Plus Size Dresses at Dress-Directory.com
in focus:
The "Plus-size" Dress Size range ** refers to a specific type of cut. Some manufacturers make plus-size dresses in sizes as large as a size 34W, 44W or even larger, and as small as a size 12W. There are also petite plus-size dresses, since "petite" refers to height. The following sizing tips should help you find a dress that fits your particular figure right. A word of caution: no two vendors size dresses exactly the same way so you should always check the size charts provided by a retailer.
Please Note: For your convenience we have cross listed Misses Size Dresses in a Size 20 or larger in the Plus-size Dress Section. If you wear a size 20 or smaller and think that you can wear a misses cut, there are more selections available in the Misses Dress Section. Junior Plus, Plus Petite, and Tall Plus-size dresses have also been cross listed in the Junior Dresses, Petite Dresses, and Tall Dresses sections, as appropriate.
Differences between Misses and Plus-size Dress Cuts
Misses dress sizes can often extend into size 18, 20, 26 or even 34 in formal
wear. Plus-size dresses typically begin at a size 14W, and sometimes even
as small as a 10 at some of the plus-size clothing specialty shops. What's the
difference? Classic hour glass figures often fit best in misses size dresses,
while apple and heavier pear figures should choose plus-sizes. Plus-size dresses
are cut more generously in the waist, hip and bust area with lower arm holes and
bust lines. There is also often less of a difference between waist and hip
measurements proportionately than in misses sizing.
Differences between Junior Plus and Plus-size Dress Cuts
Junior Plus sizing can be tricky to recognize as it frequently is
reported as 1X, 2X, 3X like much of the women's plus-size sizing
system. However, Junior Plus Dresses are cut slimmer through the bust and
hip areas with less of a differentiation between waist and hip measurements and
a higher bust line. Consequently, Junior Plus sizes run smaller than
regular plus-sizes by as much as one, two, even three sizes. The idea is
that Junior Plus dresses are cut for younger bodies which are less fully
developed, less curvaceous, and more youthful in proportion. 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.
Trendy plus-size dresses can be sized in either junior plus or women's
plus-sizes. We have listed Junior Plus dresses in both the junior and
plus-size dress sections for your convenience. Please be careful to consult
sizing charts especially with dresses marked Junior Plus Size to ensure you get
a dress that will fit your figure type well.
Differences between Petite, Plus Petite and
Plus-size Dress Cuts
Petite size dresses are cut for women under 5'4", no matter if they are
misses or plus-size in cut. Plus-Size Petites, also called Women's Petite Sizes,
commonly start at size 14WP. Regular petite size dress ranges can extend to
sizes 14 or 20. What's the difference? Both are cut for shorter figures
and take into account shorter hem and sleeve lengths, shorter torsos and
proportions, but like with regular plus-sizes classic hour glass figures often
fit best in petite size dresses, while apple and heavier pear figures should
choose plus size petites. Keep in mind also that in petite sizes you may need to
take one size larger than in misses sizing. For example, if you are an hourglass
petite plus woman and you can wear a 14 Misses, you frequently will need either
a 16 Petite or a 14 Plus Petite dress. You should take the same petite
plus size as plus size.
Differences between Plus Tall and Plus-size Dress Cuts
Like in misses sizing systems, plus tall dresses are cut with longer
hem and sleeve lengths. But as in women's plus-sizes lower arm holes, more
generous bust and hip proportions apply.
Fit and Formal Gowns
Formalwear like
prom dresses,
bridesmaid dresses and
wedding gowns
frequently need to be ordered 8 to 12 weeks in advance, so plan ahead. Because
formal gowns are often cut to mold to your figure, it isn't uncommon to need to
go up one, two, even three dress sizes. When choosing the best size, take the
cut into consideration. If the dress style is close cut across the bust, match
the size to your bust measurements. If it closely skims across the hips,
pay the most attention to the waist and hip measurements provided when choosing
your size. Tailoring once the gown arrives for minor adjustments will ensure the
perfect fit for your special occasion. If you plan to have the hem taken up,
make sure that the styles lines will be maintained. For example fish tail hems
and flounced hems need to be purchased in petite sizes and not shortened.
Shipping Key: USA = United States, CAN = Canada, M = US Military addresses, I = International destinations outside the USA, specific countries vary. Please check individual merchant for specifics.
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** The Dress-Directory is very pleased to partner with ElegantPlus.com, plus-size clothing, shopping and lifestyle expert guides, to provide resources for the under-served plus-size niche market. An excellent resource for full-figured women shopping for career, casual and special occasion apparel, we recommend browsing both their Plus-Size Clothing Mall and Editor's Picks Guides for an excellent selection for all occasions.