I answered this one a few years ago and it's right here: It's my most popular answer ever and I've seen it lifted word for word on other websites, and copy/pasted word for word by other people for their answers here on YA. I'm going to expand on Plus size: the number is NOT what makes a garment plus size. A 15 in a junior range is NOT plus size. A 16 in the misses section is NOT plus size. A plus size is designed for a different shaped body -so the 16 in the plus size store will fit completely different than the 16 in the misses store and the 15 in the juniors store. The 15 junior is cut with the straighter less curved fit and for an A or B cup bra and the 16 misses is still cut for the 10 inch waist hip difference and a B or small C bra. The plus size is cut for a different waist hip ratios- some are made for the so called apple-bottom shape where the waist is larger than the hip; they are cut for for a larger bra cup size and for the body proportions common in the fuller figured woman. Plus sizes do start at 12 -but these don't fit the the same as a 12 in Banana Republic or any other mall store that uses even sizes. So buy according to your shape: if you have a slim build with little difference between waist and hip go for the juniors if they fit. And if you have curves buy the even numbered sizes -there will be less back-gapping in pants and tops won't feel as tight across the bust. FIT is far more important than any number or whether it's odd or even.
