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Good quality clothes for bigger size

14 replies

Nik2879 · 08/01/2023 15:09

Lost my way with fashion. I have no fashion sense at all. Have worn staple jeans and t-shirts for years and aways hated how I look due to being a size 18. Time to embrace it as Im never gonna be this size 12 Id like to be Im 41 now. Where sells good quality clothes. Next use to be my go to but the quality has gone downhill. Jeans and tops go baggy and out of shape. Havent got mega bucks but would rather buy one good quality item a month than loads of stuff thats not gonna last. Any tips for a bigger size? Thanks.

OP posts:
Antst · 08/01/2023 15:21

You're only 41! At size 18, you're likely overweight, but unless you're very short you won't be obese. If you decide you want to diet and/or change your exercise regime, you certainly can. But it sounds to me that it's more the jeans and tops you're tired of.

I got to that point myself and now look for plain trousers and more creative shirts in nice fabrics. That's my basic uniform and having it means I can match new items with what I already have.

Have you checked out Zalando? It's a German company but still ships to the UK and covers import charges because clothing shops are so rubbish in the UK that it gets a lot of business from the UK! The shipping time is about a week but the quality is high and it's a reliable company. There are tips on putting outfits together and there are sales.

If you have money to spare that I don't, another good option is Sezane, a French company. It can be hard to get the sizing right because items are often very baggy or short. Shipping is expensive. However, there are some very creative and casual looks though that I think someone who prefers jeans and T-shirts might feel comfortable in as an upgrade.

I have also found some inspiration here recently:
www.wolfandbadger.com/uk/

I'd start by asking your friends and family or a friendly sales agent at a shop which colours and cuts suit you. I made mistakes when I was branching out from jeans. For example, I found that pale colours really don't suit me and neither do wide-legged trousers. If you're a size 18 and have shape, you may find they make your legs look too thick. A boot cut or straight leg flatters me much more. Flares make me look like I have chicken legs (skinny compared to everything else). It might be work dropping in at a John Lewis and parking yourself in a changing room with different styles of trousers or skirts or whatever and taking photos that you can examine at home before spending a lot of money.

Good luck.

Phrenologistsfinger · 08/01/2023 15:33

Same age/size, I shop at

Thought
Seasalt
Joanie - excellent trousers for my larger hourglass shape
Fatface
Everlane jeans
M&S
Also various vintage stuff

Dilbertian · 08/01/2023 15:52

If you want good quality clothes in larger sizes, Lands End is excellent. They have frequent sales, so don't worry about their published prices, just keep an eye on the things you like.

If you're not sure about style, book a free style consultation with John Lewis. It's a very pleasant hour or two with someone bringing you things to try on. There is no pressure to buy anything. I ended up with a dress I would not even have looked at twice on the hanger, but have enjoyed wearing several times.

Nik2879 · 08/01/2023 15:58

Thanks so much everyone for the advice and help, lots of shops I havent heard of there so will have a look now. I know I have only myself to blame for not loosing weight I have no will power at all.

OP posts:
Antst · 08/01/2023 16:19

@Nik2879, you might find it easier if you focus on getting in shape. Have you thought of doing some resistance exercise to build muscle? You'll look a lot more toned and your fitness will improve so that doing cardio (running, cycling, etc) won't feel like such a steep hill to climb. Yoga and/or pilates will help with stretching so your posture and overall comfort will improve.

Women lose muscle starting at around 30 and it accelerates closer to the menopause. I'm guessing that some of your dissatisfaction with the way you look could be fixed by attending to this. Good luck.

Bananaman123 · 08/01/2023 16:22

I still like next for T-shirts and the jersey denim leggings, don’t find any quality issues, also the blouses.

I like Asda for loungewear, jeans and some blouses although recently they are short in the body.

WhoppingBigBackside · 08/01/2023 16:40

You're only 41! Embrace the new year and make a real effort to have a healthy lifestyle. Buy clothes you like from the shops mentioned and don't dismiss the high street chains altogether.
If you don't mind second hand, you'll often find brilliant stuff in charity shops.

Oblomov22 · 08/01/2023 16:49

Watching. John Lewis consultation both times said they didnt have much in stock to suit me, as I am quite short.

Zebracat · 08/01/2023 18:11

I’m a size 18. I’m trying to wear toning colours currently, so blue top with blue jeans, grey with grey etc. I look better put together somehow. I’m enjoying plain midi dresses. I also bought some black flares in the sale, and they seem to balance out my larger bust. I wear them with a black wrap top. I’m avoiding chunky boxy knits. I’ve been wearing, fine knit v necks, trying to think more about my silhouette, and not getting broken up into blocks. I’ve spent years trying to shop my way out of my weight. Now I’m trying to think my way through it instead. I had a lot of khaki tops so I have ordered some khaki trousers to work with them.

I like some Seasalt, some H&M, John Lewis, some Anthropologie(sale!). I have a fabulous orange coat and a beautiful soft cord jacket. They work really well with the more composed clothes beneath. Think I might finally be getting it!. My plan going forward is to identify an item I need, in the colour to work with other stuff and then noodle about until I find it. Not boasting, I’ve been a fashion disaster my whole life, with a few memorable exceptions when I got it right and knew it.

catfunk · 08/01/2023 18:21

John Lewis kin trousers are fab. Large fitting so try a 16

Nik2879 · 08/01/2023 23:10

Thanks so much everyone. Definitely got to sort myself out this year and get some new clothes that are more smart but still comfy.

OP posts:
GettingStuffed · 09/01/2023 14:29

Roman do good quality clothes in an 18, they tend to be true to size too

FancyFran · 04/05/2023 06:31

I am a size 20.
I buy Marina Rinaldi/ Ralph Lauren for work, Marks for home. Marks have repeated a Autograph silk and wool trouser this year. About £70. They say dry clean, I wash mine and have had one pair 5 years. I also buy seasalt linen, lands end shirts and tops (the have a lovely casual trouser suit this year). Big bloomers do a really good non vpl brief in nude for under trousers. I don't find them restrictive or hot!
I have bought Box 2 but it is very expensive and Seasalt is just as good.
Try eBay too, there are a couple of Italian /Polish ladies selling Max Mara.

Ridingaroundonbuses · 04/05/2023 12:18

@Nik2879 If you want to change then you can! I dropped around five dress sizes via Weight Watchers and still ate foods that I liked and didn’t feel restricted! I sound like a walking advert but honestly it was life changing for me and because I have the digital membership only I weigh in at home and don’t need to do anything other than that and input it in to the app!

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