Healthy Clothing Sizes/Body Sizes

[SamanthaBehgs]

Okay, so I know everyone is looking for the size 2 woman with DDD breasts and all, but I'm trying to figure out the sizes for what folks would consider an attractive, but "average" sized woman. Someone you'd never call fat or too curvy, but you also wouldn't say is a stick thin 5'11" size 2 with breasts so big her back should break either (some person actually tried to make their proportions look like 1980's Barbie and legit ended up with broken bones as a result, you just CAN'T!).


So would it be something like a Size 6 with a C cup? Size 8? B cup? What would you consider "what's wrong with this person for telling this woman that's she's too fat" sized? (That's the plot point I'm writing in a story. Someone's husband is calling her "fat" and telling her to get off the "baby weight" but she's already, like, perfectly good looking just the way she is).

~Sammy

PS I know, as a womanfolk myself I should know this, but I've been a little teapot (short and stout) my whole life, so I'm trying to get a perspective that isn't just "I *wish* I could look that good" and is instead "this is the average good looking when you're NOT comparing yourself to my self esteem issues.

 

[JennyCapricorn]

Sent a DM response with examples

 

[Erozetta]

I want to answer this, but I don't know how to because my brain immediately goes to "Well, it depends" for every aspect.

Overall, I'd think between a 6 & 12 dress size would probably be seen as fairly average, but all of this is going to be person specific. I've known guys who think a size 8 is repulsive and others who aren't turned off until you hit about a size 20.

So, I just don't know how to work all of the variables into a single answer.

 

[SamanthaBehgs]

I want to answer this, but I don't know how to because my brain immediately goes to "Well, it depends" for every aspect.

Overall, I'd think between a 6 & 12 dress size would probably be seen as fairly average, but all of this is going to be person specific. I've known guys who think a size 8 is repulsive and others who aren't turned off until you hit about a size 20.

So, I just don't know how to work all of the variables into a single answer.

Oh absolutely! In fact, the plot beat is about someone saying that their SO is always telling them their beautiful even though they don't fit that "traditional" standard. I just...couldn't quantify the traditional and felt it was important in this case. Usually, I leave those details to the reader and am more vague in my descriptions so that they can imagine what they will.

 

[alohadave]

Write what you find attractive. There are a million opinions and preferences out there, and you can't cater to all of them.

 

[ShelbyDawn57]

Okay, so I know everyone is looking for the size 2 woman with DDD breasts and all, but I'm trying to figure out the sizes for what folks would consider an attractive, but "average" sized woman. Someone you'd never call fat or too curvy, but you also wouldn't say is a stick thin 5'11" size 2 with breasts so big her back should break either (some person actually tried to make their proportions look like 1980's Barbie and legit ended up with broken bones as a result, you just CAN'T!).


So would it be something like a Size 6 with a C cup? Size 8? B cup? What would you consider "what's wrong with this person for telling this woman that's she's too fat" sized? (That's the plot point I'm writing in a story. Someone's husband is calling her "fat" and telling her to get off the "baby weight" but she's already, like, perfectly good looking just the way she is).

~Sammy

PS I know, as a womanfolk myself I should know this, but I've been a little teapot (short and stout) my whole life, so I'm trying to get a perspective that isn't just "I *wish* I could look that good" and is instead "this is the average good looking when you're NOT comparing yourself to my self esteem issues.

It's a lot easier to write if you stay away from the specifics, e.g., DDD breasts, etc.

Describe her instead as strikingly attractive with gentle curves and breasts so perfect, any man would surrender his soul to suckle at their pert perfect nipples. let the reader decide what that means in their own mind. You character will be a lot more beautiful that way.

 

[SamanthaBehgs]

Write what you find attractive. There are a million opinions and preferences out there, and you can't cater to all of them.

It's a lot easier to write if you stay away from the specifics, e.g., DDD breasts, etc.

Describe her instead as strikingly attractive with gentle curves and breasts so perfect, any man would surrender his soul to suckle at their pert perfect nipples. let the reader decide what that means in their own mind. You character will be a lot more beautiful that way.

Perhaps this requires more context. My FMC is out with a group of friends, a few of whom have just said that their SOs have told them they were too fat/ugly without makeup and my character is appalled, given their good looks, which is the only reason we're getting an exact description of anyone. I wanted to be able to describe the friends and then just have my character thinking of herself as "not as pretty as them" (an assertion that will later be contracted repeatedly by the MMC). Think praise kink, but first she has to feel bad by comparison. I won't be describing her and, I might steal your idea, Shelby (if that's okay?), as a way that the MMC describes her aloud.

 

[Britva415]

Perhaps this requires more context. My FMC is out with a group of friends, a few of whom have just said that their SOs have told them they were too fat/ugly without makeup and my character is appalled, given their good looks, which is the only reason we're getting an exact description of anyone. I wanted to be able to describe the friends and then just have my character thinking of herself as "not as pretty as them" (an assertion that will later be contracted repeatedly by the MMC). Think praise kink, but first she has to feel bad by comparison. I won't be describing her and, I might steal your idea, Shelby (if that's okay?), as a way that the MMC describes her aloud.

Yes, here's another vote for doing it that way.

Besides, MMCs shouldn't know anything about dress sizes anyway. Male readers mostly won't either, except as a comparison between two numbers. If it's about comparison anyway, you don't even need the numbers.

It's a lot easier to write if you stay away from the specifics, e.g., DDD breasts, etc.

It's not just easier to write, it's easier to read.

 

[crookedletter]

Descriptive words are far more effective than numbers. You're doing it already in your initial post: curvy vs. stick-thin, breast size as conforming to the laws of physics, etc.

There's plenty of cultural context for this already, beautiful women who maybe don't match some prototypical -- and, by many lights, dubious -- standard for what counts in popular culture as "beautiful." It won't take a huge leap to get your readers to buy into the logic, just by using readily-available adjectives.

 

[BobbyBrandt]

My trick is to try to picture a celebrity that has a figure close to what I imagine a character having. I then search that celebrity's bio to determine the specifics, such as dress size, etc.

Works every time.

 

[Five_Inch_Heels]

Best to not mention sizes and numbers.

 

[TheLobster]

It's a lot easier to write if you stay away from the specifics, e.g., DDD breasts, etc.

I'd advise to stay away from numeric sizes in particular. Commercial fashion sizes underwent massive deflation in the recent decades because of, uh, rapidly expanding clientele of clothing stores. As a result, something that might have been size 4 relatively recently might now be size 0.

However, it's not a given that your average reader is aware of this inexorable creep of vanity sizing. It's quite possible, then, that any numeric size you mention will evoke a totally different image in the minds of different readers. They might inadvertently consider your character a (bigger) asshole just because their conception of the size he's commenting on is different that yours.

Describe her instead as strikingly attractive with gentle curves and breasts so perfect, any man would surrender his soul to suckle at their pert perfect nipples. let the reader decide what that means in their own mind. You character will be a lot more beautiful that way.

Exactly right. Be more descriptive; that's always the best, most sensuous and, yes, titillating way.

 

[alohadave]

I'd advise to stay away from numeric sizes in particular. Commercial fashion sizes underwent massive deflation in the recent decades because of, uh, rapidly expanding clientele of clothing stores. As a result, something that might have been size 4 relatively recently might now be size 0.

Besides vanity sizing, they are aren't standard at all. A 6 from one brand could be the same a 10 from another.

 

[Kelliezgirl]

If you start using any sort of clothing sizes you are going to leave 99% of your male readers confused.
Most men know less about dress sizes than they do about about bra sizes. And they know very little about those.

 

[TarnishedPenny]

Not trying to dodge the question, but I work hard at avoiding measurements of any kind. I see too many women bemoaning their B cup (I always tell them to Google ‘10 most beautiful women in history’ and note the invariable presence of Audrey Hepburn, an A cup). I grind my teeth at stories opening with any mention of the MFC as a D cup or the MMC having an 8” willie. I think that sort of thing is simply unnecessary.

(I will admit to opening one story, Time Out of Time, with the MFC bemoaning her size-2-A-cup frame, but only to shoot that idea down.)

Bottom line? Sizes are irrelevant at best and almost counterproductive at worst. The reader’s imagination is capable of telling them the perfect size.

 

[iwatchus]

I have a wide range of body types and sizes for the women (and men to a slightly lesser degree). But I don't tend describe specifics. (I have had a complaint about not being descriptive enough about the women.)

My smallest woman in barely 5 foot and tiny in every way. My tallest is a serious women's basketball player, 6'2 or 6'3, not curvy but very muscled.
I have a FMC who is very curvy, and a character who complained that guys don't like her because she has no boobs.

I have only had one real knockout in classic looks. Most of my characters are slightly above average by traditional views of women's appearance.

I have never had a massively overweight woman or a woman who is significantly disfigured, because I don't like some of the fetishization of them that happens. Otherwise, I think I have had a pretty broad range. Variety as spice of life and all that.

 

[Xxllrs69xx]

For me it’s simple. Any female comfortable with her body who has the alluring confidence about her is enough for me. It’s all I ask for.

 

[EmmAgain]

Yeah - maybe leave out the label details (which are all over the place anyway) and just use descriptions like ‘perky’ and ‘lean’ etc? I like my women thin and my men muscular. But, if I ever start writing properly, I’m def not going to fill my pages with BMIs and sizing charts.

Sorry if this sounds a bit bossy. I’m no writer. Just sharing some speculation!

 

[Baddad2004]

Women size 6-16 I am more than ok with. I prefer 10-12 ish, the slim thicc type.

As a guy atleast reasonable fit like you take some sort of pride in yourself waist id say 34-40

 

[Kumquatqueen]

As well as sizes getting bigger over the last 20 years, sizes are different in different countries (a UK 12 used to be a US 8, but now might be a 4...)

And sizes vary hugely between brands (ones aimed at teenagers will be slimmer cut than ones for older women but the number stays the same) and even within brands because quality control is so bad and often they cut 100 items by laser and the fabric at the bottom is a totally different shape.

I have seriously found a size 12 too big and a size 18 too small, in the same shop at the same time.

Skip the numbers. Just describe the women, Alice was slim yet curvy with cute round breasts to die for, Brenda had a lean boyish build which dresses hung off like on a supermodel, Cassie was short and curvy but nowhere near fat...

 

[EmilyMiller]

Healthy Clothing Sizes/Body Sizes​

I do reference sizes sometimes, normally with some purpose, like highlighting that the FMC is unhappy with aspects of her appearance. I’ve also referenced shoe size and the difficulty of finding fetishwear in small sizes.

But I think it’s better in general to go with, tall and willowy, or short and skinny, or mid-sized but powerfully built, or above average height and curvy.

 

[EmilyMiller]

I do reference sizes sometimes, normally with some purpose, like highlighting that the FMC is unhappy with aspects of her appearance. I’ve also referenced shoe size and the difficulty of finding fetishwear in small sizes.

But I think it’s better in general to go with, tall and willowy, or short and skinny, or mid-sized but powerfully built, or above average height and curvy.

If you want to be specific, then there are ways to do so, like:

—

But, I'd run out of fucks to give as well, hence my current form-filling.

I put the song on loop...

Age: I toy with the idea of pretending to be a teen. With my looks, I could probably get away with that. But no, honesty is the best policy, twenty-two it is.

Status: Single... d'oh! Then I reflect that quite a few members are probably seeking extramarital fun. But would they admit that in their profile? I decide I'm not really qualified to opine on this matter and move on.

Height: I type a wistful 5'4" knowing it's not true, but thinking that no one will bring a measuring tape with them.

Weight: Why is this important? Do some guys have a fetish for a certain number of pounds? Let's say one hundred.

Then I think, 5'4" and one hundred pounds sounds kinda anorexic. My conscience gets the better of me and I knock three inches off of the earlier field.

If a miracle occurs and I actually meet anyone as a result of this, they are most likely gonna be deeply disappointed in me anyway. So let's not give them one more reason to be so.

Build: Isn't that fucking obvious? I select 'Skinny' from the drop down.

Eye color: There's nothing that matches my weird combo, so let's say 'Blue.'

Hair color / length: Hmm... I guess that 'Blonde' is closer than 'Light brown.' Length? Do they want the number of inches? It's kinda between mid-length and long. I pick 'Mid-length.'

Bust size: I first enter 32B, then change the B to A. I'm going to be posting photos of myself as well, might as well be consistent with the images.

Pussy: I pick 'Shaved,' it's close enough.

Tattoos: None.

Piercings: Ears and belly.

Highest level of education: Seriously? I assume the form has been customized from a more generic one. No one on this site is gonna give a fuck about my Computer Science degree. Still, I select that option.

Hobbies: I consider writing: 'failing to attract any male attention at any of work, bars, or regular dating sites.' Then I reflect that this isn't exactly a great sales pitch. Instead I enter 'running and art house movies.' Why anyone viewing my details would care is beyond me.

Preferred role: There is no option for 'trying to figure that shit out,' so I go for 'Submissive.'

 

[SamanthaBehgs]

Thank you to everyone for all of the great responses. Now to take these inspirations to the editing table and get cracking!

 

[SmilingLez]

If you want to be specific, then there are ways to do so, like:

—

But, I'd run out of fucks to give as well, hence my current form-filling.

I put the song on loop...

Age: I toy with the idea of pretending to be a teen. With my looks, I could probably get away with that. But no, honesty is the best policy, twenty-two it is.

Status: Single... d'oh! Then I reflect that quite a few members are probably seeking extramarital fun. But would they admit that in their profile? I decide I'm not really qualified to opine on this matter and move on.

Height: I type a wistful 5'4" knowing it's not true, but thinking that no one will bring a measuring tape with them.

Weight: Why is this important? Do some guys have a fetish for a certain number of pounds? Let's say one hundred.

Then I think, 5'4" and one hundred pounds sounds kinda anorexic. My conscience gets the better of me and I knock three inches off of the earlier field.

If a miracle occurs and I actually meet anyone as a result of this, they are most likely gonna be deeply disappointed in me anyway. So let's not give them one more reason to be so.

Build: Isn't that fucking obvious? I select 'Skinny' from the drop down.

Eye color: There's nothing that matches my weird combo, so let's say 'Blue.'

Hair color / length: Hmm... I guess that 'Blonde' is closer than 'Light brown.' Length? Do they want the number of inches? It's kinda between mid-length and long. I pick 'Mid-length.'

Bust size: I first enter 32B, then change the B to A. I'm going to be posting photos of myself as well, might as well be consistent with the images.

Pussy: I pick 'Shaved,' it's close enough.

Tattoos: None.

Piercings: Ears and belly.

Highest level of education: Seriously? I assume the form has been customized from a more generic one. No one on this site is gonna give a fuck about my Computer Science degree. Still, I select that option.

Hobbies: I consider writing: 'failing to attract any male attention at any of work, bars, or regular dating sites.' Then I reflect that this isn't exactly a great sales pitch. Instead I enter 'running and art house movies.' Why anyone viewing my details would care is beyond me.

Preferred role: There is no option for 'trying to figure that shit out,' so I go for 'Submissive.'

Sounds like a dating profile. Having been on bumble awhile, most women do not "match" their pics

 

[SamanthaBehgs]

Sounds like a dating profile. Having been on bumble awhile, most women do not "match" their pics

I, fortunately, got out of the dating pool before they were a big thing. Is that....really all actually included in online dating profiles these days?