What is the difference between a size 14 clothing and a "Women's" size 14 clothing? It seems like all of the clothes these days are cut for smaller women. I am short (5ft. 1 in.) The fitted shirts that are in are just too tight for me in the bust. If I get them to fit there they're too big in the shoulders. If I get it so it is not skin tight through my belly (which could be trimmer) they're too big in the shoulders too. Even petites are cut small and not for larger busted women. Looking at places like Lane Bryant and such, the clothes just seem to be cut to fit women with that problem. What is the smallest size these places have? I could wear a 14 in some pants but is there a difference in a "Women's" 14 verses just a 14 in the ladies department?

By Trina~moderator on Sunday, March 9, 2008 - 03:24 pm:

HTH

Standard Clothing Size Charts

By Trina~moderator on Sunday, March 9, 2008 - 03:29 pm:

Never mind. Scratch the link I posted above. The Misses chart isn't accurate, because I usually wear a 6-8, but according to the Misses chart listed in the link above, I would wear a 14, and that's not correct.

By Ginny~moderator on Sunday, March 9, 2008 - 04:10 pm:

I have the same problem. I'm 5'2" and 155#, and have a hard time with clothes. I have found some stores that carry what they call "Women's Petites", but on the whole I don't find them satisfactory - at least not in sports clothes. I just went to their web site and here is the link for Lane Bryant's size chart. Hope it helps. charts

I note they do charge $6.95 for returns UNLESS you are making an exchange. I would think you could order something and if it doesn't fit quite right, return it to exchange for the right size at no cost.

I also have a tummy. I have been wearing Briggs slacks for several years, presently wearing either size 16 or size 18 short from the Misses section of Boscov's. Sears also has inexpensive slacks in their Classic Elements line that fit me well.

By Bea on Monday, March 10, 2008 - 12:58 am:

Try on a few half sizes and see if they fit better. They are cut for the shorter woman.

By My2girlygirls on Monday, March 10, 2008 - 06:42 am:

Where do you find half sizes?

By Yjja123 on Monday, March 10, 2008 - 11:53 am:

There is a difference between womans and ladies. Womans is larger (plus size).
I shop the juniors section. I am 5' tall (on a good day)
Petites are never cut right for me (I am large busted).
I think you simply need to try a variety on. Time consuming, but necessary.
If I find a perfect fit (beyond length) I buy it and have it altered. My dry cleaner does altering very inexpensively.