What is the average women's pants size in America?

September 21, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2016 study published in the International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology, and Education, the average size of an American woman is between a size 16 and 18. This shifts the long-held notion that the average size was a 14 and provides crucial context for understanding what is the average women's pants size in America today.

Quick Summary

The average women's pants size in America is now between 16 and 18, a notable increase from previous decades, reflecting changes in body measurements and a shift in the fashion industry. This shift highlights the inconsistency of standardized sizing and the importance of looking beyond the number on the tag.

Key Points

Average Size is 16-18: Recent studies indicate the average women's pants size in America is now between a size 16 and 18, a change from previous years.
Vanity Sizing is Widespread: Clothing sizes are not standardized, and vanity sizing has caused substantial drift, meaning a size 10 today is not the same as a size 10 decades ago.
Focus on Measurements, Not Tags: The best strategy for finding the right fit is to take your own body measurements and consult specific brand size charts.
Inconsistency Causes Frustration: The lack of standardization and variability between brands is a major source of frustration for shoppers and can negatively impact body image.
Size Alone Does Not Determine Health: Experts emphasize that health is not defined by clothing size, promoting a body-positive approach to fashion and self-esteem.
The Industry is Responding Slowly: Despite data showing a larger average size, the fashion industry has been slow to expand its size offerings and represent a wider range of body types.

The Shifting Standard: From Size 14 to 16-18

Recent research indicates a change in the average size of an American woman. While size 14 was previously considered the average, a 2016 study found the average to be between size 16 and 18. This update is important for understanding what is the average women's pants size in America and highlights the need for size inclusivity in the fashion industry. Many brands still do not offer a wide range of sizes, particularly beyond a size 12. As more data becomes available, there is pressure on the industry to better reflect the diversity of women's body types.

The Problem with Vanity Sizing

A major challenge in determining women's clothing sizes is vanity sizing. This practice involves manufacturers labeling clothes with smaller sizes than their actual measurements, which has led to a size 8 today being significantly larger than a size 8 from past decades. Since the Department of Commerce withdrew its sizing standard in 1983, brands have been free to create their own sizing, resulting in inconsistency where a size 10 can fit differently depending on the brand.

This inconsistency can be frustrating for shoppers and negatively affect self-esteem. Online shopping, without the ability to try items on, has amplified this issue, leading to higher return rates.

How Sizing is Determined (or Not)

Historically, women's sizing differed from men's. Men's sizes were based on direct measurements like chest size, while women's sizes used coded numbers corresponding to bust, waist, and hip. Early attempts at standardization didn't fully account for the variety in women's body shapes.

Today, technologies like 3D body scanning help collect more accurate data, but a universal commercial standard for sizing still doesn't exist, leaving sizing to individual brands.

The Impact of Body Image and Health

Discussing average size connects to body image and health. It's important to remember that size doesn't define health. The increase in average size is due to various factors including lifestyle and genetics. Focusing on clothing size can harm mental health and self-esteem. Experts promote focusing on overall well-being and self-acceptance rather than size.

Beyond the Average: How to Find Your Best Fit

Due to inconsistent sizing, focusing solely on an average size isn't helpful. It's more effective to concentrate on your own body measurements.

Practical Steps for a Better Fit

Measure Yourself: Regularly measure your waist, hips, and inseam on bare skin for accuracy.
Consult Size Charts: Always check a brand's specific size chart before buying, especially online.
Read Reviews: Customer reviews can offer useful information about how an item fits.
Embrace Brand Differences: Be aware that sizing varies significantly between different brands.
Consider Fit over Size: Prioritize comfort and how well a garment fits, rather than the size number.

A Comparison of Sizing Systems


Factor	US Sizing (Numeric)	Alpha Sizing (S-M-L)	Men's Sizing
Sizing Basis	Coded numbers based on bust, waist, hip	Approximate size ranges	Based primarily on chest or waist measurements
Consistency	Highly inconsistent due to vanity sizing	Varies greatly between brands	Generally more consistent, based on real measurements
Complexity	More complex with petite, tall, plus variations	Simpler but less precise	Simple, numerical measurements
Fit Issues	Waistband gap, thigh tightness common	Less precise for individual body shapes	Less variable, though individual fit still depends on cut

What This Means for Consumers and the Future

Understanding the complexities around what is the average women's pants size in America? helps navigate the fashion world. The shift in average size reflects a more realistic view of American women's bodies. However, the lack of standardized sizing means shoppers need to be informed. By focusing on measurements and prioritizing fit, women can improve their shopping experience and reject the negative impact of vanity sizing.

The industry is gradually moving towards more inclusivity, partly driven by consumer demand. As brands recognize the market for sizes 14 and up, more diverse sizing options may become more common, benefiting everyone by creating a more inclusive fashion landscape.

For more information on the impact of sizing inconsistency on mental health, you can refer to an article by Katie Couric Media.

Frequently Asked Questions

There is no federally mandated or universally adopted sizing standard for women's clothing in the U.S. Manufacturers are free to determine their own measurements for each size, leading to significant inconsistencies, a practice often referred to as vanity sizing.

Vanity sizing is when clothing brands label garments with smaller sizes than their true measurements. This can create confusion when shopping and negatively affect self-esteem, as a person's size can fluctuate dramatically between different retailers.

While the national average is generally reported as 16-18, specific demographics and regional variations in body proportions can influence average sizes in different areas. However, comprehensive, localized data is not always readily available.

The average size has increased over time. What was considered a size 14 in the 1980s is now closer to a size 8 in modern sizing standards, a direct result of vanity sizing and changes in the average American body.

Focus on your actual body measurements, not the number on the tag. Use a tape measure and compare your numbers to a brand's specific size chart. Reading customer reviews can also provide insights into how a particular item fits.

The industry's methods vary significantly. While some manufacturers use updated body scan data, many still rely on outdated grading systems. The lack of a commercial standard gives brands the freedom to set their own sizing rules.

Yes, it is. The plus-size market (typically sizes 14 and up) is often graded differently. Plus-size patterns are not simply scaled-up standard sizes, as body proportions shift, but many brands still use linear grading, which can result in a poor fit.