Great Plains

Great Plains Size Guide

Great Plains is renowned for its contemporary, versatile womenswear collections that blend effortless style with quality tailoring. The brand specialises in accessible everyday pieces—from classic knitwear and refined dresses to practical layering essentials—designed for the modern woman who values both comfort and sophistication. Great Plains garments are crafted to flatter a variety of body types and sizes, with thoughtful construction that emphasises clean lines, flattering proportions, and wearability. The brand's sizing philosophy centres on inclusivity and fit across its extended size range, ensuring that every customer can find pieces that work beautifully for their shape and lifestyle.

How to Measure

To find your perfect Great Plains size, follow these simple measurement steps. It's best to measure yourself in lightweight clothing, or ideally just undergarments, and have someone help if possible for the most accurate results.

1. Bust: Place a measuring tape around the fullest part of your bust, keeping the tape parallel to the ground and snug (but not tight). Ensure the tape passes under your arms and spans across your shoulder blades. Take the measurement straight across without pulling.
2. Waist: Measure around your natural waistline at the slimmest part of your torso. This is typically where your body naturally creases when you bend slightly forward, or where you normally wear your trousers and skirts. Keep the tape comfortably snug without constricting.
3. Hips: Stand with your feet together and measure around the fullest part of your hips and bottom. Keep the tape horizontal and ensure it sits at the widest point. The measurement should be taken while wearing minimal clothing.
4. Length (for dresses and skirts): Stand barefoot and measure from your natural shoulder point down to your desired hem length. For a standard dress length, measure to approximately 5cm above the floor or to your chosen position.
5. Sleeves (for tops and jackets): With your arm bent at a 90-degree angle, measure from the centre back of your neck across your shoulder and down to your wrist. This ensures proper sleeve length for comfortable movement.
6. Timing: Take your measurements in the afternoon when your body is at its natural size, as feet and body measurements can swell slightly throughout the day. Record all measurements and compare them to the sizing chart below.

Women's Clothing Size Chart

Great Plains women's sizing ranges from XS to XXL, with thoughtful grading to ensure a flattering fit across all sizes. Each size is proportionally scaled for bust, waist, and hip measurements.

Great Plains Size Guide: Key Information

Great Plains offers an excellent range of sizes designed to accommodate diverse body shapes and preferences. The brand's commitment to quality means that each size is graded carefully to maintain proper proportions. When shopping Great Plains online or in-store, keep the following guidance in mind:

• International Conversions: UK sizes directly correspond to the brand's sizing system. When converting from US or EU sizes, remember that US sizing typically runs 2 sizes smaller than UK sizes for women (US 4 = UK 8), whilst EU sizing follows the continental standard where EU 36 = UK 8. Always refer to your actual measurements rather than size alone, as conversions can vary between products.
• Fit Styles: Great Plains produces both fitted and relaxed-fit garments. Fitted styles (such as fitted dresses and structured tops) sit closer to the body and are designed for a more tailored silhouette. Relaxed styles offer greater ease through the bust and waist, making them ideal for layering or a more casual aesthetic. Check individual product descriptions to understand the intended fit.
• Knitwear Sizing: Knitwear from Great Plains is generally true to size. If you prefer a closer fit, you may wish to size down; conversely, for a relaxed, oversized look, consider sizing up. Knitwear measurements are typically provided in the product description and should be checked carefully, as different styles may be cut with varying degrees of ease.
• Dress Lengths: Standard dress lengths in Great Plains collections are designed for women of average height (approximately 5'4” to 5'7”). Petite customers may find dresses slightly longer; taller customers should verify length measurements before purchasing, as some styles may require professional hemming. Length information is provided in product details.

International Size Conversions

If you are shopping from outside the UK, use the following conversion guide to find your equivalent Great Plains size:

Sizing Tips for Great Plains

• Always measure yourself first: Before selecting a size, take accurate bust, waist, and hip measurements using the guide above. Compare your measurements directly to the size chart rather than relying on previous purchases, as sizing can vary between different brands and even between collection seasons.
• Consider the fabric: Great Plains uses natural fibres including cotton, linen, and wool blends. These materials can behave differently during wear and care; knitwear may relax slightly after the first wear, whilst woven fabrics often remain stable. Check product descriptions for fabric content and any specific care instructions that might affect fit over time.
• Check for ease in key areas: Great Plains garments are designed with intentional ease (extra room beyond your body measurements) to allow for comfortable movement and layering. A standard fit will have approximately 2–3 inches of ease at the bust; if you prefer a tighter fit, you may size down, though fitted styles are specifically cut for less ease.
• Review product photos and customer feedback: When shopping online, examine multiple product images, including close-ups of fabric texture and fit models wearing different sizes. Customer reviews often provide valuable insights into whether a particular piece runs small, large, or true to size, and can highlight design details that affect the overall fit.
• Test layering combinations: Many Great Plains pieces are designed to layer beautifully. When selecting sizes for layering basics (such as long-sleeved tops and thin knitwear), remember that you'll want enough room to comfortably layer without excessive bulk. Size recommendations for specific layering pieces are often included in product descriptions.
• Verify return policies: Great Plains maintains a generous returns policy to ensure customer satisfaction. If you're uncertain about a size, order two sizes and return the one that doesn't fit. Check the brand's website for current return procedures, timeframes, and any conditions that may apply to your order.
• Pay attention to necklines and shoulder fit: Different garment styles have varying necklines (crew, V-neck, boat neck) and shoulder placements. These design elements can affect how a garment sits on your frame regardless of size. Review styling details and ensure the shoulder seams align with your natural shoulder line for the most flattering fit.
• Understand sleeve length variations: Great Plains offers various sleeve lengths including short sleeves, three-quarter sleeves, and full-length options. If sleeve length is critical for your needs, measure the sleeve length provided in product specifications and compare it to a well-fitting top in your wardrobe. Arm proportions vary significantly, and this measurement is particularly important for taller or shorter customers.

Size Guide: How Great Plains Sizing Works

Great Plains maintains a comprehensive size range from XS through XXL to ensure that every customer can find pieces that fit beautifully. The brand's design philosophy emphasises quality construction and thoughtful proportioning, which means that each size is carefully scaled to maintain visual balance and wearability across all body types.

The women's sizing system is based on UK dress sizes, which are then correlated with international equivalents. Great Plains uses a proportional grading system, meaning that as sizes increase, bust, waist, and hip measurements all increase proportionally to maintain flattering proportions. This approach ensures that customers across the size range experience consistent fit quality and design intent.

For example, a size 10 (Medium) dress will have a narrower waist relative to the bust than a size 16 (Large/XL) dress, reflecting natural proportional differences in body shapes and sizes. This proportional scaling is particularly important for dresses, where waist definition and line are key design elements.

Common Sizing Questions

Q: Does Great Plains clothing run true to size?
A: Yes, Great Plains clothing is designed to run true to UK size. However, fit can vary depending on the specific style, fabric, and design details. Always check product measurements and descriptions, and review customer feedback for insights into individual styles.

Q: What should I do if I'm between sizes?
A: If your measurements fall between two sizes, consider the specific garment's intended fit. For fitted styles, you may prefer to size down; for relaxed or oversized styles, consider sizing up. Refer to the product description for guidance, and take advantage of free returns if you're uncertain.

Q: Are Great Plains sizes consistent across all collections?
A: Great Plains maintains consistent grading across its core collections. However, different product categories (knitwear, dresses, tops, bottoms) may have slightly different ease allowances based on design intent. Always refer to product-specific measurements when making purchasing decisions.

Q: How do I measure myself accurately for Great Plains?
A: Follow the measurement guide provided above, taking care to measure in light clothing or undergarments and to keep the tape measure snug but not tight. Have a friend help if possible, and measure in the afternoon when your body is at its natural size. Compare all measurements to the size chart before selecting your size.

Q: What if I'm unsure about my size?
A: Contact Great Plains customer service with your measurements, or order two sizes and return the one that doesn't fit. Great Plains offers hassle-free returns within the specified timeframe, so there's no risk in trying multiple sizes to find your perfect fit.