Women's clothing for off-the-rack production would range from 8 to 38 based first on bust, and then height, hips, and girth. ... (a UK size 16 was a rough equivalent to a U.S. size 12 in the '50s).

I was 17 and trying and failing to find a plus-size dress for the prom. Wandering through shops with friends, I’d feign interest in the petite strapless and halter-top gowns before heading ...