Plus Size Forum

Am I Plus Size?

A lot of people are confused and don't know whether they are plus size or not. Simply put, plus size is a clothing size, it’s not your body type. So, you might be plus size in some stores but not others.

Check Your Measurements

I have seen some brands say plus size starts at the bust being 40-42 inches, the waist being 34-36 inches and the hips being 43-44 inches. These sizes is actually the US size 14/16 or the UK’s size 18. That means many brands will label you as plus size if your bust is 41 inches and your waist is 35 inches.

2 Simple Ways to Know

1. Clothing Labels: If the clothes has a label of 14+ (US) or 18+(UK), it means you’re shopping in plus-size sections. It's what you need to be aware of.

2. Fit Issues in Standard Sizes: Fit issues can also tell If you are plus size or not. For instance, if size L tops squeezes your arms or if size 14 pants is very tight in your thighs, it means you likely need plus size clothes.

Important Truths to Remember

- Size ≠ Health: Being plus size doesn't mean ill health. Of course not, because you can be plus size and be very healthy.
- Size ≠ Worth: Your size isn't commensurate to your self worth. This is because your worth can't be measured in your inches.
- Brands Vary Wildly: This is a very important thing to note. A size 12 in one store could be a 16 in another.

Global Plus Size Differences

In USA plus size starts at 14/16
In UK plus size starts at 16/18
In Europe plus size starts at 46/48
In Australia plus size starts at 16/18

I know my size and measurements meet the size chart for plus size. Therefore I know I need to shop in the plus size section. I feel at one point I wasn't a healthy plus size but worked on being healthy and steal keeping a healthy choice menue and exercise to maintain my healthy plus size bod.

It's not difficult to know but it could be confusing because of the differences in sizing. A 14 here, an 18 there could be so confusing but I'm learning that now. However, it is finding what fits and feels good rather than the number on the tag. The reason is that our bodies weren't made to fit into clothes, rather clothes should fit us.

Robinson wrote: Sun Jul 27, 2025 1:05 pm It's not difficult to know but it could be confusing because of the differences in sizing. A 14 here, an 18 there could be so confusing but I'm learning that now. However, it is finding what fits and feels good rather than the number on the tag. The reason is that our bodies weren't made to fit into clothes, rather clothes should fit us.

Yes! I totally agree with you on that! The label is just a guide, it doesn't define your true size. I've seen people getting too obsessed with a number tag but that doesn't take away your beauty or confidence. It's just ti know the right measurement.