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Recommendations for plus size fashion U.K.

33 replies

Britneyfan · 21/10/2023 17:43

Where do other plus sized women in their 40s get their clothes from in the U.K. please?! I’m a size 20-22 these days and find it so difficult to find quality nicely cut clothes (ideally in natural fibres like cotton, silk etc or that at least feel similar to that) that don’t cost the earth.

I’m a huge fan of Marina Rinaldi but don’t have the budget to buy from there except occasionally! I do like some Autograph stuff at M and S. In terms of ideal style I love Mint Velvet and can squeeze into some of their size 18 tops and dresses if they are loose fitting or made of stretchy material. I used to love Ted Baker and Whistles before I gained weight and could no longer fit into their clothes. I also used to like Monsoon but these days I find their fabrics feel generally cheap and thin but still cost the same or more as they used to charge for pure cotton etc.

I am not a fan of Evans, Yours, Simplybe etc. as I think their stuff just isn’t well cut and hangs like a shapeless sack. I think their stuff probably looks good on people in their 20s but not at my age. I get so frustrated because I find lots of the high street stores either don’t go up to my size or do a special “curve” range once they hit size 20 which is totally different and absolutely horrible in style and material even though their normal sized stuff would look perfectly lovely on a plus sized person if they would just size the exact same designs up (I’m looking at you Coast!).

I do want to lose the weight as I know it would be a million times easier to find nice clothes if I could get myself down to a 16-18 even so I can fit into High Street clothing, but it’s not going to happen overnight and I’m tired of having crap clothes in the meantime. I think it will actually help me lose weight if I am not always feeling so bad about myself.

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gotomomo · 21/10/2023 17:46

Look at simply be, they carry many brands and I've got a few good pieces. I'm smaller than you so can buy from standard ranges but often find they don't really fit well because adding extra inches of material isn't sufficient to making a flattering piece of clothing. Have you tried white stuff, they tend to run large so 18 may fit you

wheresmymojo · 21/10/2023 17:48

Other than places you've mentioned...

John Lewis online
M&S
Fat Face
White Stuff
Marina Rinaldi via eBay

wheresmymojo · 21/10/2023 17:49

White Stuff and Fat Face both go up to a size 22

WhatWillIWear · 21/10/2023 18:30

Palava does have some things going up to size 22 but you’d find it more accessible at sizes 18-20. And it’s not everyone’s style, though well and carefully made.

Batsheva ditto. (American sizes so you’d be a 16 +.)

Britneyfan · 21/10/2023 18:34

@WhatWillIWear thanks for the suggestions, have just had a look but yeah neither are really my style. Shame!

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FayCarew · 21/10/2023 18:37

Seasalt. Good quality and great for basics. Not all of their clothes is the recognisable print. Love their new autumn range.

APurpleSquirrel · 21/10/2023 18:38

Fat Face - goes up to size 24 online.
TU has some good bits too. And places like Simply Be can be hood if you're careful with what you choose.

Doggymummar · 21/10/2023 18:39

eBay and Vinted great for plus size. Voodoo vixens Scarlett and Jo silkfred Karen Millen are all good. Damsel in a dress as well

Britneyfan · 21/10/2023 18:39

@gotomomo thanks, I have never really looked at White Stuff until this summer because 1. I’m sure it only used to go up to a 14 and 2. I am very short and love colour and detail in my clothes, and their stuff always gives me the impression it is made for tall floaty elegant women who wear neutrals 🤣 However, I was searching for a nice summer dress online this summer and found a gorgeous linen wrap dress with parrots and stuff on it which is just my style! And they seem to go up to a 22. So thanks for reminding me about it, I will definitely have a look there.

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Britneyfan · 21/10/2023 18:44

Thanks so much people, keep the suggestions coming! You are reminding me of places I’d forgotten about, I do like Seasalt and Fatface especially for casual summer everyday basics, I used to love Joules before it got taken over too and I still see the odd thing there.

I guess I’m particularly thinking of autumn/winter professional office wear stuff and special occasion stuff at the moment and those places aren’t great for those.

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FayCarew · 21/10/2023 18:45

Ulla Popken

Britneyfan · 21/10/2023 18:48

@Doggymummar thanks, some new places to check out!

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nc14 · 21/10/2023 18:54

Anthropologie have some nice pieces.

Britneyfan · 21/10/2023 19:08

@FayCarew I’ve looked at that site before, I feel like it’s almost what I’m looking for but not quite somehow. I do like the look of some of the dresses there.

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Britneyfan · 21/10/2023 19:09

@Supportyourlocal thanks for the suggestion, never heard of it! Just had a look but I think the styles are generally a big too young and edgy for me!

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Britneyfan · 21/10/2023 19:10

@nc14 I keep meaning to check it out as I heard they have a plus size range now, but I suspect their prices will be a bit higher than I’d ideally like! Thanks for the reminder though!

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Britneyfan · 21/10/2023 19:10

If it helps re:my style, I’ve just remembered I also really like some stuff from BIBA and Sugarhill Brighton.

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Inextremis · 21/10/2023 19:22

Have a look at Caroline Ann on Facebook - she does very reasonably priced stuff, and you can ask for a particular fabric, or even supply your own. Her designs are very forgiving, and cover a multitude of...erm...issues :)

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064687059974

hamustro · 22/10/2023 19:34

Muthahood have some lovely looking dresses that go up to a 22/24 and I've heard people rave about them.

Scamp and Dude go up to a 22.

Both of those brands give me Sugarhill Brighton vibes.

I feel your pain, though. I'm an 18ish so can squeeze into most high street brands, just about, but everything on offer is absolute pants and completely unflattering.

DCIJackieDeering · 22/10/2023 19:50

I’m 18/20 for work wear I tend to do M&S and some Hobbs. I’ve just discovered Live Unlimited at John Lewis and Never Underdressed. The plus size ranges as Karen Millen and Ralph Lauren can be OK as well.

DCIJackieDeering · 22/10/2023 19:52

That should be Never fully dressed, knew I’d remembered it wrong

PermanentTemporary · 22/10/2023 19:52

I'd look again at Whistles if you haven't been for a while. I think their range has improved for plus size and I really like their cut and colours.

And John Lewis - their plus size range is lovely. Is it Live Free or something? Can't remember.

hamustro · 22/10/2023 19:54

I forgot to mention Hobbs and Phase Eight. They do up to 20/22 in a lot of stuff and generally have work appropriate stuff.

Britneyfan · 28/10/2023 16:23

Thanks to everyone for the ideas!

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