African Women's Sizing & Fit Guide for Manufacturers (Bust, Hip, Height)
Sizing is where African women's apparel wins or loses. A dress that fits a Lagos customer will not fit a size-chart copied from a European block — the curves are in different places. This guide gives brands and factories a shared language for getting African fit right.
Use it as a briefing document when you talk to a manufacturer. Measure in centimetres; grade to the body, not by proportion.
Reference Body Measurements (cm)
| Size | Bust | Waist | Hip | Height |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XL (18) | 112–117 | 94–99 | 120–125 | 162–168 |
| 2X (20–22) | 122–127 | 104–109 | 128–133 | 162–168 |
| 3X (24–26) | 132–137 | 116–121 | 140–145 | 162–168 |
These are starting points. Confirm against your own best-selling local sizes — West and Southern African curves differ slightly.
Grade Increments (per size)
| Point | Straight | African curve |
|---|---|---|
| Bust | +2.5 | +3.5 |
| Waist | +2.5 | +4.0 |
| Hip | +2.5 | +3.5 |
| Armhole depth | +0.5 | +1.0 |
Common Fit Errors
- Shoulder too wide — straight-block scaling; reduce shoulder increment.
- Armhole drag lines — armhole curve not widened; fix the cap.
- Cling at hip — fabric too light; use 200–280 GSM.
- Short rise — crotch too high; lengthen rise for the curve.
Briefing the Factory
- Send this size chart (or your own).
- Specify fabric weight per garment type.
- Request a PP sample on a 2X fit model.
- Sign off only after the sample passes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use UK or US sizes for Africa?
Either, but be consistent. Many West African retailers use UK sizing; label clearly and keep a cm chart as the source of truth.
Why does my dress cling at the hip?
Fabric too light for the body. Specify 200–280 GSM modal/jersey for plus-size dresses — it drapes, doesn't cling.
Can the factory grade to my chart?
Yes. Send your cm spec and we confirm before sampling. A good factory grades to your curve, not a generic block.