misses

Misses is a term with several distinct uses in English, encompassing fashion terminology and forms of address. The meaning and acceptance of the term vary by context, region, and era, so readers should be attentive to the setting in which it appears.

In clothing and retail, Misses denotes a standard size category for adult women. This designation is used to label ranges intended for non-petite figures, typically reflecting a middle spectrum between Juniors and Women’s/Plus sizes. The exact measurements associated with Misses can vary by brand and country, but in many U.S. schemes it covers roughly sizes 4 through 14. Garment manufacturers rely on bust, waist, and hip measurements to guide fit within this category. The label originated as part of mid-20th-century efforts to codify women’s apparel sizing, and remains common in many brands, catalogs, and stores.

As a courtesy title, Miss indicates an unmarried woman. The plural form Misses can be used to address or refer to multiple unmarried women, as in “The Misses Smith.” This usage appears in formal writing and historical contexts, but its appropriateness has declined in modern style guides. For women whose marital status is unknown or who prefer a neutral form, Ms. is commonly recommended. The masculine equivalents and related forms (Mr., Mrs., Miss, Ms.) reflect social conventions that have evolved over time and vary by region.

Overall, Misses is a polysemous term whose meaning depends on whether it is used as a clothing label or as part of a social honorific, with contemporary usage tending toward caution in the honorific sense.