The Truth Behind the “W” in Women’s Sizing (And Why It Matters)
If you’ve ever picked up a tag that says 14W, 16W, or 18W and thought,
“Does that mean wide?” You are not alone.
Let’s clear this up once and for all:
The “W” does NOT stand for wide.
It stands for Women’s.
And that one little letter makes a big difference in how your clothes actually fit.
Regular vs. Women’s Sizing: What’s the Difference?
In most brands, sizes are split into two categories:
- Misses (straight sizing) – typically 0–14
- Women’s (plus sizing) – typically 14W–28W (and beyond)
The difference isn’t just the number on the tag.
It’s the entire fit model and cut of the garment.
Misses Sizing
Misses sizes are generally cut:
- Straighter through the hips
- Narrower through the thighs
- Smaller in the bust
- With less room in the upper arms
They assume fewer curves.
Women’s Sizing (That “W”)
Women’s sizing is intentionally designed with:
- More room through the hips
- More space in the thighs
- A fuller bust allowance
- Better proportions for curves
- Roomier upper arms
Because guess what?
Women have curves.
And we don’t carry them in a straight line.
The “W” means the garment was patterned to accommodate where many women naturally carry weight — hips, thighs, bust, and tummy — without pulling, gaping, or cutting in.
It’s about proportion, not width.
Why This Matters (Especially If You’ve Been Frustrated)
If you’ve ever said:
- “Why does this fit in the waist but not the hips?”
- “Why does this pull across my chest?”
- “Why does this feel tight in the arms?”
There’s a good chance you were trying on a Misses cut when your body would be better served by a Women’s cut.
And here’s the important part:
👉 The number doesn’t define you.
👉 The letter doesn’t define you.
👉 It’s just a fit system.
Different pattern blocks. Different proportions. Same beautiful body.
The Confidence Piece No One Talks About
For years, the fashion industry made “Women’s” sizing feel like a separate category — or worse, something to hide.
But here’s the truth:
The “W” isn’t a downgrade.
It’s a design upgrade.
It means:
- Thoughtful patterning
- Intentional curve allowance
- Clothing made to actually work with your body
At Love Marlow, we carry sizes 8–28 because we believe every woman deserves clothing that honors her shape — not forces her to fit into something that wasn’t designed for her.
You shouldn’t have to size up three times just to get room in your hips.
You shouldn’t have to avoid blazers because the arms are tight.
You shouldn’t have to “make it work.”
You deserve clothes that were made with you in mind.
Why Love Marlow Offers Sizes 8–28
At Love Marlow, we believe every woman deserves clothing that celebrates her shape—not clothing that asks her to change it.
That's why we carefully curate fashionable mid and plus-size clothing and mid-size styles in sizes 8–28.
As a welcoming mid and plus-size boutique in Sioux Falls, we personally fit-test styles, take detailed measurements, and provide honest fit recommendations so you can shop with confidence.
Whether you're looking for everyday basics, dresses, denim, or workwear, we're here to help you find pieces that fit beautifully and make you feel amazing.
So Next Time You See a “W”…
Remember:
It doesn’t mean wide.
It means Women’s.
It means curvy.
It means room where you actually need it.
And most importantly, it means the garment was built for a real woman’s body.
And that’s something worth embracing. 💕
Ready to Find Your Best Fit?
If you’ve ever been confused about sizing, we’re here to help. At Love Marlow, we measure, try on, and test everything so we can give real recommendations — not guesswork.
Because confidence starts with fit.
And fit starts with understanding what that little “W” really means.
