What size is 1X, 2X, 3X? Plus sizes explained
What 1X, 2X and 3X mean, how they compare to XL, 2XL and numeric sizes like 16 to 24, real measurements from brand charts, and how to pick your size.
1X, 2X and 3X are women's plus sizes. 1X is usually the first plus size, close to a numeric 14W to 16W, 2X is about 18W to 20W, and 3X is about 22W to 24W. Brands do not share one chart, so the safe way to choose is to compare your bust, waist and hip measurements to the size chart for the piece you want.
What does 1X, 2X, 3X mean?
The X sizes are a letter system for the plus range, the way S, M and L are a letter system for straight sizes. Each X size usually covers two numeric sizes. Outdoor Research, which explains its own sizing in detail, writes plus sizes as 1X, 2X, 3X and 4X, and numeric plus sizes as 18W to 24W. The W stands for women's, the traditional label for plus fit.
In the US, ASTM International publishes a standard table of body measurements for the plus women's figure type, covering sizes 14W to 40W. Brands use standards like this as a starting point, then adjust to their own fit model, which is why two 2X tops can feel different.
Is 2X the same as XXL?
Not quite, and this is where a lot of confusion comes from. Outdoor Research explains it well. Extended sizes like XL and XXL are usually graded up from a straight-size base pattern, commonly a medium, and keep a similar hip-to-waist ratio in every size. Plus sizes like 1X and 2X are built to fit a fuller waist and change proportions as the size goes up. As one of their ambassadors puts it, when sizes move too far from the medium base, the proportions get weird: huge seat, tight shoulders.
- XL, 2XL, 3XL: often extended straight sizes. The shape stays the same, just bigger.
- 1X, 2X, 3X: plus sizes, cut for plus proportions.
- Both systems can overlap in measurements. The cut is what differs.
- Some brands, including us, use XL to 3XL labels on pieces cut for curves. Always read the chart, not just the label.
What measurements are 1X, 2X and 3X?
Here are two real brand charts side by side, so you can see how much they differ.
- Target (Awake plus tops chart): 1X is bust 46, waist 39, hip 48 inches. 2X is bust 49, waist 42, hip 51. 3X is bust 52, waist 45, hip 54.
- Nike women's plus chart: 1X is bust 45 to 49, waist 41 to 45, hip 46 to 50 inches. 2X is bust 49 to 53, waist 45 to 49, hip 50 to 54. 3X is bust 53 to 57, waist 49 to 53, hip 54 to 58.
- Numeric matching: another Target brand chart lists 1X as a 16, 2X as 18/20 and 3X as 22/24.
Notice the waist. A 39 inch waist is a 1X on the Target chart but sits below the smallest waist in Nike's 1X range, and Target's 3X waist of 45 inches is where Nike's 2X starts. That is why you should measure. Our guide on how to measure yourself at home shows where to put the tape.
Is 1X bigger than XL?
Usually, but not by a fixed amount. In many brands, 1X picks up right where XL ends, so a 1X is the next step after XL. The bigger change is in the cut. A 1X is often roomier through the waist and hips for the same bust, while an XL keeps straight-size proportions. If XL tops pull across your middle but fit your shoulders, a 1X may fit better. If 1X feels loose at the shoulders, an XL or 2XL in a relaxed cut might be the answer. You can only tell by comparing the chart and the fit note, so keep your measurements saved in your phone.
How do you pick the right plus size?
- Measure your bust at the fullest point, your natural waist, and the fullest part of your hips.
- Use the chart for that exact product, not the brand's general chart if a product chart exists.
- Decide which measurement leads. For tops, usually bust. For pants and shapewear, usually waist and hips.
- Read the fit note. Oversized, relaxed and fitted pieces are meant to sit differently on the same body.
- If you land between two sizes, read what size to get between sizes.
How do our sizes compare?
We label most pieces with letter sizes and give a measurement-based chart on each product page, since that is what actually tells you the fit. The Everyday Set pairs our stretch skinny jeans and heavyweight cotton tee, both M to 3XL, with the belted utility shirt in XL to 4XL. Jeans go by waist and hips; the tee and shirt go by bust. Our Smoothing Faja Bodysuit runs S to 3XL; choose it by your relaxed waist, check your hip, and size up between sizes.
Bras use a different system altogether. Our Lace Underwire Bra and Brief Set comes in US 36DD to 46DD, so you choose your band and cup, not an X size. Every size is a DD cup, and it ships from China, so it takes longer to arrive. Bras and shapewear are final sale, so measure first.
Why do sizes vary so much between brands?
Each brand builds its pattern on its own fit model and its own customer, so the same letter can mean different inches. Pieces made overseas can also start from a different body-measurement standard. We explain that side in why overseas sizes run small. The fix is the same every time: trust the inches, not the letter.
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Questions
What size is 1X in women's?
1X is usually the first plus size, roughly a numeric 14W to 16W depending on the brand. One Target brand chart maps 1X to a 16, while a Nike chart lists 1X for a 45 to 49 inch bust.
Is 2X the same as XXL?
Not always. Outdoor Research explains that XXL is often an extended straight size cut from a medium base pattern, while 2X is a plus size built to fit a fuller waist. The two can measure similarly but fit differently.
What numeric size is 3X?
Often around a 22W to 24W. One Target brand chart lists 3X as 22/24, but always check the measurements, because brands do not share one standard.
Does the X stand for extra large?
In 1X, 2X and 3X, the number and X together name a step in the plus size range. It is a separate label from XL, 2XL and 3XL, which many brands use for extended straight sizes.
How do I know if I am a 1X or a 2X?
Measure your bust, natural waist and the fullest part of your hips, then compare all three to that brand's chart. If you land in two sizes, follow the product's fit note.
Keep reading
Sources: Outdoor Research: plus size, extended size and straight size explained · ASTM D6960: body measurements for plus women's figure type · Target: Awake women's plus size chart · Target: Fortune Fashions women's plus size chart · Nike: women's plus size chart