US Standard Clothing Sizes

The following are the US standard clothing sizes. The sizes were established during the 1940s and 1950s. Due to cultural influences however, various other sizes are now available in catalogs.

Women’s Sizes

Women’s sizes are 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48 and 50. They are suitable for women with average backs and busts. These sizes are for those 5'5"–5'6" (165-168cm) tall.

The misses’ sizes are for 5'5"–5'6" (165-168 cm) tall with average bust and back size. The sizes are 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 018 and 20. The miss petite sizes are for individuals 5'1"–5'3" (157.5-160 cm) tall with short backs and an average bust.

The sizes are 0-2mp, 4mp, 6mp, 8mp, 10mp, 12mp, 14mp, and 16mp. The junior sizes are for women 5'4"–5'5" (162.5-165 cm) tall with short backs and high busts. The sizes are 5, 7, 9, 11, 13 and 15.

The US standard clothing sizes for junior petite are 3jp, 5jp, 7jp, 9jp, 11jp and 13jp. These are best for women 5'1" (155 cm) tall with short backs and average size busts. Young junior sizes are 5/6, 7/8, 9/10, 11/12, 13/14 and 15/16. They are for women 5'1"–5'3" (155-160 cm) tall with short backs and high busts.

Men’s Sizes

They are 34, 36 (S), 38, 40 (M), 42, 44 (L), 46 and 48 (XL).

Girls’ Sizes

Standard girls’ sizes are 7, 8, 10, 12 and 14. Girls’ Plus sizes are 8 1/2c, 10 1/2c, 12 1/2c and 14 1/2c.

Children, Toddlers and Baby Sizes

US children’s’ sizes are 1, 2,3, 4, 5 and 6X. The sizes for babies are the following: 3 mo, 6 mo, 9 mo, 12 mo, 18 mo and 24 mo. The sizes for toddlers are 1/2, 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Catalog Sizes

Catalog misses’ sizes are 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 and 20. Their US standard size equivalents are 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 and 22 respectively.

The women’s petite sizes are 18W, 20W, 22W, 24W and 26W. Their standard size equivalents are 20 1/2,22 1/2, 24 1/2, 26 1/2 and 28 1/2. The women’s sizes are still 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48 and 50.

While these are the US standard clothing sizes, manufacturers may resort to their own individual sizing schemes. It is best to check the brand measurements first.This is the best way to ensure that you get clothes that fit and not too tight or loose.