I’m sure this scenario will be very familiar to you: You’ve scrimped and saved for a dazzling dress that will be just perfect for your cousin’s wedding next week. When it’s finally delivered, you rip open the box in feverish excitement and start pulling it on immediately, only to find out that it doesn’t even come close to fitting right and your face crumples with threatened tears.
This scene is all too common for plus-size women. Plus-size women must return online orders due to an improper fit three times more frequently than straight-size women. With many brick-and-mortar retailers carrying plus sizes only on their websites and even more brands with their entire store only online, ordering clothes online is a necessary evil for plus size women, and you now can stop the merry-go-round of buying and returning with these six painless steps.
1. The Size Guide is Your BFF!
The question, “What size are you” is deceptively simple. I have clothes in my closet ranging from a size 14 to a size 24 and everything fits. In women’s fashion, though, size Large in one brand maybe 3 times bigger or smaller than the Large in another brand, so knowing your exact measurements is crucial.
If it’s still not 100% clear, order a size larger than you think you’ll need because you can always have it taken in at the tailor’s.
NOTE: Consider which country you’re ordering from! US sizes can vary greatly from the UK, Australia, and Asian countries.
2. Know Your Measurements!
While each brand’s size chart will vary, they will all require measurements for at least the bust, waist, and hips. When possible, enlist the help of a friend or tailor, as it is easier than taking your own measurements. Use a fabric tape measure and don’t forget to wear whatever bra and shapewear (no clothes on top) you will be wearing with the outfit you want to order!
Bust: This is different from your bra size! Position the measuring tape around the fullest part of your chest at the nipple to avoid gaping and pulling.
Waist: This is usually the trickiest part for plus-size women as our bellies tend not to be perfectly flat. For the most accurate measurement, hold the tape measure at the fullest part of your midsection, and don’t forget to breathe normally.
Hips: As with your bust and waist, wrap the tape measure around the fullest part of your butt. It should cross your front just above where your public hair would start.
3. Use the Model as a Point of Reference
Most online retailers state which size the model in the photo is wearing and some even give her exact measurements. This is a huge help when choosing your own size.
4. Don’t Forget Fabric
Different materials will have more give and movement than others. If the item you’re ordering is made of spandex, elastane, or lycra, you have a little wiggle room. If it’s made of unyielding denim, nylon, or lace, though, you must fit the exact measurements. And remember your mother’s lecture that cotton will shrink in the wash!
5. Read Those Reviews
Reviews are a great gauge for fit, quality, and customer satisfaction. Many people will say things like, “Love it, but it runs small”, which should tell you that it would be a good idea to order a larger size than you originally planned.
6. Accept the Reality of Returns
While I am an optimist, I’m also a realist, so I also study the store’s return policy very carefully before buying, especially if I’ve never ordered from this retailer before. If that dress doesn’t fit, how long do you have to return it? Do you have to pay for the return shipping yourself? Do the tags still need to be attached? How long will it take to receive your refund? Will the refund be for the full price you paid or is there a percentage taken off? Will the refund come in the form of a store credit or will it be returned to your original payment method?
Hashtags: #plussize #plussizefashion #curvy #curvyfashion #effyourbeautystandards #plussizestyle #plussizebeauty #curves
Until next time…
Thank you for the great instructions regarding body measurements.
You made it so easy.
Thank you soo much. My pleasure.
Absolutely. Thank you.
Thank you so much. I’m 65 and size 18 uk. I’m living in Cario for a few months and finding it so hard to get a decent bra. I’m 40DD. My daughter tells me I need something firm to lift me up. Lol. So true. ANY HELP??