Dresses Size 16

Find a magical land where all the dresses size 16 fit perfectly and look amazing when worn. There are such places, but you really have to search for them. Thank goodness for the Internet right?

I can promise at least the first part (all dresses size 16), no promises on the second (fit perfectly) but I will strive to give you the measurements that specific designers use. As for the last part, dresses look amazing on any woman of any size, period. The thing that carries a dress isn't a figure, it's confidence. That is why women like Jennifer Lopez can flash their booty and men swoon. Confidence wears a dress. If you're a dress size 16, then you'll find many different styles and colors in this blog (and all the best places to buy).

What is a size 16 though?

Originally, dresses sizes 16 were a lot different than what they are today. In the 1940s and 50s (when women were on average smaller), there was a compiled data from average statistics which developed into the US standard for clothing sizes.

During the 80s figures began changing and just recently they've changed even further. The average dress size in the US is a size 14. That's right those skinny mini actresses that wear a size zero are so far below the average they're a minute population. Today the dress size 16 is varied amongst designers, but the average is the following dimensions:

As you can see all the sizes are pretty similar regarding height. It really pays to check the designer's measurement standards before making your purchase. Luckily any designers I feature here, have the measurement charts included =).

Twenty years ago, when I was 19, I went to work for a department store called Joslins (now a Dillards). At the time I was anywhere between a size 12-18, depending on the brand. Luckily my dress size was closer to a 12, which was easier to find than my pant sizes (14, 16, 18). Actually it was nearly impossible to find those sizes. And if I wanted to buy and dresses size 16 which were sheath or pencil dresses, forget it. I had to move to the plus size section where the dresses and clothing was called 16W. Now 20 plus years ago (1988-1989), it would have taken a miracle to find anything above a size 14 in a designer dress. The only one I can remember clearly was Elizabeth by Liz Claiborne. I wish there was more of her styles now, because I would remain loyal to her brand for the sole reason that she was the only designer of plus women at the time (that I can remember) who didn't make polyester muumuus with giant floral prints of death.

So there I was lucky enough to work in a department store (with a 20% discount) that had a plus size section with some pretty decent clothes. They were few and far between, especially when searching for dresses between size 14 and size 20. The regular women's clothing had maybe 2 pieces anywhere that were larger than size 12 and the plus size women's clothing had maybe 5 pieces below size 20W (bigger than just a basic 20).

The department store itself had a section just for plus women sizes, it was rather large (not compared to regular sizes or even the junior department, but large. Of course they relegated it to the back of the second floor behind the elevators, and to add insult to injury it was one the most profitable women's departments. I typically rang up sales between $500-$1000. Thank goodness things are different today.

Plus size gals have had a long fight to get some clothes that are fashionable and sexy. Now if you want dresses size 16, 18 or even 30, there are choices. Although, size 16 really isn't technically “plus size”, it deserves its own web page.

This site is dedicated to us. The dress size 16 gals! Welcome and I hope you enjoy.