Plus-size clothing for women is generally defined as size 18 and up, but many women sit in the “mid-size” range from size 14 to 18. This is the no-woman's land between regular brands, also known as “straight-size”, and “plus-size”.
Seventy percent of women in the United States are a size 14 or above, and that's technically 'plus-size,' so you're taking your biggest category of people and telling them, 'You're not really worthy. '”
As an average, a Medium is likely to be a around a size 12. Generally a Small will be an AU 8-10 and a Large an AU 14-16. An Extra Small is likely to be a size 6, with an Extra Large likely to be a size 18.
Some departments may designate a size 12 as plus-size while others use a size 14. But according to Modeling Wisdom, plus-size models often fall into the range of sizes 8 to 12. Sometimes, even a size 6 can be considered.
“Plus-size” is defined as any size above 18. Despite plus-sized people being the majority in Australia, clothing that is not plus-sized, also referred to as “straight” sized, is considered the standard.
Traditionally straight-sized retailers have extended up to sizes 22 via “extended sizing,” while “plus sizes” run from 12-22 (or with even more offerings, 12-32). Caveat: traditionally, most plus-size retailers started at size 14 and some straight sizes go to size 12.
Generally, yes, most people I know around a 14 I'd consider overweight but that doesn't mean I don't also think they're beautiful. Of course it's overweight. But then most people are these days, so it's normal. Under/healthy/overweight are factual categories based on weight and height, not dress size.
The majority of American women wear a size 14 or above, which is considered “plus size” or “curvy” in the fashion industry.
Using the BMI (body mass index) chart, at 5 ft 4 inches the normal weight range is from 110 to 140 pounds. Overweight would be 145 to 169 pounds. Obesity is anything past 174 pounds. What size jeans do I wear if I weigh 220 pounds?
Size 14 is not a plus size. It is the size of the average Australian woman.
This is what might politely be called the chubby category, with body mass indexes (a measure of weight for height) of 25 to 30. A woman, for instance, who is 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighs between 146 and 175 pounds.
Summary. “Fat” and “plus-size” are terms often used to refer to people who live and occupy space in a larger body. “Plus size” is a term often used in the fashion industry, typically to refer to clothing marketed primarily to women. In general, body descriptors should only be included when necessary and relevant.
Plus-size does not mean fat or obese .
One can have a larger body frame but still be a healthy body weight. Also, healthy body weight and size can vary by individual.
XL means extra large and translates to women's sizes 16 - 18.