Plus size clothing

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Plus-size clothing is women's clothing, sizes 14W and up. The W stands for Women, as plus sizes are also called "Women's Sizes". These clothes are usually sold from a separate department or in a separate store. Plus-size clothing is generally available in either numerical sizes (14,16,18...) or by X, with most traditional plus brand stopping at either a 3 or 4X. Over a size 24 or 3X is generally referred to as "Super Size".

As more and more retailers are rushing to join the plus-size clothing market, the fastest growing sector of the apparel industry, confusion has entered for the consumer regarding sizing. Some lines offering traditional "Misses" sizing have extended their size ranges up to 18 or 20, overlapping the "plus" or "women's" size range. However there is a difference between a Misses size 14 and a Women's size 14W. Traditional plus or "women's" sizing is cut with a deeper arm hole, lower and larger bust-line, and larger waist compared to hip ratio than "Misses" sizes. This results in 14W being about one size larger than a Misses Size 14. This cut difference also means a better fit for differing body types. Those women with a traditional hour glass or pear body type will usually find a Misses size range fits better. Women who have a rounder, more apple shaped figure and carry their weight mainly in the bust and abdomen, will find the traditional plus-size clothing or Women's Sizes will fit their figures better.

Many women who wear plus sizes have difficulty finding stylish plus-size clothing. With the introduction of online shopping on the Internet, there are more options available to plus-size women and plus-size teens. Probably the most recognizable plus-size clothing stores in the U.S. are Lane Bryant and relative newcomer Torrid, which targets a younger, more fashion-forward customer. There are several leading human edited specialty plus-size directories on the internet which track this rapidly changing retail landscape including Plus-Size-Paradise.com,Elegant Plus, Plus Size Yellow Pages, Pasazz, and Mall Phobia.

In Australia, the womans plus sized clothing market is growing rapidly with bands like Option Plus and Now being available in department stores whereas specialist products are available in own-branded shops such as 1626. The clothing generally goes in numerical sizes 14+ generally up to size 26.