If your tummy means you wear a size 20/22 what chest size are you?

[PrincessFluffyPants]

My elderly mum has asked me to knit a jumper for her, when I asked her a chest size she said 38 but with a bra extender added BUT she has to wear size 20+ clothes as she has a big tummy. She has slim shoulders though and is only 5ft 2". She lives away and can't measure herself due to a lack of shoulder flexibility. Can anyone give me an idea of what chest size you might be if you have similar dimensions? My knitting pattern only goes in chest size and I'm concerned if I size up too much the jumper will swamp her, will of course amend the pattern for arm length. Thank you.

adding 20 inches to a dress size is usually ball bark correct for the band size eg

size 12= 32
size 14 =34
size 20= 40
however my elderly relative wear a size 14 and she is 7 stone- I think she hasn’t realised sizing has changed so much! She says it’s for her tummy.

also depends on the fit and the five in the knit so I reckon 38 if slouch oversize and 40 if tighter

@fatgirlswims Thank you! That is so useful and I will screenshot your post to keep for any future requests from others.

Maybe ask your mum what brands she usually buys for jumpers and look at their sizing chart for guidance.

Ask your mum to take a tape measure/ruler to a jumper that fits her when it's flat - you/she double the measurement & no shoulder mobility required