Plus-Size Size Chart Explained: 0X–6X, 14W–40W and Lengths
X sizes (0X–6X) are for knits and relaxed fits; W sizes (14W–40W) are for structured fits. WP, WPS and WT add Petite, Petite Short and Tall lengths.
Catherines fits sizes 14W–40W and 0X–6X. The letter on the tag tells you which size system a style uses: X for knits and relaxed, pull-on fits, W for structured pants with a zip fly and set waistband. A second set of letters, WP, WPS or WT, adds a length. The surest way to land your size is to measure, then check each style's own size chart.
What is the difference between X sizes and W sizes?
X sizes (0X–6X) are grouped sizes used mostly for knits and easy, stretchy fits. W sizes (14W–40W) are numeric plus sizes used for tailored and fitted pieces, where a closer fit at the waist and hip matters.
Each X size covers a span of measurements, which works well when the fabric stretches and skims. A W size pins down one point in that span, which matters when a pant has a zip fly and a structured waistband that won't give.
| System | How Tt's Labeled | Typical Styles | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| X sizes | 0X, 1X, 2X and up to 6X | Knit pants, knit jeans, tees, tunics | Suprema® Pant, Plus Sizes 0X–6X |
| W sizes | Numbers with a W, such as 16W or 34W | Zip-fly jeans, work pants, tailored pants | Right Fit® Curvy Jean, Plus Sizes 16W–34W |
Which size system does each best-selling style use?
Most knit and pull-on favorites are sold in X sizes, while zip-fly denim and tailored pants are sold in W sizes. Size spans differ by style, so read the size list on each product page before you order.
The pattern is easy to spot. The Knit Jean, our soft French terry pull-on, uses X sizes, while the zip-fly Right Fit® Pant (Curvy) and the Softluxe Sateen Stretch Pant use W sizes. Browse all Catherines plus-size pants or plus-size jeans and you'll see the same split across the assortment.
| Style | Regular Sizes | Lengths Offered | Inseam or Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suprema® Pant | 0X–6X | Regular; petite 0XWP–5XWP; petite short | 30" regular, 27" petite, 25.5" petite short |
| The Knit Jean | 0X–6X | Regular; petite 0XWP–5XWP; petite short 0XWPS–5XWPS; tall 0XWT–5XWT | 29" regular, 26.5" petite, 24.5" petite short, 32" tall |
| Right Fit® Curvy Jean | 16W–34W | Regular; petite 16WP–34WP; petite short 16WPS–34WPS | 30" regular, 27" petite, 25" petite short |
| Right Fit® Pant (Curvy) | 16W–34W | Regular; petite 16WP–34WP; petite short 16WPS–34WPS; tall 16WT–34WT | 30" regular, 27.5" petite, 25.5" petite short, 33" tall |
| Softluxe Sateen Stretch Pant | 16W–34W | Regular; petite 16WP–34WP; tall 16WT–34WT | 30" regular, 27" petite, 33" tall |
| Suprema® 3/4 Sleeve V-Neck Tee | 0X–6X | Regular; petite and petite short to 3X | 30" regular, 29" petite, 27.5" petite short (body length) |
What do WP, WPS and WT mean on a size tag and product page?
They are length codes added to your size. WP is Women's Petite, WPS is Women's Petite Short and WT is Women's Tall. Your width size stays the same; only the proportions and inseam change.
- WP (Petite)
- For women about 5'1" to 5'4". A 16WP is the 16W fit in a petite length; a 2XWP is the 2X fit in a petite length.
- WPS (Petite Short)
- For women 5'0" or under. Even more tailored than petite, with the shortest inseams, such as 24.5" on The Knit Jean.
- WT (Tall)
- A longer length, such as the 33" tall inseam on the Right Fit® Pant (Curvy), for when regular inseams stop short of your shoe.
Not every style comes in every length. The Right Fit® Curvy Jean has petite and petite short but no tall, and the Softluxe Sateen Stretch Pant has petite and tall but no petite short.
How do I measure myself for plus-size clothing?
Use a soft tape measure over light clothing or underwear, stand relaxed and keep the tape level and snug, not tight. Write down four numbers: bust, waist, hips and inseam.
- Bust: wrap the tape around the fullest part of your bust, keeping it straight across your back.
- Waist: measure where you want your waistband to sit, usually your natural waist just above the belly button.
- Hips: stand with feet together and measure around the fullest part of your hips and seat.
- Inseam: measure a pair of pants that fits you well from the crotch seam to the hem, along the inside leg.
Match your measurements to the size chart on the product page. For tops, let your bust lead; for bottoms, let your hips lead, then check the waist. Your inseam tells you whether regular, petite, petite short or tall will fall right.
Can you convert X sizes to W sizes?
Not reliably. An X size spans a range of measurements while a W size marks one point, and the overlap varies by style. Compare your own measurements with each style's chart rather than converting from a number you wear elsewhere.
This matters most at the edges of the range. If you wear a knit X size in a top or sweater, don't assume it predicts your W size in a zip-fly jean. Measure, and treat the two as separate fits.
What if you're between sizes, or your usual size feels different?
Choose by the measurement that matters most for that garment, and re-measure rather than buying by habit. Bodies change, and a fresh measurement is a better guide than the size you bought years ago.
- Between sizes in a knit: knits stretch, so your smaller size often works if you like a closer skim; size up for a looser drape.
- Between sizes in a structured pant: fit your hips first, since a waistband is easier to tailor than a seat that's too snug.
- Waist fits but hips are tight: try a Curvy fit. Our Catherines Right Fit® Curvy Jean and Pant are designed for women fullest at the hips, to stop gaping at the waist and tightness through the hips.
- Your usual size suddenly feels off: check the product's size chart against your current measurements before reordering the same size.
Most reviewers say Catherines pants run true to size. When a fit misses, "too large" comes up more often than "too small", so if you're torn between two sizes in a pant, start with your measurements before reaching for the bigger one.
Not sure where to start? Our best-selling styles are an easy first step, and the Suprema® 3/4 Sleeve V-Neck Tee pairs with any of the pants above.
Frequently asked questions
What size is 1X in numbers?
There is no single number. An X size covers a span of measurements rather than one numeric size, and that span can vary from style to style. Compare your bust, waist and hip measurements with the size chart on the product page instead of converting.
I am 300 pounds. What size should I buy?
Weight alone can't tell you your size, because two women at the same weight can carry it very differently. Take your bust, waist and hip measurements and match the largest one to the style's size chart. For bottoms, let your hip measurement lead.
Is a 16 petite the same as 16WP?
Not necessarily. A misses 16 petite is cut on misses proportions. At Catherines, 16WP is the 16W plus fit in a shorter petite length, and Catherines designs from real plus-size women's measurements rather than scaling up from misses.
I wear a 3X in tunics. Should I order a 4X?
Stay with 3X if it fits you well through the bust and shoulders, and check the tunic's own size chart for its bust and hip measurements. Size up only if your measurements sit above the 3X range or you want a looser drape.
Does every Catherines style come in 6X?
No. Sizes run 14W–40W and 0X–6X across the brand, but each style lists its own span. The Suprema® Pant reaches 6X, for example, while the Suprema® 3/4 Sleeve V-Neck Tee stops at 3X in petite lengths. Always check the size list on the product page.
Can I exchange a style if the size is wrong?
Yes. Returns must arrive within 60 days of shipment. A small processing fee applies unless your return includes an exchange or you take your refund as a non-expiring e-gift card, so exchanging for the next size avoids the fee. Exchanges are FREE.