Finding clothing that fits correctly can be frustrating because the US women’s sizing system is not standardized. A size 20 from one retailer may fit completely differently than the same size from another. This inconsistency forces shoppers to convert the abstract tag size into a concrete physical measurement, such as inches, to determine the best fit. Understanding the actual body measurements associated with a size 20 is the only reliable way to navigate apparel shopping.
Standard US Size 20 Waist Measurement
A US Women’s Size 20 typically corresponds to a natural waist measurement in the range of 36 to 38 inches. This measurement is generally taken at the narrowest part of the torso, usually located just above the belly button. This figure should be recognized as a general guideline, not a universal standard. This size often falls into the “plus size” category, sometimes using a “W” designation (e.g., 20W), which may follow different measurement conventions.
The size 20 is often grouped with size 18 in many general sizing charts, which contributes to measurement variability. Some plus-size charts may place a size 20 at a natural waist measurement closer to 40 or even 43 inches. This wide discrepancy highlights that the tag size is merely a starting point for finding the right garment. Shoppers should always look beyond the single number on the label to find the actual dimensions of the clothing.
The Impact of Vanity Sizing and Brand Differences
The wide range of measurements for a size 20 is largely due to vanity sizing. This is the practice where manufacturers gradually increase the physical dimensions of a garment while keeping the size number the same. A size 20 garment purchased today is physically larger than a size 20 garment from several decades ago, even though the label remains unchanged.
Vanity sizing is a marketing strategy intended to appeal to consumers by allowing them to fit into a numerically smaller size. Because there is no mandated federal or industry standard for clothing sizes in the United States, each brand is free to create its own proprietary size chart. This means a size 20 from a fast-fashion brand might be cut much larger than a size 20 from a heritage or designer brand.
The lack of standardization means a shopper who wears a size 20 in one brand might need to size up or down in another brand to achieve the same fit. This variability is especially pronounced in the plus-size market, where the grading—the proportional increase between sizes—can differ significantly between manufacturers. Relying solely on the tag size without consulting a brand’s specific size chart is a common mistake that leads to poor fit.
Measuring Your Waist for the Best Fit
The most reliable way to ensure a proper fit is to take your own body measurements and compare them directly to a brand’s size chart. To find your natural waist, bend to the side and locate the natural crease that forms in your torso. This narrowest point is where the measurement should be taken, keeping the tape measure snug but not tight.
For pants and skirts, it is also important to measure the lower waist or hip area, as many garments sit below the natural waistline. The hip measurement should be taken around the fullest part of your hips and buttocks, standing with your feet together. This measurement is often more relevant for determining the correct size in bottoms.
Once you have these precise measurements, cross-reference the specific size chart provided by the retailer. This action bypasses the confusion of vanity sizing and inconsistent tag numbers, providing an objective basis for selecting the correct size. Always prioritize the garment’s actual inch measurements over the arbitrary size number printed on the label.