I get these questions a lot:
What is the difference between Junior Plus and Plus Size clothing?
Why is sizing sooo off in plus size clothing?
With the advent of many online boutiques, retailers, and brands that release fast fashion at prices and styles we love, there are questions, frustrations, and confusions about sizing… With Forever 21, now Wet Seal, H&M, Nordstrom, Macy’s, and various online fast fashion boutiques it is important to know BEFORE you shop, what to expect with their fit and to know the differences.
Junior Plus Size?
Yes. Initially created to bridge the gap of the younger plus size teen who was left without fashionable options, junior plus size fashion also caters to the everyday plus size woman.
OH?
Well, junior plus size is traditionally cut smaller through the hips and bust, however, because of the fast fashion element and the body conscious fit, many of us are drawn to these stores- only to be confused with the fit and sizing.
“WHYYY am I a size 3x in this store?”
“OMG their sizes are sooo off”
“They need to fix their sizing”
A lot of times (NOT ALL) many of the fast fashion and junior plus size departments fit with a different size chart in comparison to traditional plus size fashion. Now this does NOT mean that all fashion forward items are cut in junior plus, just that there is a newer fit emerging that is causing a bit of confusion and frustration…
Let Me Break it DOWN even more…
For starters, junior plus sizing is labeled like traditional plus sizes, like 1X, 2X, 3X. In numbered charts, sometimes you will see odd numbered sizes starting at 15 or 17. Because of the changes in fit and sizing, junior plus sizes tend to run one to two sizes smaller- sometimes even more! For example, a size 3x dress in women’s plus equals a size 24, BUT a 3x dress in junior plus may equal a size 20 or 22. See the confusion?
eBay notes, “A good rule of thumb used to be the trendier the style, the more likely it was sized in junior plus. However, as the plus-size market generally has become more contemporary and trend conscious, this guideline no longer works consistently.”
Now with more women in their 20s and 30s are buying junior plus clothing, it is important to note the difference of the two. As brands are taking note in this buying pattern, there are more retailers like ASOS CURVE, who offer those body conscious fits with the look and feel of a junior plus cut, BUT with traditional plus size sizing.
Comparing Size Charts
I took the size charts from Nordstrom in their plus size and junior plus size, so that you could see the difference in sizing details…
So what’s a girl to do?
Pay attention to the size charts, the fits on the models, and the type of store you are shopping. Reference size charts, measure yourself and know your measurements. This will help you navigate through it all… I promise!
So who are these Junior Plus Size Brands?
Think fast fashion. Uber on trend places that always have the latest trends at the lowest prices… There are a few, although I name them all, take this as a guideline as what you can expect from fit… if you have suggestions, leave them in the comments too!
- Wet Seal
- Fashion to Figure
- Forever 21
- H&M Plus
- Macy’s Junior Plus
- Nordstrom Junior Plus
It is key to note that a lot of these online plus size boutiques buy from wholesalers that produce junior plus sizes… please refer to their size chart for a better idea of fit…
I hope this helps a little bit? Let me know!
What else have you noticed from junior plus sizes? Have you been shocked about fit? Where else have you noticed a junior plus size cut? Leave a comment and let us talk about it!
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