.
Specialty Categories
- Wedding dresses: Typically start plus sizing at street size 16-18
- Activewear: Many fitness brands begin plus lines at XL/16
- Medical equipment: Blood pressure cuffs, MRI machines etc. have size limits worth checking
Retailer Breakdown: Where Plus Sizes Actually Start
Based on my own closet archaeology and measuring dozens of garments, here's where popular retailers draw the line:
| Retailer | Plus Size Starting Point | Department Notes | Size Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Target (Ava & Viv) | 16 | Separate plus section | 16-30 |
| Old Navy | 16 | Online only above XXL | 16-30 |
| Torrid | 10 | Specialty plus store | 10-30 |
| Lane Bryant | 12 | Specialty plus store | 12-28 |
| H&M (Divided) | XL (approx 16) | Limited in-store plus | XL-4XL |
Notice how Torrid considers size 10 plus? That blew my mind when I first saw it. Meanwhile, premium brands like Michael Kors often start plus at 14W but charge 30% more for the same materials. Feels like a ripoff sometimes.
Big Brands Doing Plus Size Differently
- Universal Standard: Entire size run includes 00-40 without labeling sections
- Madewell: Extended sizes online only starting at 16
- Nike: Plus activewear starts at XL (16) and goes to 3X
- ASOS Curve: Dedicated plus line starting at UK 18/US 14
- Eloquii: Entirely plus-focused starting at 14
Global Perspectives: What Are Considered Plus Sizes Worldwide
During my travels, I discovered how differently countries approach sizing. In Japan, anything above US size 6 is considered "large." Meanwhile in Italy, size 46 (US 14) sits at the border. Here's a quick comparison:
| Country | Straight Size Range | Plus Size Threshold | Common Terms |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 0-14 | 16+ | Plus, extended sizes |
| UK | 4-16 | 18+ | Curve, fuller figure |
| Australia | 4-14 | 16+ | Plus, curves |
| Germany | 32-44 | 46+ | Übergrößen (oversizes) |
| Japan | SS-SL | LL+ | Queen size |
The cultural differences are fascinating. In Paris, I couldn't find anything above a US size 10 outside specialty stores. Ended up wearing the same dress three days straight - not my finest fashion moment.
Your Action Plan: Navigating Plus Size Shopping
After years of trial and error, here's my practical approach to determining what are considered plus sizes for your body:
Measurement Essentials
Keep these measurements current (and honest!):
- Bust: Fullest part with bra on
- Waist: Narrowest part above navel
- Hips: Widest part around seat
Pro tip: Measurements change about every 6 months. Mine certainly do after holiday seasons!
Decoding Size Charts
Always check brand-specific charts. Look for these red flags:
- No hip measurements listed (means they probably just scaled up)
- "Fits small/true to size/runs large" without specifics
- Only numerical sizes without measurements
Online Shopping Strategies
I've returned more online purchases than I care to admit. Now I:
- Filter reviews by "curvy" or "plus size" tags
- Search YouTube for try-on hauls of that exact item
- Order multiple sizes knowing I'll return some
Common Questions About Plus Sizing
Why do some brands start plus sizes at different points?
It comes down to merchandising decisions rather than body science. Brands targeting younger customers often start plus at smaller sizes to appear more inclusive, while legacy retailers stick to traditional 16+ classifications. Manufacturing constraints also play a role - smaller brands might only produce up to XL before needing specialized patterns.
Is there a medical definition of plus size?
No standardized medical definition exists. BMI categories don't correspond to clothing sizes either - I'm technically "overweight" by BMI but wear straight sizes in some brands. Doctors mainly care about measurements like waist circumference (over 35" for women indicates health risks) rather than dress sizes.
Why does plus clothing cost more?
Three main reasons: more fabric required (up to 30% extra), specialized pattern-making, and lower production volumes. While some price differences make sense, I've seen identical designs cost more just because they're in the plus section. Brands like Universal Standard now practice "price parity" to combat this.
How do I know if I should shop plus sizes?
Don't let labels decide - focus on measurements instead. If your bust exceeds 42", waist over 34", or hips beyond 44", you'll likely find better fits in plus departments. Watch for telltale fit issues in straight sizes: pulling at hips/thighs, tight armholes, or waistbands digging in even when tops fit.
The Future of Plus Size Definitions
After interviewing several designers, I see three shifts happening:
- Size-free shopping: Brands like Eileen Fisher now group by garment measurements instead of numbered sizes
- Extended size ranges: More brands offering 00-30+ in one collection
- Improved standardization: Industry groups pushing for consistent sizing metrics
Personally, I'm thrilled to see less segregation between "straight" and "plus". Last month I bought jeans from a brand that stocks sizes 24-38 all together. Felt revolutionary to just grab my size without hunting for a separate section.
So what are considered plus sizes today? Wherever the clothes fit you best. Ignore the labels and focus on how garments actually feel on your body. Life's too short for tight waistbands.
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