The Size Isn't The Size

Somehow a woman’s value as a human being got all confused with the size of her clothing. Women feel terrible about themselves if they wear the “wrong” size…whatever that is. The horrible practical joke is that the actual size of a size can vary dramatically by brand, fabric and style. A size 10 in one garment can fit the same as an 8 or 14 in another. A size can be bigger or smaller than you think it is…it’s all an illusion. That’s pretty shaky ground to stake your worth on.

The most important element of a great looking body is great fitting clothes. Clothing that is too big or loose makes you appear to be too small and frail. Clothing that is too small or tight makes you look like you are bursting out of your clothes actually makes you look too big (i.e. “fat”), even if you aren’t.

Clothing that fits well – skims the body without pulling or gaping – makes your body look leaner and slimmer. Great fitting clothing puts a smile on your face, spring in your step, and empowerment in your spirit.

So how do you find the “right” size? It might not be what you expect. Here’s a guide to navigating all the Missy, Junior, Women, Petite and Tall sizing to find the one that’s perfect for you.

Finding The Right Size

The first step in finding clothing that fits well is to use the size on the tag as a reference point for that particular garment. Choose a Missy or Woman size you think you might be, try it on to see how it fits and then choose another size until you find the garment that fits you the right way. When you get the right fit, you will always look smaller even if the “size” is “bigger”.

Missy Sizes – These are the most common sizes in ladies clothing stores/departments. Sizes are even numbers ranging from 0 to 18 or XS (0-2), S (4-6), M (8-10), L (10-12) or XL (12-16).

Junior Sizes – These sizes are in the most common sizes for teens and young women. Sizes are odd numbers ranging from 1 to 13. Junior sizes are cut more slimly than Missy sizes. If a Missy garment fits you too loosely, try it in a Junior size.

Woman Sizes – These sizes are the most common sizes in “Big Girls’” clothing stores/departments. Women’s sizes are larger and cut fuller than Missy sizes. Sizes are even numbers 12W to 28W and up or OX (12-14), 1X (16-18), 2X (20-22), 3X (22-28) and up. Some brands that specialize in Woman sizes use sizes 0 to 3 where 0 equates to a 0X, 1 is a 1X etc. If a Missy size fits most parts of you but is too tight in one area, try the Women’s size. For example, if the Missy size 12 is too tight in the waist/tummy, try a Women size 12W or OX to get a similar size with more room in the waist.

Petite Sizes – These sizes are designed for ladies who are 5’4” inches tall or less, so they are cut shorter in some areas than Missy sizes. Sizes range from 0P to 28P and up. Click here for a summary of the difference between Missy and Petite proportions/sizing. Petite sizes also work well for women who are more than 5’4” tall with short waists, short arms, or short legs. For example, if a Missy size 6 fits well except the waist is too low, try a Petite size 6P. Or if a Women’s size 22 fits well except the legs and rise are too long, try a 22P.

Tall Sizes (sometimes these sizes are called “Long”) – These sizes are designed for ladies who are 5’8” inches tall or more, so they are cut longer in some areas than Missy sizes. Sizes range from 0T to 28T and up. Click here for a summary of the difference between Missy and Tall proportions/sizing. Tall sizes also work well for women who are less than 5’8” tall with long waists, long arms, or long legs. For example, if a Missy size 6 fits well except the waist is too high, try a Tall size 6T. Or if a Women’s size 22 fits well except the leg and rise are too short, try a 22T.

Your Size

The moral of this story is that one woman can be many sizes. You can be a size 8, 10 and 6P all on the same day. It just depends on the particular garment. Sometimes it even takes a “bigger” size to make you look smaller. The tag has nothing to do with what you look like or who you are.