Fundamental Differences

• Women's and Misses' sizes are not synonymous. There are differences based on the cut of the garment. Typically, plus sizes are referred to as Women's sizes. They range from 1X to 5X and beyond, depending on the manufacturer. Misses' sizes, however, are those even-numbered sizes from 2-14.
  
  

Labeling

• When shopping for Women's sizes, you'll sometimes notice a "W" or an "X" following a number. The "W" is for Women's---24W stands for a Women's size 24. The "X" is short for "extra" as in extra-large times one, or whatever the number is that precedes the "X."
  
  

Government Involvement

• According to ANSI (American National Standards Institute), studies conducted by the Federal Government in both the 1930s and 1970s led to the development of Voluntary Product Standards. For several years, manufactures adhered to those guidelines. Unfortunately, during the last 20 or so years, companies have set their own standards based on what they feel is appropriate for their consumer group.
  
  

Bust Accommodation

• One of the fundamental differences between Women's and Misses' sizes is in the bust area. The bust area of a Women's garment is larger as are the armholes to accommodate a larger forearm. Essentially, Misses' has become an extension of Junior clothing (odd numbers are typically used to distinguish Junior sizing).
  
  

National Averages

• According to a recent study conducted by the Size USA, using a light-pulsing 3-D body scanner, the average size for American women is 14, as opposed to what the fashion industry considers average, which is a size 8. Prior to this study, the last nationwide survey was conducted in 1941 and was conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.