Plus Sizes - Larger Clothes
Many individuals have an ongoing battle with their size.
There are times when they accept that they are overweight and live with the
body they have. Yet there are other times when they adopt the regime of a new diet in an effort to feel better by losing twenty pounds, they may do this for a mixture of
psychological or physical reasons.
Some time ago I found myself walking past a larger range of clothes in a
store and liking one garment so badly, I felt rather miffed that the range
was way above my sizing. The fact is clothes for larger women, or plus sizes,
are now far more attractive than they have ever been.
Manufacturers who neglect larger sizes are missing out on
a huge retail market. Those who realised this in the 1990s began producing
attractive plus ranges. Plus sizes have come a long way from the 1970s with garments skimpily cut and only being sized up to a size
14 if high fashion. Communal changing rooms were another nightmare. Anyone over a size 16 had no chance of looking in tune
with the latest styles. Today most women will be able to find size ranges
reaching to size 22 in quality ranges and even greater sizes in garments
made in some of the less costly ranges.
Even if you live in a small town, you may still be unable to
find sizes to suit you, there are quality fabric garments made for both the shorter
figure and the taller woman. You have the choice of shopping directly from
the stores in major cities and larger towns, or ordering from the internet. If you are
petite you may find my
petite fashion trend page and
petite problems a
useful starting point.
Many of this site's visitors are from the USA and some
reading this article may be hoping to visit the UK and shop for plus styles, which
may just be a little different than usually found at home. Be warned, clothes
are comparatively expensive in the UK - that's living on an island for you. Alternatively, you can look at some of the plus size companies I have
selected, for example Evans.
In the UK, a two-day shopping break in London may well be
worthwhile if it enables you to buy some carefully chosen
items that make you feel wonderful. But don't forget that the UK now has
great shopping centres nationwide. Some venues like The Manchester Trafford
Centre or shops in Leeds, Newcastle and Cardiff offer a range of clothing easily able to rival many
a shop in London.
Selfridges in particular stocks Marina Rinaldi
and other plus sizes such as Anna Scholz. This plus size area of the store
was recently refurbished. Harrods have the widest selection of top end Plus sizes, from
a wide range of stockists.
Harvey Nichols have an in-store Ghost concession and if
you are a size 18 you may get a suitable fitting, as some of
the styles are cut loose and generous and might fit a normal size 20.
Dusk, Coterie and Frank Usher, are all part of the Frank Usher group
020 7629 9696 and you can visit their web site for details of stockists near
you. Also online you can see beautiful garments with their prices listed. However,
you can only buy garments directly from stockists not online.
www.frankusher.co.uk is well worth
a visit.
Back in the summer of 2004 they launched a new collection with sizes 16-26 called Quintesse. You can see some
Frank Usher on site here. The page looks at typical Frank Usher
occasion wear ideal for events and weddings.
Coterie is a range of clothes perfect for any mother of the
bride who ranges from a UK size 10 to 22. Dusk has styles that expose more
of the body and range from sizes 10 to 18, whilst the original Frank Usher range has
some garments that stop at size 18, some that finish at 20 and others that go up
to size 22. You can see all of these ranges on their website above.
Frank Usher is a division of Slimma PLC.
One firm that specialises in larger sizes in the UK other
than Frank Usher is the Redditch based firm Elvi 01527 506300. They have 24 stores and 80
concessions in department stores such as Debenhams, Beales and House of
Fraser. The clothes
are affordable, are in this season's colours and range from size 16 to size 26. The success of this independent company has been demand driven. You can find
a list of stockists at www.elvi.co.uk
and look at a few of the typically stocked items stores have. Elvi
have recently opened a store in central London.
Even if you
are too small for Elvi there are often very pretty accessories such as
scarves.
~
Ann Harvey 020 7408 1131 is part of the same group as
Alexon, the more fashionable Alex and Co., Kaliko, Minuet, Dash, Bay and for the older
more petite to average height woman Eastex. They have a
good selection of clothes for the larger lady from size 16 to 28. Some of
the Ann Harvey knitwear is very interesting and more youthful compared to other large
sized ranges. Ann Harvey has some shops and also concessions within
department stores in the UK.
One advantage of belonging to a group that has stylish
garments such as those found at Kaliko is that designs do transfer into
other ranges. In October 2004 I noticed a Kaliko rich dark green
velvet knee coat with a decorative hem. It was I’m sure intended for
winter weddings or evening wear. I mention it here though because
Kaliko mostly stop at size 16 and sometimes at 18 and I can imagine how
frustrated some shoppers must be when they see lovely clothes, but not in
their size.
So it was a pleasant surprise for me to be able to report
to you that in another section of the store at Ann Harvey a similar garment
was available, but up to size 28 and in rich brown velvet. Ann Harvey
also had tweed jackets and other items with sufficient fashion twist in a
wide range of larger sizes. I do mean wide, starting at a very generous
size 16 to a size 28.
Windsmoor
Windsmoor make many of their garments from a size 10 up to
a size 20 or a large+ size. These are particularly well cut for larger woman
and will often give a figure where none exists. Jackets are very figure
flattering and the items wear very well as they use very high grade fabrics.
Any trace of mumsiness with such a range can often be removed by a great up
to date hairstyle and also very now neck accessories such as dramatic large
mother of pearl pendants or tribal bead jewellery. The cut of the clothes flatters larger women and
the quality of materials used is reliable.
You can often find very pretty tops in this brand. In
spring 2005 Windsmoor were selling
some lovely light tweed items, ethnic influenced linen skirts and a good range of
occasion wear outfits
for the larger woman in many of the fashion colours seen elsewhere in
smaller size ranges. Any larger lady
would feel very special wearing such garments. By autumn 2006
Windsmoor had cottoned onto lush brocade fabrics and cocoon styling in coats
and jackets. They had on display a beautiful emerald green and black
figured brocade jacket with a wide sweeping collar. Very stylish and very of
the moment.
Windsmoor can mostly be
found as concessions in UK stores such as House of Fraser and Debenhams among many
others, particularly in major cities where some sole Windsmoor shops also
trade. Some of the colours currently in the range are bold and strong
favouring burnt oranges and terracotta tones, turquoises, coral and cerise.
Etams is a long established UK high street firm that now
has a plus size range from 16 to 28.You can find Etams on the web or phone
0207 629 1430 for a stockist list.
High street chain Dorothy Perkins also now has a plus
range size with a core collection which ranges between sizes 8 to 22 as well as a tall range from size
8 to 22 and it does maternity wear from size 8 to 22. They also do a petite collection size
6 to 18. Ring 020 7494 3769 or try their
www.dorothyperkins.co.uk website for more info.
Perhaps in the UK the most famous of plus size shops is
Evans who before the days of political correctness was known as Evans's
Outsizes and had carrier bags suitably emblazoned with the fact. It amazes me they
ever sold anything with a marketing technique so lacking in finesse.
Since then they have come such a long way and much of it
is due to their being part of the Arcadia group. These dresses right and the
dress and jackets are from Evans autumn 2006/7 winter season range.
There are branches in most average size towns and they now have shop on
Regent street London.
www.evans.ltd.uk shows some of the
range on line and is soon introducing a catalogue for those wanting to buy
size 16 to 32. This makes it a shop stocking possibly some of the largest
clothes in the country.
Marks and Spencer have a good range these days of larger
sizes. However many have to be bought either in the larger stores or
ordered. An alternative is to shop from their website and look at the plus
range there where they have garments size 20 to 28.
Marks and Spencer currently have on offer an ever useful
plus size leather jacket.
Many items are available up to size 28.
And if you are just a bit smaller consider their normal range at size 18
or 20.
Per Una for example runs to size 20 and XL in knitwear
Designer Plus Sizes
If you love designer clothes then Marina Rinaldi of
39 Old Bond Street, London SW1 makes clothes up to size 28.
UK Independent Plus Size Retailers
Box 2 is a quality plus size shop now
just outside Henfield in West Sussex. They no longer operate from Duke Street
in Brighton. They sell quality women's plus size clothing from size 14 to 30.
Box 2 has eight other stores now throughout the UK and is growing
rapidly as they are now advertising franchise opportunities in England,
Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Their telephone number is 01444 882727
and all the shop address are featured on their web site. The website enables
you to purchase by mail order by fax phone or email, with a
£4.95 delivery charge. You can also order their snail mail catalogue.
Two other original shops are at West Wimbledon at 267 Coombe
Lane, London SW20 0RH, Tel: 0208 947 9797 and there is also a Box 2 shop at 41 London Road, Alderley
Edge in Cheshire.
The range of plus size women's wear shown on the website
illustrates a sample of styles to suit all age groups. I noticed day
and evening wear, jackets and leather items, special occasion/wedding wear,
bags, shawls, pashminas and accessories including some fashion jewellery
items.
In particular I liked the fact that they have tuned into
current fashion trends and display 'now' items for really
large sizes up to size 28. Many plus size women will adore these stylish looking
clothes and heave a sigh of relief when looking for a special or everyday
outfit.
But best of all the clothes are modelled by genuine fuller
figure women who all have achieved a glamorous and comfortable at ease with
themselves look. The models are all between 5'7" and 5'10" so these
are super sizes that suit tall women too.
Check out their website at
www.box2.co.uk Amended 4.10.2006/Added 07.08.2004
Base fashions 020 7240 8914 specialise in styles sizes 16
-28. This London based independent retail store at 55 Monmouth Street in West 2 also has a
website www.base-fashions.co.uk
The fashions are designer led and on the site look lively and innovative.
French and Teague is for those over size 16 and was so
named because 47% of the UK female population is over a size 16 yet until
recently very badly catered for clothes wise. To get an idea of the kind of
body the clothes can accommodate just think of Dawn French who is one half
of this partnership. They trade only over the internet at their
website sixteen47.
They say their sizes range from 1 to 6 which must be thrilling for anyone
used to seeing size 28! They suggest size 1 will suit anyone from size 16-20.
That size has a bust of 42 and a hip of 44 inches. They go right up to
1647's size 6 which will suit anyone from size 36-47. The latter size has a
bust of 66 and a hip of 70 inches.
1647 also now do a wedding bridal dress service for plus sizes, but you
must allow several months for the wedding gown to be made and be prepared to
return for at least one fitting. Prices start at £1500+.
Check out their website at
www.sixteen47.com.
I recently checked out this site called
www.eplussizeclothes.com when my
aunt said what a nightmare she had finding large sized tights in not one,
but in many parts of the UK when she travelled. After a little
research I discovered eplussizeclothes started in January 2004 and is based as an
internet plus size service in Northumberland. They tell me they are
particularly interested in maintaining a good stock of large tights as they
feel many manufacturers do not produce anything above 54 inch hips.
Recent tights on offer at this shop include some up to 85 inch hips.
In addition
www.eplussizeclothes.com have very low priced plus size clothing items
on sale and special offers of stock which is sometimes ex Dorothy Perkins
and Evans. I was impressed that for those with a large bust they
offered a pretty, deep cranberry coloured bra up to size 44JJ with matching
briefs neither with prices that would not break the bank.
They sell 2 main ranges of tights. The largest size range
is their 15 Denier 100% Nylon Caprice Tights. They are sold in three
colours and are smooth knit, have reinforced toe, back panel gusset and fit
up to 60 inch hips. Their second range of Dumbo tights are made in Italy
with tailored back and front panel for extra width and fit up to 56 inch
hips and include a range of familiar colours such as Black, Vaguely Black,
South Sea, Mink, Honey and Chocolate. I think this company is fulfilling a
need by offering their larger sized panty hose easy to order service in
particular.
For plus women
eplussizeclothes.com also have tops and trousers, some pieces of costume
jewellery at discount prices as well as items for larger, taller men.
Added (30.10.2004)
I have also discovered that Silkies who run a mail order
system also make larger and taller tights up to 64inch hips. You can
often find leaflets for these in magazines and although I take a medium not
a plus size I have found them to be fantastic tights well worth the money.
Silkies in UK have just (April 2005) put up an internet site and you can now
order online or still use the mail order facility.
In London only at Brava at 26 Buckingham Palace Road you can
find bras for bigger girls up to size 52".
Beige is the largest Ladies fashion boutique for 16+ in North
London. Beige Plus is at 8 Hallswelle Parade, Temple Fortune, Finchley
Road, London NW11 0DL. It provides gorgeous clothes for business, pleasure
and leisure. The garments are carefully selected from the finest Italian,
French and Spanish collections.
They are stockists of N.P. Elena Miro, Wille, Persona by
Marina Rinaldi and many more! They provide comfortable surroundings,
complimentary refreshments and an excellent alterations service as part of
the Beige experience. The shop is open 7 days a week and it is easy to park.
www.beigeplus.com Tel 020 8455
1122. Map to
new shop venue site:
http://www.beigeplus.com/map.htm (Added 10
Feb 2005)
Update Nov 2007 - The owner tells me that Beige Plus has opened a new branch
in central London
http://www.beigeplus.com/About.htm In addition to smart-day and
casual-wear Beige Plus (Central London) carries eveningwear, mother of the
bride, special occasion and business suiting.
But more importantly, for those who cannot get to London, Beige Plus has
opened an e-commerce site
http://www.beigeplus-shop.com/ (Added Nov 2007)
Lands End, Bravissimo, Larger Than Life, Sizeup
A site visitor wrote to tell me that
Landsend.co.uk extended their plus size range in February/March 2004. She also tells me she really
likes their basic T-shirts and shells, and wears their V-Neck interlock
cardigan and matching trousers as a casual suit for work.
Bravissimo
She also likes bravissimo.com for
large-cup bras that so many large ladies need. Although they do mail
order, they do have shops and the fitting rooms and assistants are
wonderful. I noticed one of these lovely shops in the Touchwood Centre
at Solihull, UK. Solihull (outside of Birmingham) is a really lovely town to
shop with lots of variety, without feeling this is an overwhelming big city
like one does when in London. Likewise Cardiff is another excellent
shopping centre and I recommend both to you for their easy compact shopping.
Figleaves also have a large range of cup
sizes. I have personally used Figleaves internet site many times for
ordering brands already known to me, but in never available sizes at a shop.
Larger than Life
Another site visitor has written to say how
pleased she was when she visited a plus size shop in Kew. The shop is Larger
than Life at 3 Mortlake Terrace, Mortlake Road, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9
3DT. They have two shops and stock sizes 14-24 as well as having a maternity
service.
The site visitor was very impressed with the very approachable
manager on two different occasions when she was helped to find special
outfits. The owner gets much of the stock from the continent so it has
that European edge that so many of us like when we are on holiday abroad.
Rigby and Peller
Jean another site visitor has written to tell
me that Rigby and Peller - Conduit Street (off Oxford Circus in central
London) have a good range of large swimsuits and bras. They have a
free measuring service which is discreet. It all happens in a lovely
shop with crystal chandeliers and tented ceilings!
Sounds great news for big girls who can get
to London. Rigby and Peller bras are wonderful for any size. If you
can afford about £50 to £65 you can find a great sexy bra there that will
uplift and contour your breast to perfection. Go on spoil yourself.
You can buy certain sizes from the Figleaves internet site by clicking below.
Finally I heard recently from Katrina who
told me about these sites for plus sizes. She wrote to tell me of
www.grayandosbourn.co.uk as quite expensive, but they have really brilliant sales every quarter if
you sign up for their catalogue.
http://www.spirito.co.uk - same as above. Ulla Popken can now be
ordered online from UK
http://www.ullapopken.de/index. Katrina wrote that they all sold
really decent suits perfect for business wear at work and I must say they do
look like attractive sites. The last one also had a swimsuit size 26 in
stock at the time of writing.
Yours
(formerly Size-up) invited me to view their website. For plus sizes,
it has some nice tops and denim pieces all UK sized 14-32 at very reasonable
prices. These items are affordable and easily compare price wise to New Look or TopShop prices. They certainly cost a lot less than most of the
items at some of the other retailers mentioned here.
A site reader wrote to tell me that 'Size-up have changed
their name to Yours. They have an expanding number of stores mostly across
East Anglia but are slowly heading northwards and there are some stores in
Lincolnshire and one or two around Leicestershire and Rutland. Their web
site is fair, but does not reflect the much wider selection of good quality,
well priced clothing to be found in their stores. They do a really good
range of separates both casual, office wear and party wear along with a
selection of lingerie in a wide range of sizes from 16-32 and occasionally
34/36. Stock changes frequently and I would single out the Braintree in
Essex branch as well worth a visit with friendly staff and fantastic choice.
The quality of fabrics, colour choices and finish is very good for such
value prices. I would put them above both Evans and H&M Hennes for
quality, choice and value for money.'
Anna Scholz recently wrote to tell me about her plus size
products in the size range 8 to 26. You can find her clothes at her site here
www.annascholz.com or purchase them
at Selfridges or Harrods.
Updated 09 Nov 2006
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