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Sizing

SIZE GUIDES

HOW TO MEASURE

LENGTH:  Place the end of the tape measure on the highest point of your shoulder on your back side and let the tape drop to the length you are comparing to online.

BUST:  Keeping a measuring tape straight across your back shoulder blades, put the tape under your armpit and across the fuller part of your bust.

WAIST/NATURAL WAISTLINE:   Measure around your natural waistline, keeping the measuring tape comfortably loose.  Pulling the tape too tight can result in ordering garments with a too constricting waist.

HIPS:  With your feet together, measure around the fullest part of your hips.

PANT INSEAM:  We recommend taking a favorite pair of pants with your preferred length, lay them flat and measure from the crotch to the hem.  Keep in mind if you intend to wear heels or flat shoes with a pant style you’d like to order.  Compare inseams with pants you already have that you wear with heels or flats.

 

Another helpful way to help you find a desired size is to take a few of your favorite fitting garments, lay them flat and measure. Keep these measurements handy when you are ordering apparel online.

Measuring your garments:

TOPS, BLOUSES or SHIRTS:  Lay on a flat surface, front up.  Take the measuring tape from just under where the sleeve meets the body and smooth the tape across the bust line of the top.  Do the same for waist and if desired hips (for tunics, sweaters and jackets).Laying the garment back side up, measure from the highest point of the shoulder to the bottom of the garment.  Keep in mind it is helpful to measure a ‘like fabric’ to the garment you are considering online.  In other words, measure woven fabric items you own and feel fit well such as cottons, tencel, silk, etc. when you are shopping for a garment noted online as a woven fabric.  If you are trying to compare a knit fabric in a shirt, measure a knit top you have that fits well as it stretches across your body.  Generally woven fabrics don’t stretch unless cut on the bias or have an elastine blended into the fabric.  Generally your knits give where they need to to accommodate your figure.  That amount of stretch is difficult to figure from a standard measurement. But, it can be compared to items you have and fit you well.

DRESSES:  See above for the upper body of a dress.  Measure the desired length by measuring the length of a like dress you already own. (Remember, measure length by laying the garment front side down.  Measure from the highest point of the shoulder seam to the hem.  If you’re looking to purchase a maxi dress and don’t own one to measure from, hold the tape measure on the top of your shoulder and let it drop down your back.  It’s most helpful to have a buddy to see where the maxi hemline should be. 

All things can be hemmed shorter.

SKIRTS:  lay a skirt flat that fits well, measure waist, hips and desired length.

PANTS:  Pants, jeans, capris, etc. have so many variations of fit.  Our bodies vary more when it comes to pants than tops.  There’s rise, inseam, waist, hips, lower hips and where do pockets sit among other concerns.  Finding a pair of pants or jeans that fits us just right is a challenge for most women.  Nuances in fit variations can’t be readily described or measured.  The exception to this observation would be when ordering loose cut pants, say linen or cotton wovens.  Drawstring pants are comfy and much more flexible when it comes to fit issues.  And, to make matters even more frustrating manufacturers often cut slightly differently from one run of a jean to another.  We can’t always assume that a certain pair of jeans that we feel fits great will fit exactly the same when reordered.  We can only suggest that you check the measurements given online and get as close to what fits well that you own.

Yoga pants are so filled with stretch that they are more forgiving when it comes to fit.  Check for your desired inseam.  Also if you prefer a specific % of stretch content, verify that online.  Usually yoga pants on our Web site will be sized small, medium, large, Xlarge, 1X, 2X or 3X.

The above “comparison” fitting/measuring tips can generally be applied to apparel such as pajamas, nightgowns, robes, kaftans, jackets and coats.  Accessories such as scarves and shawls are also easy to compare to your own items.

 

Standard Manufacturing Size Guidelines:

Xsmall = sizes 0-2,  Small = sizes 4-6,  Medium  = sizes 8 -10,  Large = sizes 12 – 14,  Xlarge = size 16

1X = sizes 18 – 20,  2X = size 22,  3X = size 24.

Please Note:  We can only go by the individual manufacturer size markings in our product page information.  Due to variations, we cannot guarantee exact fit.  If we find a particular garment to run either large or small to the average generally assumed fit for a size mark, we will try to indicate that information on the product description page.  Our disclaimer for fit includes our efforts to help with your specific fit questions by email.

Described as:

Slim = fits snug to your body shape

Fitted = cut with a shape to figure flatter while providing some ease of fit

Relaxed = unconstructed garment with a slightly loose fit or drape

Loose = generously cut for maximum ease of movement and comfort.

Over our years of assisting women with common fit issues we have often suggested the tip to sew in a small to medium sized snap between the two buttons where the bust gape happens.  Often a woman will be a general medium size except at the bust area where she may be a large.  Sometimes, the snap can do the trick depending on the fabric and type of construction for the button closure.

A word about “Stretch Jeans, tummy hiding jeans, etc.”   Hitting the garment marketplace in a big way, these ultra stretch jeans have taken the industry to a new direction.  In fact, it’s become a challenge to find plain cotton denim jeans with no added stretch.  Stretch jeans add more comfort and ease.  And, because of the added elastine in the denim, the jeans are cut to a slimming style.  When purchasing the stretch fit jeans it is often recommended to choose one size down from your usual jeans size.  When the jeans are first put on they should feel as snug as possible (but not uncomfortable).  This is because within an hour or so of wear, stretch jeans  s t r e t c h.  If they’re  loose when newly purchased they will most likely be way too loose after wearing for awhile.  It’s another frustrating challenge when buying jeans.  Email if you have a specific question after reading our product information and guidelines page and we’ll try to help.  You can wash your stretch jeans to return them to their “new fit”.  Follow manufacturer care instructions.