Love that outfit, but don't want to buy it because "All Sales are Final"?  How can you be sure it'll be the size you need?  Clothing sizes can range wildly from one designer or manufacturer to the next.  Traditional sizes have even changed, growing larger over the years.  When buying clothing on ebay, there are a few steps you can follow to make sure you purchase with confidence. 

1.  Find out if the clothing's designer follows a strict sizing guideline.  You are in luck if they do ... find the guideline and move on to Step 2.

2.  Measure (with a measuring tape) the item of clothing that fits you the best.  Use those measurements to select the size you need.

3.   Even with a strict sizing guideline, don't assume the piece will always fit.  Differing fabrics or manufacturing processes can affect the item.  Always check the measurements listed for the item.  Don't be afraid to ask the seller how the item was measured.

4.  Purchase with confidence.  If the measurements match what you need, you can be an informed consumer and most assuredly save a bundle by purchasing your designer, plus size clothing on ebay.   After making sure the item is what you are interested in, take a minute to check out the seller.  Look at feedback.     

5.  Once you find a seller that you really like, add them to your favorites list.  That way you can quickly and easily see what they have to offer and this enables you to easily purchase more pieces from your favorite designer. 

The majority of clothing that I list come from upscale designers that design for the Home Shopping Network.  Their clothing is made of quality materials and with much attention to detail.   These designers truly design for the plus size body and create clothing that will help you project the image you choose.   

Clothing designed by the following designers (and marketed on the Home Shopping Network) follow a strict sizing guideline:

Antthony Design Originals           Carolyn Strauss                Cervelle                 Cubavera                 Diane Gilman

Maggie Sweet                            Colleen Lopez                   Papelle Studio        Patti LaBelle            Perfect Style 1X-6X

Randolph Duke                          Rhonda Shear                    Silk Assets             Slinky Brand®        Storybook Knits

Susan Lucci                               Suzanne Somers                Terry Lewis

Women's Sizes follow the following measurements:

                16W       18W      20W      22W    24W      26W     28W      30W     32W      34W     36W      38W                            

 bust         43.5"       45.5"     47.5"     49.5"    51.5"     53.5"      55.5"     57.5"     59.5"     61.5"     63.5"     65.5"

waist         35.5"      37.5"      39.5"     41.5"    43.5"     45.5"      47.5"     49.5"     51.5"     53.5"     55.5"     57.5"

hips           46"         48"         50"        52"        54"       56"         58"        60"        62"        64"         66"       68"

Sizes in X's correspond as follows:

1X = 16W, 18W

2X = 20W, 22W

3X = 24W, 26W

4X = 28W, 30W

5X = 32W, 34W

6X = 36W, 38W

By following the 5 steps above, you can relax and enjoy your ebay shopping.  Happy shopping!