What Size Is 38W? Plus Size W, X and Numeric Sizes Explained
Roaman's sizes run 10W-44W, and X sizes pair with numeric sizes (1X = 22-24). Measure your bust, waist and hips, then check each style's own Size Chart.
What size is 38W?
38W is a women's plus size near the upper end of the 10W-44W range. On styles sold in paired numeric sizes, it falls in the 38/40 step, just below 42/44 (6X). Your measurements, checked against that product's size chart, confirm the right order.
This is the single most-asked sizing question from our shoppers, and the answer changes slightly by label. A 38W in a dress, a 38/40 in pull-on pants and an X size in a knit top can all describe a similar body, but each product line is graded on its own chart. Treat 38W as your starting point, then let the bust, waist and hip numbers make the final call.
How do W sizes, X sizes and paired numeric sizes line up?
Roaman's uses three labels for the same extended range: single W or women's sizes (such as 14W, 16W), paired numeric sizes (14/16, 18/20) and letter-X sizes. Each X size covers one numeric pair, so 1X = 22-24, 2X = 26-28, 3X = 30-32 and 6X = 42-44.
M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X and 6X are the labels shoppers see on orders; 4X and 5X follow the same even, two-size steps. Not every style comes in every step, so confirm on the product page before you order.
| Letter Label | Paired Numeric | W Sizes Covered |
|---|---|---|
| M | 14-16 | 14W, 16W |
| L | 18-20 | 18W, 20W |
| 1X | 22-24 | 22W, 24W |
| 2X | 26-28 | 26W, 28W |
| 3X | 30-32 | 30W, 32W |
| 4X | 34-36 | 34W, 36W |
| 5X | 38-40 | 38W, 40W |
| 6X | 42-44 | 42W, 44W |
What does the W mean in women's sizes?
The W stands for women's sizing: a pattern cut for a fuller, curvier figure, with more room through the bust, waist, hips and upper arms than a misses garment carrying the same number.
That is why an 18 and an 18W are not interchangeable. The numbers look alike, but the proportions behind them differ, so a shopper who wears a misses 18 elsewhere may find an 18W roomier in some places. The fix is the same every time: compare your measurements against the garment's size chart, and not the number on your old tag.
How do you measure bust, waist and hips for plus size clothing?
You need a soft tape measure, a mirror and about two minutes. Measure over light clothing or the underwear you'll wear with the piece, keep the tape snug but not tight, and record each number in inches.
- Bust: Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your bust, wearing the bra you usually wear, with the tape level across your back.
- Waist: Measure around your natural waist, the narrowest part of your torso, usually just above the belly button. Keep one finger under the tape so it stays comfortable.
- Hips: Stand with feet together and measure around the fullest part of your hips and seat, keeping the tape parallel to the floor.
- Write it down: Note all three numbers in inches. Use the bust for tops, the hips for pants and skirts, and all three for dresses.
Measure again if a number surprises you. A tape that dips at the back or pulls too tight can shift the result by a full size.
Why does each product page list a different size range?
Each style is graded on its own pattern, so its stated range and sizing tip govern. Our Roamans collections run 10W-44W, but an individual piece may start higher or use paired sizes instead of single W or women's size.
Three of our best-loved styles show how much the labels vary:
- The Classic Bend Over® structured straight-leg pant is listed as 12W-44W, with Petite, Petite Short and Tall inseams. Its sizing tip reads: "If you prefer a trimmer, more tailored look: We recommend ordering one size down." Order your regular size for its relaxed, roomy drape.
- The Soft Knit relaxed pull-on pant is sold as 12, then 14/16 through 42/44. If you are a 38W, you'd order the 38/40.
- The sequin lace A-line gown is offered in 14W-44W, with a Petite length option.
The same sizing methodology applies across our plus size dresses and suits, where fit through the bust and hips matters most, and across special-occasion dresses, where lined, structured pieces leave less give. Read the size line under "Fit" on every product page and check your measurements against our Size Chart before you add to bag.
What if you are between sizes?
Size up when your measurements land between two steps, unless the product's sizing tip says the style runs roomy. One shopper put it simply: "Very happy I went up a size, much better fit."
Others have said a style "seems to run large" and suggested ordering one size smaller, so sizing is not identical from piece to piece. A quick decision guide:
- Structured or lined pieces (woven pants, gowns, jackets): go with your largest measurement.
- Relaxed or stretch knits (pull-on pants, tunics): your regular size usually works; size down only if the sizing tip suggests it.
- Reviews mention fit: when several reviewers say a style runs large or small, adjust once in that direction, and always double check the Size Chart.
Can you wear a different size on top and bottom?
Yes, and many women do. Shop tops by your bust measurement and bottoms by your hips; a 1X top paired with 14/16 pants is a common, completely normal split.
That split is the beauty of building a look in separates. Choose tops and sweaters in the size your bust calls for, then pick pants, jeans and skirts by your hip number. If a matching set is sold as separates, the same rule lets you build a head-to-toe look that fits everywhere. For an easy pairing, try one of our tunics over pull-on pants, each in its own size.
How do petite and tall lengths fit into sizing?
Petite and Tall change length, not width. You choose your size from bust, waist and hips, then pick the length option a product offers, such as a shorter or longer inseam.
On the Soft Knit pull-on pant, for example, the regular inseam is 30", Petite is 28" and Tall is 33". The Bend Over pant adds a 25" Petite Short. Only styles that list Petite or Tall on their product page come in those lengths, so check before you order.
Frequently asked questions
Is 1X the same as 22W?
Not exactly. On styles sold in X sizes, 1X is labelled 22-24, so it covers both a 22W and a 24W. If you sit at the larger end of that pair, compare your hips and bust to that product's chart before choosing.
I wear a size 24. Will a 1X (22-24) feel tight?
A 24 is the top of the 1X pair, so fit depends on the cut. In a relaxed style it usually works; in a fitted or structured piece, check the chart and reviews, and consider 2X (26-28) if your measurements sit above the 1X range.
Which size is a 44-inch measurement?
A 44-inch hip or bust is a body measurement, not the size 44W. Find 44 inches in the product's size chart under the matching column (bust for tops, hips for bottoms) and order the size it lands in.
My hips are 50 inches. What size should I order?
Look up 50 inches in the hip column of that style's size chart and order the size it falls in. For pants and skirts, hips usually decide the size; for dresses, compare bust, waist and hips and go with the largest.
How do plus sizes convert to misses sizes?
There is no exact one-to-one conversion, because W sizes are cut on a fuller pattern than a misses size with the same number. Skip the conversion and shop by your bust, waist and hip measurements instead.
Do Roaman's sizes run large?
Some styles do. Reviewers sometimes note a piece "seems to run large" or suggest ordering one size smaller, while others were glad they sized up. Check the product's sizing tip and recent reviews for that specific style.