What Size Does a 135 lb Woman Wear? Clothing Fit Guide for Plus Size Models
By Dexter Halloway 22 May 2025 0 Comments

If you’re standing in front of a dressing room mirror, tag in hand, wondering what size actually fits a 135 lb woman, you’re not alone. Clothing sizes feel like a guessing game these days. A woman weighing 135 pounds can fall anywhere from a US size 4 up to a size 8 or 10—yep, that wide—depending not just on brands, but body shape, height, and even trends in the fashion world.

Here’s the thing: weight by itself doesn’t lock you into a size. Height matters. So does how your weight is distributed—narrow waist, curvier hips, broad shoulders, or athletic legs all change how stuff fits. Some brands cut their clothes slimmer, while others run looser or stretchier, especially those focused on plus or curve styles.

For models, especially plus size models, the industry isn’t as rigid as you’d think. Right now, plus size often means starting at about size 12 to 14, while mainstream modeling tends to cast women in the 0–6 range. That leaves lots of women—including many at 135 lbs—smack in the middle, outside the so-called "standard" or "plus size" ranges, which is why you see so much variation in charts and runway picks.

Quick Answer: 135 lb Woman Clothing Size

If you’re after numbers, here’s the real scoop: most women around 135 lb usually wear between a US size 4 and 8. The exact number depends a lot on height and body shape, so there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. For someone about 5'4"—that’s the average in the US—135 pounds commonly equals a size 6 or 8 in most women’s stores. If you’re taller, you might slide down to a 4 or 6. If you’ve got more curves, a size 8 or even 10 isn’t rare, especially with today’s brands running smaller or larger.

Here’s what actually changes things up:

  • Brand differences: For example, at H&M a size 8 fits like a size 6 at Old Navy.
  • Fit type: Skinny jeans versus relaxed-fit jeans can mean hopping up or down a size.
  • Plus size models: While 135 lbs isn’t usually called “plus size” in modeling, some parts of the industry have looser definitions, especially in Europe or for certain brands featuring real-world looks.

Quick tip: Always check a store’s specific size chart online before you buy, and know your exact measurements (bust, waist, and hips in inches). This works way better than trusting the tag! If you’re in between, size up for comfort or down for a snugger fit, depending on your style and the fabric’s stretch.

Top Takeaways for Size and Fit

If you’re trying to figure out what size a 135 lb woman wears, here are some things you need to know before you even pick up the measuring tape. The most important thing? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer in women’s fashion, but there are patterns that can help you shop smarter.

  • For an average-height woman (about 5’4” to 5’6”), 135 pounds usually puts you in US women’s size 6, 8, or sometimes 4 (for brands that run big). In European labels, that could be 36 to 40. Always check the actual chart, don’t trust the number on the hanger.
  • Every brand does sizes a bit different. Some brands, like Old Navy, run generous (“vanity sizing”), so what’s an 8 there might be a 10 at Zara.
  • Height changes the game: someone 5’1” and 135 lbs may be a size or two bigger (petite size or regular 8-10) compared to a woman who’s 5’7” at the same weight (probably 4-6).
  • Where you carry weight matters. Broad shoulders, big bust, wider hips—all of these change whether you’ll fit into a given size.

Here’s a quick look at how 135 lb woman size lines up in some popular brands and size charts. This isn’t a guarantee—always try things on!—but it’ll help narrow your search:

Brand or Chart Weight (lbs) Approx. US Size Bust (in) Waist (in) Hips (in)
Gap 135 6-8 36-37 28-29 38-39
Zara 135 8-10 36 29 38
Old Navy 135 4-6 35-36 27-28 36-37
Modeling Industry 135 2-8* 33-36 23-29 35-39

*Models can fluctuate a lot depending on agency or campaign—it’s not always a firm rule.

  • Always use a size chart for every store you shop at. The numbers can jump a size or two across different brands.
  • Focus on your measurements—not just your weight. Bust, waist, and hips tell you a lot more about what will fit comfortably.
  • If in doubt, order two sizes and see which one flatters you best, especially if shopping online. Most returns are free now anyway.

Your size is just a starting point. Nothing beats trying on clothes and moving around to see what feels right for your shape and style.

Why Clothing Size is Confusing

If shopping for clothes ever left you scratching your head, you’re not alone. The weirdest thing? Two shirts, same size tag, can fit totally differently. The whole mess starts because brands don’t agree on sizing. Each one uses its own set of measurements. You might be a size 6 at one store and a size 10 at another—even if you haven’t gained a pound. This is a big reason why people ask, “What size does a 135 lb woman wear?” with no clear answer.

Back in the day, clothing brands actually used real body stats collected by the government. In the 1950s and 1970s, the US tried to standardize women’s sizes. Didn’t last long—fashion trends and body shapes kept changing. Fast forward to today, and most stores make up their own size charts based on what sells and their target look. That’s how “vanity sizing” started. It’s brands making the sizes sound smaller so you feel better buying them.

BrandUS Size 8 Waist (inches)US Size 8 Hips (inches)
Old Navy29.539.5
Gap28.539.0
Zara27.237.8
American Eagle29.039.5

See the difference? Same number on the label, totally different fit. If you buy clothes online, it gets even trickier because some brands use UK or European sizing instead of US sizes—and yes, those numbers are different too. Some brands focus on younger or curvier customers, which changes sizing again. Even the "plus size" label starts at different numbers from store to store. So, that’s why there’s no one-size-fits-all answer for average weights like 135 lbs. It’s all about measurements, fit, and sometimes just trying things on until you score the right piece.

  • Always check each brand’s size chart before ordering online.
  • Pay more attention to your waist, hip, and bust measurements than your weight.
  • If between sizes, most people have better luck going a size up—tailoring is easier than squeezing in.
How Plus Size Models Navigate Sizing

How Plus Size Models Navigate Sizing

When it comes to sizing, plus size models know they have to be flexible—and honestly, a bit clever. Most brands don’t use the same rules, so a model might wear a 10 in one shoot and a 16 in the next. It’s all about the brand’s fit model, the target customer, and what the company thinks looks best in photos. There’s no magical ‘plus size model size’ that works everywhere. Some runway jobs want a fuller figure, while print ads might call for something closer to the average shopper’s size.

Agencies often ask plus size models to keep their measurements up-to-date (bust, waist, hips, and height). These numbers are more important than the tag inside your jeans when it comes to getting jobs. For reference, the typical measurements for a plus size model in the US are close to 41-33-45 inches, but this varies a lot. Weight is mentioned way less because it’s not a great predictor of how clothes will fit on camera.

Here’s how these models manage the sizing chaos:

  • They memorize their measurements and update portfolios often (so clients know what to expect).
  • Many bring their own shapewear to shoots for a smooth look under any size.
  • They don’t stress the number on the label—if it fits and looks great, that’s the winner, even if it’s a size up or down.
  • Models also communicate clearly with stylists and brands about how certain pieces fit their unique shape, which saves time during casting and fittings.

For a 135 lb woman size, this means not getting hung up on a single number. Some plus size models at 135 pounds might book jobs with brands who prefer curvier fits, especially if their shape carries more in the hips or bust. It’s way more about how your body fills out the clothing than just what you weigh on the scale.

Tips for Finding Your Best Fit

Getting clothes that truly fit—a struggle everyone knows all too well. If you're around 135 lb and want to skip the trial-and-error, here’s what actually makes a difference.

135 lb woman size questions pop up for a reason. Major retail brands set their size charts differently. For example, a Gap size 6 might be closer to a Zara size 8, thanks to their cut and fit. Even more confusing: according to ASTM (the group that sets US standard measurements), a size 6 means a bust of 35 inches, waist 27 inches, and hip 37 inches. Raise your hand if your body matches every number. Yeah, not many do.

  • Take your measurements: Grab a soft tape. Check bust, waist, and hips (the biggest part of your butt, not your hip bone). Write these down—don’t just guess.
  • Compare to the size chart: Always, and I mean always, check a brand’s own chart. Most brands show their numbers on product pages.
  • Mind your fabric: Stretch fabrics like elastane are forgiving. Stiff cotton or denim? Err on the looser side.
  • Read reviews: Other shoppers spill the truth about whether something is snug, runs big, or shrinks.
  • Check the return policy: Since sizes bounce around, a good return policy saves your wallet and your patience.

Here’s a quick comparison of standard US women’s clothing sizes by weight, pulling from real brand size guides:

Weight (lbs) Common US Size Bust (in) Waist (in) Hip (in)
125 2-4 33-34 25-26 35-36
135 4-8 34-36 26-28 36-38
145 8-10 36-38 28-30 38-40

Don’t forget: what matters is how you feel and move in your clothes, not just what the tag says. If something fits and feels great, that’s your size—no matter what number or letter it’s stamped with.

135 lb Woman: Size Chart Comparison

If you’re a woman who weighs about 135 lbs, knowing your clothing size is tough, mostly because there’s no such thing as a truly “standard” size. How your body is built, the cuts a brand uses, and even the country you shop in can shift the numbers. But let’s zoom in on the real data you can use right now.

If you’re around 5’4" to 5’6" tall (which is about average), most US brands put a 135 lb woman between size 6 and 8. If you have a more athletic or curvier build, you might find size 10 fits more comfortably, especially in jeans or fitted dresses. On the flip side, someone with a straighter shape might fit a size 4 in relaxed cuts.

Let’s line up the typical measurements you’ll see on clothing charts, then check out what some popular brands do. Remember, centimeters and inches can save the day when sizes fail you, so always look for those as backup.

Size (U.S.) Bust (in) Waist (in) Hips (in) Weight Range (lbs)
4 34-35 26-27 36-37 120-130
6 35-36 27-28 37-38 130-140
8 36-37 28-29 38-39 135-150
10 37-38.5 29-30.5 39-40.5 145-160

Here’s a pro tip: try these steps if you want the most accurate fit shopping online or in-store:

  • Grab a soft measuring tape and actually check your bust, waist, and hip in inches. Don’t guess—it’s rarely right.
  • Check if the brand you’re buying from lists women's clothing size chart details. Compare your numbers to theirs, not some random chart online.
  • If you fall in between sizes, size up for comfort—especially in jeans or fitted tops. Some brands are infamous for shrinking after one wash!

Pants and dresses usually fit differently. For pants and jeans, hip size is king. For dresses, your bust and waist matter more. Athletic brands? They’ll usually run smaller for a “fitted” look.

Big retailers like Old Navy, Target, and Gap place a 135 lb woman most often in the 6–8 range, but in plus size, that’s at the lower end, often marked as 0X or even “straight” sizing. European sizes run differently—a US 6 is about a Euro 38, but always cross-reference your inches because even Euro brands aren’t always consistent.

It comes down to this: use the chart as a starting point, always take your measurements, and don’t stress if you jump up or down a number. Every brand calls the shots their own way. The scale isn’t judging you—just pointing you to the racks with better odds of a good fit.