Desperate - where to find decent clothes for size 18+??

[mrsobriain]

I am a size 18 and am so fed up of trying to find decent, well-made, non-shapeless clothes to suit my shape. Of course in an ideal world I would be a svelte size 10 but in the real world, where do you go to get your clothes if you are size 18 or more ? Something made for a size 8/10 wouldn't necessarily suit a bigger size. I am finding it impossible to find a smart stylish coat that doesn't look like a bin bag or have pockets the size of handbag which frankly look ridiculous on me. Where are all the nice clothes hiding ???? Where are you ?? I am big but in proportion so I like clothes with a shape. Too many plus-size clothes are still shapeless and made from awful fabric that just doesn't work. Please point me in the right direction.....

I bought a lovely coat from Joe Browns at Simply Be. Or try Debenhams..?

Boden, Wrap, Sainsbury's, Fatface (size down), John Lewis - I'm a 16/18 and have clothes from all these places this season which are well cut and flattering.

I agree about the fabric for larger lady's clothes. Some of it makes me shudder. Also the shapelessness of things.... ugh.

I am a size 18 or 20 depending on shop and wish I could buy things made of nice fabric and which fit properly.

Well I'm a very happy size 18 at the moment, having got down from a size 22, so I've maybe got a different perspective!

Monsoon is fab for treating yourself - it's expensive so I just get the odd top/dress from there - but they last for ages and I always love how the clothes look and feel from there. I also really like Debenhams - love Rocha John Rocha from them and Wallis. I've also had some great stuff from La Redoute, which is cheaper and the 16/18 stuff I think comes out at a size 18.

Avoid Primark like the plague - can't get anything to fit and came out last time feeling very miserable - and huge!

I'm coveting a Top Shop coat at the moment, but haven't had the courage to go in as I'm probably at least 20 years too old to walk through the doors, but they do go up to a size 22.

top shop do sizes bigger than 16?? Really, is that just ins tore do you know, can't see it on their website

Ah - sorry - brain drain - I meant Dotty P's! They definitely go up to a size 22 but I haven't been in (another clothes shop I'm too old for, so I mixed the two up!). Their website's good though - might try ordering a couple of things from there.

Kalico, Betty Jackson Black (at Debenhams), White Stuff, Ghost (their stuff is designed to stretch) Hobbs go up to an 18, Oasis, Phase Eight

I'm large but in proportion, and my advice is definitely to avoid all labels aimed at plus women - they never seem to produce such good stuff and some of it is horrendous. Goodness knows why they think shapeless tent-like garments will make you look slimmer, and as for some of the patterns....

Stick with 'mainstream' retailers, which really shouldn't be a problem nowadays if you're a Size 18. Of those mentioned here,my particular favourites are Boden, Hobbs, Phase Eight, Wrap. White Company and Isabella Oliver also go up to 18. As does almost everyone on the High St.

Though much M and S is ghastly, I've also found some good stuff there in the Autograph Weekend range. Some of the coats in Autograph look of interest this season. Not so keen on cheaper labels - do think good fabric and cut even more important if you're large.

Another vote for dotty p's. Also new look-the inspire range. I had a look in there the other day-shoe shopping- and the plus size range actually has far nicer stuff than the normal range! They have some lovely tea dresses and dresses for xmas parties.

yy to White Company and Phase Eight.

Thanks all, will check out Dotty P's and will try Debenhams too. I am sure M&S stuff has shrunk. I have some size 16 trousers from ages ago which I still wear but the other day struggled with a size 20 jumper. I am also going to try going into town as the bigger stores seem to have more choice in sizes. Definitely agree Monsoon stuff fits well and well-made but can only afford as a treat at the moment.

It's worth looking at the Betty Jackson Black range. The cut of the clothes is lovely and it's a good place to pick up staples.

I've never seen anything bigger than a 16 in Top Shop either. Now I just avoid it.

ASOS do a line called CURVE and I brought a top from there recently. Debenhams is good too. I get a couple of pieces a year from East. I agree M&S stuff if often very small fitting especially in the norks, but their stretch stuff fits OK. Going to check out Dotty P's now.

Oh Dotty P = Dorothy Perkins? I find it frankly, hideous and have done for years. All that nylon !

After a very long search for a new winter coat, I ended up with one from TK Max of all places. Wool/cashmere, long, camel & £40!! Sz 20. It's not perfect (still looking for that) and I was planning on spending up to £150, but this was the best I could find.