The rise of online shopping and fast fashion means we have more plus size options than ever, but it also brings confusion, frustration, and questions about sizing, particularly with the fit of junior plus size. While this is a welcome change, it’s essential to understand the nuances of sizing across so many different retailers and boutiques before you click “add to cart.”
One of the most common sources of this frustration stems from the difference between traditional women’s plus and a lesser-known category: junior plus. It’s the reason you might find yourself asking, “Why am I a 3X in this store?” or “Their sizes are so off!” While many fashion-forward items are cut with a traditional fit, there is a distinct difference between the two sizing systems that is key to understanding your shopping experience.
Breaking Down Junior Plus vs. Women’s Plus
So, what exactly is junior plus size? This category was originally created to bridge the gap for younger, plus size teens who were left without fashionable options. While still serving that market, junior plus has become a staple of fast fashion, catering to the everyday consumer who wants on-trend, body-conscious styles.
The key difference lies in the fit and proportions. Junior plus clothing is traditionally cut with narrower hips and a smaller bust-to-hip ratio, and it is often designed to be more form-fitting. In comparison, traditional women’s plus sizing is cut to accommodate a fuller body and is more generous in its proportions. This is where the sizing confusion comes in.
For example, a traditional women’s plus 3X might correspond to a size 24. However, in a junior plus brand, that same 3X might be cut closer to a size 20 or 22. This discrepancy in fit and sizing can make it feel like you are a different size in every store, leading to frustration and shopping angst. It is a new fit that has emerged, causing a bit of confusion and making it more important than ever to know what to look for when you shop.
Your Guide to Shopping for Different Plus Size Fits
Now that you know the difference, here are a few simple steps to help you navigate your online shopping with confidence and ease.
- Always Check the Size Chart: This is the most important rule. Ignore the size on the tag for a moment and go directly to the brand’s size chart. Measure your bust, waist, and hips, and compare your measurements to the brand’s specific chart for that garment. This will give you the most accurate prediction of how an item will fit.
- Pay Attention to the Style Description: Look for keywords in the product description that indicate the fit. A garment described as “bodycon,” “slim-fit,” or “fitted” will likely follow a more junior plus-style cut. In contrast, “classic fit,” “relaxed,” or “roomy” typically indicates a more traditional women’s plus cut.
- Study the Fit on the Model: While not a perfect science, looking closely at how an item fits on the model can provide clues. Pay attention to how the garment sits on their hips, bust, and waist, and note where it hits on the body.
- Embrace the Tailor: Even with a perfect size, a tailor can transform any garment. Getting your clothes professionally altered to fit your unique shape can make a huge difference in how you look and feel, turning a great piece into an absolute showstopper.
Navigating the Plus Size Market: Brands to Know
Many popular brands today produce clothing that falls into the junior plus category. Here are a few to be aware of:
- Fast Fashion Retailers: Brands like Fashion Nova, Forever 21, and SHEIN often produce clothing with a junior plus cut, catering to trendy and body-conscious styles at accessible prices.
- Boutiques and Wholesalers: Many popular online plus size boutiques purchase their inventory from wholesalers that produce junior plus sizes, like our favorite, Chic and Curvy. It’s always best to refer to each brand’s specific size chart to ensure a great fit.
- Inclusive Brands: Some brands, like ASOS Curve, are bridging the gap by offering those body-conscious, on-trend fits with traditional women’s plus size proportions and sizing. They’ve found the perfect balance of style and fit.
Understanding these distinctions will help you shop with a new sense of purpose and confidence. As you find new pieces that make you feel incredible, remember to share your tips and brand recommendations. Let us know in the comments: what else have you noticed about junior plus sizes, and where have you found a perfect fit?
Lane Bryant has a junior plus size line, too, called Loop 18. And Target’s plus size section has eliminated pretty much everything BUT junior plus. I forget what Target’s line is called, but it’s pretty much the entirety of their plus size section now.
I don’t completely understand why plus size retailers that have junior plus lines make the junior plus sizes smaller than regular plus sizes. That’s never made sense to me. I’d assume their reasoning is that junior plus size bodies haven’t grown or are as “curvy” as ‘mature’ plus size bodies. But having worked in public education for the past 12 years with middle and high school kids, I can tell you that assumption is wrong. Junior plus bodies are just as ‘womanly’ as other plus size bodies 95% of the time. Making their clothes 2 sizes smaller doesn’t add up to me. It restricts people with regular plus size bodies from wearing them. That’s not fair to middle and high school kids who are sized out of junior plus sizes, or regular plus wearers who might want to wear something more trendy and youthful. (Which, personally, I don’t. I’m pretty angry at plus size retailers like Target who have eliminated a majority of their plus size styles in favor of cheaply made, trendy junior plus styles. Junior plus isn’t the *only* plus size market out there, but it seems like a lot of retailers are going in that direction.)
Ahhh you are referring to pure energy… but this line is not junior cut, just their brand of contemporary plus size… but I hear you!
And while this may be true in your school, on the average, this micro niche helps those teens who do not want to be dressed too grown, but with a playful twist like their counterparts… BUT what has happened is that the plus community has caught onto the junior plus and hence why these explanations have to be made… you know 🙂
But isn’t she referring to the FIT and not the styling?
B/c she is right, a plus sized teen is going to have the same sized parts as her adult counterparts,and I can say as a point of reference that one of my younger cousins is a good example of why cutting the clothes smaller is not a good idea, b/c most of her stuff is ill-fitting precisely b/c they somehow think a heavy teenager has different parts than a heavy woman.
I mean, plus sized or regular, my busty friends had really large breasts by age 16 or so, and ditto with the ones who had a large bottom. And if you have a big belly, same deal.
So no, a 16 year old doesn’t want the crap thrown at adult plus women (I mean, let’s be honest, they throw a lot of crap at us that NO ONE with eyes should want). But the point is to be stylish in clothes that actually fit you well, and not just ones that fit a little better than cramming yourself into a size 16, 18, or 20 Misses, isn’t it?
Exactly. I know most 16 year olds don’t want to wear clothes that adults wear. They want to wear trendy stuff, and I’m all for junior plus sizes. What I don’t like is the fact that with their smaller sizing, it doesn’t fit a lot of plus size teens, or any other folks who might want to wear more youthful, trendy clothing.
In addition, I’ve seen so many more trendy, youth-oriented plus size lines starting up recently, it gets a bit frustrating to see some of the less trend- and youth-oriented plus sizes disappearing (Target), offered only online (Old Navy), or having a much smaller selection (H&M, and others) than their straight sizes.
It’s like if they are going to do that then they need to extend the sizes or something b/c yeah, had the experience of a plus sized 3x being really, really small, so it’s not fitting a lot of plus-sized teenagers.
I’d say that while style wise, the choices are limited, Torrid gets it right. Their styles are something that appeals to a certain segment of younger girls yet they run “true to size”…if only there was a preppy girl’s version of Torrid. Girls who want to wear J.Crew or Banana Republic (which would have been my go to in high school if it fit) are still SOL.
Pure Energy, that’s it.
Great topic and good information, it was definitely needed.
My pleasure! 🙂
Actually a normal plus size is a 26-28. It infuriates me when I come across a store that makes it down to a 24.
I am not sure I follow your comment? Can you elaborate?
I think she’s referring to the fact that if you go to Bloomingdales’, Nordstrom, Macy’s, Nieman Marcus, or Saks, there isn’t anything bigger than a 24.
Are you talking about the fact that most department stores STOP at a size 24?
Yeah, I can see how that would be annoying. But it is a situation where you might find that some of the 24s do in fact fit you. Remember, vanity sizing is a thing for misses so I assume it is a thing for plus as well. The 24 in some upper end brands MIGHT fit a 26 or 28 b/c I still remember two co-workers who were the same size but one shopped at Sears and the other only at Saks, etc and so their clothing labels indicated VERY different sizes.
But I do realize that for many, higher end department store plus clothings remains out of reach b/c the sizes end at 24 (and sometimes 22).
She right vanity sizing is real at Macy’s they have at least 2 lines I wear and I’m a size 26/28 in most lines but they have NYDJ and they have Style&Co. I wear 24 in both of those lines. I haven’t had time to explore in awhile because I live in the Bahamas but I’ve had so much crap with Lane Bryant jeans that I started spending more money for better quality.
So does this mean a plus size women can not fit junior plus?
No, not at all. It will have a different type of fit that you should be aware of. So that you can have the right expectations of what and how to shop the two type of cuts. Does this help?
I went to Macy’s here in San Francisco and I noticed that some lines have a size 0X and would to an discussion about that . Thanks
chances are this was a junior plus line… I have seen this before and this is to bridge the gap of 12 into a 1x and plus 🙂
I think the problem goes beyond Jr. Plus vs. Regular Plus. NONE of the plus-size lines are the same, sizing-wise…and most of them don’t even follow their own size charts and don’t offer free returns even though it’s not your fault the shit didn’t fit (Igigi is terrible about this, at least with the things I’ve tried). Also, there’s a huge issue with pattern sizing in the lines that do offer the broadest range of sizes. For example, I recently purchased a pair of jeans from J.Jill. The pockets on the online photos appeared to be large…which I like in jeans pockets. However, when I received my size 28 pants, the pockets appeared to be much smaller in proportion to the butt (they are not alone in their “size 26 jeans, size 2 pockets” problem, either). Also, I’ve had the problem of things getting LONGER as the sizes go up…a dress that’s knee length in a 2x is mid-calf in a 4x. Finally, there’s the problem of details like a bustline with long strips of fabric that can be wrapped multiple ways. Again, the model in the 14/16 had the ties wrapped around twice; on the 26/28 dress, they barely tied around the back. Also, the center piece to which they were attached was too narrow…it’s like they added the material at the sides and didn’t actually fix the proportions as the pattern went up. I was not pleased, especially since I had to pay $15 to ship the dress back and it took them like a month to refund my money. Grrrr.
HHHrrrmmm thank you for sharing the insight… and feedback. This is the first time I have heard someone have issues with the sizing at Igigi…. is this who you are referring to with the dress?
Ahhh it does sound like fit issues and I hear you on the longer bit…
Let me know who it was in regards to this, I am quite curious!
Yes, it was Igigi. The dress was called the Ninelle dress, but they have a similar version now called the Tiffany, I think? But I’ve tried several of their items through Gwynnie Bee lately, and the sizing is just crazy off. Some things fit VERY true to the chart (Lily Dress, wrap tops, Sapphira dress) and others (Riley Dress and the same style in different print; Brielle dress, the new dress with the lace sleeves, the polka dot shirt, any of the dresses with an empire waist, basically) ran small (especially through the shoulders) and too short in the bust. They were nice when I emailed them, but basically, I can’t afford to pay $15-20 to try on a dress. I’ve had better luck with Kiyonna, although they are the ones who sometimes make the bigger sizes longer in their skirts. Plus, they have free returns, and their sizing is way more consistent. Sadly, they don’t have as many cute patterned things.
I have found some cute dresses on clearance at Target (online, mostly), and they don’t give you any crap about taking them back either. You can just return to the store and they credit your card right there.
SWAK Designs is also way inconsistent with the sizing. And those convertible dresses are cheaply made (all the edges are unfinished), and seem too small for what size they’re marked. I looked at the tutorials, but mine won’t wrap that many times. But I do like most of what I’ve bought from them.
Yeah, Igigi stuff usually has room for you AND a friend and their return policy is not very forgiving.
Hahahaha…Forever 21 is really inconsistent with their “junior” sizing. So I have items that fit me well (b/c I do like the tighter fit around the ribcage, which is the narrowest part of my body), but some of it is laughable.
I bought a dress that I had to send to my 6’1, size 16 or so cousin b/c it was a 3x, but only, not so much. B/c seriously a stretchy dress in 20 or 22 is not beyond the realm of possibility for me, but this fit my torso but no way was it going over my butt or hips…hahahahaha. I mean, I think if that dress could talk it would have said “bish please”…
!!!! LOLOL and ohhh noo!!!
I am a 4x in Fashion to Figure, wait a minute they only go up to a 3x. I love this store, funky colors, young, but not too young. I just wish they were a little forgiving to a chick who is a 18/20 not a 12/14/16.
OMG, i know, I just bought two dresses from here and mannnnn…
Alloy also has a Junior Plus fashion range!
I always forget about them!!! Will update!
This really did help me Im from dallas Im telling you theres not that many plus size stores here I get so frustrated. The only plus size stores in dallas that’s in the mall is Torrid and Lane Bryant I really need to know my measurments because everytime I go into store to try something on it wont even go pass my thighs especially jeans. Im a size 22/24 its really hard to find stores that have jeans that actually fit and cute. I know im more wide so maybe Im not In junior plus its just so confusing but you helped me out a lot.
This makes me happy to hear that you found some tips from this! 🙂 Thank you!!!
I stopped worrying about sizes years ago. I was wearing a size 6 Gap jean and got a hole in a not so great place. I happened to be walking right by the store (seriously, my pants couldn’t have torn at a better time) so I went in and told the salesgirl I wanted the same jeans I had on. She brought me a 6 and they wouldn’t fit over my thighs, yet the jeans I tore and walked into the store with that I bought from The Gap were a size 6. I had to end up buying a size 10. So, there is no way I give any credibility to sizing, I just buy what fits and what looks good.
Truth… I even did a few posts on this!!!
THANK GOD FOR JUNIOR PLUS DENIM! i am typically a size 18/20 in standard plus but have worn everything from an XL to a 3X in junior plus. i am 6ft and sort of “column” shaped, without much curve in the hip or booty but a wider waist and more lean muscular legs. (my waist is probably a size 22 while legs/hips/booty are closer to a 16/18) it is really challenging to find pants that fit but i have had a lot of luck with junior plus denim, in particular skinny jeans, because they tend to be a more straight cut (no bagging in the hips or booty) with enough stretch for my waist.
Really appreciated this article. Had my own Forever 21 epiphany when I tried on both an XL shirt and then the EXACT same shirt in a 1X. Seriously? In my mind they should have been the exact same shirt, but they fit quite differently. Glad I tried them both….Any idea which was the plus? I’m assuming it was the 1X but what in the world…Does 1X no longer mean XL? So confusing!
I was shopping for swimsuits with my mom when I was 13 (11 years ago) and I found an XL top. She told me to get a 1X instead. I was confused. I found one. I tried them both on and sure enough the 1X was bigger. I don’t get how it works, but yeah XL and 1X are completely different sizes.
can you do a review on wetseal plus?
I really needed to read this article. Thank you so much for writing this. I was very confused when I came across a junior plus size website. It’s really hard for me to find trendy clothes ,or clothes that don’t look so grown up, in my size. (BTW I’m 16 and wear a size 24, I’m also 6’0) I always get so excited when I see a contemporary store getting plus sizes, but when I go and try something on, the clothing doesn’t fit. This is really frustrating and disappointing. I was wondering if you know where I could go to find trendy clothes that are actually my size.
This is something I’ve been struggling with lately. I’m 39 but my taste in clothes is more in line with 20-somethings. I’ve recently discovered Torrid and I love their jeans and jeggings, but they’re definitely junior plus. I’m having to buy size 28 jeans at Torrid, when I’ve always worn 24 at LB. It can be really frustrating but I have to remind myself that the number doesn’t matter, as long as I love the fit. I’ve also been really disappointed with the online store Agaci – definitely junior plus. I’ve ordered from them twice and had to return my order twice. Wish these stores would specify whether they are junior plus or women’s plus! Save me lots of headaches.
JCPenney has a BIG difference in Jr. Plus ‘vs’ Women’s plus. My 11 year old is a very heavy girl, and there are some things in the JCPenney Jr’s. That will fit her for shirts but pants, shorts, or dresses? Forget it!! I would love a chart that takes Women’s plus sizes and give ESTIMATED sizes in Jr. Plus that I can reference to. I don’t mean inches, I mean ACTUAL SIZES! Thank you!
I greatly appreciate this. I’m concidered plus size as I am 18/20 ,sometimes a 16 depending on the brand, and being 30 years old im not ready to dress like my mom just because I’m a larger size. I’m not sure that I want to wear all jrs clothes but it would be a nice option to be able to pick something a little more trendy once in a while.
It seems completely backwards to me. I’m older and don’t care what the number is on my size as long as it fits. But I’m sure teens want their size number to be as low as possible. For a teen to have to buy a 3X in junior plus sized clothes that would only be a 1X in regular plus sizes seems unfair to me. It could really be a blow to the confidence of a teen with weight issues.
Why cant these designers lable their clothing JP and WP. Im in a wheelchair. And the clothes are already hard to reach and find the labels. Its worse to have to thimb through clothes that aren’t your size anyway. At Target they are now mixing them all together its so frustrating and confusing. Several times I just chose to leave the store.
My problem is that plus size clothes never fit me. Their always baggy in the hips and legs. High waste goes up under my boobs and mid rise fits like high rise on me. I found Mudd jeans that I really liked that fit well but they don’t sell them anymore. Can anyone help me find a Jean that will fit me? Maybe I should try junior plus. I’ve always been smaller on the bottom than my top by at least 1 size. My hips and waist are the same size a lot of pants fall right off of me cause of that.I’m about an 18 bottom and 2 x on top. Any ideas? Thank you
I’m plus size on top because I carry most my weight in my belly. I wear a missies 16 in pants but a 2X in tops. I can’t wear matching pajamas, suits basically anything that is sold together. Old Navy has made all their women’s tops short including plus sizes. I like the trendier looking fun clothes that often are not offered to plus size women. I’m 5’5” and 43 years old. No jeans fit right, high rise jeans don’t stay in place they always roll down. I recently bought a pair of maternity jeans, they fit better than other regular brand of jeans. I don’t want all my fat pushed up.
When you say all of your fat pushed up, I have a few questions… do you have a fuller belly? And if so, have you had the chance to try jeans that are a higher rise? That sit above the belly so it will not cut or push the fat up?