Finding the perfect jumpsuit can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, especially when you're shopping online. Unlike separates where you can mix and match sizes, a jumpsuit needs to fit your bust, waist, hips, and inseam all at once. This comprehensive sizing guide will help you navigate the complexities of jumpsuit sizing and find pieces that fit beautifully from the first try.
Understanding Australian Sizing Standards
Australian clothing sizes follow a relatively standardised system, but variations between brands can still catch shoppers off guard. Standard Australian women's sizes typically range from 6 to 18, with many brands now offering extended sizing up to 24 or beyond. Understanding where you fall within this range is the first step to successful jumpsuit shopping.
The key measurements for jumpsuit sizing are bust, waist, hips, and inseam. Unlike dresses where the inseam isn't a concern, jumpsuits require careful attention to leg length to avoid the dreaded too-short or pooling-at-the-ankles fit. Your torso length also plays a crucial role, as jumpsuits with a defined waistline need to hit at your natural waist to look proportional.
When between sizes, consider the jumpsuit's fabric. Stretchy materials like ponte or jersey are more forgiving, while woven fabrics like linen or cotton require a more precise fit.
How to Take Your Measurements
Accurate measurements are the foundation of finding your perfect jumpsuit size. Grab a flexible measuring tape and follow these guidelines for the most accurate results. Wear fitted undergarments similar to what you'd wear with a jumpsuit, and stand naturally without sucking in or puffing out.
Bust Measurement
Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your bust, typically at nipple level. Keep the tape parallel to the floor and snug but not tight. This measurement determines whether a jumpsuit will fit comfortably across your chest without gaping or pulling.
Waist Measurement
Find your natural waist by bending to the side—it's the crease that forms, usually about 2.5 centimetres above your belly button. Measure around this point, keeping the tape level. This measurement is crucial for fitted jumpsuits with defined waistlines or belts.
Hip Measurement
Measure around the fullest part of your hips, typically about 20 centimetres below your natural waist. This is usually across the widest part of your buttocks. This measurement affects how jumpsuit legs drape and whether you'll have enough room for comfortable movement.
Inseam Measurement
This measurement is often overlooked but critically important for jumpsuits. Measure from your crotch to where you want the jumpsuit hem to fall. For full-length jumpsuits, this is typically your ankle bone. Consider the heel height you'll typically wear with the jumpsuit when determining your ideal inseam.
- Bust: Fullest part, tape parallel to floor
- Waist: Natural waist (where you bend)
- Hips: Fullest part, about 20cm below waist
- Inseam: Crotch to desired hem length
Decoding Size Charts
Once you have your measurements, compare them to the brand's specific size chart. Most reputable retailers provide detailed measurements for each size. Pay attention to whether measurements are listed as body measurements or garment measurements—there's an important difference.
Body measurements indicate the actual body size the garment is designed for, while garment measurements tell you the finished dimensions of the clothing itself. Garment measurements typically include ease—the extra room built into clothing for comfort and movement. A jumpsuit with 5 centimetres of ease at the bust means the actual garment measures 5 centimetres larger than the stated bust size.
What to Do When Measurements Fall Between Sizes
It's common for your measurements to fall into different size categories. If your bust measures as size 12 but your hips measure as size 14, you'll need to consider the jumpsuit's design. For styles with a loose, flowing bottom, sizing for your bust often works well. For fitted styles, sizing up and considering alterations may be the better choice.
Many Australian women find that international brands run smaller. If shopping from US or European brands, always consult their specific size charts rather than assuming your usual Australian size will translate directly.
Special Sizing Considerations
For Petite Women
If you're under 162 centimetres tall, standard jumpsuits may have torsos that are too long, causing the waistline to sit too low. Look for brands offering petite sizing, or choose styles with adjustable waist definition like wrap designs or removable belts. Cropped jumpsuits or culottes styles often work better for petite frames without requiring alterations.
For Tall Women
Women over 175 centimetres often struggle with jumpsuits that are too short in the torso or have inadequate inseam length. Seek out tall sizing options or look for brands known for generous inseams. Wide-leg styles are more forgiving of slightly short inseams than tapered or skinny leg designs.
For Curvy Figures
If there's a significant difference between your waist and hip measurements, look for jumpsuits with stretch content, wrap styles, or those with elasticated waists. A-line or wide-leg bottoms accommodate curves more comfortably than straight or tapered styles.
Reading Customer Reviews for Sizing Insights
Customer reviews are goldmines of sizing information. Look for reviewers who share their measurements and the size they purchased. Comments like "I'm normally a 12, 165cm tall, and the size 12 fit perfectly" provide invaluable real-world sizing data. Pay particular attention to comments about torso length, as this is where many jumpsuits fail to fit well.
Watch for patterns in reviews. If multiple reviewers mention a jumpsuit runs small or large, adjust your size selection accordingly. Also note comments about fabric stretch—"no give" versus "stretchy and forgiving" can significantly impact your size choice.
When to Consider Alterations
Sometimes the perfect jumpsuit requires minor adjustments. Common alterations include hemming the legs, taking in the waist, or adjusting shoulder straps. When shopping, consider whether the jumpsuit is worth the additional cost and effort of alterations.
Simple hem adjustments are straightforward and relatively inexpensive. Taking in a waist or adjusting a bodice is more complex and costly. If you frequently need significant alterations, you might consider investing in custom or made-to-measure options for your most-worn styles.
Before purchasing a jumpsuit with the intention of alterating it, check the fabric content and construction. Some synthetic fabrics and complex designs are difficult or impossible to alter successfully.
Final Thoughts on Finding Your Perfect Fit
Finding well-fitting jumpsuits becomes much easier once you understand your measurements and how different brands size their garments. Keep a record of your measurements and update them periodically, as our bodies change over time. Note which brands fit you well and what size you wear in each—this reference becomes invaluable for future shopping.
Remember that the goal isn't to fit into a particular size number, but to find jumpsuits that make you look and feel confident. A well-fitting jumpsuit in the "right" size for your body is always more flattering than squeezing into a smaller size or drowning in a larger one. Trust your measurements, read size charts carefully, and don't hesitate to try multiple sizes to find your perfect fit.