Pinup Fashion size guide

Take four measurements

Use a soft tape and a mirror, and wear the bra you will wear with the dress.

• Bust: around the fullest part, with the tape level across your back.
• Waist: around the narrowest part of your torso, usually just above the navel.
• Hips: around the fullest part of your seat, with your feet together.
• Length: from the top of your shoulder, where a strap would sit, down to where you want the hem, standing in your shoes.

Misses sizes and plus sizes

Misses sizes are letter sizes, from XXS up. Plus sizes are written with a W, such as 18W. On the dresses they start at 14W, and two cover-ups start at 12W. Many Pinup Fashion styles come in both ranges, and the size list on the product page shows the plus sizes with the W.

The two ranges are graded differently, so do not assume a 1X or an XXL in another brand equals a particular W size here. Your own measurements are the safer guide.

Let the fabric decide between two sizes

Look at the fabric line under Details. A blend with 5 or 10 percent spandex gives a little, so your usual size tends to be right. A 100 percent polyester chiffon, a lined bodice or a sequin top has no give, so take the larger of two sizes.

Smocked bodices and elastic waists stretch the most. On those, choose by the part of you the dress does not gather, such as the hips on a smocked sundress.

Length and your height

A maxi or floor-length gown lands differently on a 5 foot 2 frame than on a 5 foot 9 frame. Measure your shoulder-to-floor length in your shoes. If you are petite, high-low and maxi styles are easier to wear straight from the box than a true floor-length gown.

Swimwear and cover-ups

For swim skirts, skorts and capris, go by your swim bottom size, since the waistband is what holds them up in the water. Cover-ups are cut loose to go over a suit, so take the size of the swimsuit you wear underneath.

Size ranges shelf by shelf

These are the ranges each shelf is cut in today. A single color may skip a size, so the product page is the final word.