Plus size and dressing well

[MallowsMiaow]

Recently I've been only buying cheap clothes that hide my body because of weight gain, and I've realised I need to stop this. I was refusing to buy better clothes as I was kidding myself that I would go back to being a size 8-10 again, but the truth is, I have quite severe health problems and (unless my health improves) I'm probably never going to be slim again. Or if I am, it's going to be a slow process.

Living for what might be has meant I've lost most of my 20's.

I don't want to wear baggy stuff as actually it doesn't appear to suit me. My measurements are 42-38-42, so not top or bottom heavy, but not quite curvy enough to be an hourglass figure either. Plus I adore vintage/rockabilly/goth fashions, so want a bit of glamour.

Anyone else up for sharing tips and support? Think it'd be good to have a few of us larger ladies encouraging each other to feel good about ourselves.

I keep meaning to try a wiggle dress, but have always gone for something with a circle skirt instead. I really should take a chance shouldn't I?

I think a wiggle one would emphasise exactly what you want it to. Just have a glass of wine first!

I honestly don't know how Evans are still in business. Their clothes are so expensive and poor quality not to mention badly made a lot of the time.I buy now and again mainly in the sales and I always kick myself when the button falls off or a seam comes away due to poor sewing skills. There is no shape to their clothes. I love love love Next who do a limited plus size section. Excellent quality and easy to order.
If a smart business person is watching this let me tell you......plus size women love nice clothes and have money to spend, it's just a pity there's a limited number of places to spend at.

I'm a 16 and am finding lots of flattering cuts in phase eight at the moment, most of their stuff goes up to an 18 or 20. I wore this to a wedding recently and felt good.
Agree with no billowing and no tie-backs!

M&S sometimes has decent trousers in all sizes (I am short too), these navy straight trousers are flattering on me.

tay The clothes are so overpriced for what they are aren't they?

I went into town today and found myself walking past stores admiring clothes in the window but knowing there was no point going in as they wouldn't have my size. Very grateful for the internet now.

chew That is gorgeous! Looks like it'd be really flattering on

Will say though, why is so much plus size stuff so expensive?

Mallows asos, new look, h and m and yours are cheap. It's mainly Evans and simply be which admittedly are the famous ones which are ludicrously overpriced.

Think both Evans and Simply Be are ghastly . They look cheap and nasty whatever the price.

I am trying to find a merino wool or cashmere jumper in a size 22 that doesn't cost over £100. It's proving to be very difficult, all the usual shops are only selling acrylic and the few jumpers I have ordered have all been sent back because they are either paper thin or cut strangely or finish at the worst part of my stomach.
I have a Boden one that I bought second hand and I want another in a slightly different style.

Have you looked at Wool overs mrsPnut?

I have a size 22 navy v neck unisex merino sweater from them which is lovely - and long too!

Helena - had a quick look at Woolovers - some nice things which look reasonable quality and, as you say, seem to have sweaters which are long enough. Is their sizing generous?

Oh, and I couldn't find a 'Unisex' category on the site. Did you order a men's sweater?

Haven't had time to read the whole post, but any suggestions for generous sized sports tops for running/circuits etc?

I need size 18, but they also have to be long enough to cover my ample arse - and I'm v tall! I'm not keen on the M&S leisure wear kind of stuff, I want proper sports stuff - wicking, lightweight . It doesn't encourage bigger women to exercise if we can't get decent kit
Most of the sports brands - Adidas, Nike - are very tight.

Navabi website usually have some nice looking sports type stuff. Not cheap though.

Sorry , just checked and Navabi seem to have almost no active wear left. The brand they stocked was State of Mind - American I think. Don't know if they'll be having any more in, but some of the pieces were quite nice.

Thanks I'll look into Navabi and State of Mind. Don't mind paying for quality!

Last time I looked in my local H&M they didn't have anything over a size 16, worth another look then?

Mallows h and m have a specific plus section called 18-30. Not all stores have it so look on their site to see which one near you has it or ask in store because it's not always obvious that it is there. It look like the rest except it says 18-30 on the wall. I really like their clothes. It is all stuff you can order on their website too.

I'm looking for active wear too! Size 16- 18. Cannot find long-ish t shirts and bottoms for love nor money.

Ooh that's excellent, used to love H&M when I was slimmer. Was gutted when I stopped being able to buy from them.

I really like the Violeta range by Mango. Have just ordered a lovely jumper with buckle detail (they call it a cape but it's a jumper!)
The sizing is quite generous - I ordered a medium which they say is a 16 but I'm going to exchange it for a small. I've never been a small in my life!

Marking my place to come back and read and contribute later

Polyhymnia there are sweaters listed as unisex in the catalogue. They may well have been in the men's section. Generously sized. I bought a standard v neck merino sweater which I've been wearing with jeans and a scarf

So what does everyone think of bodycon/form fitting dresses?

mallow I like them better than dresses that are gathered/ruched etc. I'm an apple 16, but buy an 18 in some things so they skim.
Dresses for me have got to be good material and well cut, shape following rather than clingy.
I got a brilliant button through black shirt dress, really thick ponte material great with boots for the office, and a dark brown stretchy dress with bias cut shutter layers, very forgiving.