Plus Size Style & Fit Guide
Plus-size size charts, fit notes, and how-tos — written so you can measure once and shop with confidence.
Best Sellers
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Fit GuidePlus-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.
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The EditCozy Gifts for Plus-Size Women: The Holiday Edit
The easiest plus-size gifts are forgiving fits she'll wear all season: a hooded fleece robe, a cotton pajama set, a lounger or a soft open cardigan.
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Style StoryPlus Size Clothing for Older Women: 6 Polished Looks
Pull-on pants in your true length, flowing blouses or longer tunics and a light topper for arm coverage add up to a wardrobe that's comfortable and polished.
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The EditWhere to Find 5X and 6X Clothing That Fits Beautifully
Shop styles whose product page lists Plus Sizes 0X–6X. Many Catherines bestsellers reach 6X, but some collections stop at 5X or 34W, so check each piece.
Tops & Sweaters
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Style StoryTunics to Wear With Leggings: Length, Fit and 6 Looks
Pick a tunic that covers your seat, about 32" to 34" on most plus frames, with side slits for movement. Then pair it with a sleek, smooth legging.
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Style StoryHow to Style a Georgette Blouse for Work and Weekend
Wear it buttoned with polished pull-on pants for work, open over a tank or tee with jeans on weekends, or over a dressy cami for evening.
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Fit GuideWhat to Wear Under a Sheer Top or Open Cardigan
Wear a longer, wide-strap tank, about 30" so it falls below the hip, in a smooth knit that layers without bunching or showing straps.
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The EditPlus Size Cardigans for Fall: 6 Easy Layered Outfits
Layer an airy open cardigan over a long tank, wear a duster sweater-cardigan instead of a light coat, or grab a cardigan-and-tank one-piece for instant polish.
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The EditPlus-Size Dressy Tops for Weddings and Holiday Events
Pair a lace, beaded or embellished chiffon blouse with polished black pull-on pants. Flutter or angel sleeves add arm coverage and easy movement.
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The EditPlus Size Holiday Outfits for Women Over 60
Build on one polished pant, then rotate a sparkle blouse, a cozy cardigan and a lace top to cover parties, family dinners and church.
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The EditPlus Size Fall Sweaters: 6 Cozy Looks Without the Bulk
Choose medium-weight textured knits, longer lengths and open fronts. They layer over tees and tanks for warmth that never feels heavy.
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Fit GuidePlus Size Petite Tops: What Length to Look For
Petite plus tops run about 2" shorter in the body (29" Petite vs 31" Regular). Tunics should reach mid-hip to upper thigh, shorter if you're under 5'4".
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Fit GuidePlus Size Tops for Big Arms: Sleeves That Don't Squeeze
For roomier upper arms, choose flutter, angel, bell or dolman sleeves and raglan armholes, or layer an open cardigan over a sleeveless top.
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Style StoryFlattering Tops for an Apple Shape: 6 Easy Looks
For an apple shape, choose tops that float away from the midsection: swing or A-line cuts, V-necklines and tunic lengths that end below the tummy.
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Fit GuideBetween Plus Sizes? When to Size Up or Down
Between sizes? Size down in tunics marked “runs large,” size to your larger measurement in structured pants, and exchange for a different size free.
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Fit GuideV-Neck vs. Scoop Neck Tee: Which Suits a Fuller Bust?
A V-neck lengthens your neckline and opens up a fuller bust; a scoop neck gives a softer curve with a little more coverage. Choose by the look you want.
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Style StoryHow to Wear Burgundy and Jewel Tones This Fall
Anchor burgundy and jewel tones with navy, black or camel, keep the richest color near your face, and repeat it once in an accessory.
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The EditPlus Size Shrugs and Kimonos for Sleeveless Dresses
Top a formal sleeveless dress with a shrug or light jacket, and a casual maxi with an open kimono or cardigan. Then match the layer's length to the dress.
Coats & Jackets
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The EditPlus Size Winter Coats: How to Choose Warmth, Length and Fit
Pick a plus-size winter coat by warmth (puffer or sherpa-lined for cold, wool blend for polish), hip length or longer, and room to close over a sweater.
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The EditPlus Size Fall Jackets: Leather-Look, Denim and Rain
The three most useful fall jackets for plus sizes: denim for casual outfits, leather-look to polish dresses and pants, and a hooded rain jacket for wet days.
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Fit GuidePuffer vs. Wool Coat: Which Is Better for You?
Pick a puffer for the most warmth with the least weight and for wet weather; pick a wool or wool-blend coat for a polished look over dresses.
Suprema® & Easy Tees
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Fit GuidePetite vs. Petite Short vs. Tall Pants: Pick Your Length
Choose pant length by inseam: on the Suprema® Pant, regular is 30", petite 27", petite short 25.5" and tall 33". Each style lists its own.
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Fit GuideHow to Wash Knit Pants and Tees So They Don't Pill or Shrink
Turn knits inside out, wash cold on delicate with like colors and away from towels, skip chlorine bleach and dry low to curb pilling, shrinking and lint.
Bottoms
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Fit GuidePetite Plus Size Clothing: What It Means and How to Shop It
Petite plus is cut for women about 5'4" and under who wear plus sizes: shorter inseams, sleeves and body lengths in the same plus widths.
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The EditThe Best Pull-On Pants for Women Over 60
Look for a covered elastic waistband, deep pockets and fabric that holds its shape: stretch-cotton knit for everyday, a flat-front pull-on for dressier days.
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Fit GuideWhat Are Knit Jeans? Pull-On Jeans for Women, Explained
Knit jeans are pull-on jeans made from soft cotton French terry finished to look like denim, with a covered elastic waist instead of a zipper and button.
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Fit GuideRight Fit® Curvy vs. Moderately Curvy: Which Fit Is Yours?
Choose Right Fit® Curvy if you're fullest at the hips and pants gap at the waist; choose Moderately Curvy if you're only slightly curvy from waist to hip.
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The EditComfortable Plus-Size Work Pants That Still Look Polished
Comfortable plus-size work pants look polished with a flat front, smooth stretch fabric and a straight leg—think flat-front pull-ons and curvy-fit trousers.
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The EditBest Jeans for Curvy Plus-Size Women, Compared
Choose by shape and fabric: zip-fly Right Fit® Curvy stretch denim for structure, or a pull-on Curvy Knit Jean cut for fuller hips and soft comfort.
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Style StoryHow to Wear Plus Size Wide-Leg Pants: 6 Easy Looks
Pair wide-leg pants with a fitted or half-tucked top, let the hem graze your shoe, and choose a fluid fabric that drapes rather than flares.
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Style StoryHow to Wear Plus Size Capris: Length, Shoes and Tops
Capris look best when they end just below the fullest part of your calf. Choose the inseam for your height, then add flat sandals and a longer top.
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The EditPlus-Size Work Clothes: 7 Pieces, 10 Outfits
Two polished pants, three easy blouses, a jacket dress and a light cardigan in coordinating neutrals mix into ten work outfits for office or classroom.
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Fit GuideTall Plus-Size Pants and Jeans: Inseams That Actually Reach
Tall plus-size pants have a 32"–33" inseam versus 29"–30" regular. Look for the tall (WT) size on styles like the Knit Jean and Right Fit® Pant.
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Fit GuideJeggings vs. Leggings vs. Knit Jeans: What's the Difference?
Leggings are smooth stretch knit; jeggings add a denim look and faux pockets; knit jeans are cut like real jeans in soft French terry with real pockets.
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Fit GuideClothes for Arthritic Hands: An Easy-On Buyer's Guide
Choose pull-on pants and knit jeans, pull-over dresses, open-front cardigans and front-closure bras: no zippers or tiny buttons to fight.
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Fit GuideHow to Measure Inseam for Pants (Plus Waist and Hip)
Lay pants that fit flat and measure from the crotch seam to the hem. Measure your waist at its narrowest point and your hips at their fullest.
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Fit GuidePonte, Twill, Sateen or Knit? Choosing a Pant Fabric
Stretch-cotton knit is the softest, bi-stretch drapes most polished, stretch sateen adds sheen and structure, and twill is sturdy and casual.
Dresses
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The EditPlus-Size Mother of the Bride Outfits: What to Wear
A long dress with a matching jacket or a 3-piece pant suit in the wedding's palette gives you coverage, polish and all-day comfort.
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The EditFlattering Pant Suits for Older Women: How to Choose
The most flattering plus size pant suit is a 3-piece set: a lined tank, a longer open topper for arm coverage and a pull-on pant in soft, fluid stretch.
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The EditPlus-Size Holiday Party Dresses: 7 Looks With Sparkle
Pick an A-line or flyaway dress with sleeves or a matching jacket, a little sparkle near the face, and an easy fit you can sit and dance in.
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The EditPetite Plus Size Special Occasion Dresses, No Hemming
Petite Plus occasion styles are cut shorter through the body and hem, like a 50" petite dress vs. a 55" regular, to fit 5'4" and under with no hemming.
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Style StoryPant Suit or Dress for a Wedding? A Plus-Size Guest's Guide
A dressy plus-size pant suit suits most weddings. Add lace or sparkle for evening, pick a dress for black-tie and a pant suit for comfort, coverage and dancing.
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Style StoryPlus Size Black Tie Dresses: Dress Codes Explained
Black tie means a floor-length gown or long dress set; formal allows long or elegant midi; semi-formal and cocktail mean knee-to-midi or a dressy pant suit.
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Style StoryJacket Dresses for Older Women: Your Questions Answered
A jacket dress is a two-piece set: a dress plus a matching jacket, worn together for coverage or separately. Here's how they fasten, fit and dress up.
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Fit GuidePetite Plus-Size Dresses: The Right Length for Your Height
Compare each dresses listed length to your own measurement: Petite maxis are cut shorter (53" vs 55" Regular), so the hem lands where it should.
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Style StoryDresses for a Big Bust and Tummy: Shapes That Flatter
Choose A-line, shift or flyaway dresses that fit at the shoulders and bust, then fall away from your middle. A V-neck balances a fuller bust.
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The EditPlus-Size Maxi Dresses With Sleeves: How to Choose
Check three things before you order: sleeve type and stretch, the listed length against your height, and whether the waist is empire or natural.
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Style StoryHow to Style a 3-Piece Pant Suit Three Ways
Wear a 3-piece pant suit as a full set for the event, the tank and pant with a cardigan for dinner, and the jacket over a tee and jeans by day.
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Style StoryPlus Size Fall Dresses: How to Wear Them Into Winter
Keep wearing dresses as it cools: add sheer pantyhose or tights, a long cardigan or jacket, and ankle or wide-calf boots.
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Fit GuideHow to Wash Beaded and Sequin Clothing
Turn it inside out, wash cold and separately (by hand unless the label allows a gentle cycle), line dry, and cool-iron on the reverse — never over trim.
Bras & Intimates
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Fit GuideHow to Measure Your Bra Size at Home: A Full-Figure Guide
Measure snugly under your bust for the band and loosely at the fullest point for the cup, then confirm the fit on the loosest hook.
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The EditThe Best Wireless Bras With Real Support for Full Busts
Real support without a wire comes from full-coverage cups, a firm stretch underband or crisscross sling, and wider straps. Here are seven to try.
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Fit GuideFront-Closure Bras for Older Women: An Easy-On Buyer's Guide
Front-closure bras fasten at the center front, so there's no reaching behind your back. Pick wireless for everyday comfort or cushioned underwire for more lift.
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Fit GuideBra Sister Sizing Explained: Band, Cup and Fit
Sister sizes keep the same cup volume on a different band: one band down, one cup up (44C to 42D). Use them when the band is off but the cups fit.
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Fit GuideHow Should a Bra Fit? Fixes for Bands, Straps and Wires
The band does most of the work: it should sit level and snug on the loosest hook. Here's how to fix a riding band, digging straps and poking wires.
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Fit GuidePlus-Size Cotton Brief Size Guide: Fit and Coverage
Measure your hips at the fullest point and match that number to the size chart. Full-coverage briefs sit at the natural waist with front-and-back coverage.
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Fit GuideWhat Is a Posture Bra? A Plain-English Guide
A posture bra pairs a built-up, crisscross mesh back with wide cushioned straps that gently encourage your shoulders back while lifting a fuller bust.
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Fit GuideHow to Choose Plus-Size Pantyhose That Don't Roll
Pick your letter size by height and weight, then look for a ribbed panty, a comfort waistband and a cotton gusset so they stay put without pinching.
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Fit GuidePlus-Size Slips Under Dresses: Which Kind You Need
Wear a full slip under sheer, lace or clingy dresses; a half slip under skirts; and a camisole under sheer tops. Choose one an inch shorter than your hem.
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Fit GuideWireless vs. Underwire Bras for Full Figures
Choose wireless for everyday comfort and natural shape; choose a cushioned underwire for maximum lift and separation in larger cups or under fitted tops.
Sleepwear
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The EditPlus-Size Robes for Winter: How to Choose the Coziest One
Pick soft fleece for warmth, a full zip front for easy on and off, side pockets, and the length that suits your height: 53" average or 50" petite.
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Fit GuidePlus Size Cotton Nightgowns: Soft Fabric, Right Length
Choose soft knit cotton, pick the length that suits your height, and wash cold and dry low to help your gown keep its length.
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Style StoryWhat Is a Lounger Dress, and Can You Wear It Out?
A lounger is a loose, full-length house dress, usually in cotton, made for comfort at home. Many woven-cotton styles with pockets work for errands, too.
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The EditPlus Size Holiday Pajamas: Cozy Sets for the Whole Family
Pick a soft cotton-knit long-sleeve set with an elastic waist in your average or petite length, and look for styles with matching family options.
Shoes & Accessories
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Fit GuideHow to Measure Your Calf for Wide-Calf Boots
Seated, wrap a soft tape around the widest part of your calf over the layers you'll wear, then compare it to the boot's listed calf circumference.
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Fit GuideShoe Widths Explained: M vs. W vs. WW
M is medium, W is one width wider and WW is wider still. Wide width is about your foot; wide calf is about a boot's shaft.
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The EditComfortable Wide-Width Dress Shoes for Every Celebration
Choose a 1"–1½" stable block heel or slingback in W or WW, with a padded insole and a flexible, skid-resistant outsole.
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The EditComfort Shoes for Women Who Are on Their Feet All Day
The most comfortable everyday shoes combine a padded insole, a flexible skid-resistant sole, a low stable heel and the right width: M, W or WW.
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The EditWide Width Winter Boots for Women: A Fit-First Guide
Choose winter boots by foot width first (W or WW), then calf fit, shaft height and a slip-resistant sole. Ankle booties are the easiest wide-width fit.
