How does American Clothing Sizing work?

[Ceolas]

Is it a size down from ours? So a size 16UK would be a 14US?

yup

No, the sizes aren't that simple.
Just with regard to trousers, bust sizes are simpler, in a way:

I'm a size 12 generally in the UK, and a size 7-8 usually in the US. But can be a size 10 (using old US sizes), or a US size 5 (in some shops), while sometimes am a size 10 in UK (using most newer-made clothes).

Anyone know about plus sizes - 1X,2X,3X,4X,5X?? I had some stock for the shop with these sizes on!

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I guess mail order not a good idea then?

On some clothes I bought from the US a while ago (maternity clothes) I bought a 4 as I'm a UK 8 and that's what they said to buy.

No, mail order not a good idea.

I find I am two sizes down (so a 16 becomes a 12), but it really depends on the shop. Youthfull brands like Mexx come up small. More 'mature' brands come up bigger. It's a mess, really.

OK thanks. Shipping is collossal so I'm going to avoid it!