How to choose plus size tops that actually fit

Work through four decisions in order and a tops selection of hundreds of options becomes one shortlist quickly: consider length, then sleeve (and armhole room), fabric next, then neckline last. Length and armhole cause most returns, so settle those first — fabric and neckline are easier to live with either way.

• Length — how much hip coverage you want, and whether that means a Tee or a Tunic. Once you know your ideal length number, every style with that number is a candidate.
• Sleeve and armhole — the fit consideration factor no Size Chart will shows you. This is where a top that's the right size everywhere else can gap under the arm or bind through your biceps. Look for sleeve lengths that fit your upper arms comfortably and that work under layers.
• Fabric — cotton or a cotton/poly blend; it decides weight, drape, and how a top will layer.
• Neckline — crew, V-neck, or scoop; settle this last, since it's the one call that's pure preference and doesn't affect how the top will fit.

Browse the full Tops & Sweaters collection at Woman Within to see the current assortment as you work through each decision below.

The armhole is where fit most often goes wrong, and no Size Chart typically denotes it. A wide, dropped armhole can gap even when the body of the top fits; a narrow, high-cut armhole can bind through the upper arm even when everything else is right. We design our Woman Within armholes to be just right - never cut too low or wide!

The Perfect Tee, Crewneck Tee, and Tunic all use a short sleeve that hits right above the elbow, cut for coverage rather than a fitted cap sleeve. Paired with the relaxed, non-cling silhouette these styles share, that gives more room through the arm than a fitted style will.

A sleeveless style changes the calculation. The Perfect Scoopneck Tank Top has no sleeve to set the armhole width, so the opening is shaped by the tank's own armhole cut and by its side hem slits, which are there to add ease of movement rather than to fix the armhole itself. If a sleeveless top has run big or small on you before, that's the detail to compare against this one before you buy.

Fabric content is on every product page, and it's the fastest way to predict weight and drape before you buy. The Perfect Tee, Crewneck Tee, Scoopneck Tank, and V-Neck Tunic are all 100% cotton in solid colors; heathered colorways switch to a cotton/poly blend. All four are machine washable and tumble dry - wash & wear.

Product pages don't list a shrinkage figure, so if that matters to you, follow the care instructions on the garment tag and always wash in cool water. Dry flat or line dry to prevent shrinkage.

Heather colorways run in a cotton/poly blend rather than 100% cotton, which is worth knowing if you're buying the same style in both a solid and a heather — the two can feel and drape a little differently even though the cut is identical. If you already have a favorite fabric between the two, check the color's Fabric & Care listing before you add a new one to the cart.

Neckline doesn't change length, sleeve, or fabric — it's the one call that's entirely about what you want to see in the mirror. The Perfect Collection covers three basics: a V-neck, a crew, and a scoopneck tank.

The V-neck sits in a shirred trim built not to stretch out over time. The crewneck is the classic, close round neckline. The scoopneck tank adds bust darts and side hem slits, both there to give the tank more room to move.

Four pieces from the Perfect Collection cover most of what a plus size tops search is looking for: an everyday V-neck tee, a classic crewneck, a layering tank, and a longer tunic.

• Perfect Short-Sleeve V-Neck Tee — the everyday layer. Relaxed, non-cling fit with a V-neckline that holds its shape; 28-inch regular length, 26-inch petite.
• Perfect Short-Sleeve Crewneck Cotton Tee — the same relaxed fit and length, in a classic crew neckline.
• Perfect Scoopneck Tank Top — for layering under a cardigan or shirt; bust darts and side hem slits add room to move.
• Perfect Short-Sleeve Shirred V-Neck Tunic — the 30-inch length for extra hip coverage over leggings or bottoms.

If you only remember one rule: match length first, then pick whichever neckline you'd reach for anyway. Armhole and fabric are already settled, because all four styles share the same sleeve cut and the same fabric content.