Women’s Dress Size Chart
Select a size to see the measurements.
Women’s Dress Size Chart: A Guide to Finding the Perfect Fit
Finding the right dress size can be a challenge for many women. With varying sizing standards across brands and countries, it can sometimes feel like you’re speaking a different language when you’re trying to figure out your correct dress size. But don’t worry! In this blog post, we’ll break down the women’s dress size chart and provide tips for getting a perfect fit every time.
Why Understanding the Dress Size Chart Matters
When you know your exact measurements and understand the sizing system, shopping for clothes becomes easier and less stressful. You’ll be able to make more informed decisions and avoid the frustration of ordering something online that doesn’t fit or trying on dresses in-store that don’t work for your body type.
But here’s the tricky part: Different brands and retailers often use different size charts. So, a size medium at one store might feel like a size large at another. This is why it’s so important to know how to measure yourself properly and refer to the specific size chart provided by each retailer.
How to Measure Yourself
Before you can determine your dress size, you’ll need to take a few key measurements. Here’s how to measure yourself:
- Bust: Measure around the fullest part of your bust, keeping the tape measure straight across your back. Your arms should be relaxed at your sides.
- Waist: Find the smallest part of your waist (usually just above the belly button) and measure around it. Don’t suck in your stomach; keep the tape comfortably snug.
- Hips: Measure around the fullest part of your hips, typically about 8 inches below your waist.
- Inseam (for dresses with longer hemlines): Measure from the top of your inner thigh to the bottom of your ankle. This is especially helpful for finding dresses with a specific length.
Women’s Dress Size Chart: Standard US Sizes
Here’s a general guide to the standard U.S. women’s dress size chart:
| Size (US) | Bust (inches) | Waist (inches) | Hips (inches) | Dress Length (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 33-34 | 25-26 | 35-36 | 35-36 |
| 4 | 34-35 | 26-27 | 36-37 | 36-37 |
| 6 | 35-36 | 27-28 | 37-38 | 36-37 |
| 8 | 36-37 | 28-29 | 38-39 | 37-38 |
| 10 | 37-38 | 29-30 | 39-40 | 37-38 |
| 12 | 38-39 | 30-31 | 40-41 | 38-39 |
| 14 | 39-40 | 31-32 | 41-42 | 38-39 |
| 16 | 40-41 | 32-33 | 42-43 | 39-40 |
| 18 | 41-42 | 33-34 | 43-44 | 39-40 |
| 20 | 42-43 | 34-35 | 44-45 | 40-41 |
- Note: These measurements are meant to serve as a general guideline. Different brands may have slight variations, and some brands offer “plus sizes” or “petite” sizes for more specific body types.
International Dress Size Chart
When shopping internationally, it’s important to remember that sizing standards vary from country to country. Here’s a quick comparison of US sizes to other countries:
| US Size | UK Size | EU Size | Australia Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 6 | 34 | 6 |
| 4 | 8 | 36 | 8 |
| 6 | 10 | 38 | 10 |
| 8 | 12 | 40 | 12 |
| 10 | 14 | 42 | 14 |
| 12 | 16 | 44 | 16 |
| 14 | 18 | 46 | 18 |
| 16 | 20 | 48 | 20 |
| 18 | 22 | 50 | 22 |
| 20 | 24 | 52 | 24 |
Other Size Categories to Consider
- Plus Size: Plus-size clothing typically starts from size 14 in the US. However, many retailers use different terminology, such as “full-figured” or “extended sizes,” which can start at size 12 or 16. These sizes may have different cut and fit options to accommodate fuller figures.
- Petite Size: Petite dresses are designed for women who are 5’4″ and under. Petite sizing often includes adjusted proportions for shorter bodies, particularly in the sleeve length and hemline. A petite size will generally correspond to the regular size but with a shorter length.
- Tall Size: Similar to petite sizes, tall sizes cater to women over 5’8″ and are designed to accommodate longer torsos, arms, and inseams. If you’re on the taller side, look for clothing labeled “tall” or “long.”
- Maternity Size: During pregnancy, your body changes, and maternity clothing offers the comfort and stretch needed for your growing belly. Maternity dresses follow the same sizing system, but they’re designed with extra room in the midsection.
Tips for Getting the Perfect Fit
- Always Check the Size Chart: Even if you know your measurements, always refer to the specific brand’s size chart because sizing can vary across different brands.
- Consider the Fabric: The type of fabric used in a dress will also affect how it fits. Stretchy materials like jersey and spandex will be more forgiving, while more structured fabrics like cotton or denim may feel tighter.
- Fit vs. Size: Remember that fit is just as important as size. A dress may fit your measurements perfectly, but the style or cut might not suit your body shape. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles.
- Try Before You Buy: If you can, always try dresses on before purchasing, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the brand’s sizing.
Conclusion
Understanding women’s dress sizes isn’t a one-size-fits-all formula. The most important thing is to know your measurements, check the specific size chart for each brand, and consider the fit and fabric. Once you have this information, shopping for dresses will be much easier, and you’ll feel more confident in your choices. So, take the time to measure yourself and choose the right size for your body, and you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect dress for any occasion!
Happy shopping!