Knowing the difference between junior and missy sizing is an important part of knowing your correct sizes. When you know which category you fit into, you are able to find a better fit and more flattering styling. So what is the difference?
While there is no one rule to fit every design, here is a basic guideline to help you decide which sizing style works best for you. There are two ways of looking at the differences between junior and missy sizing, style and size/ shape.
Generally, junior sizes are designed for a younger age group. The fit for junior sizes is usually more suitable for the still developing junior body. Typically junior sizes have a straighter, less curvy shape with a smaller bust and hips to better fit a teen shape. Junior clothing is often closer-fitting and more youthfully styled.
Many designers use odd numbers to display junior sizes such as 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, or 11. Junior size 13 is usually the upper limit of sizes, but some designers extend their size range to a size 19. Tops will often be sized XXS, XS, S, M, L, and XL and are shaped in the junior styling.
The missy sizes are often considered the “average” size woman. The designs are fit for any age, and there is a large assortment of missy size fashions on the market today.
Many designers use even numbers to display missy sizes such as 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 or 12. Missy size 18 is often the upper limit of sizes, though some designers extend their size range to a size 20 or even 24. Missy tops will often be sized XS, S, M, L, XL, and XXL and are styled to flatter the more average size woman. The difference between sizes is generally 1-inch. This is true for both junior and missy size ranges.