Thinking that I am a plus size and should be able to buy plus size clothes

[Beaverfeaver]

So this might sound really strange, but I am quite short 5ft4, and feel like quite a plump person in general.
I have always been larger than what I see as the 'norm', and therefore don't feel that clothes made for the 'norm' suit me or flatter me.
I am a pear shape and a 12/14 on top, and a 14/16 on bottom.
Now this might seem average, but when I go shopping, in stores or online, I generally go to the plus size section as the clothes are more flattering to my figure. But they are not available.
For example- asos.com, their plus size clothes start at size 20, but I love them, and wouldn't even consider wearing the clothes in their normal range.
Same with underwear. Day to day I am happy with the M&S breifs and bras, but when it comes to something sexy I tend to like the plus size underwear as its not all tiny strings etc, but once again not available in my size.

Is there anywhere that does sexy but flattering clothes and underwhere for the slightly less than plus size?

Am I a crazy person, or not the only one here who feels this way?

[kumquatsareaposhfruit]

I am size 16 and I would never wear anything which was sleeveless.

OP, just remembered that control underwear is great too. I didn't discover it until after the kids.

[Trills]

YABU - you are not plus-sized.

I agree that you should be able to find clothes to suit you - why not start a thread in Style&Beauty saying all the things you've said here?

[FabbyChic]

Im the same size as you OP, 12/14 on the bottom 14/16 on the top. Id never consider myself a plus size.

I'd never wear the stuff either to be its just too big.

[sarahtigh]

get free consultation with personal shopper at some high street store say you are after young funky look on a budget they will pull things together from different ranges just make sure you note which it maybe that one desin=gners trousers fit you great but their tops look rubbish ( you actually don't have to buy anything at these consultations, you will get one easier if it does not need to be a saturday/sunday

I am an hourglass shape ( less so since DD!) and I find that I have things from size 12-18 in wardrobe all of which fit it depends on make etc

[KatAndKit]

You are not really a plus size, you are an "average" size. In my opinion plus size is at least a 16. Even that is the UK average anyway.

the problem is the fact that retailers design a garment that would suit a twiglet and then scale it up to average, and even plus sizes, rather than designing clothes that actually flatter average sized women in the first place.

[Fixture]

Have you tried the Taillissime range at La Redoute? It's from size 14 upwards.

[Jawbreaker]

I had this problem or several years. I was a 14 on top and an 16-18 on the bottom when my kids were small, and clothes shopping was a nightmare. I'm really tall, too, which made things even worse. Evans stuff just seemed like unflattering tents. I bought bits and pieces from Marks and New Look, but I never felt catered for by the shops. It was depressing

I'm a 12-14 hourglass now, and still find clothes shopping for my shape difficult. Everything is too short (dresses are a nightmare) and most of the high street stuff seems to be aimed at people much younger than me and just doesnt flatter my shape.

[Trills]

This website says that if you give them your measurements they'll recommend clothes that suit your shape.