Although I often wear a medium, I took a chance on ordering the small, and it is a perfect fit. The front "belt" is an empire fit, above the natural waist, and below that the lower part of the jacket can slightly flare to the sides, disguising a larger waist and stomach, and defining the bust. I gave it a 4 instead of a 5 because a couple of the seams are puckered in sewing, but I still want to keep it and start wearing it because the fit is so good.