What to Do When Between Romper Sizes

First, find where you fall between sizes

Falling between sizes means your measurements sit near the top of one size row and near the bottom of the next, or your bust sits in one row while your waist or hips sit in another. Start by writing down your bust, waist, hip and torso numbers, then compare each one with the brand chart rows for the two sizes in question. Note which measurement is pushing you up and which one is holding you down, because that split decides the tie.

If your hips are the measurement pushing you up while your bust and waist sit comfortably in the smaller size, the larger size is usually right, because a romper must fit the widest area that affects it. If your bust is the one pushing you up while your waist and hips sit in the smaller size, check the bodice and the neckline in the larger size, because a larger bodice can gap at the neckline even when the bust fits.

When to size up

Size up when the fabric is firm and woven, because firm fabric gives almost nothing and a close fit will pull at the crotch and strain across the bust. Size up when the smaller size pulls at the crotch, shows pull lines across the bust or hip, or rides up at the thigh, because those are signs the smaller size is already too tight in the places that matter most for a romper.

Size up when the style is fitted, because a fitted cut is already close through the bodice and shorts, and sizing down on top of that leaves no room to sit or bend. Size up when your torso length sits at the top of the smaller size range, because the larger size usually carries a little more torso length as well as more width, and that extra length can stop the crotch from pulling.

When to size down

Size down only when the fabric is very stretchy and the smaller size still fits your torso length. A stretchy knit forgives a close fit, and a smaller size in a stretchy romper can sit smoothly without pulling, as long as the crotch does not tug and the shorts do not ride up. Try the smaller size on and move in it, sitting, walking and raising your arms, before you decide.

Size down when the larger size sags at the crotch, bunches at the waist or gaps at the neckline, because those are signs the larger size has too much length and width for you. Size down when the style is relaxed and the larger size looks shapeless rather than loose, because a relaxed cut already carries ease, and adding a size on top of that ease can turn a loose look into a shapeless one.

How torso length breaks the tie

Torso length breaks the tie when the size choice is close. If the smaller size pulls at the crotch, try the larger size, and if the pulling stays, the torso is short and you need a petite cut or a different brand, not a larger size. If the larger size sags at the crotch, the torso is long for that cut, whatever the size letter, and the smaller size may still sag if its torso length is the same.

Compare your torso length with the stated garment length for both sizes before you order, and read the Romper Torso Length Guide for the rough ranges. When the torso lengths of the two sizes are the same, the size choice is about width only, and the fabric and fit rules above decide it. When they differ, the torso length that matches yours matters more than the width.