Plus Size Apparel Woes...and Solutions

Statistics prove that the average American woman is a size 14 or larger.  While dress sizes have chaged over the years, so indeed have our bodies.  Women are taller, larger and generally speaking, working outside of the home.  Which means that you wield one very powerful weapon in the world of fashion--money.   Fortunately, the fashion industry has finally started to take notice.  So too, have major and better department stores, although it still boggles the mind as to why couture designers have yet to climb aboard.

Have you ever wondered why finding and/or purchasing clothing for women who do not wear standard  Misses sizes  is such a chore?  Are you a plus size woman who finds that you still can only find floral "tent" dresses, or shapeless, colorless blob outfits?  We too, address this issue for many of our customers on a daily basis.  While we sell clothing in Misses sizes, it is our plus size customer who has become more demanding of better quality and styling.

So where should you begin?  Well, if you're searching for beautiful dresses, suits and outfits without spending a fortune, you could start with two lines that our store happens to love:  Dana Kay and Misty Lane.  Both produce elegant and often dramatic styles up to size 32 (Dana Kay) and 34W (Misty Lane.)  Generally speaking, both design houses  use lots of chiffon or lightweight polyester and in the case of Misty Lane, often richly embroider or embellish sleeves or bodice fronts with beading.  Each offers very generous cutting so that clothing is roomy without that I'm-wearing-a-sack feeling.  Also, we have never seen either of these manufacturers produce anything that buttons down the front, which you will definitely appreciate if you have ever experienced "button-splay," which reveals your bosom (and other parts) to the world when you sit down in that ill-fitting button down shirt or dress! 

So what should you look for if you're a plus size and want both comfort and great fit?  Start with these ten simple tips:

10 Tips for A Better Plus Size Fit

1. Buy only what you like from a store that you trust.  Don't let the salesperson "talk you into it."  If you hate it, say so and walk away from it.
2. Look for simple lines.  This means not a lot of buttons, zippers, snaps or other closures.  Remember:  less is more.
3. Stay away from busy patterns and geometrics unless you are the type of woman who really wants to draw attention to herself.  Note:  don't confuse this statement about patterns to mean that you shouldn't wear color.  Absolutely, you should!  Find your favorite and wear it a lot.
4. Don't just wear black!  Unless you're a wiccan high priestess (no disrespect to those who are) then stay away from all black, especially in the daytime.  It gives you that "I'm-wearing-a-tent" look.
5. Accessorize, accessorize...accessorize!  Great shoes and a handbag make any outfit look like a million bucks.  Handbags and shoes should be in the same color family.  Add jewelry too.  Simple earrings and a necklace or a larger pair of earrings without anything at the neck draw attention toward your face.
6. Look at pictures of the clothing you like.  Keep these pictures handy when you shop in stores or online.  It'll help you stay focused and not buy things that you don't like.
7. Wear make-up.  Don't put it on with a trowel; just add a bit of mascara and lipstick for day, or add foundation and blush for evening for a polished look.  You'll feel beautiful.
8. Throw away your "granny panties" and buy good quality undergarments that fit.  If you've never had a bra professionally fitted before, get it done immediately.  Lane Bryant, Dillards, Nordstrom, and all better department stores offer this service.  Don't be embarassed!  If your underwear fit you well, your clothes will look and feel better when you wear them.
9. Know your measurements.  Especially important when shopping online.  If your favorite sellers don't provide them, then ask.  Don't allow yourself to think that all sizes from different manufacturers are the same.
10. Finally, look in the mirror and tell yourself daily, "I am beautiful."

Finally, if you have clothing that no longer fits, or if you're looking to expand the range of your wardrobe, remember, you're already in the world's largest shopping mall...right here on Ebay!