Guide · size 22
Universal Standard vs Eloquii: which size to take
These are the two shops most worth knowing if you wear a size 18 and up, and they are cut differently enough that the same number is not the same garment.
Universal Standard is the generous one and the consistent one. Eloquii is the neater one and the cheaper one.
Every piece named below is a real product, carried in size 22, at 5 shops we check. Prices in USD and correct at August 27, 2026. We take no commission, which is why we can tell you not to buy something.
The comparison in one paragraph
Universal Standard grades every style across sizes 00 to 40 from one block, so your size behaves the same way in a jean, a shirt and a dress. It runs true to slightly generous.
Eloquii carries size 14 to 32 and drafts a neater armhole and a closer bust. In wovens it runs about one size small against Universal Standard; in knits and trousers the two are close to level.
If you are between the two, the practical rule is: take your usual size at Universal Standard, and size up one at Eloquii for anything woven with a sleeve.
Buy your denim at Universal Standard
The Carol jean is the most predictable plus-size denim there is. High rise, real waistband, and graded so a 22 is a 22 in every wash.
It costs more than Eloquii denim and it is the pair you stop thinking about.
One block, every size, every wash. If you have been burned by denim sizing, start here.
Carol High Rise Super Stretch Jeans - After Hours
$110
Universal Standard on the fit: Runs True: sample size is an 18; brand suggests taking your regular size.
Carol High Rise High Stretch Jeans - Daydream Blue
$110
Carol High Rise Cropped Jeans - Dark Indigo
$104
3 pieces · $324 together · you buy from the shops themselves and we take no commission
Buy your work-wear at Eloquii
Eloquii's trousers are the best value on the rail: crisp fabric, high rise, a wide leg cut properly rather than let out from a straight one.
Their occasion dresses are also worth the sizing homework, as long as you order the size up in anything with a set-in sleeve.
Trousers true to size, the dress one size up. That is the whole Eloquii rule.
The Ultimate Stretch Wide Leg Work Pant - Chicory Coffee
$99
Eloquii on the fit: High-rise waist, curve-engineered fit.
Wide Leg Pinstripe Trouser
$65
Cape Sleeve Draped Dress
$169.95
3 pieces · $333.95 together · you buy from the shops themselves and we take no commission
Where the other shops sit
Lane Bryant runs closest to Universal Standard in the leg and looser in the sleeve, and its no-gap and curvy fits are drafted for a bigger waist-to-hip difference.
Torrid drafts for a fuller bust as standard, so it runs generous on top against both. Good American runs close to Eloquii, and its oversized styles are meant to be large.
One from each shop, so you can feel the difference in cut for yourself without spending much.
No-Gap Curvy Fit High-Rise Straight Leg Jean
$79
Lane Bryant on the fit: No-Gap Curvy Fit designed to eliminate waistband gap.
Plus Size Belle Isle Scallop Edge Midi Skirt
$60
GOOD Vintage Straight Jeans
$98
Good American on the fit: Jeans available from size 00 to 32 plus.
3 pieces · $237 together · you buy from the shops themselves and we take no commission
The next step
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Questions people ask
- Is Universal Standard true to size?
- Yes, true to slightly generous, and consistent across every style because they grade from one block.
- Should I size up at Eloquii if I wear Universal Standard?
- In wovens with a sleeve, yes, by one size. In knits and trousers, take the same number.
- Which is better value?
- Eloquii for work-wear and occasion dresses. Universal Standard for denim and anything you want to buy again in the same size next year.
Read next
What to wear to a wedding at size 24
A wedding guest outfit at size 24, built from dresses and separates carried in your size today at real US shops. Every piece linked and priced.
Does Eloquii run small?
How Eloquii sizing actually runs against Universal Standard, Lane Bryant and Torrid, category by category, with the sizes carried today.
The best jeans when you carry weight on your stomach
Which plus-size jeans hold at the waist without gapping at the back, in sizes 14 to 32, with prices and the fit note for each.