By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
The Curvy FashionistaThe Curvy Fashionista
Notification Show More
Latest News
The Marina Rinaldi Spring Collection
The Marina Rinaldi Spring Collection is Exciting and Bold!
Plus Size Designers
GabiFresh Swim x Eloquii
Upgrade your Swim Life with the GabiFresh Swim x Eloquii Collection!
Fashion and Industry Plus Size Designers
Zelie for she spring collection-Lady Day Ivory
The Zelie for She Spring Collection is Romantic and Playful
Plus Size Designers
Nature's Twist - size inclusive jewelry
Diamonds Are Forever But Are They For Everyone? 5 Size-Inclusive Jewelry Brands
Fashion+Style plus size accessories
Loud Bodies Bridal up through a size 10X
Loud Bodies Drops an Inclusive Bridal Collection up through a size 10X!
Plus Size Designers
Aa
  • News
    News
    Looking the the latest plus size fashion and industry news around designers, influencers, and community happenings? We’ve got you covered with the latest happenings in…
    Show More
    Top News
    Celebrating 200k FB Fans- It is a Spring #TCFStyle Giveaway with Simply Be!
    Celebrating 200k FB Fans- It is a Spring #TCFStyle Giveaway with Simply Be!
    9 years ago
    Spring #TCFStyle Giveaway with Hips and Curves
    Celebrating 200k FB Fans- It is a Spring #TCFStyle Giveaway with Hips and Curves!
    9 years ago
    nordstrom size inclusive
    What’s Missing as Nordstrom (and others) Takes Note of Us, the Plus Size Consumer
    5 years ago
    Latest News
    The Marina Rinaldi Spring Collection is Exciting and Bold!
    6 days ago
    Upgrade your Swim Life with the GabiFresh Swim x Eloquii Collection!
    4 days ago
    The Zelie for She Spring Collection is Romantic and Playful
    6 days ago
    Loud Bodies Drops an Inclusive Bridal Collection up through a size 10X!
    1 week ago
  • Style
    Style
    Yes, plus size style options exist and we are here to share the latest style finds, news, updates, and plus size style tips & tricks…
    Show More
    Top News
    Plus size woman Walking
    LETS TALK: Design Elements in Plus Size Clothes that KILL ME.
    10 years ago
    Duo Boots Giveaway on The Curvy Fashionista
    #TCFTurns5 Giveaway: Step into Style With the Duo Boots Giveaway!
    9 years ago
    Celebrating 200k FB Fans- It is a Spring #TCFStyle Giveaway with Simply Be!
    Celebrating 200k FB Fans- It is a Spring #TCFStyle Giveaway with Simply Be!
    9 years ago
    Latest News
    Diamonds Are Forever But Are They For Everyone? 5 Size-Inclusive Jewelry Brands
    1 week ago
    The Rebdolls Spring Collection Will Make You Swoon and We’ve Found 10 Faves!
    2 weeks ago
    You Oughta Know: What Lo Wants, A Sustainable LA-Based Plus Size Brand
    3 weeks ago
    Need to Update Your Lingerie Collection? Crush by Cacique is bringing the Bold and Bright Newness!
    3 weeks ago
  • Beauty
    Beauty
    Looking for the latest beauty trends, products, and makeup tips and beauty advice for plus size people?! Check out the latest beauty articles on The…
    Show More
    Top News
    Wearing Make-Up To Work, A Bad Thing?
    10 years ago
    10 Products to Fight Chub Rub
    It’s Chub Rub Season—10 Products To Battle It
    6 years ago
    PrescriptivesCustom Blend Foundation
    Celebrating 200k FB Fans- It is a Spring #TCFStyle Giveaway with Prescriptives!
    9 years ago
    Latest News
    The Best 2023 Planners to Keep You Organized and Help You Reach Your Goals!
    3 months ago
    13 Last Minute Beauty Gifts Everyone is Sure to Love
    3 months ago
    TCF Gift Guide: 15 Beauty Stocking Stuffers to Wow and Amaze Your Loved Ones!
    4 months ago
    20 of the Best Beauty Advent Calendars That Will Help You Countdown to the Holidays In Style
    5 months ago
  • Wellness
    Wellness
    Let’s talk about self-care, self-love, body image, and related topics to wellness and life as a plus size person!
    Show More
    Top News
    Torrid's Feature of Tiffany from On The Fatwalk
    The Enabling of Self Loathers and Shame – A Facebook Observation of Torrid
    11 years ago
    Rescue Stress relief
    Finding My Own Rescue Remedy & Taking Better Care of Myself…
    6 years ago
    Plus Size Lingerie: Hips and Curves
    Confidence, Sex, and the Plus Size Woman pt.1
    11 years ago
    Latest News
    Don’t Put Us In A Corner: Why In-Store Access To Plus Size Clothing Matters
    2 weeks ago
    The Dividing Truth Behind B Bellies
    3 weeks ago
    REI Sets a New Standard for Inclusive Fashion for the Outdoors
    4 weeks ago
    Save the Date for The BodCon Virtual Conference!
    4 weeks ago
  • Lifestyle
    Lifestyle
    There is so much more to a plus size fashion lover and we are highlighting the various topics from home, to dating and beyond in…
    Show More
    Top News
    Open Letter Tim Gunn
    An Open Letter: Dear Tim Gunn, Let’s Make It Work
    10 years ago
    2017 MTV Move & TV Awards, chrissy metz, plus size celebrity
    ‘I Wear What I Want, When I Want’: Chrissy Metz Slays In Red at the 2017 MTV Movie & TV Awards
    6 years ago
    Metallic Curves by Photographer Silvana Denker
    Plus Size Art: Metallic Curves by Photographer Silvana Denker
    6 years ago
    Latest News
    The Dividing Truth Behind B Bellies
    3 weeks ago
    Beyond Plus Size Activewear: The Plus Size Outdoor Clothing & 5 Communities To Know!
    2 months ago
    Save these 5 Plus Size Halloween Costume Tips from a Few Plus Size Cosplayers!
    5 months ago
    12 Places to Shop for Plus Size Halloween Costumes & Our Faves!
    6 months ago
  • Culture
    Culture
    Yes there is a plus size culture and we are here to share and celebrate it from entertainment to movies, we are talking about it!…
    Show More
    Top News
    25 women of color e1615188552216
    25 Women Of Color Who Paved The Way for Body Positivity & Plus Size Fashion
    2 years ago
    Dear Terri, Ven Budhu, and Project Runway….
    11 years ago
    Plus+ Coffee table book
    Because We Love a Great Book, Here are 30+ Plus Size Centered Must-Reads! 
    5 years ago
    Latest News
    Get To Know The Big Grrrls Cast! The Plus Size Dancers Competing For A Spot On Stage.
    1 year ago
    6 Easy Date Ideas For Every Budget
    1 year ago
    The Unfiltered Brilliance of Ryan Ken Acts
    1 year ago
    Unlike Hollywood’s Latest Portrayal of Her, Stagecoach Mary was Not Skinny, And She Wasn’t Light-skinned
    1 year ago
  • Shop TCF
Search TCF
More
  • Events
  • Curvy & Plus Size Fashion Resources
  • About The Curvy Fashionista
  • Advertising
  • Contact
© 2008- 2023 · by TCFStyle Media · All Rights Reserved ·
Reading: The Average American Woman NOW Wears a 16-18! We Need More Inclusion!
Aa
The Curvy FashionistaThe Curvy Fashionista
  • News
  • Style
  • Beauty
  • Wellness
  • Lifestyle
  • Culture
  • Shop TCF
Search TCF
  • About
  • News
  • Style
  • Shopping
  • Wellness
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Write for TCF
  • Contact
Sign In Sign In
Follow US
  • Login
  • Community Guidelines
  • Style Star Ambassadors
  • TCFStyle Influencer Network
  • Advertise With Us
  • Contact
© 2008- 2021 · by TCFStyle Media · All Rights Reserved ·
Fashion and Industry

The Average American Woman NOW Wears a 16-18! We Need More Inclusion!

Tonja Renée Stidhum
Last updated: 07/24/2017
By Tonja Renée Stidhum 3 Min Read
Share
Guess What? The Average American Size For Women Isn't '14' Anymore; It's 16-18
Photo: Redbook

The plus size industry has definitely evolved over the years, but to be honest, it still has a ways to go. Even within the community itself, there is a certain body shape that is seen as the “standard” within the community. That “ideal” narrow-waist-to-wide-hip ratio in society extends to curvy babes. An “intra-sizeism,” if you will.

As the years go by, the average woman’s physique changes. I’m sure y’all have heard the age-old tale of beauty icon Marilyn Monroe being a size 12. Then comes the concept of vanity sizes, so of course, the idea of “size” has certainly changed.

- Advertisement -
avgsize4
Photo: Bustle

For a while, many people have cited data that the average American woman was a size ’14,’ recently changing from the ’12’ that it had been before. Well, that isn’t the case anymore! Per the International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology, and Education the average American woman is now actually between a size 16 and 18.

avgsize2
Photo: Glamour

In the study, over 5,500 American women over the age of 20 were measured and additional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was also used. The data concluded that over the past 21 years, the average waist circumference increased 2.6 inches.

The study’s researchers concluded with the hope “that women may be relieved in knowing the average clothing size worn is larger than [they] thought,” and that it alters the public’s perception of “average” size.

- Advertisement -

So, what does that mean? To me, it definitely means that the plus-size industry should accurately represent such in their models. Yes, supermodels have been historically the “extraordinary” exception of the average woman, but the point of the advent of the plus-size industry was inclusion. As such, there should be a wide range of models that represents the bulk of woman actually purchasing the clothes.

avgsize3
Photo: Racked NY

Think about how much time and pain we’d save if we saw an accurate sized woman in the clothes we covet? We’d completely eliminate that “wow it looks so good on the mannequin/model, but it looks like a complete mess on me!” feeling.

Beyond the significance of inclusive model representation, the actual clothes should have a realistic size range to accurately represent its consumers. “I am hoping this will help nudge the fashion industry to seriously consider expanding their sizes,” said study author Deborah Christel, Ph.D.

Yes! It just sounds like common sense to me! Supply and demand is real! Let’s hope the brands adjust in regards to its models and its stock!

- Advertisement -

So, what do you think about his newfound information? Did you know the average size had increased?

What are YOUR thoughts?

lead image source

TAGGED: body positivity, extended plus sizes, plus size fashion
Share this Article
Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Email Copy Link Print
55 Comments 55 Comments
  • jen says:
    July 24, 2017 at 10:41 am

    I am a 16/18 and up depending on store and this is obvious to us but to other people not so much. yes makes people mad or worried im like of what? lol I am happy to read this . I loved me then and I love me now. Now back to shopping.

    Reply
  • Ingrid Thomas says:
    July 24, 2017 at 1:42 pm

    Suddenly I’m OK with being average 👏🏾🙌🏾

    Reply
    • The Curvy Fashionista says:
      July 24, 2017 at 9:42 pm

      But it’s interesting right?

      Reply
    • Ingrid Thomas says:
      July 24, 2017 at 10:42 pm

      It’s very interesting. I’m fairly certain that my skinny days are behind me and I’ve learned to embrace my fabulously average body. I’ve been wearing my short shorts, showing my sexy legs and lots of skin, and it’s quite liberating!

      Reply
  • Yuri Mendez says:
    July 24, 2017 at 1:42 pm

    I’m a male. What is this definition of size? size 16 of what? If I was to define an average, it would be the average of at least 3 measurements, say 24 16 24 or something like that. Could anyone clarify this?

    Reply
    • Amanda Deschamps says:
      July 24, 2017 at 2:42 pm

      16 US size pants or dress in women’s clothing.

      Reply
    • Yuri Mendez says:
      July 24, 2017 at 4:42 pm

      16 of what ? where does the 16 is measured? inches?

      Reply
    • Melissa Seitsworth says:
      July 24, 2017 at 5:42 pm

      Women’s clothes are not measured the way men’s are, they just pick a number and slap it on, why do you think were always complaining about the fashion industry

      Reply
    • Yuri Mendez says:
      July 24, 2017 at 7:42 pm

      16 means something for you all. Take a piece that is size 16 and tell me where is it the same as another 16. How do you guys talk about 16 and you don’t have a reference dimension for another piece to be made 16. Or in the alternative make your first size 16 piece and tell me how you decide its dimensions

      Reply
    • Tammy Pelc says:
      July 24, 2017 at 8:42 pm

      They don’t and this is why no two pieces of women’s clothing fit the same. One of the major reasons why I can’t and don’t buy clothes online. I need a size 18 and up to a 20 on in some sizes and then to top it off I am petite and that is extremely hard to find with numbers in double digits.

      Reply
    • Yuri Mendez says:
      July 24, 2017 at 9:42 pm

      I’m puzzled. You guys are gonna have to sit (those designing clothes) and discuss how you are going to come up with a few dimensions to define a start up standard in which to come up with an end piece base on those standards. It can be done. If you don’t do it, there will be a lot energy used unnecessarily to find what you need as it seems to be today. Again I’m not a woman.

      Reply
    • The Curvy Fashionista says:
      July 24, 2017 at 9:42 pm

      Yuri Mendez The US size chart is a mystery we women attempt to figure out on a daily basis. Can you imagine being a teen and trying to figure all this out especially with bra measurements. But is is very important to us to have designers and brand understand that our bodies are different and come in various measurements. So we don’t differ to much from men, some women shop strictly by their measurements because it provides the best fit.

      Reply
    • Melissa Seitsworth says:
      July 25, 2017 at 10:42 am

      I just love when men swoop in to to tell us what we need to get done on problems we have been working on for decades. We are well aware of what needs to happen, rather than try and tell us how to solve it you should take this as an opportunity to learn and support us

      Reply
    • Yuri Mendez says:
      July 25, 2017 at 11:42 am

      I don’t think you’ve been working on this for decades. You’ve been steered around by the industry if for decades you’ve suffered the same problem. I just came down to the understanding that there is a huge problem here because I’m not a woman. You are telling me that you’ve seen this for decades but what have you done? You are playing martyr with someone who is obviously being supportive to try to load your faults on someone else. DO SOMETHING!!. I’m doing my share in social media to support average and bigger ladies because media discriminates you on Biased interpretations. Don’t try to invert the goals of this discussion to blame your problems and those in the fashion industry to someone else and not yourselves who are the ones directly affected by the problem. I just use 32 pants and that I understand. by the way I’ve been always very skinny but don’t think my body weight and shape respond to habits better than those of ladies that are bigger.

      Reply
    • Opal Rose says:
      July 25, 2017 at 11:42 am

      Every company has a size chart to translate measurements into a size. The sizes are similar between companies but not exact.

      There’s no exact ratio or measurements. You have to look at the chart for the company you order from or try on several sizes in person to find what fits.

      Here’s an example.

      Reply
  • Juliet Burgess says:
    July 24, 2017 at 1:42 pm

    Does this mean the average WOMAN in the us is size 18?

    Reply
    • The Curvy Fashionista says:
      July 24, 2017 at 9:42 pm

      According to this report.

      Reply
    • Juliet Burgess says:
      July 24, 2017 at 10:42 pm

      Ok it says the average plus sized woman… not just women in general

      Reply
  • Janet Womack Miller says:
    July 24, 2017 at 1:42 pm

    Funny…I don’t even consider 16/18 plus sized.

    Reply
    • Amanda Deschamps says:
      July 24, 2017 at 2:42 pm

      It depends on your height. If you’re edging near 6′ it’s hard for me to consider them plus sized, like most models are. But at 5’3″ I’d consider myself plus sized, through with small plus sized privilege where my size is not uncommon and can even be found in non-plus sized stores.

      Reply
    • Stephanie Comstock says:
      July 24, 2017 at 2:42 pm

      I’m 5′ even, my 16/18 is definitely plus sized lol

      Reply
    • Vita Reed says:
      July 24, 2017 at 3:42 pm

      I am 5’8″ and am between 16 and 18. I consider myself small plus size. Ultimately it doesn’t matter what the public thinks.

      Reply
    • Tammy Pelc says:
      July 24, 2017 at 8:42 pm

      I am 5’1 and between and 18 or 20 and need petite or it is 10 miles to long for me.

      Reply
    • The Curvy Fashionista says:
      July 24, 2017 at 10:42 pm

      I feel it’s a personal opinion myself. Like some days I feel like Beyonce and some days i don’t.

      Reply
  • Anita Sam says:
    July 24, 2017 at 1:42 pm

    ❤

    Reply
  • Ciarra Barron says:
    July 24, 2017 at 2:42 pm

    Well no lie but all our foods are fake and cancerous so it’s not really a celebration

    Reply
    • The Curvy Fashionista says:
      July 24, 2017 at 10:42 pm

      Have you seen the documentary on Netflix about this? I have so many thoughts.

      Reply
    • Antigoni Pantelis-Argyropoulos says:
      July 24, 2017 at 11:42 pm

      The Curvy Fashionista I saw that documentary. It’s pure vegan propaganda.

      Reply
    • Ciarra Barron says:
      July 25, 2017 at 2:42 am

      Yes I have astounding !!

      Reply
  • Stephanie Comstock says:
    July 24, 2017 at 2:42 pm

    Throw being super short into the mix, and that totally explains why I can never find my size! The other 1,000 women my size, already bought the 7 items that were made

    Reply
    • The Curvy Fashionista says:
      July 24, 2017 at 10:42 pm

      But there are some great options available in clothing for petite. Have you tried ELOQUII. And get a seamstress. Your life will change with a seamstress.

      Reply
    • Stephanie Comstock says:
      July 24, 2017 at 10:42 pm

      I am well versed withe a sewing machine. It just sick paying good money for clothes just to have to remake them. But at least if I do it, I know they will last

      Reply
    • Opal Rose says:
      July 25, 2017 at 11:42 am

      As a tall person, I’m the opposite. With the same bmi as a short person that wears a 2x, I’ll be hunting for 4xs which most stores dont carry. :-/ Sucks for all of us.

      Reply
    • Stephanie Comstock says:
      July 25, 2017 at 11:42 am

      That it does

      Reply
  • Louisa Doloksa says:
    July 24, 2017 at 2:42 pm

    what does the phrase ” average plus size” mean? Doesn’t plus size by definition mean ” above average”?

    Reply
    • The Curvy Fashionista says:
      July 24, 2017 at 10:42 pm

      I guessing they were going for more like “the norm”.

      Reply
  • Tessa Harker says:
    July 24, 2017 at 2:42 pm

    More plus size designers are needed.. More cuts, more fits, more size runs to accommodate more body types.

    Reply
  • Lekisha Terry says:
    July 24, 2017 at 2:42 pm

    I am 205 pounds and almost 6 feet. I wear an 14 to 16 in pants. It’s all in my height, hips, butt, and thighs.

    Reply
  • Tere Pearce Smith says:
    July 24, 2017 at 4:42 pm

    There needs to be a change to the sizing charts in the US. WHY? The sizing was based off norms from the middle of the last century. Waist lines will never return to those numbers because women DO NOT wear corsets to restrict rib cages. Physical activity, creates a different body shape and mass. Heights are taller. Feet are bigger. Prenatal health and vitamins, foods are changing the way all people look. I don’t believe this is all about people being obese. My daughter wears a size 4, weighs 115 pounds and us 5’2″. She simply cannot fit into any if my clothing I made at her age because my waist was 22″ and I weighed more than her. She is an athlete, I was not.
    I see no reason why companies cannot grade up patterns to a larger size.

    Reply
    • The Curvy Fashionista says:
      July 24, 2017 at 10:42 pm

      This!!! I totally feel you.

      Reply
  • Crystal Rhae McCormick says:
    July 24, 2017 at 4:42 pm

    I am a 12, that is the healthiest size for me.

    Reply
  • Antigoni Pantelis-Argyropoulos says:
    July 24, 2017 at 11:42 pm

    The average American female wears a size 16.

    Reply
  • Skye Aubrey says:
    July 24, 2017 at 11:42 pm

    I love my curves

    Reply
  • Neha Ram Panday says:
    July 25, 2017 at 1:42 am

    I should move to america 😢

    Reply
  • Meg Grant says:
    July 25, 2017 at 5:42 am

    They need more representation, but also don’t forget about us 26+ girls either!

    Reply
    • The Curvy Fashionista says:
      July 25, 2017 at 6:42 am

      No ones forgotten ya! 🤗🤗🤗

      Reply
  • Charity Stone Landis says:
    July 25, 2017 at 9:42 am

    I work in a plus size store. The size we get the most pieces in- 18/20. The size we sell out of first- 18/20. I would agree on this study based on just my own personal observations in retail.

    Reply
  • Ana Filipe says:
    July 25, 2017 at 9:42 am

    Why call a size 16 or 18 a “plus size”?!?!…

    Reply
  • Elisa Jean says:
    July 25, 2017 at 10:42 am

    I don’t understand why this is news. Size 16 has been the American average for over 10 years, as has been reported by many smaller media outlets. Suddenly it’s news *now* just because the media wants to jump on the ‘body positivity’ bandwagon? I’ve known this for years.

    Reply
  • Kymberlee Johnson says:
    July 25, 2017 at 10:42 am

    Agreed

    Reply
  • Sharon Geraghty says:
    July 25, 2017 at 12:42 pm

    “Plus sizes” use measurements that were called half sizes in the past. When I was a teenager in the Sixties, I wore a size 16. At the Chubby Shop (yes, that was the name of the shop), I wore a size 12-1/2. Also, as clothes do not take into account body shape, as an Inverted Triangle, I chose items that did not have a defined waistline.

    Reply
  • Masentle Ntsoaki-Poet Ntsube says:
    July 25, 2017 at 1:42 pm

    I have a friend she wears sizes 12/14/16/18
    Depanding on the make of the out fit (hour glass shape)
    What does that make her.

    Reply
  • Felicia Garland says:
    July 25, 2017 at 3:42 pm

    Some brands I wear a – other brands-. Bottomline I just want to see me represented in the clothes not a 10-12. Smh

    Reply
  • Stephanie Hollick says:
    July 25, 2017 at 8:42 pm

    Sometimes I can wear an 18 other then that I have to get a 20

    Reply
  • Patti Visg says:
    September 27, 2022 at 8:14 pm

    Agreed!
    and I wonder why In This metropolis that I live (Manhattan)
    there are no zero fashionable selection of large sizes to shop for. Not To mention zero plus size clothing stores
    I really would enjoy my CAKE if I could eat it too

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest News

The Marina Rinaldi Spring Collection
Plus Size Designers

The Marina Rinaldi Spring Collection is Exciting and Bold!

- Advertisement -

You May Also Enjoy

The Marina Rinaldi Spring Collection
Plus Size Designers

The Marina Rinaldi Spring Collection is Exciting and Bold!

Marie Denee By Marie Denee
GabiFresh Swim x Eloquii
Fashion and Industry

Upgrade your Swim Life with the GabiFresh Swim x Eloquii Collection!

Marie Denee By Marie Denee
Zelie for she spring collection-Lady Day Ivory
Plus Size Designers

The Zelie for She Spring Collection is Romantic and Playful

Marie Denee By Marie Denee
Loud Bodies Bridal up through a size 10X
Plus Size Designers

Loud Bodies Drops an Inclusive Bridal Collection up through a size 10X!

Team TCF By Team TCF
Forever 21 x Juicy Couture
Plus Size Designers

Channel Your Y2K Nostalgia with the Forever 21 x Juicy Couture Collection (Yes, in Plus Sizes!)

Team TCF By Team TCF
453003050
Body Politics

Don’t Put Us In A Corner: Why In-Store Access To Plus Size Clothing Matters

mightymurphin By mightymurphin
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Contribute
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Affiliate Disclosure
Reading: The Average American Woman NOW Wears a 16-18! We Need More Inclusion!
The Curvy FashionistaThe Curvy Fashionista
Follow US

© 2008- 2023 · by TCFStyle Media · All Rights Reserved ·

Removed from reading list

Undo
The Curvy Fashionista Logo
Welcome Back!

Please Sign in to Your Account

Lost your password?