plus size: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral, but specialized in fashion, retail, and marketing contexts.
Quick answer
What does “plus size” mean?
Clothing designed for people who wear larger than standard sizes.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Clothing designed for people who wear larger than standard sizes.
Pertaining to, or characteristic of, people, models, or products (especially clothing) that are larger than the standard size range in a particular industry.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is nearly identical. The hyphenated form 'plus-size' (adjective) is common in both, but the open form 'plus size' (noun) is also standard.
Connotations
Neutral to positive in both cultures, associated with body positivity and market inclusivity. The term is standard in retail.
Frequency
Very high frequency in fashion and retail contexts in both varieties. Slightly more common in American English marketing discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “plus size” in a Sentence
As a pre-modifying adjective: plus-size [noun] (e.g., plus-size jeans).As a noun: the plus size(s) (e.g., shop for plus sizes).As part of a compound: plus-size model.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “plus size” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The retailer has a brilliant new plus-size range.
- She is a successful plus-size influencer.
American English
- This store carries a great selection of plus-size jeans.
- The magazine featured a plus-size model on the cover.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Crucial term in retail, marketing, and supply chain management for a significant market segment.
Academic
Used in studies of sociology, media studies, marketing, and fashion history concerning body image and consumer demographics.
Everyday
Common in conversations about shopping, fashion, and body image.
Technical
Specific sizing charts and grading rules define the 'plus-size' category, often starting at US size 14/UK size 18 or a specific measurement.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “plus size”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “plus size”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “plus size”
- Using 'plus-size' as a noun to describe a person (e.g., 'She is a plus-size') is generally considered reductive. Prefer 'plus-size person/model' or 'she wears plus sizes'.
- Confusing 'plus-size' with 'oversized', which refers to a loose, fashionably large fit on any body type.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while most commonly marketed to women, 'plus-size' categories also exist for men's and children's clothing, though terms like 'big and tall' are often used for men.
'Curve' is often used as a synonym within the fashion industry, particularly for models, and can sound more modern or stylish. 'Plus-size' remains the broad, standard retail term.
When used as a descriptor for clothing or as a factual category (e.g., 'plus-size model'), it is neutral and standard. Using it as a standalone noun for a person ('a plus-size') can be dehumanizing and should be avoided.
It varies by brand and country. In many US women's brands, it starts at size 14 or 16 (UK 18 or 20). There is no universal standard, which is a common point of consumer frustration.
Clothing designed for people who wear larger than standard sizes.
Plus size is usually neutral, but specialized in fashion, retail, and marketing contexts. in register.
Plus size: in British English it is pronounced /plʌs saɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /plʌs saɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the '+' sign in mathematics adding more material to standard clothing to create 'plus size'.
Conceptual Metaphor
SIZE IS QUANTITY. 'Plus' metaphorically adds a numerical increment to the standard size scale.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'plus-size' LEAST likely to be used?