When it comes to women’s clothing, finding the right size is crucial, especially for those aged 18 and above. However, the world of sizing can be a confusing maze, with different standards and variations. In this article, we’ll delve deep into what “18 plus” means in women’s clothing, exploring various sizing systems, factors that affect sizing, and how to find the perfect fit for you.
Common Sizing Systems for Women’s Clothing
International Letter Sizes
The most commonly recognized sizing system uses letters, ranging from XXS (extra-extra small) to XXXXL (extra – extra – extra – extra large). XXS is typically designed for very petite women, with a bust measurement of around 72-76 cm, a waist of 58-62 cm, and a hip measurement of 80-84 cm. On the other hand, XXXXL has a bust of approximately 108-112 cm, a waist of 94-98 cm, and hips of 116-120 cm. But here’s the catch: different brands interpret these letter sizes differently. A XXS in a fast-fashion brand might be larger than an S in a high-end, designer brand.
Numerical Sizes
There’s also a numerical sizing system used globally. For example, a size 2 is often close to XXS, fitting women with a bust of 76-80 cm, a waist of 60-64 cm, and hips of 84-88 cm. A size 6 is more like an M, with a bust of 86-90 cm, a waist of 70-74 cm, and hips of 94-98 cm.
Chinese Domestic Sizing Standards
National Standards
In China, there’s a unique sizing standard that uses height, bust, and waist measurements to represent sizes. For instance, 160/84A indicates that the ideal height for this size is 160 cm, the bust is 84 cm, and “A” represents an average body type. If it’s “B”, it means a slightly plump body type; “C” is for a plump body type, and “Y” is for a slender body type. Although this standard is scientific, it’s not as commonly used in daily shopping.
Common Sizes in the Market
In daily shopping, we mostly see S, M, L sizes. An S size generally fits women who are 155-160 cm tall, with a bust of 82-86 cm, a waist of 66-70 cm, and hips of 88-92 cm. M is suitable for those 160-165 cm tall, with a bust of 86-90 cm, a waist of 70-74 cm, and hips of 92-96 cm. L is for women 165-170 cm tall, with a bust of 90-94 cm, a waist of 74-78 cm, and hips of 96-100 cm. But remember, these are just approximate values, and different brands and styles may vary.
Characteristics of European and American Sizes
American Sizes
American women’s clothing sizes are somewhat similar to the international numerical system but have their own nuances. A US size 2 is close to XXS, with a bust of about 81-84 cm, a waist of 61-64 cm, and hips of 86-89 cm. A US size 10 is more like an L in China, with a bust of 97-100 cm, a waist of 79-82 cm, and hips of 102-105 cm. When shopping for American-brand clothes, especially through online shopping, it’s essential to carefully check the size chart.
European Sizes
European sizes generally run larger. A European size 34 is roughly an XS, with a bust of 82-86 cm, a waist of 64-68 cm, and hips of 88-92 cm. A European size 42 is almost an XXL in China, with a bust of 102-106 cm, a waist of 86-90 cm, and hips of 108-112 cm. So, when buying European-brand clothes, don’t rely solely on your usual Chinese-size preferences.
Factors Affecting Clothing Sizes
Body Proportions
Everyone has unique body proportions. Some women have a slender upper body but curvier lower bodies, while others have broad shoulders and a narrow waist. Even if two women have the same height and weight, their bust, waist, and hip measurements can be quite different. Thus, when choosing clothing sizes, we need to consider body proportions comprehensively.
Clothing Styles
Fitted Styles: Fitted clothes require precise sizing to flatter the body curves. If it’s too tight, it will look constricting, and if it’s too loose, it will lose its shape. So, when choosing fitted clothes, make sure the size is just right.
Loose Styles: Loose-fitting clothes offer more flexibility in sizing. A slightly larger or smaller size might create different styles. However, don’t go to the extreme. Too large, and it will look shapeless; too small, and it will defeat the purpose of a loose-fitting design.
Fabric Characteristics
Elastic Fabrics: Some clothes contain elastane or other elastic components, which provide stretch and comfort. For such clothes, you can choose a slightly larger size as the fabric can stretch with your body movements without feeling tight.
Non-Elastic Fabrics: Fabrics like pure cotton or linen have little to no stretch. When choosing clothes made of these materials, you must strictly follow your actual body measurements. Otherwise, if it’s too tight, it will be uncomfortable, and if it’s too loose, it won’t look good.
How to Measure Your Sizes Accurately
Measuring Tools
Prepare a soft measuring tape, preferably one with both centimeter and inch markings for easy reading.
Measuring Parts
Bust: Measure around the fullest part of your bust. Keep the tape level and breathe naturally. Don’t hold your breath, or the measurement will be inaccurate.
Waist: Locate the narrowest part of your waist, usually above the belly button. Don’t pull the tape too tight, and keep it level to get an accurate measurement.
Hips: Measure around the fullest part of your hips. Again, ensure the tape is level for an accurate reading.
Shoulder Width: Measure from the left shoulder tip to the right shoulder tip. Stand straight and relax your shoulders; don’t hunch them, or the shoulder-width measurement will be incorrect.
Length of the Garment: Start from the junction of the neck and shoulder, and measure down along the spine to the desired length of the garment. For example, if you want a top that just covers your hips, measure to the hip level.
Sleeve Length: Measure from the junction of the shoulder and arm, along the outer side of the arm to the wrist to determine the sleeve length you need.
Measuring Precautions
- Measure while wearing only clothing to minimize the impact of clothing thickness on the measurement results and get more accurate data.
- Stand completely straight during the measurement; don’t slouch, or the measured dimensions will be wrong.
- You can measure several times and take the average value to reduce errors.
Size Differences Among Different Brands
Different brands have their own unique sizing standards. Some fast-fashion brands may size their clothes larger to accommodate a wider range of customers. High-end or designer brands, on the other hand, may have more precise and strict sizing systems. For example, an M-sized dress in Brand A may have a bust of 90 cm, while in Brand B, an M-sized dress may have a bust of only 86 cm. So, when buying clothes from different brands, don’t rely on your past sizing experiences. Always refer to the brand’s own size chart.
How to Choose the Right Size When Buying Women’s Clothing
Refer to the Size Chart
Every brand’s official website or product details page will have a size chart. Before buying clothes, carefully compare your measured data with the size chart to select the right size.
Read Reviews and Customer Photos
When shopping online, read reviews and look at customer-uploaded photos. Other buyers often share their experiences about the actual sizing of the clothes, such as whether they run large or small, which can provide valuable reference.
Try-on
If possible, go to a physical store and try on the clothes. This is the most straightforward way to feel whether the clothes fit well and are comfortable. If you’re shopping online, choose a merchant that offers returns and exchanges in case the size is not right.
Size Selection Advice for Special Body Shapes
Pear-Shaped Body
A pear-shaped body is characterized by a slender upper body and curvier lower body, with a larger hip and thigh circumference. When choosing clothes, you can choose the top according to your normal size, but for the bottom, select based on your hip and thigh measurements. A-line skirts and wide-leg pants are great choices for pear-shaped bodies as they can modify the leg shape and ensure comfort.
Apple-Shaped Body
People with an apple-shaped body have more abdominal fat and a larger waist. When choosing clothes, pay attention to the design around the waist. You can choose loose-fitting tops or dresses with a waist-line design to divert attention from the abdomen. For the bottom, choose the size according to your preference.
Tall Body
Tall women should pay attention to the length and proportion of their clothes. Long-length clothes like long-windbreakers and long skirts can better showcase their advantages. When choosing sizes, in addition to paying attention to bust, waist, and hip measurements, also check whether the length of the garment and the sleeve length are appropriate.
Petite Body
Petite women are more suitable for simple and fitted styles. Avoid overly loose or complex designs. Choose the right size; don’t choose clothes that are too long or too large, as it will make you look even shorter.
Conclusion
In conclusion, for women aged 18 and above, understanding women’s clothing sizes requires knowledge of various sizing standards, consideration of factors that affect sizing, accurate self-measurement, awareness of brand-specific size differences, and the ability to choose the right size according to body shape. Only in this way can you easily find well-fitting and beautiful clothes when shopping, allowing you to be confident in all occasions. I hope this article can help you solve the confusion in choosing women’s clothing sizes and make your shopping experience more enjoyable!
