What Size is 14 Plus in Jeans?

You're shopping for jeans and see two options: size 14 and size 14 plus. You assume they're almost the same, but this confusion often leads to a bad fit and frustrating returns.

In my two decades of running a denim factory, I've worked with the technical patterns for countless brands. The difference between a "misses" size 14 and a "plus" size 14W is one of the most common points of confusion for shoppers. They are not sequential sizes. They are two different sizing systems based on two different body shapes. Understanding this is the key to finally getting the fit you want.

You see the number "14" in both sizes and think the "plus" just means a little extra room. This logical assumption is, unfortunately, what leads to so many jeans not fitting correctly.

When a designer like Dean sends my factory a project, the sizing system is a critical piece of information. The "grade rules"—the mathematical formula for creating different sizes—are totally different for misses and plus lines. For a misses size, going from a 12 to a 14 means adding inches in a relatively straight, linear way.

But for a plus size pattern, we don't just make it bigger; we reshape it. We use a different base pattern, or "block," that already has more room built into the hips, bottom, and thighs relative to the waist.

The core of the issue is that the apparel industry uses two separate sizing scales for adult women that happen to overlap at the number 14.

Misses Sizing (e.g., 2, 4, 6...14): This is the standard sizing you see in most stores. It's based on a fit model with a straighter, less curvy body type. The hip-to-waist difference is less pronounced.

You see a size label that says "14/16," which adds even more uncertainty. Are you buying a 14 or a 16? This combined sizing feels like a gamble.

From a manufacturing standpoint, combined sizing is an efficiency strategy for brands. Creating and stocking every single individual size is expensive. By using a very stretchy denim fabric, a brand can create one garment that comfortably fits a wider range of customers.

When we produce a "14/16," the fit specification is usually based on a model who is closer to the 16W end of the spectrum. This ensures the garment isn't too tight for those who wear a 16W, while the stretch in the fabric allows it to still fit someone who is a 14W. However, this also means the fit can be less precise than a single-size garment.

The move toward combined and lettered sizing is a response to both consumer confusion and business logistics.

Simplifying for the Customer: In theory, moving to a simpler system like S-XL and 1X-4X makes it easier for shoppers. A size 1X is a clearer "category" than trying to decide between a 14W and a 16W.

The Role of Stretch: This strategy only works because of modern fabric technology. The high-stretch denim we work with today can comfortably expand and contract to fit different body shapes within a certain range. This wasn't possible with the rigid, 100% cotton denim of the past.

Always remember to check the brand's specific size chart, as these are general guidelines, not universal rules.

You're trying to shop across different brands, but a "size 14" seems to mean something different everywhere you look. You need a way to translate between the different sizing languages.

The lack of a standardized sizing system is the biggest challenge in the apparel industry. A designer can create a perfect fit on their model, but if their brand's "Large" is another brand's "Medium," the customer is left confused. This is why I always advise clients to provide detailed measurement charts. 

The numbers are just labels; the actual inches or centimeters are the only truth. For jeans, the most important numbers are the waist, hip, and inseam. Knowing your own measurements is the most powerful tool you have when shopping.

Let's break down the most common systems you'll encounter and how a size 14 fits into each.

As you can see, a "size 14" can mean four completely different things. It highlights why blindly trusting the number on the tag is a recipe for a poor fit. The smartest shoppers, and the best designers, focus on the actual measurements of the garment.

A size 14 plus is not a bigger size 14; it is a different cut for a curvier body. To find the right fit, always ignore the label and trust the brand's measurement chart.