Fashion Terms — the Apparel Search fashion terminology directory
Plus size means larger than average — average being referenced as regular or standard — and denotes clothes of a size larger than those found in standard ranges. Plus size clothing is proportioned specifically for people whose bodies are larger than the average person; a newer alternative term gaining consumer and editorial favor is curvy. There is no single exact standard followed across the market: each designer, brand owner and retailer works from its own data, so fit varies by brand and trying garments on remains the reliable way to find the right fit.
What does plus size mean? In summary, it is larger than average. Average is sometimes referenced as regular or standard.
Plus size clothing is clothing proportioned specifically for people whose bodies are larger than the average person.
A relatively new alternative term for plus size (or large size) gaining consumer and editorial favor is the word "curvy".
What is the standard for plus size clothing measurements?
Plus-size clothing patterns have traditionally been graded up from a smaller construction pattern. However, many fashion designers, retailers, and fashion brands use statistical data collected from their own measuring projects, and from specialized Body Scan Data collection projects to modernize the fit and construction of their garments. However, each designer, brand owner, & retailer essentially works on their own and does not necessarily share the date. Therefore, their is no exact standard that is followed in the market. So, if you are looking for that perfect fitting garment, we suggest you put in the effort at the stores and try on the clothing to find what fits you best.
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For guidance on an estimate size range for plus size clothing we turn to an expert. On the Lane Bryant website (7/29/21 - please note these measurements are subject to change and you should visit their site for most current details), they mention the following: |
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"Lane Bryant general sizes range from women’s size 14 to 28 with some items available in size 12 and up to size 40. Our average Lane Bryant lengths are cut for a woman with a height of 5' 6". Lane Bryant short lengths are cut for women 5' 4" or under, and Lane Bryant long lengths are cut for women 5' 8" or taller." |
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View their size charts for various clothing categories at Size Chart | Lane Bryant Learn more about Lane Bryant and the Lane Bryant brand here on Apparel Search. |
Learn more from the plus size fashion definition page.
You may find the following fabulous links to be of possible interest.
Learn more about plus size clothing categories in our women's clothes guide section.
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The definition turns on proportion. Clothing proportioned for larger bodies is drafted for those bodies — where the waist sits, how the garment is shaped through the torso and limbs, and how length is distributed — rather than simply scaled up in every dimension. The move from grading up a small pattern to designing from body scan and measurement data collected for this size range is what modernizes fit: the garment starts from the measurements of the people who will wear it.
Because brands work independently, the practical guidance is to use each retailer's own size chart, note its length assumptions as well as its numbered sizes, and try garments on where possible. The women's clothes guide and the plus size clothing guide linked from this page collect categories, stores and resources for shoppers, and the related wholesale, trade show and modeling pages cover the business side of the plus size market.
Traditionally, plus-size patterns were graded up from a smaller construction pattern. Many designers, retailers and brands now use statistical data from their own measuring projects and from specialized body scan data collection projects to modernize the fit and construction of their garments instead.
Lane Bryant's general sizes, as published on its size chart, range from women's size 14 to 28, with some items available in size 12 and up to size 40. Its average lengths are cut for a woman 5'6" tall, short lengths for women 5'4" or under, and long lengths for women 5'8" or taller — measurements that are subject to change, so the retailer's own chart is the current reference.
Because each designer, brand owner and retailer collects and applies its own measurement data and does not necessarily share it. With no exact common standard, the same labeled size can be proportioned differently from one brand to another.