When Uniqlo first opened in Toronto, I was totally pumped. For a long time, I longed to find basics that were affordable. But for some reason, plus size basics were a rare commodity and the ones that did were heckin’ expensive. Prior to making my first trip to Uniqlo, I took a look at the website to see what the sizes were like and what sizes went up to. In-store had sizes up to XL and online sizes carried went up to an XXL, which was promising. I remember having some luck finding clothes, but it was few and far between.
I had heard rumbling that the store’s sizing had changed a bit to fit more North American clientele. Plus, I recently went to check out the UNIQLO X MARIMEKKO collection and found that, shockingly, most of the items fit me. Was this just a lucky coincidence? I decided it was worth an experiment.
Over the holidays, I went back to Uniqlo to check out what they had in stock and shop around for myself. I threw 8 items into my basket and brought them back with me into the changeroom.
Outfit 1:
Chiffon pleated long skirt in purple – $39.90
Rayon long sleeve blouse in light orange – $29.90
I love these two items together because it reminded me a bit of Easter eggs. The skirt fit and still had a bit of room in the waist. I had tried it on in the XL and it had a bit of stretch elastic in the waist which I think helped out. The blouse, on the other hand, was a whole other story. Anyone who has a chest knows that trying to buy a button-up blouse is a nightmare. Not only was this tight in the chest area, but it was tight in the belly. Just a bad combo and a pass all around. Hella cute colour tho!
Outfit 2:
Rayon printed ¾ sleeve shirt dress – $49.90
For some reason, when I walked by this dress, it reminded me of the dress I tried on during my try-on haul at Nordstrom Rack. The XL in this dress actually fit quite large in the chest area, providing a bit of a weird fit. But the rest of the dress was absolute perfection. I didn’t have any issues getting it on or off and I felt super cute in it.
Outfit 3:
Light fluffy soufflé yarn crew neck sweater in purple – $29.90
I am usually pretty picky when it comes to sweaters, and I have to admit — this one way pretty alright. It was lightweight and oversized while still being super cute and not looking like a piece of fabric draped on my body. Not sure about the colour, but that’s my own personal taste.
Outfit 4:
Extra stretch lounge dress (long sleeve) in navy blue – $29.90
Out of all the things I tried on for my Uniqlo plus size test, this was probably the thing I loved the most. For starters, I tried on a size large and it fit. Secondly, it was stretchy and comfortable, and third it was a beautiful, basic dress that didn’t break the bank. Honestly, this is the reason why I like Uniqlo. Although I didn’t end up buying it, it has definitely been on my mind.
So I know what you’re thinking: I brought 8 pieces into the change room for my Uniqlo plus size test but only photographed five items. Well, that is because legit some items didn’t fit.
For example, I tried to put on a pair of leggings and they did not even go up past my ankle. Another shirt felt like my boobs were going to pop the buttons. While my trip to Uniqlo wasn’t totally disappointing, I’ve developed some tips for shopping there:
- Check the fabric — does it have any stretch or give?
- Compare your measurements vs. the ones on the tag — can you fit into the item?
- Some oversized items tend to fit differently than their normal size
With all that in mind, the Uniqlo plus size selection is hit or miss. I hope that they will extend into plus sizes, but until then you will just have to stop in and try things on.
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It has been a good year for plus size fashion, with lots of high-end retailers and mainstream brands expanding their lines. But one of the biggest things that took place was a ton of plus-size collaborations, some which were good (Roxy Earle and Sheertex, yes please!) and some which were downright bad.
One such example of ‘the bad’ was back in November when brand Ashley Stewart announced they would be collaborating with Kendall + Kylie Jenner.
You know them. They’re famous sisters from Keeping Up With The Kardashians. The line, available in sizes 10 through 24, was to feature 7 pieces and almost as soon as it was announced, the plus-size community on the Internet had something to say.
For those keeping track, the Jenner and Kardashian family have had a largely fatphobic past.
When they aren’t promoting fit teas and appetite suppressants via their social media (with complete ignorance mind you), they have used their brands to reinforce unattainable and unrealistic beauty ideals. Who can forget teens rushing to participate in the Kylie Jenner lip challenge in 2015 and seriously injuring themselves?
This is why it is so important when brands do decide to reach out and begin a collaboration with someone for their brand, it is a fit.
Not just for them, but for the community at large. It is so important for brands who talk about being a part of the plus-size community to continue to stay engaged with their consumers and also, the audience they are serving to stay relevant. What do these consumers really want and who would fit our brand?
Let me say this: I would never purchase plus-size clothes from Kendall and Kylie Jenner, and I watch the Kardashians.
I remember when I was growing up, my plus-size idol was Beth Ditto from the band, The Gossip. She had the most incredible style, and to be honest, she was someone I looked up to. So when Evans (a UK retailer) announced in 2009 that it would be collaborating with Ditto for a clothing line, I immediately knew I needed to have it.
I marched down to Holt Renfrew and asking them if they would be carrying it, and they thought I was nuts. But at the time, online shopping wasn’t as sophisticated as it is today. I watched from as far as Beth’s collection sold out and repeat collections followed.
This collaboration kind of set the standard for how plus-size collabs should run in the future, and well, who they should serve.
Just this year, Universal Standard collaborated with Rodarte, J. Crew, and Adidas! When I was visiting New York City, I had the opportunity to go into the showroom and see, feel, and try on the Rodarte collection in-person.
Honestly, I’ve only ever seen Rodarte on the pages of Vogue and it was everything I ever dreamed of and more.
This is why these collabs matter: it gives customers the possibility to have access to contemporary, ready-to-wear fashion in sizes 0-40 from brands we know and love. As soon as I slipped the bright red ruffled jumpsuit while I was at its showroom in New York City, I felt transported into a whole new world.
At the end of the day, as customers, we want to feel excited by the designers or celebrities who are partnering with the brands we know and love.
They don’t necessarily have to be a part of the plus community, but there has to be the right energy for that partnership to make sense. When Christian Siriano teamed up with Lane Bryant, I got that.
All this is to say in 2020, I want brands to take a good hard think before they just decide to collab for the sake of collaborating with someone. Your partnerships need to make sense because at the end of the day, the Internet always talks and you WILL hear it. Sure, Kendall + Kylie Jenner is popular for a lot of people, but they don’t inspire me.
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It has been a big year for plus-size fashion, with many memorable highs. According to stats from Coresight Research, the U.S. women’s plus-size clothing market will be worth $30.7 billion in 2019, growing around 4% to reach approximately $31.9 billion in 2020. In this year, we saw plus-size influencers and media celebrating and championing one another online and offline, and sparking discussion on what was missing from the plus-size fashion industry. Designers and brands were listening, trying to implement changes to their already existing lines or launch/create more size-inclusive clothing brands that babes across the world could feel good in.
Here are some of my favourite launches and glow-ups in the plus-size clothing industry of 2019.
Part and Parcel
This plus-size brand launched in the summer of 2019. Its mission? Offer size-inclusive clothing (sizes 0x-6x) and shoes at affordable prices. As you can imagine, it was a hit. The brand also introduced dimensional sizing, which meant that customers were given a choice between fit options. Recently, Part and Parcel did something even more revolutionary – it launched its own modelling agency. We can’t wait to see them take over in 2020.
Soncy
This summer I kept hearing another brand new plus size clothing line on plus-size Instagram, Soncy. The online retailer has fashionable pieces that give me ASOS or BooHoo vibes. But the best part? They were committed to releasing affordable pieces for women sizes 10-30, and actually showcased models of all sizes on their website. Can I get an Amen!
Henning
In August, Lauren Chan launched Henning, a high-end plus-size line that’s on the cutting edge of style. Her line is meant to be a call to action to the rest of the fashion industry, that plus-size women want luxury clothes. The line debuted at New York Fashion Week and is available in sizes 12 to 24, and produced and made exclusively in New York.
Anthropologie
Last February, long-time fans of Anthropologie were excited to find out that the brand was finally expanding its line into plus sizes, with a new collection titled A+nthropologie. The line, which came in 16-26, was only released at one physical location in Canada at CF Shops at Don Mills and available online. The line was been consistently fashionable, colorful and trendy. One of the things we have appreciated about the Anthropologie launch into plus is how it didn’t change its vision for plus customers. Let’s hope the line will expand into more physical locations in Canada for the new year.
URTUMUCH
For those in the plus-size community, you may know the name Jen Wilder. Not only is she the co-owner of The Plus Bus, a plus-size boutique in Los Angeles, but she is the brainchild behind URTUMUCH which launched in 2019. The line consists of caftans and lots of bold prints and sequins. Wilder has described the line as “timeless, unique and creative,” which we agree. Oh, and Lizzo is a fan. Wilder had the opportunity to design the cloud leotards for her backup dancers during the infamous VMA performance.
Hilary MacMillan
This past September, Canadian fashion designer Hilary MacMillan announced that she was planning to launch her Spring/Summer 2020 season in select pieces into a 4X, or a size 28. The collection was beautiful and fashion-forward, including oversized blazers, dresses, skirts, and jackets. The pricing of the collection ranged from $150-300, and is currently in production.
Tamara Malas
It wasn’t until late 2018 that I really learned about Tamara Malas, so I am including this in the 2019 launches category. This high-end fashion-forward brand, in sizes 14-32, offers luxury pieces with a point of view. Her designs are made for those who are playful and fashion-forward, and since I came across it, I have been obsessed. I need everything on my body immediately.
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The plus-size clothing market is changing, and it’s hard to say if it’s for better or for worse. On November 13th, plus-size luxury e-tailer 11 Honoré (who stock Diane von Furstenberg, Jason Wu, Dolce & Gabbana and Christian Siriano in plus sizes) announced that it had secured $10 million in funding. One of those investors? Nordstrom. Unlike their other department store peers, Nordstrom is hoping to expand its size offerings, hoping to bridge that gap with 11 Honoré.
But it wasn’t the first (and only) clothing retailer that has made the push into high-end plus size fashion.
One of the firsts was Universal Standard, and its founder and chief creative officer, Alexandra Waldman. For years, plus-size shoppers had been asking for a fashion brand for something you’d think would be relatively simple: size-inclusive basics. Yet, until the brand came along, there wasn’t really anything on the market. The best part? The line was full of fashion-forward basics in sizes 10 to 28, which were considered chic and stylish.
However, this line was not cheap, with the average price of an item ranging from $50-200 USD.
For many when clothes range from around $60 to $275, it may not be accessible to all shoppers. The increased price of plus-size clothing has often been referred to as the “fat tax.” According to Business Insider, the “fat tax” is a difference in price between items made for those in the plus-sized community vs. those who are not.
But the Universal Standard team did two things: they tried to challenge consumers’ perception of what plus-size clothing is worth and of course, getting them to believe they are worth it. But they also tried to help provide a solution with their Fit Liberty program.
Through this program, customers were given the ability to buy for the size they were (at that moment) and exchange for another size, if it changed in the following months – for free. It was a radical offering, that many who were uncertain about committing to high-end luxury clothes could get on board with.
It also told customers who were interested in luxury clothes: yes, you’re worth it.
Marketing to plus-size individuals who are interested in high-end luxury brands has been notoriously difficult. The reason being is that some shoppers wanted to hide their bodies or didn’t want to commit to clothing, at a higher price tag, for fear of their bodies changing. But other Canadian fashion designers like Hilary MacMillan and Lesley Hampton, also want to change this.
When I spoke to Hilary MacMillan after her showing at Toronto Fashion Week this year, she mentioned that although she spent considerable time researching the plus market, she was open to talking to women trying the brand, and getting a sense of how the brand fits people’s body shapes. The pricing of her spring/summer collection ranges from $150-300 and fits up to a 6XL.
She is quick to recognize that there is a shift happening in the industry with the plus-size market, and wants to actually pay attention by speaking directly to her customers via social media and her showroom.
Historically speaking, luxury fashion has always been about exclusivity, but the size of the average women in North America is 14 and above.
It’s time for a change, and brands have no choice but to listen to consumer demand and start evolving. For so long, plus-size shoppers didn’t think high-quality experiences existed for them, but now they do.
In the last year, we have seen brands like Henning, And Comfort, Madewell, and Tamara Malas launch into the market to great success. There is clearly space and room for all these brands, now it’s about time to change the marketplace.
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Both you and I know there are not enough retail stores for the average plus size consumer, although the average U.S. women’s dress size is between a 14 and a 16. This means that plus-size is the new average, although most people would never think of it that way. This is why shopping when plus can get a bit frustrating. According to recent research, 62% of Canadians would rather do their shopping with Canadian retailers instead of U.S. retailers. However, when you’re plus size, the options are limited online and offline. We all know about all the larger name plus size retailers like Addition Elle and Joe Fresh, but who are some of the under-the-radar places to shop when you’re plus, online and in-person? Don’t worry, I’ve got you!
Keep reading for 6 under the radar plus size stores to shop!
Long Tall Sally
Long Tall Sally, specifically for tall women 5′8 and over, has size ranges up to 24, which is a huge win for some. The bad news: in 2018, the brand closed its bricks and mortar store in Toronto. But don’t worry, you can still order clothes online, and there are some seriously cute rompers, jeans, and dresses. The best part: you won’t have to worry about fit adjustments for length. Score!
Tamara Malas
I was introduced to Tamara Malas through another plus-size pal and immediately I became obsessed. A few fun facts about the brand: this line has been developed and envisioned by a plus-size woman (Tamara Malas) with all pieces offered exclusively up to a size 32. The line is ethically made in New York City, so the pieces can be a bit on the expensive side ($105 – $355 USD), which realistically is not affordable for all. However, the pieces are absolutely stunning and totally one-of-a-kind. You’ll get compliments for DAYS and if you’re looking for investment pieces, these are it.
SexyPlus Clothing
Stefanie Augusteijn is the owner of SexyPlus boutique which is located in Mississauga. She has long been a champion of the body positive community, fostering dialogue and community. As soon as you step into Augusteijn’s store, you’ll feel a warm and welcoming presence as she and her team walk you through a safe and enjoyable shopping experience. You’ll find brands in-store like Dex, Society Plus, and Joseph Ribkoff to name a few, and most items are offered up to size 22.
Big Bud Press
Over the summer, I kept spotting these rad jumpers on Instagram and Twitter and I had no idea where they were from until a mutual friend bought one: Big Bud Press! This small, ethical brand based out of Los Angeles specializes in size-inclusive, unisex clothes including jackets, pants, and jumpsuits. Currently, it offers up to a 5XL on all items and they come in bright primary colours (think red, yellow and royal blue), or other fun colours like millennial pink. Akin to Tamara Malas, since everything is manufactured in L.A., the prices are a bit higher than average ($70 USD for jackets, $85 for pants and $180 for jumpsuits) but there are often sales, so watch out for that!
River Island
I have heard so much about River Island from my fellow plus-size companions across the pond but never tried the brand out for myself. The prices are totally reasonable ($50-$200 CAN) and the styles are super on-point. I’m currently obsessed with a pink suit (which reminds me of Cher from Clueless) that’s on offer. The brand offers up to a size 28, and currently has a wide variety of pants, dresses, skirts, and tops on offer – perfect for day or evening. One thing to keep in mind: this is shipping from the UK, so there will be taxes and duties, no matter how much you order.
Gussied Up
Gussied Up has been a part of the plus-size community for so long now, and is one of my first stops when going shopping in Toronto. Tucked away on a sleepy strip of Bathurst Street, Victoria McGroarty has dedicated herself to providing customers with cute, fashionable clothes that she would want to wear herself. Right now, clothes are offered up to a size 24 and in-store she carries Joseph Ribkoff, Thigh Society, and more.
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For years, I have spent considerable amounts of time ordering clothes online. The reason: because a good chunk of retail stores don’t carry plus sizes in-store. Online shopping for me has become a place where I am the expert on all things fabric, fit, and sizing – who knew? Because I’ve had to do so much online shopping, this is how I’ve developed my own personal style and learned so much about fashion. You see, when you’re plus size and not much is available for your body, you have to try to create outfit magic.
This is why I decided I wanted to test out Amazon’s very own plus-size section.
For a while now, so many people I know in the plus community, have been raving about plus-size Amazon’s clothing. If I can be honest, I was a bit shocked, but I did some digging and according to a report from the data analytics company, CoreSight Research found Amazon Fashion to be the most-shopped apparel retailer in the United States, unseating Walmart as number one. Huh.
Scrolling through the site, you’ll find a selection of cute basics and stylish pieces in sizes up to 6x.
Most are offered on Amazon Prime, which means shipping is available the next day, and the pricing? Legit affordable.
Here are some of the plus-size Amazon outfits I pulled together and my thoughts.
Alfred Dunner Womens Plus-Size Anchor Capri Pants – $41.42,
Riders by Lee Indigo Womens Plus Size Easy Care ¾ Sleeve Woven Shirt Button-Down Shirt – $24.31
I’ve always had such a hard time finding a dress shirt that fits and this one actually fits, with no issues. I was shocked and amazed! While I loved the design on the pants, I didn’t expect them to be a denim fabric. If you work in a more casual office, this would totally be something you could wear to work, or you could wear either piece separately. Honestly, the button-down shirt was the clear winner here for me.
Core 10 Women’s Icon Series – The Warrior Mesh Plus Size Legging – $59.00,
Core 10 Women’s Icon Series – The Warrior Mesh Plus Size Sports Bra – $33.00
I am always on the look for more gear for spinning and I was super excited to see these mesh leggings and matching sports bra, which I’ve seen in Lululemon previously. I decided to try the 2xl and the sizing was much smaller than I expected. It fit but was a tight squeeze. The ratings on both items did mention that the sizing/fit was smaller than average, but for some reason, I didn’t size up. Really kicking myself for not reading the ratings.
Amazon Brand – Daily Ritual Plus Size Long-Sleeve Turtle Neck Sweater Dress – $36.00
I love a good basic, which is why I love shopping at Uniqlo so often. I was really bummed out when this arrived because I received the wrong size. Rather than the 1 or 2x that I normally order, I was sent a 6x. The fabric of the dress is soft and comfortable, and you could totally dress it up or down. I’m hoping I’ll be able to exchange it for my normal size.
Daily Ritual Women’s Supersoft Terry Sleeveless Jumpsuit – $44.00,
Riders by Lee Indigo Women’s Plus-Size Amazon Denim Jacket Button-Down Shirt – $42.99
For so long I have been looking for the perfect jean jacket, and I finally found it. This jacket has inside pockets, plus it goes up to 3x. I paired it with a jumpsuit and I know it’s not quite the jumper from Fleabag, but in my heart, it will do. Besides, I feel like I’m giving off the most casual-cool vibes.
Daily Ritual Women’s Jersey Long-Sleeve Empire-Waist Maxi Dress – $38.00
This plus-size Amazon dress was perfect for spring and summer but honestly, it’s WAY too long for someone as short as me. I am 5’2 and I think you would have to be at the very least 5’10 to wear this dress. The dress is made from cotton material, so it’s light, airy, and it has a lot of movement. Best part? It comes in lots of different colours – I got it in cranberry red as I thought that would be great for fall.
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Trust me, jeans are a blessing and a curse. We have all had that moment – picture it with me. You’re lying flat on your back on your bed and you’ve sucked in your tummy. It’s just you and this new pair of jeans, and you’ve almost got them on. Maybe if you suck in your belly and hold in your breathe until your face turns blue, shimmy them on, and zip, they will fit. Maybe, just maybe. But what if, you found jeans that actually fit?
It took me a long time to realize that fitting into jeans didn’t have to be a struggle, no matter your body size. There are brands and companies out there that were specifically committed to fitting plus size bodies well. Ever since I’ve made this discovery, it has been such a relief for me, and what used to be one of my dreaded items to shop, has now become one of my favourites thanks to these plus size jean stores. Real talk!
Here are 8 of the best stores to shop at for plus size jeans!
Universal Standard
Sizes: 00-40
Price: $109 – $164
On my last visit to New York City, I went to the Universal Standard showroom and decided to try on a pair of its jeans in a dark denim wash in a 30” inseam. Can I just say that these jeans are the best I’ve ever had, never wearing out against my thighs or losing their colour? Brilliant.
Levi’s
Sizes: 14-24
Price: $98 – $108
After seeing everyone in a popular Facebook community I was a part of recommend jeans from Levi’s, I decided perhaps it was time to take the plunge. The skinny jean style is inherently more snug than other cuts on this list, and I had to size up from an 18 to a 22, but they fit like they were made to measure, and they make me feel stylish as heck.
Torrid
Sizes: 10-28
Price: $74 – $78
For a long time, everyone has been telling me that their go-to jeans have been from Torrid. While I have not tried them out myself, Torrid pride itself on being well-designed and offering premium stretch. Torrid denim come in three different designs: bootcut, flare, and skinny. So no matter what kind of denim your heart desires there should be one out there for you.
ASOS
Sizes: 14-24
Price: $67 – 70
One of the very first high-waisted jeans I ever purchased was from ASOS Curve. The jeans, designed in the London office, offer petite ranges in its plus offerings. These jeans have so much stretch in them, are super sleek, and stylish. I would absolutely order them again in a heartbeat.
Addition Elle
Sizes: select styles available in sizes 10-32
Prices: $59 – $119
One of my go-to spots for jeans has always been Addition Elle. Recently, the retailer hired a new designer, Andy Thê-Anh, who is offering even more curve-friendly jean designs. While you’ll still find old favourites like the skinny, flare, and straight leg, you’re going to see some variations that are more playful and sophisticated. Plus, the denim is soft and really gentle on the skin.
Good American
Sizes: 12-24
Prices: $250-$265
All over the internet, I have been reading about how amazing Good American jeans are. While the price tag on them is hefty, it seems like the quality and styles are worth it. According to Instagramers and plus-bloggers everywhere, these jeans hug every single curve, and come up high enough and don’t fall down. Plus, Good American seem committed to the plus community by having a big appearance at Curvy Con this year.
Lane Bryant
Sizes: 12-28
Prices: $103-$148
When it comes to jeans, so many of my American friends say Lane Bryant is the best for plus size jeans. The best part: the brand finally started shipping to Canada, so we can finally enjoy the wonder that are its jeans! For example: in its high-rise skinny, there’s a waistband that stretches and molds to your waist, eliminating the dreaded waistband gap. Um, how cool is that? How many times how you found yourself complaining about jeans that have stretched out. It might be worth looking into these!
LOFT
Sizes: 14-26
Prices: $96-$110
Loft’s denim is known for its high-quality and different washes. While I haven’t personally tried these on, the selections available are nice, crisp and perfect for dressing either up or down.
You may have seen the news recently, but Nike introduced some plus-size mannequins into its flagship London shop, and well, it caused some people to claim that the brand was “celebrating and promoting obesity”. Excuse me while I roll my eyes into the back of my head.
Now listen, I don’t care where you stand on the issue of body positive, but I am going to have to call shade on these people having a massive freakout on the Internet about curvy mannequins.
You know why? Because people of all sizes, even fat people, are allowed to exercise and the size of a person’s body cannot determine health – period. Let’s unpack this a little bit more.
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Our society’s preoccupation with beauty is almost obsessive. We have these standards we’ve been taught from a young age: be tall, skinny, have blonde hair, and fair skin. Stats have shown that 68 percent of American women wear a size 14 or above, which means the average everyday woman going out to shop in the US clothing industry identifies as plus size.
More and more, we need to be smashing down the Western beauty standards and fighting to have conversations around what bodies, what beauty standards, and what ideals are “normal” and therefore beautiful.
One way to start that: mannequins in retail shops because visibility matters.
Instagram/@gattuso.zambrotta
As a fat person, people like to make off-handed comments to me, in one form or another, about my body. Not only is it obnoxious, but it is upsetting. These same people will also go online, and make comments saying how fat people should ‘lose weight’.
If we reflect on the Nike situation, these plus-size mannequins were wearing activewear – to know you, work out.
Not that any fat person should have to work out and want to lose weight as if the two are mutually exclusive. But many fat folks can find certain activities and spaces — like gyms — intimidating. So getting to see a body type like theirs being represented matters.
Furthermore, no matter what fat folks say or do, we live in a world which has largely accepted the idea that being fat is bad and being slim is beautiful.
When you’re attacking a plus-size mannequin, you’re actually being super oppressive with behavior that hinges on concern-trolling and fat shaming.
Body image is developed in early childhood and more often than not, teens and youth will exhibit body dissatisfaction. Although this is just a mannequin, it gives us the opportunity to start having more body positive conservations with teens and youth and start breaking the barriers on who lives in a marginalized body. It can be a reminder to people that, ‘Yes, I’m here’ and that your body matters.
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While I want to believe that others are naturally good, the fact is that weight and size discrimination still happens, and this is perfectly demonstrated by the Nike situation.
All the time, brands will introduce plus-sizes into their stores or online but won’t showcase them on plus-size bodies or busts. To me, that shows that they haven’t fully thought about creating a retail environment that includes me, and my body.
Quite frankly if you want my money but are alienating a portion of your customer base – that’s not just terrible business, it is offensive.
At the end of the day, the reason we need to keep fighting to have different sized mannequins is simple: it’s about visibility and it’s about fighting beauty standards.
Yeah, these mannequins can cost anywhere from $300-1000 but at the end of the day, think of how it will make one of your customers feel. That feeling is priceless!
Featured Image: Instagram/@sophiehblnutrition
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Let’s just get this out of the way: growing up “plus-size” was — and is — a struggle. People stare at you. People hurl insults at you. People tell you to join Jenny Craig, they give you an aversion to your own reflection, they damage you in ways you sometimes won’t process for years. They make you feel like you’re less than them; they make you feel like you’re not a real person, like they are.
I had all of that (and more) happen to me when I was growing up, and I was only a size 12. 12 was a perfectly fine, average size for a teenager of my height, but that extra little bit of chunk around my waist made me a target for life. Especially since my sense of self-worth was tied to that number: 12, 12, 12. If I got any bigger, I was “plus-size.” And that was a fate worse than death for a 15-year-old girl.
Instagram/ @marstefashion
Related article: 9 Plus-Size Activewear Brands That You’ll Absolutely Love on Your Curves
The plus-size industry was very different 14 years ago.
Being “plus-size” meant shamefully trailing after your mom in Addition Elle or Laura, and suffering through hours of white-hot embarrassment while you stared at racks of flared, sensible work pants, and triangle-shaped white blouses and hoped for just one graphic tee that didn’t look like a maternity shirt.
It’s really nice to be in the future.
See, 15-year-old me didn’t have the selection or representation that plus-size people have today.
From a size 12 to a size 22 and beyond, the rise of social media has given way to voices that, for many years, went entirely unheard. Plus-size models, influencers, and CEOs are now out in the world and fighting to create spaces where the word “fat” isn’t a bad word, where “curvy” isn’t code for “anyone above a size 8,” and where calling someone “thick” is a genuine compliment.
From stores like Torrid finally opening in Canada to online retailers like Forever 21 expanding their plus-size sections, size ranges for clothing have never been better. And with those expansions comes actual style into our lives. Keeping up with trends is a possibility. Wearing clothes from your favourite movie or TV show is now a reality.
Instagram/ @marstefashion
Even the brands I mentioned before have stepped up their game, with Addition Elle collaborating with plus size activists like Ashley Graham and Jordyn Woods. They’ve begun skewing younger to appeal to teenagers and millennials that can’t shop other stores — and considering the plus-size fashion industry is reportedly worth over 20 billion dollars as of 2017.
Related article: Joe Fresh Just Launched A Stunning New Plus-Size Activewear Line
Where To Shop
With so many options available, where are the best places to shop? What companies can you support, both as fledgling ones or as companies owned by plus-size women themselves? If you aren’t sure where to start, head over to Instagram to find some plus size, body positive activists who tag the brands they’re wearing. Seeing the clothes on real people will help you get an idea of what body shapes different companies cater to.
Instagram/ @plussizebarbieofficial
Related article: 8 Size-Inclusive Brands To Have On Your Radar This Fall
Here’s a small list of the frankly giant selection these days:
- Indie brand Big Bottom Behavior was started by and intended for plus-size women. Their leggings are a big hit, due to their comfort, style, and unclockable opacity.
- Higher end retailer Marsté was founded by plus-size CEO and makeup mogul Marlena Stell, whose fashion focus is on empowerment.
- Fashion Nova Curve has an entire dedicated Instagram to their plus size range, which features influencers and models of all sizes.
- Specialty sites like eShakti will custom tailor any of their pieces for your exact dimensions.
- Lingerie brand Impish Lee carries sizes not usually found in stores, with sizes from 0-33 and bra sizes from 28A to 44J. (You’ll be able to spot my sister on their front page!)
- Big box retailers like Target, Old Navy, and Walmart have plus sizes up to 4x
Gone are the days of shrugging and deciding that things were as good as they were ever going to get. Gone is some of the shame, and the stigma, and the embarrassment of rolling into a plus-size section to find something to wear.
What gets ingrained in us isn’t easily forgotten, but the changes to the fashion world around us can help us all feel a little more comfortable in our bodies.
Featured image: Instagram/@justjenp
The state of plus-size fashion has taken great strides to improve over the last few years. Full-figured women are no longer forced to choose between ill-fitting sacks or matronly ensembles that cover every square inch of skin. Finally, plus-size clothing is stylish.
Yet so many curvy girls still feel that they’re stuck to the over-saturated plus-size brands that line outlet mall. There are new, size-inclusive brands out there filled with unique designs that satisfy every wardrobe want. Here are some size-inclusive brands you should have on your radar.
Tuesday Bassen?
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo8Z-RZleDn/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Tuesday Bassen is an award-winning illustrator turned fashion designer who recently opened her own brick-and-mortar store in Los Angeles. These quirky designs are sure to turn heads and available in sizes XXS to 5X, this brand is sure to have something for everyone.
CoEdition
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo2UM1YHJ5d/
CoEdition is a new, multi-brand online shop of curated products at accessible price points. You can shop fashionable apparel, intimates, activewear and swim in sizes 10-26, as well, the site hosts a forum for like-minded shoppers and influencers to share style tips, inspiration and feedback.
Hackwith Design House
https://www.instagram.com/p/BlYaQtjHjrK/?taken-by=hackwithdesign
As an eco-friendly fashion option, Hackwith Design House was created with the idea that women’s bodies are as diverse as their skills, talents, and accomplishments, so its new addition of an extended sizes collection is clearly an evolution of that concept. HDH Plus offers minimalist tops, pants, and dresses at affordable prices for sizes 14-28.
Premme
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bk3ZytYgYeP/?taken-by=premme.us
Premme is the result of fashion bloggers Nicolette Mason and Gabi Gregg joining forces to create a clothing label for all women. The brand prides itself on offering fashion-forward styles for the curvier consumer, all of which are available in “Premme sizes” 0-6, which corresponds to size 12-30.
Zelie For She
https://www.instagram.com/p/BpDgIxEBs6M/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Each season, designer Elann Zelie’s eponymous line is one to watch. Zelie For She is a brand that always keeps you guessing with its mixed prints and bold colors plus a range of garments from maxi dresses to wrap tops and form-fitting skirts, all available in sizes 14-24.
Eileen Fisher
https://www.instagram.com/p/BcNFydRArdb/?taken-by=eileenfisherny
Eileen Fisher is a staple brand when it comes to shopping for classic and well-made separates, like simple tanks, wide-legs trousers, blazers and more. With sizes ranging from XXS to 3X, the brand is a great business casual option for full-figured women.
Universal Standard
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bp4yeDbgXi8/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Universal Standard is a go-to brand for the minimalist, cool girl. Based in New York City, this brand was launched to fill the lack of sleek minimalism looks in the plus-size market. Offered in size 10 to 28, Universal Standard has slouchy jeans, edgy, embellished sweatshirts and layering dresses, remaining entirely on trend with current straight-size labels.
Yona New York
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bik57LZh7HP/?taken-by=yonanewyork
Designer Yona Love created her fashion brand because she felt that plus clothes fell into two categories: shapeless sacks or skin-tight silhouettes – neither of which appealed to her professional style. Her brand shows that business casual doesn’t mean boring, and is instead sophisticated, offering a breath of fresh air in what is traditionally a dull market.
Do you know any other size-inclusive brands to have on our radar? Let us know in the comment section.
Featured image: Instagram/ @shopcoedition
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