Misses
Adult women sizes (also called misses sizes) are even numbers; petites usually have a P, and plus size have a W or X. The proverbial–that is, almost mythical–”perfect figure” (36-24-36) would normally wear a misses size 8; a petites size 10P or juniors size 9, in case you were wondering. Plus sizes generally start at 14W or 1X (40-31-42). [Please note: These generalizations are based on the Overstock.com sizing guide; individual manufacturers' size charts will vary, some widely.]
Petites
Petites are fashions for women 5-foot 4-inches and shorter. The designation began 20 years ago, in the era of supermodels who were all 5-foot 12-inches tall. (Yes, we know, but according to the late Margaux Hemmingway, one of those supermodels, only men are 6-foot tall, women are 5-foot-12!) Finding petite clothing can be a challenge, despite the fact that statistics say the average American woman is 5-foot-4, and there are 20,000,000 petites in the USA.
Petites are usually identical to misses merchandise, except they’ve been proportioned to smaller bodies: Shoulders in petite shirts are narrower. Lapels in petite blazers are slimmer. Patch pockets in petite coats and petite jackets are smaller. Lengths in petite dresses and petite pants are shorter. Petites can wear anything other women wear, though bold patterns and large designs don’t get many good reviews. Wearing an outfit in one color, it is said, tends to make you look taller.
Plus sizes
Plus size clothing (also called full-figure) is for larger women. Like petites, finding a good diversity in plus sizes can be a challenge. Black is slimming, but unless you’re an undertaker, you’ll want more color in your closet. The cut is generally wider as the wearer is generally curvier.
When buying plus size dresses, the empire waist comes highly recommended; ruching does not. Also, don’t avoid stylish dress; do not hide the fact that you have curves. In plus size jeans, the look of low-rise and boot-cut are frequently complimented. You might want to try A-line plus size skirts, which flare gently where you flare naturally. Plus size jackets or plus size suits and plus size shirts (again, V-neck is good) make a great combination.
Juniors
Juniors clothing designates mostly teens clothing; the cut is slimmer for still-developing or narrow figures. Juniors clothing sizes are usually designated by odd numbers. For more developed or not-so-narrow girls, junior plus sizes are becoming available. These are also worn by petites who want trendier fashions or tighter fitting clothes. Juniors should watch a few things: Capri pants are generally preferred over flood pants. Baggy pants sometimes add bulk where no female wants it. V-neck juniors shirts look good on most women, especially those well above or below average size. For those wanting to look slimmer, a fitted juniors blazer or juniors jacket is a winner.
Prom dresses are usually young ladies’ first formals or evening dresses. These evening gowns are the ultimate in formal wear and juniors must choose carefully. Start early, be picky, get one you really like, and remember, many are tailored a bit small, so be prepared to buy a size larger and have them altered if necessary.
Women’s Clothing care
Women’s shirts, pants, coats, pajamas, etc, are all designed for specific uses; the best care advice is to wear them to their design use, then read and follow the manufacturer’s care label. Your clothes will last longer and look better. Every clothing description at Overstock.com includes basic care requirements, so you’ll know exactly what you’re getting before you buy.
In general, wool and silk must be professionally dry cleaned and gently pressed. Cotton and linen are usually machine washable, but will probably need ironing afterwards. Synthetics are generally wash-n-wear. Leather should be gently hand cleaned with leather cleaner or taken to a professional.
Women’s Clothing terminology
Applique: Design or pattern applied to the surface of clothing; often times it is a decorative stitch.
Balloon/Bouffant/Bubble Sleeve or Hem: Grander variation of a puff sleeve.
A balloon or bubble hem is a puffed hem that folds under creating an airy or bouncy presence.Bateau or Boat Neckline: Neckline cut from shoulder to shoulder with a shallow or square curve.
Bell Sleeves: Sleeves that flare out at the hem.
Bellow/Safari Pocket: Pocket that expands to give more space; often seen on safari jackets and shirts.
Bias Ruffle: Ruffle cut precise to the hem edge and cut wider at the bottom to create a flare effect.
Cap Sleeve: Smaller than a short sleeve; usually does not cover the entire shoulder.
Cadet/Chinese/Mandarin Collar: 1-inch collar that stands straight up from neckline.
Decollete/Plunging: Clothing cut with a very low neck and/or backline.
Dolman Sleeve: Wide cut sleeve that gently tapers toward the cuff.
Drop Sleeve: Sleeve that has a shoulder seam 2-4 inches lower than usual.
Embroidery: Decorative stitching usually of contrasting thread.
Empire waist: A dress that gathers just under the bust, rather than at your natural waist.
Epaulet: Flap/tab of fabric located at the shoulder top seam.
Flounce: Similar to the bias ruffle, cut from two circular pieces of fabric and usually found at the hem of a dress or skirt.
French Cuff: Doubled cuff that is folded over and fastened only with cuff links.
French Sleeve: Sleeve that attaches slightly lower to the body part of a shirt, creating a slight wing look.
Gusset: Triangular or square piece of fabric created to act as a stretching insert to give more room or expandability.
Halter: Band, strap or tie of fabric that wraps around the neck.
Hemline: The bottom seam of any clothing item.
Inseam: the length of the inside seam of a pant.
Juliette Sleeve: Long sleeve with a tapered cuff and a slight puff at the shoulder.
Keyhole: Small teardrop hole fastened together by a button or clasp usually at the neckline.
Kimono Sleeve: Shirt sleeve (either short or long) cut from one piece of fabric that hangs in a drape-like fashion.
Mock Pocket: Flap sewn to the outside of clothing to resemble a pocket.
Peplum: Separate section of a shirt or jacket between the waist and hip; the bottom part can be ruffled or pleated to create a flare effect.
Picot: Series of loops found along an edge, usually seen on lingerie.
Piping: Small piece of piping or fabric stitched between seams, usually in a contrasting color.
Pleats: Decorative folds; box pleats face outward; inverted pleats faces inward.
Raglan: Sleeve and shoulder are cut from one piece of fabric and attached to garment with an angular seam.
Rise: Measurement from the front waistline of pants to where the inseam begins.
Scallops: Series of semi-circular cuts, usually at the hem.
