How to Measure Yourself for Online Plus-Size Clothing Shopping

Why Measuring Matters (and Why It’s Not the Whole Story)

Let’s be real—shopping for plus-size clothing online can sometimes feel like rolling the dice. You scroll through gorgeous styles, check the size chart, place your order, and then… cross your fingers that it’ll fit when it arrives. We’ve all been there.

Why is it such a guessing game? Because no two brands size the same, fabrics stretch (or don’t stretch) in wildly different ways, and our beautiful bodies don’t always fit neatly into one category on a chart. That’s why measurements are important: they give you a reliable starting point. But they’re not the whole story.

At Curve Theory, we use measurements as a guide—but we don’t stop there. We know that numbers only tell part of the truth. The real magic happens when we match your numbers with our knowledge of fabric stretch, cut, drape, and style preferences.

Your body is unique. Your clothes should honor that uniqueness. And with the right tools (and a little Curve Theory support), you can shop online with confidence instead of stress.

Step 1: Measuring Your Bust

Your bust measurement is one of the most important numbers for plus-size shopping, especially for tops, dresses, and jumpsuits. Done right, it helps avoid the dreaded “gaping button,” “pulling at the chest,” or “too baggy at the bust” problems.

How to measure your bust:

1. Grab a soft measuring tape (the flexible kind used in sewing).
2. Stand in front of a mirror—it helps you keep the tape straight.
3. Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your bust (not just under your arms or across your bra line).
4. Keep the tape level across your back—no sagging or tilting.
5. The tape should be snug but not tight. You should be able to slip one finger underneath comfortably.
6. Write the number down in both inches and centimeters.

💡Pro tip: Wear your everyday bra for this—not a sports bra or a push-up bra. You want to measure how your bust usually sits under clothing.

Step 2: Measuring Your Waist

Your waist is another key measurement—especially if you love fitted dresses, skirts, or tailored tops.

How to measure your waist:

1. Find your natural waistline—it’s usually the narrowest part of your torso, just above the belly button and below the ribcage.
2. Relax your stomach (don’t suck it in!).
3. Wrap the tape around your waist, keeping it level and snug without squeezing.
4. Record the number in both cm and inches.

💡Curve Theory tip: Many women mistakenly measure where their jeans sit (lower on the stomach). But most garments—especially dresses—are designed around your natural waist. Getting this right makes a huge difference in how something fits.

Step 3: Measuring Your Hips

Hips are one of the most important measurements for plus-size clothing — because our hip and bum shapes vary widely. This is often the number that makes or breaks whether bottoms fit well.

How to measure your hips:

1. Stand with your feet together (not spread apart).
2. Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your hips and bum.
3. Keep the tape level and straight across the back.
4. Note both cm and inch measurements.

💡Pro tip: This measurement is crucial for anything fitted below the waist—skirts, pants, bodycon dresses, and jumpsuits.

Step 4: Optional but Helpful Measurements

Depending on what you’re shopping for, extra measurements can be super handy.

• Inseam: Measure from the crotch to the ankle (or desired hem). This helps with pants, jeans, and jumpsuits.
• Arm Length: From the shoulder bone down to the wrist—great for jackets and long-sleeve tops.
• Shoulder Width: From the edge of one shoulder to the other across your back—useful if you’re broader or narrower on top.

💡Always record both inches and centimeters.

 

How Body Shape Affects Fit

Measurements give you numbers, but your body shape helps explain how garments will sit. Here’s a quick guide:

• Apple Shape: Fuller midsection, slimmer hips/legs. Stretch fabrics and flowy tops balance beautifully.
• Pear Shape: Smaller waist, fuller hips/thighs. The key to dressing this shape is creating visual balance and drawing attention upward. Go for dresses that define your waist and gently skim your hips. Tops with structure or flow — like those with statement sleeves, eye-catching necklines, or bold prints — help shift focus to your upper half.
• Hourglass Shape: Bust and hips are roughly equal, with a defined waist. Structured styles and bodycon dresses that highlight the waist shine.
• Rectangle Shape: Bust, waist, and hips are fairly straight. Belts, ruching, and draped styles add curves.
• Inverted Triangle: Broader shoulders, slimmer hips. A-line skirts or wide-leg pants balance proportions.

At Curve Theory, we don’t just hand you a size chart—we consider your shape, fabric choice, and how you like clothes to feel.

 

Fabric & Stretch: Why Two Size 18s Don’t Always Feel the Same

Let’s say your measurements point to a size 18. Why does one dress fit perfectly while another feels too snug or too loose? Simple: fabric and stretch.

• Poly/Spandex blends: Stretchy, comfy, forgiving—great for everyday wear.
• Woven fabrics (like chiffon): No stretch—usually better with a looser, more flowy cut.
• Cotton or denim: Structured; may need a size up depending on cut.
• Knitwear: Naturally flexible—often you can size down if you prefer a closer fit.

💡This is why we always encourage Curve Theory customers to ask us if they’re unsure—because we know how each plus-size clothing item drapes and stretches in real life.

 

Visual Measurement Guide (Imagine This While Measuring)

Picture this:

• You’re standing tall in front of a mirror with your soft tape.
• The tape runs horizontally (not slanted).
• It sits snug without digging in.
• You jot the numbers in both cm and inches in your notes app or journal.

Think of it as your “fit passport”—one set of numbers that makes plus-size clothes shopping easier no matter where you go.

 

The Curve Theory Difference: Beyond the Numbers

We know you’re more than a measurement. Our size chart (generally 14–22) is a great starting point, but here’s what sets us apart:

• We consider fabric stretch. That slinky spandex-blend dress? We’ll guide you differently than if you were considering a structured denim jacket.
• We consider garment cut. A flowy A-line dress fits differently than a tailored blazer.
• We consider style. Open cardigans, elastic waists, zip-up bodices—these details matter.
• We consider your fit preference. Some love body-hugging fits; others prefer looser, breathable cuts. So while you may technically be a size 18 for example, you may prefer the fit of an item in a size 20 and we will keep that in mind when making recommendations. 

That’s why we encourage customers to use the size chart and then chat with us. Think of us as your fit translators—turning numbers into confidence.

 

Body-Positive Takeaway: You Are Not Your Number

Let’s get something straight: the measuring tape does not define you.

Your worth is not measured in inches, centimeters, or plus-size dress sizes. It’s just a tool to help clothes fit you better—not the other way around.

Your body is allowed to:

• Take up space.
• Change with time, seasons, or life events.
• Be celebrated in every stage and every size.

Two women with identical bust/waist/hip measurements can look completely different—and that’s not just normal, it’s beautiful.

At Curve Theory, we believe plus-size clothes shopping should be about finding pieces that make you feel like your most confident, radiant self. Period.

 

FAQs About Measuring & Sizing for Plus-Size Clothing

1. Do I need to re-measure every time I shop?
Not necessarily, but it helps to re-check every 6–12 months, or if your body has changed.

2. What if I’m between two sizes?
That’s where fabric stretch and style matter. Reach out—we’ll help you decide whether to size up, down, or stick with your number.

3. What if my bust, waist, and hips don’t match one size on the chart?
Totally normal! Most women don’t fit neatly into one box. We’ll help you choose based on the garment and your preferences.

4. Should I size up for non-stretch fabrics?
Usually yes—but it depends on the cut. That’s why chatting with our team makes things easier.

5. Do Curve Theory clothes run true to size?
Yes, we import styles that have real plus-size bodies in mind. That said, fabric type and style always play a role.

 

Let’s Find Your Fit Together

Here’s the good news: you don’t have to figure it all out alone.

• Start with our size chart—it gives you a solid baseline.
• Jot down your bust, waist, and hip numbers (plus any extras like inseam or arm length).
• Browse our collection online.
• If you’re unsure, give us a call, or come by in person. We’ll help you pick the right fit.

Because plus-size clothing should fit you—not the other way around. At Curve Theory, we’ll help you find the styles that make you feel as amazing as you look.