As plus-size shoppers ourselves, we at dom+bomb struggled for decades to find cute, quality clothes that fit. Our first step when developing our fashion brand was to build a realistic size chart. Here's how we did it.
Fit Models
We knew we needed to base our size chart on real bodies, so we put out a call for fit models on social media. Within a very short time, we had 20 models and their measurements. As of this blog post writing, we have nearly 50 fit models, with new applicants coming in all the time. We have fit models in sizes 5XL-XS and multiple genders, heights, and body shapes. Most small brands start out with 0-2 fit models, but not us.
National Data
While the U.S. does not have a national size standard, there are companies providing size data on a national scale. We took that data into account when developing our size chart.
Competitors
We also looked at dozens of competitors size charts, taking into considerations which ones worked and didn't, and why. While our goal was to set ourselves apart and not just base our chart on another one that already didn't work, we also know that our customers shop at different stores and need a size chart that not only works, but is also somewhat familiar.
Our Size Chart
Here's what we came up with:
Letter | Number | Bust | Waist | Hip | Arm |
5XL | 32-34 | 69.5-72 | 56-59 | 67-69.5 | 20-20.5 |
4XL | 28-30 | 64.5-67 | 52-54 | 62-64.5 | 19-19.5 |
3XL | 24-26 | 55.5-57 | 48-50 | 57-59 | 18-18.5 |
2XL | 20-22 | 50.5-53 | 44-46 | 52-54 | 17-17.5 |
XL | 16-18 | 46-48 | 40-42 | 48-50 | 15.5-16.5 |
L | 12-14 | 42-44 | 36-38 | 44-46 | 13.5-14.5 |
M | 8-10 | 38-40 | 32-34 | 40-42 | 11.5-12.5 |
S | 4-6 | 35-36 | 28-30 | 37-38.5 | 10.5-11 |
XS | 0-2 | 33-34 | 24-26 | 34-35.5 | 9.5-10 |
Our plan is to keep collecting measurements and update the size chart as we learn more, including adding new sizes. We also include an arm measurement (not typical) because of the issues around plus sizes and arm fit.