How to choose the right plus size when shopping online
How to choose the right plus size when shopping online
Choosing the right Plus Size when shopping online starts not with a chart on a website, but with taking your own precise measurements and understanding how different brands' sizing charts work. In this guide, we'll cover how to measure yourself, read size charts, consider fabrics and styles, and minimize the risk of a bad order.
Why Plus Size Online Is Always About Measurements, Not the Number on the Tag
Fabric, Style, and Fit: How They Affect Plus Size Selection
Even accurate measurements don't guarantee a consistent fit across different styles. The result is influenced by the fabric composition, cut, length, and how the garment should fit the body.
What to Check in a Product Description
Fabric Composition. Jersey, stretch, and materials with elastane adapt better to the figure. Stiffer fabrics without elastane require more precise fitting.
Style Type. Straight cuts, A-line silhouettes, and wrap styles are more tolerant of slight differences in measurements. Fitted and slim-fitting garments require more precision.
Length. In Plus Size, items that are too short can visually "cut" the figure. Your figure, so pay attention to where your T-shirt, dress, jacket, or cardigan ends.
Fit. The garment should allow freedom of movement, without bunching or pulling at the chest, stomach, or hips.
For an everyday plus-size wardrobe, straight-cut or A-line dresses, midi-length dresses, wrap skirts, semi-fitted trousers, and blouses without excessive embellishment in the chest area often work well.
Practical Life Hacks for Plus Size Online Shopping
How to Reduce the Risk of a Failed Order
Update your measurements regularly. Last year's measurements may no longer correspond to the current fit.
Save your Measurements. Keep them in your phone's notes to quickly compare them with the size chart.
Read reviews. Customers often write about whether an item runs small, how it fits on a wide bust, or on pronounced hips.
Check the return and exchange policies. This is especially important if you're ordering from a brand for the first time.
Choose styles designed for plus sizes. They better accommodate the proportions of a curvier figure, rather than simply scaling a standard cut.
When in doubt, choose a style with a more universal cut: straight silhouette, A-line, wrap, or semi-fitted. For difficult-to-fit areas—a large bust, pronounced hips, or a difference between the waist and hips—it's sometimes better to choose a larger size and have the garment slightly adjusted at the tailor's if necessary.
How to choose a size for a specific type of Plus Size garment
Plus Size Dresses
Focus on your bust and hips: they often determine the fit of a dress.
If the dress is made of non-stretch fabric and you are between sizes, order the larger size.
Straight fits, midi, A-line, and wrap styles are practical for a basic wardrobe.
Look in the catalog for Plus Size Dresses in a basic cut and always compare the size chart with your bust, waist, and hip measurements.
Blouses, Shirts, T-Shirts
The main measurements are chest circumference and shoulder width.
For Plus Size, a semi-fitted cut without large pockets, massive ruffles, or unnecessary details on the chest often works best.
T-shirts should be not too tight, matte, and of sufficient fabric density.
For everyday looks, consider basic T-shirts, plus size shirts and blouses made of soft but fairly dense fabrics: they fit better and hold their shape.
Trousers, Jeans, Skirts
The key measurement for bottoms is the hip circumference; also check the waist and inseam length.
Plus-size trousers are best chosen with a semi-fitted cut and an ankle or 7/8 length.
Medi skirts, A-line silhouettes, and wrap styles offer a good balance between comfort and fit.
For everyday wear, Plus size trousers, well-fitting jeans, and medi skirts are all good choices. Use your hips and waist as a guide, and always check the length in the style description.
Conclusion
To choose the right Plus Size online, first take accurate measurements of your bust, waist, hips, and other measurements. Then compare them to the specific brand's size chart, focusing on the largest circumference.
It's equally important to consider the fabric, style, length, and desired fit. Wear clothes in your size, not in ones that are too small or too big: this will ensure a neat silhouette and comfortable and stylish clothes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What measurements are essential for choosing a Plus Size online?
The most important measurements are your bust, waist, and hips. For jackets, coats, trousers, and jeans, shoulder width, sleeve length, and inseam are also useful.
What should I do if my measurements fall into different sizes?
Focus on the largest circumference, most often the bust or hips. This is especially important if the fabric is non-stretchy. If necessary, the item can be slightly adjusted at the studio.
Why doesn't my usual offline size work in online stores?
Different brands label Plus Size differently, so a letter or number without centimeters means little. Online, it's better to refer to the measurements and the specific brand's size chart.
Can I order Plus Size clothing with room for room, a size larger?
Sometimes this is appropriate for non-stretch fabrics if you're between sizes. But a size that's too big often adds bulk, so it's best to order your size based on your measurements and choose a comfortable fit.
How do I know if a garment is stretchy?
Check the fabric composition in the description. The presence of elastane, spandex, or a stretch mark means the garment is stretchy, but for plus-size garments, you should still allow some leeway.
How often should I update my measurements?
If your weight or proportions have changed, get your measurements before making a large purchase. Even without noticeable changes, it's a good idea to check your measurements every few months.
What should I do if a brand's sizing chart seems unclear?
Trust the measurements, not the size label. If you're still unsure, choose universal styles and styles that offer returns or exchanges.
Fabric, Style, and Fit: How They Affect Plus Size Selection