Do I wear a Junior or Misses size?

by Hobbie's House of Wizard Wear
(www.wizardknits.com)

What is the difference between a Junior and a Misses size?

As a rule, Juniors are younger in their early teens and have a less developed body while clothing for Ladies in Misses sizes and designed for the classic hour glass or slightly pear shaped figures.

The sizing system for the Junior range of sizes uses odd numbers from size 1-15. Junior plus sizes are also available. Misses sizing systems are even numbers from size "0" upwards, with 6, 8, 10 and 12 being mid range sizes.

In fact, finished measurements for our Junior and Misses sizes as well as commercially produced clothing DO overlap at times. However, there are differences in the fit of these two size ranges.

From the mail we receive, it is apparent that this overlap in measurements between Junior and Misses sizes creates confusion as to which size you should select.

Especially when it comes to sweaters! Please note that Hobbie's sizing charts display our finished sweater measurements and not your actual body measurements.

So, what is the actual difference between the two size ranges? We size our sweaters according to bust/chest measurement, although you should take your shoulder width into account as well. Broad shoulders eat up sleeve length. If you have wide shoulders, check our Men's sizes. Men's sweaters are drafted with a wider back shoulder width.

We use a modified set-in sleeve style which allows even more freedom of movement in the shoulder and armhole area.

We've included body measurement charts provided by Simplicity Patterns. They are perfect for visualizing not only size ranges but how sizes in 2 or more size ranges can come close to being "the same".

For example...we just finished knitting a Junior 3, which is very close to a Child's size 10 and a Ladies size 2! The chest measurements are very similar indeed. But that is where the similarity ends. The "fit" for each size range is completely different.

Children have virtually no waistline. Junior have a longer torso and are taller than children. Misses have a more developed and proportioned figure than Juniors.

No two size tables will ever be the same as each manufacturer follows their own set of measurements. The very same size will fit differently depending not only on how the manufacturers cut/sew/knit their clothing but especially on what target market they are aiming for.

Think of any size chart as a guide not something written in stone. No two commercially produced garments will ever fit the same way.