Since everyone's body shapes are different, clothing sizes and the way they fit will vary significantly even when using a height and weight chart. However, you can get a general idea of what size you wear based on your height and weight. You can also find the correct size for a child or infant based on a size chart. For the best fit, however, try clothing on at the store. The fit of clothing will vary between clothing brands as well as size.
Sizes For Children And Infants
Weigh and measure the length of your infant. Clothing sizes for infants are usually given by age, with manufacturers using 0 to 3 months; 3 to 6 months; 6 to 9 months; and 9 to 12 months as guidelines. However, the manufacturers' clothing tags will also list the length and weight ranges for those sizes. Match your infant's length and weight to the chart on the tag to determine the proper size for your infant.
Find your toddler's height and weight to determine size for the 2T to 4T range. Some manufacturers also make 5T size. Use the size chart on the tag to determine the proper size for your toddler. While the number preceding the "T" is an approximate match with your toddler's age, it's best to check the size chart for accurate sizing.
Measure the height and find the weight of older children. Children's sizes are usually broken up into two sections, with sizes 4 to 6X in one area and sizes 7 to 16 in another. It's less common to find a size chart on the clothing tag for these sizes, so begin with figuring that size 4 is 35 to 39 pounds and approximately 39 inches tall, then add 3 to 4 pounds and about 3 inches per size.
Clothing Sizes For Men And Women
Determine your height and weight. If possible, it helps to take measurements at the chest, waist and hips, as well. To take measurements, wrap a measuring tape, also known as a tailor's tape, loosely, but without any slack, around the widest part of your chest and hips and the narrowest part of your waist.
Use a sizing chart to determine your size. Remember that the size may vary by up to 1 inch of height and 10 pounds of weight, plus or minus. A woman who is approximately 5 feet tall and 100 pounds can expect to wear a size extra small, while a woman who is 5 feet, 9 inches tall and 160 pounds or more runs closer to size large or extra large.
Decide if you should be shopping for petite sizes or big and tall sizes. For women, petite sizes might apply if you are 5 feet, 4 inches tall or under and find regular sizes to be too long, too baggy at the shoulders or too high at the waist. For men, tall sizes usually begin for those who are 6 feet, 2 inches tall; big sizes are for those with a 46- to 48-inch waist and 50- to 52-inch chest.
Tip
Make note of the sizes you wear for different brands of clothing to make it easier to shop in the future.
References
Writer Bio
Nadia Nygaard has been writing and editing since 2005. She is published in "Farm and Ranch Living" and has edited projects as diverse as grant proposals, medical dissertations and tenant law handbooks. She is a graduate of the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Arts in English and women's studies.
