Between Two Sizes? How to Choose Plus-Size Clothing Online

Short answer: When you're between two sizes, automatically choosing the larger or smaller one is not always right. First compare your current measurements in centimeters with the specific product's size chart. Then consider the cut, fabric stretch, where the garment needs to fit most securely, and how much room you prefer. For a fitted or non-stretch item, the larger size may suit you better; for a relaxed, oversized or stretchy item, the smaller size may work. However, the actual measurements and fit information on that product's page always take priority over general rules.

If you have not measured yourself recently, start with our guide to measuring bust, waist and hips for plus-size women's clothing. Then return to the size chart of the product you've selected. That way, instead of relying only on a label like “I usually wear size 48,” you can make a decision for that particular garment.

Which size should you choose when you're between two sizes?

The safest order for deciding is: body measurements → product size chart → fit → fabric stretch → key fit area → personal comfort preference. One factor can change the conclusion suggested by another. For example, even if you're closer to the smaller size, the larger one may make more sense for a non-stretch shirt that restricts movement at the bust or upper arms. Conversely, a deliberately loose, stretchy garment may have unnecessary extra volume in the larger size.

That is why the choice should be made for each product rather than following universal rules such as “Always size up when between sizes” or “Always size down if it contains Lycra.”

Should you check body measurements or garment measurements first?

Check both, as they describe different things. Body measurements are your circumferences at the bust, waist and hips. Garment measurements describe the finished item's dimensions. A garment may include design ease or stretch. Therefore, assuming that “The garment's bust is 120 cm and mine is 120 cm, so it will fit” does not produce the right result for every product.

If the product page only shows a size chart, establish whether the figures refer to the body or the garment. If the description is unclear, confirming the product-specific information is safer than making assumptions.

How does the cut affect your size decision?

What should you do if you're between sizes in a fitted cut?

For a fitted item, especially one with little stretch, prioritize the area that could restrict movement. For shirts and blouses, that may be the bust, shoulders and upper arms; for trousers, the waist and hips; for dresses, the bust, waist or hips depending on the design. If the smaller size pulls, causes gaps between buttons or restricts movement in any of these areas, the larger size may be more practical.

What should you do if you're between sizes in a regular fit?

The description “regular fit” alone is not enough to decide. Compare your centimeter measurements with the item's size chart. If both sizes appear feasible, consider whether you prefer a closer or more relaxed fit. The fabric construction is your next deciding factor.

Can you choose the smaller size in a relaxed or oversized cut?

Sometimes, yes, but only if the intended shape allows it. An oversized garment is deliberately designed with extra room. Sizing up may add too much volume at the shoulders, sleeves and torso. Even so, do not automatically size down before checking the product's own measurements.

How does fabric stretch affect choosing between two sizes?

Stretch matters, but it is not the only factor. A fabric containing elastane/Lycra, or one that stretches because of its knitted construction, can adapt better to body movements. In contrast, the same difference in centimeters may feel more significant in a non-stretch woven fabric.

Ask yourself these three questions together when the fabric is stretchy:

• Does the garment keep its intended shape even when stretched?
• Would I rather have a close fit or a relaxed fit?
• Does the smaller size restrict movement in the critical fitting area?

The blanket rule “Buy one size smaller if it contains Lycra” is not safe for every item. Consider stretch together with the cut and actual garment measurements.

Which measurements matter most for each type of garment?

Which size should you choose when you're between sizes in trousers?

Do not look only at waist size for trousers. If your waist fits the smaller size and your hips fit the larger one, the cut and fabric become decisive. If the hips feel tight, pockets gape or the trousers pull when sitting or standing, a larger size or different cut may be better. If the larger size leaves a noticeable gap at the waist, the issue may be the trousers' waist-to-hip proportions rather than just their size number.

To understand the measurement side, see our guide to measuring plus-size trousers; for denim, consult our guide to choosing plus-size jeans.

What should you check when choosing between sizes in shirts or blouses?

The shoulder seam, bust buttons and movement of the upper arms are important clues for a shirt. If buttons gape in the smaller size, shoulder seams pull or the back feels tight when extending your arms forward, the larger size may be more comfortable. But if the shoulders drop too low and the torso becomes overly bulky in the larger size, a different cut may work better.

For shirts, use our guide to shoulders, bust and button spacing; for blouses, see our guide to choosing the right cut and fabric.

How should you decide for dresses and jackets?

There is no single “critical measurement” for a dress: it depends on the cut. In a design fitted at the top with a looser skirt, the bust and shoulders may matter most; in a waist-fitted design, the waist; and in a hip-skimming design, the hips. For jackets, focus on the shoulders and bust, arm movement and the layers you'll wear underneath.

Especially with outerwear, imagine the garment over the layers you normally wear, not just a thin top. But rather than automatically sizing up “because I'll layer,” check the product's real measurements.

Closer fit or more room? How important is personal preference?

If both sizes technically fit, the final decision may come down to how you plan to wear the garment. You might choose the smaller size for a closer fit or the larger one for more freedom of movement. The limit is that you should not compromise the intended silhouette or comfort in motion.

For example, if both sizes fit a stretchy blouse, the smaller one might sit closer to the body and the larger one drape more loosely. But if the smaller size restricts shoulder or arm movement, that is a fit problem, not merely a styling preference.

Is the model's size enough to choose your own?

No. The model's height, measurements and worn size can help you understand how the item might look, but your body proportions may differ. Use the model's information alongside your own measurements and the garment's measurements.

Differences in height, in particular, can change garment length, where the waistline sits and where the trouser hems end. Do not assume “The model wears size 48, so I should buy 48 too.”

Six quick checks when you're between two sizes

1. Update your measurements: Note your bust, waist and hips in centimeters.
2. Read the product's chart: Distinguish body measurements from garment measurements.
3. Check the cut: Find whether it is described as fitted, regular, relaxed or oversized.
4. Check the fabric: Assess stretch and whether it is woven or knitted from the product description.
5. Identify the key fit area: Prioritize the area that matters for the garment, such as waist and hips for trousers, or bust and shoulders for a shirt.
6. Decide how you want it to fit: If both sizes work, choose the closer or roomier feel you prefer.

After this check, if you want to compare current styles, explore Hanezza's plus-size women's clothing collection. The collection page is only for discovering products; make your size decision from the specific item's measurements, fit and fabric information.

What are the most common mistakes when choosing between sizes?

• Expecting the same size number across brands: Compare measurements in centimeters rather than labels.
• Deciding based only on weight: People at the same weight can have different bust, waist and hip proportions.
• Forcing the smaller size because “it stretches”: Stretch does not always make up for a poor fit.
• Unnecessarily sizing up an oversized design: Account for the room already built into the cut.
• Looking at only one body measurement: Check the second and third important measurements for the garment type.
• Assuming the model wears your size: Treat the model's measurements only as a reference.

Frequently asked questions

Should you always buy the larger size when you're between two sizes?

Not always. The larger size may be appropriate for a fitted cut, non-stretch fabric or restricted movement in a key area. In a relaxed, oversized or stretchy garment, the smaller or usual size may work too. The final decision must follow that product's own size chart and measurements.

Should you size down for a garment with Lycra?

Sometimes, but Lycra alone is not enough to decide. Consider how much the fabric stretches, its cut, measurements at the key fitting areas and your preferred fit together.

What if my bust corresponds to one size and my hips to another?

Identify which area needs to fit most closely for the particular cut. For blouses, bust and shoulders may matter most; for trousers, waist and hips; for dresses, bust, waist or hips depending on the style. There is no universal rule.

How can I choose my size most reliably when shopping online?

Take your current measurements in centimeters and compare them with the size chart, garment measurements, fit description and fabric stretch. Use the model's information as an additional reference. If uncertainty remains, asking for measurements of that specific item is safer than guessing.

Is sizing up always more comfortable?

No. Sizing up may add comfort in some fitted or non-stretch items, but in relaxed or oversized styles it may create too much bulk at the shoulders and torso. Comfort must be evaluated with the cut, not just the size number.

Source and methodology note

Definitions of body measurements used in garment sizing are also covered by international standards. ISO 8559-1:2017 describes anthropometric measurement definitions and principles for garment development and size profiles; the standard was reviewed again in 2026 and confirmed as still valid. This article is designed to help you make practical decisions at home before shopping online. For any Hanezza item, always base your final choice on the current size chart, actual garment measurements, cut and fabric information on that product page.