Clothing Sizes

Trying to get acquainted with a new set of rules for dressing can be so confusing it may make you throw up your hands and quit. I’ve had ladies ask me many times, "What is the best look for my body?" When I ask what image they'd like to project invariably the response is "Oh, I want to look pretty." Of course everyone's version of "pretty" will vary. Don't let your clothes be the focal point! Your clothes should enhance the way you feel and the person you already are. They should make people notice you, not what you are wearing.

I usually advise these ladies to play up what they feel are their best features and play down those features they'd rather not draw attention to. I've found the easiest way to start is to consult a basic chart of body variations with suggestions on how to enhance or downplay each. As a starting point, it serves to give suggestions for elaborating on and applying different tricks to a particular look. Look at what describes your body most closely. Look at the suggestions, combine them and then translate them to your fashion look. It can be helpful and fun at the same time.

Sizing feminine attire to the male body

Here we shall discuss the important topic of clothing sizes. Specifically, how to measure your body and translate the resulting numbers into feminine clothing sizes.

Normally when one shops in a store the known size of the garment guides one to the correct area of the store where the final selection is made by trying the garment on for appearance and comfort. You will often find that size tables differ between brands according to how they cut their clothes. Thus, unfortunately, they are only intended as a guide.

Experienced shoppers know sizes vary from manufacturer-to-manufacturer, label-to-label, material-to-material and even one time to the next. In other words, clothing sizing is not an exact science. A size 8 dress from a designer in NYC can be a size 14 in a ready to wear dress. Several NY fashion designers use a "perfect" size 8 model that is a man. Sears is the only known company that uses a recommended national size standard.

The MTF is handicapped further by seeking clothing neither cut nor sized for the male body. It is wise to consider finding someone in your area to alter clothing to your specific body type, requirements, or to custom make an item for a special occasion. If you can, compare the measurements of any size tables to get a feel for how close they come to size's you have that fit you well.

The purpose of this article is to assist the MTF emerging from the dark recesses of his/her closet with the first selection of feminine clothing to provide the best chance of passing in public at an affordable cost. It is assumed this initial selection will be made from a mail order house or possibly at a store without trying the garment(s) on prior to purchase.

Taking Measurements

Obviously the first step in determining your size(s) is to take, and record, your body measurements. It is easier if you have friend help and if you wear no more then your basic undergarments (bra and panties). Referring to the figure farther on in this article measure the length, in inches, around your body at the following locations: chest, bust, waist and hips. Record the results near the same areas of the figure. It is best to have a cloth measuring tape (one can be purchased in the sewing or notions department of variety or department stores). Always keep the tape parallel to the floor and stand straight, but comfortably (breathing normally) with feet together. It's important to be wearing a bra filled in the same manner as you expect to be wearing under your new clothing.

Chest

The chest is measured with the tape snugly under the arms and above the cups of your bra. The bust is measured with the tape around the fullest part of your bra cups with the tape just snug enough to prevent its sliding down in back. The difference between the chest and bust measurement is your cup size.

Waist

The waist is measured with the tape at the narrowest part of your waist (about mid-way) between the top of the hipbone and the lowest part of the rib cage.

Hips

The hip measurement is taken with the tape snuggly around the largest part of your hips and buttocks.

Bust and Bra size

Remember, while measuring always keep the tape parallel to the floor. If you don't yet have a bra, don't despair. You can determine your bust size from your chest size if you know what the cup size of your bra is or will be. The following scale will help you determine your cup size.

If bust is larger than chest by	0.5	1	2	3	4	5	5.5
Your Bra cup size is	AA	A	B	C	D	DD	F

For example, if you wish to wear a B-cup size bra and your chest measures 38 inches then your complete bra size is 38B. You can see that your bust measurement would be 40 inches. (Add the 2 inches of the B-cup to your chest measurement of 38" and you have 40".) Also note the numeric value of your bra is the same as your chest measurement.

If the breast spills out of cup, and top of cup is cutting in, then the bra cup size is too small.

If the cup portion of the bra is wrinkled and is over-covering breast, then the cup size is too big.

If the underband rides up at the back, the bra body is either too big or the strap has not been adjusted and is too short in length.

If the shoulder straps dig into your shoulder, adjust the back strap (loosen with the slide) until the strap fits comfortably on the shoulder.

If the shoulder straps are falling off the shoulder, adjust the back strap (tighten with the slide) until the strap fits comfortably on the shoulder.

BODY SIZE	10	12	14	16	18	20	22
UNDER BUST MEASUREMENT	67-72 cm	72-77 cm	77-82 cm	82-87 cm	87-92 cm	92-97 cm	97-102 cm

CUP A	82-84 cm	87-89 cm	92-94 cm	97-99 cm	102-104 cm	107-109 cm	112-114 cm
CUP B	84-86 cm	89-91 cm	94-96 cm	99-101 cm	104-106 cm	109-111 cm	114-116 cm
CUP C	86-88 cm	91-93 cm	96-98 cm	101-103 cm	106-108 cm	111-113 cm	116-118 cm
CUP D	88-90 cm	93-95 cm	98-100 cm	103-105 cm	108-110 cm	113-115 cm	118-120 cm
CUP DD	90-92 cm	95-97 cm	100-102 cm	105-107 cm	110-112 cm	115-117 cm	120-122 cm
CUP E	92-94 cm	97-99 cm	102-104 cm	107-109 cm	112-114 cm	117-119 cm	122-124 cm
CUP F		99-101 cm	104-106 cm	109-111 cm	114-116 cm	119-121	124-126 cm
CUP G		101-103 cm	106-108 cm	111-113 cm	116-118 cm	121-123	126-128 cm

Bra Size Conversion

US	UK	France	Australia	International
32AA	32A	85A	10AA	70A
32A	32B	85B	10A	70B
32B	32C	85C	10B	70C
32C	32D	85D	10C	70D
32D	32DD	85DD	10D	70DD

34AA	34A	90A	12AA	75A
34A	34B	90B	12A	75B
34B	34C	90C	12B	75C
34C	34D	90D	12C	75D
34D	34DD	90DD	12D	75DD
34DD	34E	90E	12DD	75E

36AA	36A	95A	14AA	80A
36A	36B	95B	14A	80B
36B	36C	95C	14B	80C
36C	36D	95D	14C	80D
36D	36DD	95DD	14D	80DD
36DD	36E	95E	14DD	80E

38AA	38A	100A	16AA	85A
38A	38B	100B	16A	85B
38B	38C	100C	16B	85C
38C	38D	100D	16C	85D
38D	38DD	100DD	16D	85DD
38DD	38E	100E	16DD	85E

40A	40B	105B	18A	90B
40B	40C	105C	18B	90C
40C	40D	105D	18C	90D
40D	40DD	105DD	18D	90DD
40DD	40E	105E	18DD	90E

Dress Size

Using the size chart on the end of this article (which you should check against any dress size chart in any mail order catalog you may be using) and your measurements for bust, waist and hips locate your dress size from the size group for your height. The chances are your measurements are not all in the same vertical column of the chart. Again, don't despair. The size charts are not formulated for a masculine body and even some feminine bodies don't fit the size mold. Generally you will have to pick the largest size from the three measurements. Say, for example, you are 6' tall with bust/ waist/hip measurements of 42/32/38 respectively. Looking at the chart you'll see the following three different Tall Misses sizes are indicated:

42 bust = size 20
32 waist = size 16
38 hips = size 14

The obvious choice would be the size 20 dress. However, you might rationalize that since only one inch separates your bust measurement from a size 18 it would be an acceptable choice since it would fit much better at the waist. If the dress were styled so a slight snugness at the bust and shoulders won't detract from the overall appearance then the 18 would be an acceptable selection. As a second example say your height is 5'8" and your measurements are 41/36/41. You can see that on the size chart that your 36" waist dictates the need for a tall misses size 20 dress. However, the judicious use of a waist cincher will probably bring your waist down two inches to thirty-four inches, which is perfect for a size 18 dress. Your height of 5'8" would probably also allow you to wear the same size in Misses as well as Tall Misses. As mentioned before clothing sizing is NOT an exact science and a bit of fudging is allowed, but don't let fantasies overcome common sense. The bad news is that dresses are the most difficult to fit, so if your body measurements don't line up with the chart, read on. By the way, bathing suits are sized the same as dresses.

Blouse and sweaters size

Blouses are sized by bust measurement, although shoulder width must also be considered for the male since women tend to have narrower shoulders then do men. If you have a choice between a "standard" and a Raglan shoulder take the latter since it has no seams AROUND the shoulder and you may be able to select a smaller size because of this feature. A bust measurement of forty-four inches requires a size 22. If the blouse is long sleeved a Tall Misses size should be selected to accommodate the slightly longer male arms; however if the blouse is short sleeved a Misses size 22 will probably fit just as well.

Skirt, pants, and jeans size

In a nutshell

If you are 5'4" or under, you wear:	Petite Misses or Petite Juniors
5'4 1/2" to 5'8", you wear:	Misses or Juniors
5'9" to 5'11" you wear:	Tall Misses or Tall Juniors

Generally, skirts have zipper closures with a button on the waistband although, of course, some have elasticized waistbands. Waist measurements determine skirt size. From the chart you can see that a thirty-inch waist requires a size 14 skirt. Fitted skirts are usually cut for hips 8 to 10 inches larger than the waist. If your hips measure more than 10 inches greater than your waist you will have to use your hip measurements in selecting skirts. Tall Misses skirts are generally 2 to 4 inches longer than Misses skirts of the same size.

Petites' Tops

Size	XS	S		M		L		XL
	2P	4P	6P	8P	10P	12P	14P	16P	18P
Bust	32	33	34	35	36	37 1/2	39	40 1/2	42 1/2

Petites' Bottoms

Size	XS	S		M		L		XL
	2P	4P	6P	8P	10P	12P	14P	16P	18P
Waist	24	25	26	27	28	29 1/2	31	32 1/2	34 1/2
Hip	34 1/2	35 1/2	36 1/2	37 1/2	38 1/2	40	41 1/2	43	45
Inseam
Short			27	Average					29

Women's Tops

Size	XS	S		M		L		XL
	2	4	6	8	10	12	14	16	18
Bust	32 1/2	33 1/2	34 1/2	35 1/2	36 1/2	38	39 1/2	41	43

Women's Bottoms

Size	XS	S		M		L		XL
	2	4	6	8	10	12	14	16	18
Waist	24 1/2	25 1/2	26 1/2	27 1/2	28 1/2	30	31 1/2	33	35
Hip	35	36	37	38	39	40 1/2	42	43 1/2	45 1/2
Inseam
Short		29	Average			31	Tall		33

Women's Plus | Tops

Size	1X		2X		3X
	16W	18W	20W	22W	24W	26W
Bust	44	46	48	50	52	54

Women's Plus | Bottoms

Size	1X		2X		3X
	16W	18W	20W	22W	24W	26W
Waist	39	41	43	45	47	49
Hip	47	49	51	53	55	57
Inseam
All Sizes						30

Lingerie Sizes

Panties

Use hip measurement. Panty size is determined by hip size.

Hips(inches)	PantySize
32-34	5
35-37	6
38-40	7
41-42	8
42-44	9
45-46	10

BRIEF SIZE

10

12

14

16

18

20

HIP MEASUREMENT

67-72 cm

72-77 cm

77-82 cm

82-87 cm

87-92 cm

92-97 cm

Pantyhose

Use the chart on the package to determine size requirements.

Slips, Teddies, Camisoles

Use bust measurement. Misses

Bust Size	32.5-33	33.5-34	34.5-35	35.5-36.5	37-38	38.5-39.5	40-41.5	42-43.5
Bra band size	32-34	34	34-36	36	36-38	38-40	40-42	42-44
Equivalent Dress size	6	8	10	12	14	16	18	20
Womens Bust Size	42-43.5	44-45.5	46-47.5	48-49.5	50-51.5	52-53.5
Bra band size	38	38-40	40-42	42-44	44-46	46-48
Equivalent Dress Size	18W	20W	22W	24W	26W	28W

SIZE	8	10	12	14	16	18
Bust (cm)	82	87	92	97	102	107
Waist (cm)	63	68	73	78	83	88
Hips (cm)	90	95	100	105	110	115

Garter-belts, Girdles, and Half-slips.

Use waist measurement. Half Slips size chart

Waist Sizes	23.5-25	25.5-27	27.5-30	30.5-33.5	34-35.5	36-37.5	38-42.5	43-47.5
Dress Size	4-6	8-10	12-14	16-18	20-22	18W-20W	22W-24W	26W-28W
Misses Size	XS	S	M	L	XL
Womens Size						1X	2X	3X

Corselets and Body briefers

Use bust measurement. Pay special attention to garment length.

Hose and Stockings

Generally sized by body height. 5'8" or taller use sizes 11 through 13 large or long. 5'7" and shorter use sizes 8 to 10, average or medium. Stockings size chart

Shoe Size	3-4	4.5-5	5.5-6	6.5-7	7.5-8	8.5-9	9.5-10
Stocking size	8.5	9	9.5	10	10.5	11	11.5

Shoe Sizes

Sizes vary from label to label and style to style more than any other article in the feminine wardrobe. As a rule of thumb (or toe) males require a 1/2 to a full size larger in feminine sized sandals (a "sandal" is any feminine shoe style with an open toe) than when buying masculine styled shoes. For pumps or shoes with a closed toe 1 to 1 1/2 size larger is required.

You can easily determine your shoe size the old-fashioned way. All you need is a piece of paper, a pencil and a ruler. Just follow these instructions:

. Place your foot, naturally stretched, on a piece of paper.
. Mark the back of your heel.
. Mark the tip of your longest toe.
. Measure the distance (in inches) between marks.
. Select the appropriate inch-to-shoe size conversion chart below.

Using the above information you will have an approximation of the size required so be sure the shoes you're ordering are available in the size you need. (especially of note is width)

Once you have your heel-to-toe length in inches, simply match it to its corresponding shoe size. If in doubt order or try the next size up.

Women's (US size)

Inches		8	8 3/16	8 3/8	8 1/2	8 11/16	8 13/16	9	9 3/16	9 3/8	9 1/2
Shoe Size		3	3 1/2	4	4 1/2	5	5 1/2	6	6 1/2	7	7 1/2

Inches	9 11/16	9 13/16	10	10 3/16	10 3/8	10 1/2	10 11/16	10 13/16	11	3/16	11 3/8
Shoe Size	8	8 1/2	9	9 1/2	10	10 1/2	11	11 1/2	12	12 1/2	13 1/2

Discuss

Readers may use this email link to report errors and/or omissions they have discovered, or to add additional material or comments regarding this article "Clothing Sizes"
Wiki Staff should discuss this article in the Wiki Staff Forum
Susan's Place Transgender Resources Forums
Susan's Place Transgender Chat

Read the FAQ | Return to the Main Page
Want to help us? Write New Articles and/or Expand Current Articles

Editor's Note: Derived from A CD's shopping guide by Sandi Horn