Plus-Size Women's Size Chart: How to Read It

To read a plus-size women's size chart, measure your bust, waist and hips, then find the row on the brand's own chart that fits all three. Labels like 1X, 2X and 3X are not standard across brands, so always use the chart for the exact item you are buying.

This guide uses one real chart as an example, then shows how to handle in-between sizes. A body-based tool such as AI size recommendation for fashion stores uses the same idea, matching measurements to a store's own chart.

What do 1X, 2X and 3X mean?

The "X" stands for extra. 1X is the first plus size, 2X is the next, and so on. Brands set their own measurements for each label, so a 2X from one store can differ from a 2X at another.

Brands also use number sizes such as 18W. Neither system is a universal standard, which is why you should read the measurements, not the label.

What does a real plus-size chart look like?

Here is the women's plus-size chart from Nike's US site, in inches, as published on Nike's plus-size page and checked November 2026. It is an example chart. Check your brand's own chart before ordering.

Size	Bust (in)	Waist (in)	Hip (in)
1X	45 - 49	41 - 45	46 - 50
2X	49 - 53	45 - 49	50 - 54
3X	53 - 57	49 - 53	54 - 58

Nike states that the chart lists body measurements, so you compare your body, not the garment.

How do you take your measurements?

Use a soft tape and keep it horizontal. Nike's guide describes these points:

1. Bust: around the fullest part of your chest.
2. Waist: around the narrowest part, usually where your torso bends side to side.
3. Hips: around the fullest part of your hips.

Ask a friend to help, or stand in front of a mirror. For more on tape technique, see the guide to reading a women's jeans size chart.

What if your measurements fall in different sizes?

This is common. Say your bust points to 1X but your hips point to 2X. The same Nike guide gives two rules:

• If you fall between two sizes, choose the smaller for a snugger fit or the larger for a looser fit.
• If your bust and waist point to different sizes, use the size your bust indicates.

Other brands may advise differently. In general, think about the garment. For a dress, fit the widest area. For a stretch top, you have more room.

How does the same label differ between brands?

Looking at two published charts shows why. Nike lists a 1X bust as 45 - 49 inches on its page above. A different brand may list a narrower or wider range for the same label.

Check Kasper's size guide beside Nike's and compare the ranges yourself. This is the quickest way to see that labels aren't portable.

A worked example: choosing between two sizes

Suppose your bust measures 50 inches, your waist 46 and your hips 52. These are example numbers, not a standard.

On the Nike chart above, bust 50 sits in 2X (49 - 53). Waist 46 sits in 2X (45 - 49). Hips 52 sit in 2X (50 - 54). All three agree, so 2X is the clear pick.

Now change the bust to 48. That falls in 1X (45 - 49), while waist and hips still point to 2X. Nike's rule says to use the size your bust indicates when bust and waist differ. Then the fabric decides: with a stretch knit, 1X may work, and with a woven shirt you may want 2X.

Notice that sizes overlap at the edges, such as 49 inches appearing in both rows. When you land on an overlap, check the fit note.

What should store owners do with a plus-size chart?

If you sell plus sizes, publish body measurements for every size and say whether each is a range or a single number. Add garment measurements as a second table, so shoppers who compare to a favorite item can do that.

List the fit and fabric on each product. Shoppers use those cues alongside the chart.

How can you use this when shopping online?

Use this short routine before you order:

• Measure yourself and write the numbers down.
• Open the chart for that exact brand and garment type.
• Confirm the chart uses body measurements, not garment measurements.
• Read the fit note, such as "runs small" or "stretch fabric".
• Check the return policy before you buy.

For shoppers of African print and modest styles, the guide to plus-size African print fashion online covers tailoring choices when charts fall short. If you run a store, the petite size chart guide and this one together cover the two ends of your range.

FAQs

Is 1X the same as size 14 or 16?

Not reliably. Brands map X sizes to number sizes differently, so read the measurements on the brand's chart instead of converting.

Should I size up if I am between sizes?

Many brands suggest the larger size for a looser fit and the smaller for a snugger one, as Nike's guide does. Consider the fabric and how you like it to fit.

Do plus-size charts use body or garment measurements?

Most list body measurements, but check the wording. Nike states its chart uses body measurements.

Can I use one brand's chart for another brand?

No. Use the chart for the exact brand and garment type you are buying.