SIZING INFORMATION

 We do NOT have a standard size chart!  

To bring you the sexiest, trendiest plus size clothes from the L.A. and NYC fashion districts, we deal with no less than 20 manufacturers.  EVERY SINGLE ONE of them has their own idea of sizing.  As a result, we hand measure each size of every item and we create our own size chart.   As we grow, we will continue to produce our own items, under our label, with a standard size chart.  In the meantime, we don't want you to miss out on other fantastic, trendy plus size items simply because the manufacturer sizes the item different from what you may be used to - we provide as much information as possible to help you make a decision on fit!  Remember, measurements don't lie! 

On every item, you will find exact measurements (often in a size chart).    Please use this chart as a guide and compare measurements listed to those of your own (or compare to measurements of items in your closet in which you love the way it fits you).

We make our own recommendations based on the below standards and if you take the time to measure yourself prior to shopping online, it will make you much happier to receive items that fit :)  

* This is simply a guideline and does not consider the fit or fabric of an item.   Curvy Girl Clothing uses this chart as a baseline when making recommendations for fit of an item.  We consider many other factors (including intended fit, fabric, slip on vs zipper/button entry, length, etc...) when we make recommendations on a size and oftentimes, we use our models to gauge the fit.

* Check measurements on each specific item for exact measurements of that item.   Manufacturers vary greatly in the tagging of their items.   Curvy Girl Clothing hand measures every single item and lists exact measurements in a size chart found in the item specifics (along with other important information such as fabric content).

* If the item is a slip on item, it will have larger measurements than normal as the item has to go over the curvier parts.

* If you are close to the top measurement of a size range, it doesn't hurt to go up a size, particularly in items that are made of stretch materials. 

* Your bust measurement is NOT the same as your bra size.  (your bra size only considers your back up until the breasts start, your bust size will be several inches larger depending on how large your breasts are).  NEVER measure under your breasts to get a bust measurement - always measure around the fullest part of the breast.  Wear a bra when taking bust measurements to get a better representation of where your breasts will fall under clothing.

HOW TO MEASURE YOURSELF

All manufacturers have their own size chart.  In fact, most manufacturers have different size charts for each item.   As a result, it is a rare occasion to find items of the same tag size that have the same measurements.   Do not shop on tag size, but shop on measurements.  If you do not know your measurements, find an item in your closet that fits you well.   Lay the item on a flat surface and take all measurements.  Compare those measurements to the measurements of the item you are buying.   Always consider the intended fit of the item (i.e. tight, loose).  Also consider whether or not the item has elastic or zipper or is a slip on.  Slip on items have larger measurements as you need that extra space to get over your "e;curvier parts"e;. :)

To ensure the best fit, you’ll need to measure the bust, waist, and hips.

• Bust: With your arms at your side, place the tape measure around the fullest part of your chest, under your arms. Make sure that the tape measure remains parallel to the floor.     
• Waist: While standing, wrap the tape measure around your natural waistline. Keep the tape comfortably loose.   
• Hips: While standing with your feet together, wrap the tape measure around the fullest part of your body between your waist and your knees. This is approximately 8 inches below your waist. Make sure that the tape measure remains parallel to the floor.

What is the difference between Junior Plus and Women's Plus Size?

This is a common question.  First, we need to clarify that Junior Plus does NOT mean children's clothing!    If you look at these styles, you will see that many of them are inappropriate for anyone under 18 years old.   Junior Plus is the nickname the Los Angeles fashion district manufacturers call these clothes.   There are hundreds of these manufacturers and while we hate their sizing charts, we LOVE their styles.  These are the items our non plus size counterparts are wearing and it's high time for curvy fashionistas to wear them!   Junior Plus sizes tend to be 1x (16) 2x (18) 3x (20) 4x (22) 5x (24).  Normal women's sizes tend to be 1x (18/20) 2x (22/24) 3x (26/28), etc or 14w, 16w, 18w, etc...  As you can see, it can be quite the difference, especially if you are used to walking in a nationwide chain plus size store and buying a certain size item.  This is where measurements are extremely important.  Tag sizes mean nothing, however, as measurements are exact and don't lie.   There is also nothing that is TRUE TO SIZE as every woman has a different interpretation of what a certain size is.   Junior Plus size items typically come from the L.A. fashion district and are a lot trendier, sexier and form fitting than standard plus size items.  Junior Plus size items also typically use a lot of poly spandex blends in their fabric.   Junior Plus items are generally more affordable as they tend to fall under the disposable chic category.  These clothes are for fashionistas who are more concerned about staying in the current style than keeping an item in their closet for years (a practice which we do not recommend)! 

If you are looking for boxy, oversized, over elasticized styles, Curvy Girl is NOT the place for you!  We are breaking the rules and buying and/or manufacturing sexy form fitting styles for the sexy curvy body!    

Curvy Girl Clothing purchases about 70% of our items from Junior Plus manufacturers out of Los Angeles (they simply have the best styles at the best prices) and we manufacture about 30% of our styles.  As we grow, we will continue to offer more clothes under our own label (we generally cut items up to size 28 or 32 depending on the style) with a more consistent size chart.   That being said, we will always continue to offer Junior Plus styles as the manufacturers produce new items each week and Curvy Girl loves the idea of offering new items each week to our customers.

Styles are added almost EVERY DAY to our website.