My usual size = 18 - 22, more so 20/22 but is VERY dependent on the style & brand etc.
Bust = approx 121cms / broad shoulders
I don't have much of a waist - I'm square with big tummy & flat wide bum with hip "love handles"!!
Waist = approx 117cms
Hips = approx 140cms
I was very nervous to purchase this dress, however I really enjoy wearing it.
The size chart says bust for size 20 is 124-130cms. I disagree. Laid flat from armpit to armpit on mine is 60cms = 120cms. I hand washed inside out in cold water with mild detergent, did not soak or wring out, hung on a hanger to drip dry in shade & it did not shrink. I give a cool light iron and it is ready to go. I think you could probably get away without an iron but I prefer wearing after a light iron to relax the fabric and smooth out the wrinkles, albeit not many. The fabric is so lovely, light & cool to wear. The other day when I wore it, the weather was warm and humid (not Darwin or QLD humid) but after a very cold winter, & Spring not having really sprung properly yet in ADL/ weird & different weather every day, & not being used to warm weather yet, the dress did not stick to me. The pattern is so pretty. It sits really nicely under my bust, flows over & does not cling to my tummy & does not look frumpy, so I feel more confident. It is very comfortable across my bust & does not feel tight which is often the problem for me. The sleeves are a great length and hide my chubby upper arms that I don't like to reveal. I love the length too. I am tall at about 178cms (I think!!) & it is below my knee which I also feel more confident with. I have issues sometimes with dress waist ties being too low and just not working for me & quite frankly look weird & ridiculous sitting on my hips. My preference is a higher waist tie not too far under the bust to get a good A-line shape. WIth this dress the position of the seam of the bodice where it meets the skirt is good for me - higher than my hips giving a good shape. The skirt with the godets is just lovely giving it some body and floats about nicely. I thought I might be too big for this style but it actually works for me giving me some shape without being restricted with waist ties or elastic or shirring. For me the 20 is fitted but still roomy and so very comfortable. I am learning to try and not buy clothes that are WAY too big for me. I cannot hide the fact that I am big, but if I wear clothes that are not 2 sizes too big it is more flattering!! Tulio are also great to deal with and very responsive to emails and very helpful. Shipping was fast!! I hope this review helps some ladies out there. Thank you for reading :-)
