Converting Children’s Plus Size 14-16 to Adult Sizes: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

When it comes to sizing, clothing that is labeled as 'children’s plus size' 14-16 often requires careful consideration before a purchase, especially for smaller adults or taller children. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to understanding how to convert children’s plus size 14-16 clothing to adult sizes. Whether you're an SEO professional looking to improve your website's content or a buyer considering the fit of children’s clothing for an adult, this article will offer valuable insights.

General Conversion Rules

Typically, a children’s plus size 14-16 will convert to an adult size in the range of XS to S. However, it's crucial to understand that clothing sizes can vary significantly between different brands and manufacturers. Therefore, always refer to the specific size charts provided by the brand to ensure accuracy.

Specific Conversions and Fits

Shirts and Tops

For unisex shirts and boys' and girls' youth/juniors' tops, the conversion is often from children’s sizes L (14H) to XS or S for adults. The fit can be influenced by the child's shoulder and rib measurements. If the child has narrow shoulders and ribs, a size XS is usually suitable; if they have a broader build, an S is more appropriate. These shirts are designed for adults with average heights of around 5'4" to 5'9", which will make them appear extra long. This is manageable, but the shirt can easily be taken in if needed, as long as any printed designs are not affected during the process.

Girls' Junior Sizes

For girls’ junior sizes, the conversion is from children’s sizes 14-16 to adults’ sizes S or 1-5. The fit will accommodate small breast development and widened hips, making them suitable for a range of women's clothing. If the child has slender shoulders and ribs, a smaller size may be more appropriate; if they have a broader build, a larger size is recommended. Additionally, younger women typically have shorter torsos, so it's wise to look for petite or short fits to ensure a comfortable and flattering fit.

BOTTOMS

For adult women's bottoms, a conversion from 14-16 to sizes 2-4 is common. If the child’s inseam is shorter, consider a petite or short fit. For boy’s junior bottoms, a size S or 1-3 is appropriate, with some being very slim. In such cases, it's easier to go up a size for a better fit. Mens' bottoms should be fitted based on the waist measurement, which is measured just above the hips and below the belly button. The crotch to foot inseam length should also be considered.

Personal Shopping Experience

As a parent of an 8-year-old child who is taller than average, I often have to convert child’s plus size clothing to adult sizes. Here are some practical tips based on my experiences:

In unisex shirts, use size XS for narrow shoulders and ribs, and size S for broader builds to allow for some extra length. For girls' shirts, consider a size S or 1-5, with smaller sizes for slender builds and larger sizes for broader builds to accommodate small breast development and widened hips. Boys' youth/juniors' clothing can easily be converted to sizes S or numbers 1-3, as they often fit within this range. Adult women's bottoms typically require sizes 2-4, with the additional option of petite or short fits for shorter inseam lengths. For mens' clothing, sizes should be based on waist measurements, with similar adjustments for inseam lengths.

Conclusion

Clothing size conversions can be challenging, but with careful consideration and accurate size charts, a child’s plus size 14-16 can easily be converted to the appropriate adult size. By understanding the specific measurements and being aware of brand-specific sizing, you can ensure that the clothing fits both comfortably and stylishly. Happy shopping!