Welcome. We're about to change the way you think about finding your perfect fit. Here, confidence and self-expression are the only measurements that truly matter. This guide is so much more than a standard womens top size chart—it's your invitation to celebrate your unique shape with the bold, creative spirit that makes Brooklyn what it is.
Find Your Vibe: An Inspired Introduction to Fit
In Brooklyn, style isn't about chasing trends. It's about setting your own. From the artist lofts in Bushwick, once home to countless garment factories, to the historic brownstones of Bed-Stuy where poets and activists changed the world, the one thing everyone has in common is their fierce individuality. We've poured that exact same energy into how we approach fit, because we believe a size chart should be a tool that empowers you, not a set of rules that holds you back.
Think of it this way: just as a Gowanus artist finds beauty in the industrial canals or a Coney Island dreamer sees magic in a century-old rollercoaster, finding the right top is about discovering the silhouette that best tells your story. It’s a journey where feeling comfortable in your own skin and feeling confident in your clothes finally meet. Our mission is to look past the generic numbers and help you find that one piece that feels like it was made just for you.
If you're looking to build a closet that truly speaks to who you are, check out these tips on how to build a capsule wardrobe. It's a great starting point for choosing versatile pieces that let your personal style shine.
True style isn’t about the size on the tag, but the feeling you get when you wear something that perfectly captures your spirit. It’s about owning your look with the unapologetic confidence Brooklyn is famous for—the kind that built the Brooklyn Bridge when everyone said it was impossible.
How to Take Your Measurements Accurately
The first step to finding a top that feels like it was made for you is taking a moment to get your measurements. This isn't about chasing a specific number on a tag; it's about honoring your unique shape and giving yourself the gift of a perfect fit. Think of your measuring tape as a tool for self-discovery, creating a personal blueprint that unlocks incredible style and confidence.
This simple journey—from expressing your style to measuring your form—is the secret to finding pieces you'll love for years to come.
As you can see, getting those numbers right is the essential bridge connecting your personal expression with the style you ultimately wear. Let's walk through that crucial middle step together.
Step-by-Step Measuring Guide
For the most accurate numbers to use with our womens top size chart, grab a soft measuring tape and follow these easy instructions. The key is to stand naturally, keeping the tape comfortably snug—not pulling it tight—and parallel to the floor.
- Bust: This is the most important measurement for ensuring a top fits beautifully. Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your bust, ideally while wearing a non-padded bra. This measurement is key to avoiding any unwanted pulling across the chest and guarantees the fabric drapes just right.
- Waist: To find your natural waist, look for the narrowest part of your torso, which is usually right above your belly button. Measure around this point; this number is what truly defines the silhouette of any top you wear.
- Hips: For our longer tops and tunics, your hip measurement is vital. It ensures the garment flows gracefully instead of clinging or bunching up. Stand with your feet together and measure around the widest part of your hips and bottom.
Taking your measurements is an act of self-care. It’s about understanding your body on your own terms and using that knowledge to choose clothes that make you feel unstoppable, just like the creative energy flowing from the Brooklyn Navy Yard, a place reborn from building warships to launching startups.
Armed with these three simple numbers, you now have everything you need to navigate our size chart with total confidence and find a top that truly celebrates you.
The Complete Women's Top Size Chart
Okay, you've got your measurements—now for the fun part. Let's find you a top that feels like it was made just for you. This is more than just matching numbers to a chart; it's about discovering a fit that captures your confidence and lets you express exactly who you are.
Every one of our tops has its own personality, just like the diverse and vibrant neighborhoods of Brooklyn. Think of this chart as your personal roadmap to finding a piece that doesn't just fit your body, but fits your life.
This women's top size chart is designed to be your trusted guide. Use it to line up your unique measurements with our sizing, and choose the top that will make you feel incredible and completely at home in your own skin.
Official Women's Size Chart (Inches/CM)
Here is the definitive guide to our sizing at The Brooklyn Initiative. We’ve included both inches and centimeters to make it as easy as possible to find your perfect fit, no matter how you measure.
Simply compare your bust and waist measurements to the numbers below to find the size we recommend for you.
| Size | Bust (in) | Bust (cm) | Waist (in) | Waist (cm) | Fit Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 32 - 34 | 81 - 86 | 24 - 26 | 61 - 66 | Varies |
| S | 34 - 36 | 86 - 91 | 26 - 28 | 66 - 71 | Varies |
| M | 36 - 38 | 91 - 97 | 28 - 30 | 71 - 76 | Varies |
| L | 38 - 41 | 97 - 104 | 30 - 33 | 76 - 84 | Varies |
| XL | 41 - 44 | 104 - 112 | 33 - 36 | 84 - 91 | Varies |
| 2XL | 44 - 47 | 112 - 119 | 36 - 40 | 91 - 102 | Varies |
| 3XL | 47 - 50 | 119 - 127 | 40 - 44 | 102 - 112 | Varies |
Keep in mind that the "Fit Style" column notes that the silhouette can vary from piece to piece. We'll dive into what that means next!
Understanding Fit Style Notes
The fit is where a garment's true character shines. It’s what distinguishes the effortless cool of a Williamsburg creative from the sharp, polished look of a DUMBO professional. Each top we design has a specific silhouette in mind, and knowing the difference will help you nail your look every time.
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Slim Fit: These pieces are crafted to beautifully follow your natural shape. The cut is closer to the body for a modern, defined silhouette, but never restrictive. It’s perfect for layering under a jacket or standing out all on its own.
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Relaxed Fit: When comfort and a free-flowing vibe are your top priorities, this is the fit for you. It's designed with more room through the chest and waist, creating a gorgeous drape that moves right along with you.
Pro-tip: These fits are simply our starting point—your personal style is what truly matters. Feel free to size up in a Slim Fit top to get a slouchier, more casual look, or try sizing down in a Relaxed Fit for a slightly more tailored feel. True style is all about making it yours.
Decoding International Size Conversions
Just as Brooklyn is a melting pot of cultures, languages, and ideas from around the globe, fashion sizing is a global language with many different dialects. Did you know over 200 languages are spoken in Brooklyn alone? Shopping for a top online can feel just as complex, where a size you know by heart in one country means something totally different in another. Think of this section as your personal translator, here to help you navigate the world of sizing with total confidence.
Knowing these differences is empowering. It lets you find your perfect fit, no matter where your style journey takes you. It’s about seeing the bigger picture—recognizing that, like the diverse communities from Flatbush to Greenpoint, different sizing systems were simply created for different people.
International Size Conversion Quick Reference
The first step to navigating global fashion is understanding how your US size stacks up internationally. This quick-reference table is designed to make that simple, giving you a clear comparison between US, UK, EU, and Japanese (JIS) sizing standards.
| US Size | UK Size | EU Size | Japan (JIS) Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 6 - 8 | 34 - 36 | 7 - 9 |
| S | 10 - 12 | 38 - 40 | 11 - 13 |
| M | 14 - 16 | 42 - 44 | 15 - 17 |
| L | 18 - 20 | 46 - 48 | 19 - 21 |
| XL | 22 - 24 | 50 - 52 | 23 - 25 |
| 2XL | 26 - 28 | 54 - 56 | 27 - 29 |
| 3XL | 30 - 32 | 58 - 60 | 31 - 33 |
While this table is a fantastic starting point, nothing beats your own measurements. Always treat them as your most reliable guide and cross-reference with our main womens top size chart to lock in that perfect fit.
The Story Behind Global Sizing
Ever wondered why these sizing systems are all over the map? A US size 16 (which corresponds to a 41-43 inch bust) can be a 44 in the UK, while a US 10-12 (35-37 inch bust) might reflect entirely different body proportions in Asia. It's a fascinating bit of history: the US system is still influenced by standards from the 1940s, while Europe shifted to metric-based measurements in the 2000s, and Japan developed its own unique JIS system.
It’s not just trivia—these differences have a real-world impact. A 2023 study revealed that a medium top in Japan might offer 5-8 cm less room in the chest than its US counterpart. This kind of discrepancy causes returns to spike by a massive 20-30% in cross-border e-commerce. You can explore more of these fascinating global sizing statistics and their impact.
Just like Brooklyn's ever-evolving creative scene—from the birth of hip-hop in the 70s to today's indie maker movement—sizing standards are not static. They reflect history, culture, and the unique populations they were designed to serve.
How to Choose a Top for Your Body Shape
Just like every Brooklyn neighborhood has its own distinct vibe, every body has its own beautiful, unique shape. The real secret to building a wardrobe you absolutely love isn't about chasing trends; it's about understanding how different cuts and styles can make you feel your best. This is where you move beyond the numbers on a womens top size chart and discover the confidence that comes from a truly perfect fit.
Think of your body shape as your personal blueprint for incredible style. When you embrace it, you start finding tops that feel like they were made just for you.
Styling for Your Unique Silhouette
Let's explore how different fits can play up your natural shape and make you feel unstoppable. These aren't rigid rules, just friendly suggestions to inspire you on your style journey.
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Pear Shape (Wider Hips): For a beautiful sense of balance, try a relaxed fit top that drapes gracefully over your hips. To celebrate your proportions, look for pieces that draw the eye upward—think interesting necklines, a pop of bright color, or delicate shoulder details.
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Apple Shape (Fuller Midsection): A-line tops are fantastic because they create definition right under the bust before flowing away from the midsection. A relaxed fit here gives you room to move with comfort and grace, offering an effortlessly chic silhouette without clinging.
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Hourglass Shape (Defined Waist): You were made for a slim fit top. This cut follows and highlights your natural curves beautifully. Any style that wraps or cinches at the waist will be your best friend, creating a powerful and timeless look.
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Rectangle Shape (Straight Silhouette): You have a wonderfully versatile canvas to work with! You can create curves and add dimension with tops that feature ruffles, peplums, or bold patterns. On the other hand, a simple slim fit top can create a sleek, modern, and very sophisticated line.
Your body is a work of art. The right top is simply the frame that helps the world see the masterpiece that you already are—as unique and captivating as the street art found in the Bushwick Collective.
At the end of the day, the very best style is the one that makes you feel confident and alive. Use these ideas as a starting point, but always listen to your own creative spirit—that's the true Brooklyn way.
How We Got Here: The Story of Sizing and Today's Inclusive Vision
Ever pulled a "medium" off the rack only to find it fits completely differently from another brand's medium? You're not alone, and there's a fascinating history behind that inconsistency. The sizing standards we see today are actually pretty new, born from surveys after World War II that tried to create a one-size-fits-all system for women's clothing.
Of course, those early systems were based on a very limited range of body types, which meant a whole lot of people were left out. But over the years, a powerful movement began to grow, one that demanded fashion celebrate every body. It's a lot like the spirit of Brooklyn itself—a vibrant, diverse place that proves beauty comes in countless forms. The fashion world finally started catching on that a cookie-cutter approach just wasn't going to cut it.
Why Inclusive Sizing Matters Now More Than Ever
This shift toward inclusivity isn't some fleeting trend; it's a deep-seated change reflecting the incredible diversity of our world. As the global apparel market has grown, so has the demand for sizing that truly fits. Consider this: back in 2016, studies showed that 68% of women in the US wore a size 14 or larger. That's a massive leap from just 40% in the 1990s. This powerful data is what pushed brands to finally ditch misleading "vanity sizing" in favor of honest, transparent charts. You can dive deeper into the growth of the booming womenswear market on mordorintelligence.com.
This isn't the first time we've seen this push. The spirit of this movement has roots in the 1970s feminist movement, which fought for better standards after surveys in the 1960s revealed that a staggering 50% of women couldn't find clothes that fit properly. Today, we're carrying that legacy forward, creating sizing that empowers you, rather than limiting you.
At its heart, inclusive sizing is an act of respect. It’s a promise that says, "We see you, we celebrate you, and you deserve to feel incredible in the clothes you wear." This echoes the motto "E Pluribus Unum"—out of many, one—which, fun fact, was adopted by Brooklyn long before the United States.
This belief is woven into the very fabric of what we do. It’s our modern take on sizing for a community that knows style isn't about one specific size or shape. It’s about soul.
Caring for Your Top to Maintain the Perfect Fit
A top you love is more than just fabric—it’s a piece of your personal style, a part of your story. Think of it like a beautiful brownstone facade in Park Slope; with the right care, it stays brilliant and true. How you look after your top is the final, crucial step in making that perfect fit last.
Different fabrics have their own personalities, just like Brooklyn's neighborhoods. A 100% cotton tee, for example, is a classic natural fiber that can shrink up if you blast it with heat. A cotton-poly blend, on the other hand, has a bit more built-in stability. Knowing your material is the first step to keeping your clothes looking great for years to come.
Keep Your Fit True
To make sure that top you love keeps fitting exactly the way it did on day one, a little know-how goes a long way. This isn't just about laundry; it's about protecting the pieces that make you feel like you.
- Wash in Cold Water: We can't say it enough—hot water is the number one enemy of a perfect fit, especially for natural fibers. Cold water is gentle, it keeps colors bright, and it helps the garment hold its original shape and size.
- Tumble Dry on Low or Hang Dry: That intense dryer heat can be just as harsh as hot water. If you must use a dryer, always choose the lowest heat setting. But honestly, the best thing you can do is hang your top to air dry. It’s the gold standard for preserving its fit and feel.
Taking proper care of your clothes is an act of intention. It’s a quiet rebellion against throwaway culture, reflecting the sustainable, resourceful creativity that thrives in workshops and artist studios all across Brooklyn, a borough that’s home to more Etsy sellers than anywhere else on earth.
Follow these simple rules, and your favorite top will stay your favorite. For a deeper dive, especially for pieces with prints, check out our guide on how to wash graphic tees to keep them looking sharp.
Your Sizing Questions Answered
We get it—even with the most detailed womens top size chart, a few questions can pop up. Think of this as your personal sizing cheat sheet, designed to give you that final boost of confidence before you choose. It’s all about finding a fit that doesn’t just suit your body, but captures that one-of-a-kind spirit that makes Brooklyn so unforgettable.
Shopping should be a personal journey, whether you're browsing the indie boutiques in Cobble Hill or hitting the vibrant markets of Williamsburg. Let's make sure yours is a success.
What Should I Do If I Am Between Two Sizes?
It happens all the time! Finding yourself caught between two sizes is common, and the right choice really comes down to the look you're going for.
- For our Relaxed Fit tops, you can often size down. This will give you a slightly more structured look that still honors the shirt's easygoing, artistic drape.
- With our Slim Fit styles, we usually suggest sizing up. This offers a little extra breathing room, especially across the bust, so you get that sleek silhouette without feeling restricted.
Ultimately, your personal style is your best guide. Do you prefer a closer, more tailored feel, or something a bit more flowing and free? Let that answer lead you.
Will My Shirt Shrink After I Wash It?
We select high-quality fabrics so our tops are made to last. However, any garment containing natural cotton fibers can shrink a little, especially when it meets high heat. Think of it like a classic Brooklyn brownstone—it just needs the right care to maintain its original character.
To keep the fit and feel just right, we highly recommend washing your top in cold water and either tumble drying on the lowest heat setting or, even better, letting it air dry. If you want more control or have a top with a unique print, you might find our guide on how to shrink T-shirts a big help.
"True style is found in the details—from the perfect fit to the mindful care you give your favorite pieces. It’s an expression of respect for creativity and craftsmanship."
How Does Your Sizing Compare to Other Brands?
Sizing can be all over the map. The creative energy in DUMBO feels completely different from the laid-back vibe of Park Slope, and brand sizing works the same way. Every label uses a unique fit model, so just grabbing the size you wear elsewhere can be a real gamble.
The surest way to get a fit you'll love is to trust your own measurements. By taking a minute to compare your bust and waist numbers to our official womens top size chart, you take all the guesswork out of the equation. It's the most direct path to a fit that feels like it was made just for you.
Do You Plan to Offer Extended Sizing?
Absolutely. Inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do, inspired by the incredible diversity that defines Brooklyn itself. We are actively working to expand our size range to welcome more people into The Brooklyn Initiative community.
While our main collection currently runs up to 3XL, we often release special collections with a broader size range. The best way to be the first to know is by signing up for our newsletter—you'll get updates on new arrivals and our ever-growing range of sizes.
Every piece from The Brooklyn Initiative is a celebration of this borough's incredible spirit. Find your perfect fit and wear your story with pride. Explore our full collection at https://thebrooklyninitiative.com.