Womens Apparel
There are four different size ranges for women's clothing in the U.S. Here's a primer on the basic differences:
Missy sizes (even sizes, generally 2-18). If your figure is "average" -- no one part of your body (particularly your arms, upper back, or bust line) is out of proportion to the rest of you, your waist is neither high nor low, and your torso is "average," try a "missy" size.
Junior sizes (odd sizes, often 0-13). Whether you're 17 or 47, if your arms are slim, your bottom narrow and your bust high (or if you simply like your clothes to fit close to the body), you're a "junior" fit.
Women's sizes (such as 16W-32W). If you have a fuller, lower bustline and extra weight in the upper arms and upper back, a "women's" size may fit best. A 16W or 18W has broader fit through the top than a missy 16 or 18, and the overall cut is different. Half sizes were once a popular subdivision of the missy category (starting at 12 1/2 and going up to 22 1/2). But this fit has been replaced by women's sizing, with 16W being equal to the old 16 1/2, and so on.
Petite sizes (such as 2P-32WP). Technically, petite clothing is women's or missy sizes proportioned for women 4'11" to 5'3" tall (with shorter arm, leg, and overall garment length). It's usually cut smaller across the back as well. So if you are over 5'3" but have either very short arms, or a long torso and short legs, some petite separates might work for you.
Then, of course, there's "one size fits all." The general consensus here: "It doesn't exist." Unless you don't care if your clothes are smotheringly tight or tent-like, chances are you won't find the fit you're looking for with these garments -- no matter how much spandex they have!
Style Matters
After you figure out the right size, finding the right style is a big part of getting the fit you want. June Saltzman, vice president of fashion merchandising for the Home Shopping Network, offers the following style definitions (They apply not only to clothes sold on HSN, but to most items available off the rack):
Close fit -- follows the curves of the body.
Fitted -- slightly more relaxed, but still follows your curves.
Semi-fitted -- close to the body, but with more ease of movement.
Loose-fitting -- generously sized, with ease of movement and fabric drape.
Very loose-fitting -- cut very full for ultimate comfort.
While electronic retailers and some catalogs provide this information to shoppers, you may simply have to use your "eye" when sizing up the cut of clothing in a brick-and-mortar store.
Sizing Up Your Shopping Options
It may actually be easier to find the right size when you buy from electronic and catalog retailers than when you shop at the mall. Because inaccurate sizing can lead to returns, many such retailers have taken steps to avoid sizing confusion.
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