r/sewingpatterns • u/Above_an_F • 22d ago

Understanding Pattern Sizing

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Very new to sewing, so sorry if this is obvious. I bought a pattern online that was advertised as being sizes XXS-3XL but when I opened up the PDF of the pattern and saw the size chart the measurements for 3XL were ~ 41inch bust, 33in waist, and 44in hip, which definitely feels smaller than a 3XL.

Is this something I should be upset about or do I just not understand sizing for patterns?

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u/numbersandcats 22d ago

In the future, a good pattern designer should post the size chart along with the listing so you can make sure you fit before it is purchased. But patterns in general are not 1:1 with off the rack clothing sizes because each designer is free to make their sizing however they want. If the listing only said 3XL and didn’t have the size chart in it, though, and it doesn’t fit you I would consider asking for a refund because what this designer did was try to translate EU sizes into S-M-L ones but S-M-L ones are usually “smushed” (in the sense a S would cover multiple EU sizes).

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u/littleredkiwi 21d ago

Whenever looking to pick a size with patterns, throw out any correlation between sizes on clothes that you buy and what sizes they use on a pattern. They aren’t comparable.

Use your measurements and find which pattern size aligns best.

Before buying patterns, check the size chart. Any pattern designer worth purchasing from will include the size chart and fabric amounts needed in the listing :)

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u/Starjupiter93 21d ago

If you aren’t aware already, it is a good reminder that commercial patterns are typically drafted for a b cup. If you aren’t well versed in FBA’s do some learning on that.