If you bought a garment of the right size just to find it ill-fitting, it might not be the manufacturer’s fault but your gap in understanding the sizing. This can well be the case with XXL / 2XL and XXXL / 3XL.
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A plus-size influencer explains the difference and why it is important when shopping.
Not actually the same
As it turns out there's a difference between clothes that are labelled as being 2XL and XXL, as well as 3XL and XXXL and so on. Although it is subtle, it is important if you are particular about the good fit.
Generally, plus-size clothes that are labelled as being XXL are cut the same way as regular sizes - just bigger.
But as sizes get bigger, that often means the length of the clothes, sleeve size and other dimensions will be way too big. The entire garment gets bigger, meaning the length and arm size can be a bit off.
Clothes that are labelled as 2XL are cut specifically with plus-size bodies in mind. This means they alter the pattern rather than just make the entire thing bigger.
Tested by a plus-size influencer
LA-based plus-size influencer Makayla (@amkaylasmith) took to TikTokto show the difference between a t-shirt in a size XXL and 2XL.
She captioned the now-viral video:
Did you know that XXL and 2XL are different? I remind people of this often because it can be so confusing! Just like how 1X is not the same as XL.
Makayla’s comparison showed that the difference was subtle but visible, with the 2XL size fitting significantly better than the XXL.
@amakaylasmith Did you know that XXL and 2XL are different ? 🤔 I remind people of this often because it can be so confusing! Just like how 1X is not the same as XL! #sizingproblems#plussizefashion#fashionquestions#plussizeexperience
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The reaction to the influencer’s clip revealed that there were plenty of people who weren’t aware of the sizing difference.
One viewer commented:
Wait I'm literally plus-size and I didn't know this!
A second one chimed in:
OHH that makes so much sense.
Someone else wrote:
Yes! One is more focused on the stomach area and the other is focused on length.
One more user added:
Omg thank you, I've been wondering, I've got a short torso and never understood why the fit was off.
Sources used:
- The Scottish Sun: 'People are only just realising that XXL and 2XL aren’t actually the same size – here’s the real difference'
