Dress Size Calculator

Taking accurate body measurements is essential for finding your correct dress size. Follow these guidelines for the most precise results:

Preparation

• Wear minimal clothing: Measure over underwear or form-fitting clothes like a camisole and leggings.
• Use the right measuring tape: A flexible fabric measuring tape is ideal. Paper or metal measuring tapes can give inaccurate readings.
• Stand naturally: Maintain good posture but don't hold your breath or stand unnaturally straight.
• Get help if possible: Having someone else take your measurements will yield more accurate results.

Bust Measurement

• Position: Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your bust, typically across the nipple line.
• Tape placement: The tape should be parallel to the floor and snug but not tight. You should be able to fit one finger between your body and the tape.
• Breathing: Take the measurement while breathing normally, not while inhaling deeply or exhaling completely.
• Bra consideration: Wear a non-padded bra that fits well when measuring for the most accurate results.

Waist Measurement

• Finding your natural waist: Locate the narrowest part of your torso, typically about 1-2 inches above your belly button. This is your natural waistline.
• Technique: Wrap the measuring tape around your waist, keeping it parallel to the floor.
• Tightness: The tape should be snug but comfortable. Don't pull it too tight or let it sag.
• Timing: Measure your waist at a consistent time of day, preferably in the morning before eating, as waist measurements can fluctuate throughout the day.

Hip Measurement

• Position: Measure around the fullest part of your hips and buttocks, usually about 7-9 inches below your natural waistline.
• Stance: Stand with your feet together to ensure an accurate measurement.
• Tape placement: Keep the measuring tape parallel to the floor and make sure it passes over the largest part of your buttocks.
• Clothing adjustment: Make sure the tape isn't caught on clothing or underwear, which can distort the measurement.

Tips for Accuracy

• Measure twice: Take each measurement at least twice to confirm accuracy.
• Record in both units: Note your measurements in both inches and centimeters if possible.
• Update regularly: Body measurements can change over time, so remeasure every few months or after significant weight changes.
• Be honest: Accurate measurements lead to better-fitting clothes, so resist the temptation to pull the tape tighter.

Dress sizes vary significantly across different countries and regions. Understanding these international sizing systems can help you shop confidently from global retailers.

US Sizing System

The US sizing system typically ranges from 00 to 24+ for women's clothing, with even numbers being standard (0, 2, 4, etc.).

• Standard range: 0-24 (even numbers)
• Plus sizes: Usually start at 14W or 16W (the W indicates a different cut for plus sizes)
• Petite sizes: Indicated with a P (e.g., 6P)
• Tall sizes: Indicated with a T (e.g., 8T)
• Key measurement: US sizes focus primarily on bust-waist-hip measurements

UK Sizing System

UK sizes are typically 4 numbers higher than US sizes, ranging from 4 to 28+.

• Standard range: 4-28 (even numbers)
• Conversion: UK size = US size + 4 (approximately)
• Plus sizes: Usually start at 18 or 20
• Petite indicator: Often shown as "Petite 10" or "10P"
• Historical note: UK sizing was originally based on the bust measurement in inches, minus a standard number

European Sizing System

European sizes typically use a numerical system starting around 32-34 (equivalent to US size 0-2).

• Standard range: 32-58 (even numbers)
• Conversion: EU size = US size + 30-32 (approximately)
• Regional variations: Some European countries may have slight variations
• Italian sizing: Similar to EU but may run smaller
• French sizing: Similar to EU but may have different proportions

Australian Sizing System

Australian sizes closely follow the UK system, typically ranging from 4 to 26+.

• Standard range: 4-26 (even numbers)
• Conversion: AU size ≈ UK size ≈ US size + 4
• Plus sizes: Usually start at 16 or 18
• Note: Some Australian brands may use their own sizing systems

Japanese Sizing System

Japanese sizing often uses numbers (3, 5, 7, 9, 11, etc.) or a combination of numbers and letters.

• Standard range: 5-17 (odd numbers)
• Conversion: JP size 9 ≈ US size 4-6
• Sizing note: Japanese sizes typically run smaller than Western sizes
• Alternative system: Some Japanese brands use S, M, L (similar to international sizing)

International Letter Sizing

Many brands use the international letter sizing system (XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, etc.).

• Approximate conversions:
  • XXS ≈ US 00-0
  • XS ≈ US 0-2
  • S ≈ US 4-6
  • M ≈ US 8-10
  • L ≈ US 12-14
  • XL ≈ US 16-18
  • XXL ≈ US 20-22
• Advantage: Simplifies sizing across international markets
• Disadvantage: Less precise than numerical systems

Your body type plays a significant role in how garments fit. Understanding your body shape can help you choose styles that flatter your figure and may affect which size works best for you.

Hourglass Body Type

The hourglass figure features similar bust and hip measurements with a significantly smaller waist.

• Characteristics: Balanced proportions between shoulders and hips, with a well-defined waist that is at least 25% smaller than bust and hip measurements.
• Sizing considerations: May need to size up to accommodate bust and hips, then have the waist tailored. Stretch fabrics can be helpful.
• Flattering styles: Wrap dresses, fit-and-flare silhouettes, belted garments that emphasize the waist.
• Sizing challenges: Finding dresses that fit both bust/hips and waist without gapping or pulling.

Pear/Triangle Body Type

The pear or triangle shape features hips that are wider than the bust, with a defined waist.

• Characteristics: Hip measurement is noticeably larger than bust measurement, often with slender shoulders and a defined waist.
• Sizing considerations: May need to size for hips and have the top portion taken in. A-line dresses often work well.
• Flattering styles: A-line dresses, fit-and-flare silhouettes, dresses with detailed or embellished tops to balance proportions.
• Sizing challenges: Dresses that fit the hips may be too large in the bust and waist.

Apple/Inverted Triangle Body Type

The apple or inverted triangle shape features a bust and/or shoulders that are wider than the hips, often with less waist definition.

• Characteristics: Broader shoulders and/or larger bust compared to hips, with weight often carried around the midsection.
• Sizing considerations: May need to size for bust and shoulders, with adjustments for the hip area if needed.
• Flattering styles: Empire waist dresses, A-line silhouettes, wrap dresses, and styles that create definition at the smallest part of the torso.
• Sizing challenges: Dresses that fit the bust may be too large in the hip area.

Rectangle Body Type

The rectangle or straight shape features similar measurements at bust, waist, and hips with little waist definition.

• Characteristics: Balanced proportions with less than 25% difference between bust, waist, and hip measurements.
• Sizing considerations: Often fits standard sizes well, but may want to create the illusion of curves.
• Flattering styles: Peplum dresses, belted styles, dresses with ruching or gathering at the waist, and designs with strategic color blocking.
• Sizing challenges: Finding styles that create the appearance of curves and waist definition.

Body Type and Size Selection

When using your body type to help determine sizing:

• Focus on your largest measurement: Generally, size for the largest part of your body (bust, waist, or hips) and alter the rest if needed.
• Consider fabric and cut: Stretchy fabrics offer more flexibility across body types, while structured garments may require more precise sizing.
• Look for specialized fits: Some brands offer "curvy" fits for hourglass and pear shapes or "straight" fits for rectangle shapes.
• Remember that body type is just one factor: Height, weight distribution, and personal comfort preferences also affect your ideal size.

What is Vanity Sizing?

Vanity sizing (also called size inflation) is the practice of labeling clothes with sizes smaller than the actual measurements would traditionally indicate. This marketing strategy aims to make customers feel better about fitting into a smaller size.

• Historical context: A US size 8 from the 1950s would be closer to a size 0-2 today due to decades of vanity sizing.
• Prevalence: More common in mid-range to luxury brands and in women's clothing than men's.
• Impact: Creates significant inconsistency across brands, making it difficult to know your size without trying items on.
• Example: A woman might wear a size 4 in one brand and a size 10 in another, despite having the same body measurements.

Brand-Specific Sizing Patterns

Different brands design for different target demographics, affecting their sizing standards:

• Luxury brands: Often run smaller than mass-market brands, sometimes following European sizing more closely.
• Fast fashion: Typically employs more vanity sizing but may be inconsistent even within the same brand.
• Designer brands: May use their own unique sizing systems based on their fit models.
• Athletic wear: Often uses stretchier fabrics and may run smaller than casual clothing brands.
• Age-targeted brands: Brands targeting younger demographics may have smaller sizing than those targeting mature customers.

Navigating Brand Variations

Strategies to find your correct size across different brands:

• Check brand-specific size charts: Always refer to the brand's own size chart rather than relying on generic size conversions.
• Read customer reviews: Look for comments about whether items run true to size, small, or large.
• Know your measurements: Focus on your actual body measurements rather than the size number on the label.
• Try before buying: When possible, try on multiple sizes of the same garment.
• Keep a size journal: Track which sizes fit you in different brands for future reference.

Common Brand Sizing Tendencies

While individual experiences may vary, these general patterns have been observed:

• Brands known for generous sizing (may run large): Gap, Old Navy, American Eagle, Chico's
• Brands known for standard sizing (more true to measurements): J.Crew, Banana Republic, Calvin Klein, Levi's
• Brands known for smaller sizing (may run small): H&M, Zara, Forever 21, many European luxury brands
• Note: These are generalizations and may not apply to all garments from these brands. Sizing can also change over time as brands adjust their standards.

Petite Sizing

Petite sizing is designed for women who are 5'4" (163 cm) or shorter, with proportionally shorter torsos, arms, and legs.

• Key adjustments: Shorter hemlines, higher waistlines, narrower shoulders, and proportionally adjusted details.
• Sizing notation: Usually indicated with a "P" after the size number (e.g., 6P, 8P).
• Measurement differences: Not just shorter hems, but proportionally adjusted throughout the garment.
• Common misconception: Petite doesn't mean small in all dimensions—a woman can be petite in height but wear any size from 0P to 24P.

Plus Size

Plus size clothing is designed for women who wear sizes larger than the standard range, typically starting at US size 14-16.

• Size range: Usually covers US sizes 14/16 to 30/32 or higher, depending on the brand.
• Sizing notation: Often indicated with a "W" after the number in US sizing (e.g., 16W, 18W).
• Design considerations: Proportionally adjusted for fuller figures, with different grading between sizes than standard ranges.
• Specialized brands: Some brands focus exclusively on plus sizes, while others offer extended size ranges.
• Fit variations: Some plus-size lines offer different fits for different body types (e.g., curvy, straight).

Tall Sizing

Tall sizing is designed for women who are 5'8" (173 cm) or taller, with proportionally longer torsos, arms, and legs.

• Key adjustments: Longer hemlines, lower waistlines, broader shoulders, and increased sleeve lengths.
• Sizing notation: Usually indicated with a "T" after the size number (e.g., 8T, 10T).
• Measurement differences: Proportionally adjusted throughout the garment, not just longer hems.
• Availability: Less common than petite or plus sizes, but increasingly available from major retailers.

Maternity Sizing

Maternity clothing is designed to accommodate a growing belly and the body changes that occur during pregnancy.

• Sizing approach: Generally based on pre-pregnancy size, with adjustable features to accommodate growth.
• Key features: Stretchy panels, adjustable waistbands, empire waistlines, and roomier cuts in specific areas.
• Sizing notation: Usually the same as regular sizing (e.g., S, M, L or 6, 8, 10) but in maternity departments.
• Trimester considerations: Some brands offer first, second, and third-trimester specific designs.

Junior Sizing

Junior sizing is designed for younger women and teens, with proportions suited to developing bodies.

• Size range: Typically odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15).
• Proportional differences: Generally narrower shoulders, smaller bust, and less curve between waist and hip than misses sizes.
• Conversion: Junior size is approximately 2 sizes smaller than the corresponding misses size (e.g., Junior 7 ≈ Misses 4).
• Fit characteristics: Often shorter in length and tighter overall than misses sizes.

Custom and Made-to-Measure

For those who struggle with standard sizing, custom or made-to-measure clothing offers a personalized fit.

• Full custom: Garments created entirely to your measurements and specifications.
• Semi-custom: Standard patterns adjusted to your key measurements.
• Made-to-measure services: Increasingly available online, with varying levels of customization.
• Considerations: Higher cost but potentially better fit, especially for those whose measurements don't align with standard sizing.