How to measure yourself for plus size clothing
Take four measurements over light clothing, compare them to our size chart instead of your usual size, and order the size closest to the largest number.
How to take your measurements at home
Take four measurements over light clothing or your undergarments with a soft tape measure: bust, waist, hips, and inseam. Write each number down before you open a size chart — you'll need all four to choose correctly.
- Bust. Wrap the tape around the fullest point of your bust, keeping it level across your back. Snug, not cinched.
- Waist. Measure around the narrowest point of your natural waist, usually just above your belly button.
- Hips. Wrap the tape around the fullest point of your seat, roughly eight inches below your waist.
- Inseam. Measure from the crotch seam of a well-fitting pair of pants straight down to where you want the hem to fall.
How to read the size chart
Compare your four numbers to the size chart on the product page — not to the size you normally wear. Plus-size numeric and letter sizing isn't always consistent between brands or styles, so always confirm your size on our size chart prior to ordering from us.
Woman Within's charts come from garments designed and tested on real plus-size women, not mannequins, and our sizes span up to 44W across Petite, Average, and Tall lengths.
What to do when your measurements land in different sizes
Size to the largest of your four measurements for woven and structured pieces. A waistband has room to give; a bodice cut too small doesn't.
Styles built with stretch handle a bust-waist-hip mismatch best. The Perfect Back-Elastic Gap-Free Straight-Leg Cotton Jeans add a back elastic waistband for a gap-free fit that flexes with your hip measurement, in 100% cotton.
"Waist was 2 sizes too small, and length was 3 inches too long."
That's what happens when only one measurement gets checked. Confirm all four before you order!
How to choose between Petite, Average, and Tall
Once your size is right, match the garment's stated length to your own inseam or torso length — not to a guess based on your height.
Measure your own inseam or torso length first, then pick the column closest to it.
| Style | Length Option | Measurement |
|---|---|---|
| 7-Day Straight-Leg Elastic-Waist Stretchy Knit Pant | Average | 30″ inseam |
| Petite | 28″ inseam | |
| Petite Short | 26″ inseam | |
| Tall | 33″ inseam | |
| Perfect Back-Elastic Gap-Free Straight-Leg Cotton Jeans | Average | 30″ inseam |
| Petite | 28″ inseam | |
| Tall | 34″ inseam | |
| Perfect Short-Sleeve Crewneck Cotton Tee | Regular | 28″ length |
| Petite | 26″ length |
The mistake that leads to most returns
Sizing to the number you usually wear in other brands, instead of the number on our size chart, is the single biggest cause of a returned order. A second common mistake: measuring over a bulky sweater or jeans, which adds inches that aren't really there.
Measure over light clothing or undergarments, and use the numbers you get today — not the ones from your last order.
How to check you've measured right
Re-measure once before you order. A measuring tape that's twisted, held too loose, or read while you're holding your breath throws every number off.
- Tape lies flat against your body, not twisted.
- You're standing naturally, arms relaxed at your sides.
- You're breathing normally — not sucking in, not puffed out.
- The tape is snug enough to hold its shape without digging in.
Ready to put your numbers to work? Start with the styles our customers reorder most in our top sellers, sized the same way.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I find the size chart?
Look for the Size Chart link near the size selector on all product page. It provides our equivalent bust, waist and hip measurements which are used across all Woman Within styles. Compare your own numbers to it before choosing a size.
What size am I if my top and bottom sizes differ?
Order each garment to its own size chart. A tee and a pair of jeans aren't cut the same way, so your top size and your bottom size can legitimately be different numbers — that's normal, not a sizing error.
What is the length difference between Petite and Regular?
It depends on the style. The Perfect Short-Sleeve Crewneck Cotton Tee runs 28 inches in Regular and 26 inches in Petite, in length; while our 7-Day Straight-Leg Knit Pant has a 30-inch inseam in Women's and a 28 inch inseam in Petite. Check each product page for its own numbers.