Smaller/nicer plus size brands I've tried+thoughts
I can make my own clothes so I try not to buy clothes as often/save up to buy nicer things. Before being able to make my own clothes, I also couldn't afford to buy nicer quality plus size fashion. I was also afraid to invest in things because what if they didn't fit or work out for me?
So, here's a list of nicer plus size fashion (investment piece quality for most listed) that I've tried and a couple I haven't, as well as thoughts. I want to note that this collection is over the past five years in the making and some of these I acquired second hand through Facebook, Poshmark, Depop, Ebay and @selltradeplus on instagram. Some I also returned or resold. These were all bought with my own hard earned $.
Some details about me: I'm 5'6, have a smaller bust and bigger hips/ass (aka pear shape but also fuck the fruit system). My sizing in all these brands range from 2x to 6x depending on the size chart of the individual brand, the intended fit, etc. I am definitely more femme in presentation and that is definitely reflected below. These are in no particular order
Sotela (defunct but on Ebay/Poshmark/etc)
Item: Wool Linda Skirt. Fit was perfect, very beautiful fabric choice. Unfortunately, I fucked up and dried it which shrunk it. Finishings were well done but not fancy. Easy to alter.
Free Label (no longer shipping to us as of 9/25)
Item: Jules Dress: Technically I am just outside their size range for my hips but these are knit dresses so it works out fine. The Jules Dress has shoulders that are too narrow and look a little off. The body of the dress is gorgeous.
Tyler Dress: The Tyler dress is literally perfect. It’s definitely longer on me than in product photos but I like that.
would buy again
Sante Grace
Baby Doll Mesh dress: I snagged this at Cake Plus and it’s so fucking cute!! Very vintage lingerie.
Best Curve Bias Cut Bamboo Slip Dress: Lovely fabric but didn’t fit my body proportions. I returned it.
probably would not buy again
Baacal
Cropped Blazer: Bicep is a little too tight but there’s generous seam allowance so I was able to alter it with ease. So chic and edgy, one of my favorite over pieces.
Carly Blouse: Not as voluminous as I was expecting considering the size chart. Tight around hip. Resold.
I probably will not buy anything from Baacal because I find their sizing inconsistent.
probably won't buy again
Conscious Clothing
Rove Dress in Agave: Too large in the bust for me personally. I raised the straps and angled them to better fit my chest and shoulders. They do have a new fit mannequin so I wonder if future garments will be better drafted for plus size. Kept but altered
maybe buy again (definitely will buy again as of 9/25 due to the fact they have created a new plus size mannequin for better fit)
Fashion Brand Company
Various dresses, skirts, pants, tops, etc: My beloved. About two years ago the owner revamped her plus sizing and there is a marked difference in newer plus size items and older ones. 5x availability is hit or mix. Something I noticed is that for popular things that sell out and open for preorder, she will add 5x which is nice. I will continue to be a huge consumer of this brand though I do try to get more second hand (this brand has a fantastic resale value)
definitely buy again
Nettle Studio
Linen short sleeve top: very well made, fits well, I’m pretty sure they use a plus size fit model. Sizing is limited/oversized: OS-, OS, OS+.
Linen bloomers: I sized up by mistake (well because I don't trust size charts like many other fat people). Very cozy/breathable
would buy again
Tamara Malas
January Dress: The proportions of this dress didn’t work. It was awkwardly long, too high in the neckline, and had sleeves. I like showing more skin so I sent it back.
Dune Dress: Loose, free flowing, gorgeous floral embroidery. I love wearing this one. Very huipil like and essentially shapeless.
would buy again
Shelter Clothing
Mini Olive Dress: Loose fitted, one of the pocket seams was not finished so I had to go in and overlock because it was fraying, deeeep hems.
Olive Dress in cocoa: So, they definitely changed the neckline to be more modest which was a mistake imo. Pockets were overlocked though.
would buy again
Loud Bodies (open again)
Annie shirt dress: So dramatic, I always get compliments wearing this. I do wish I had gotten it lengthened by an inch.
Ruby Dress in Burgundy Linen: My perfect dress. I did stitch the slit close because it went too far up. Perfect summer dress.
maybe buy again
Haus Dahlia (open a few times a year)
Various skirts: Made to order friendly, lux materials (linen, silks, etc), not afraid to drape silk on fat bodies! Some of the elastic on my earlier skirts are not doing the greatest because it's thin and weak. Limited openings so you have to get in quick when she opens her shop.
probably won't buy again unless for a silk gown (for the price/time i could just make it myself)
Revelle
Vestige Dress: The fabric is lovely in color, drape and content. However, the dress had huge gaping armholes. The self ties were also much too low (some blouson effect is intended but this was too much). I ended up taking up the shoulder seams and lowering the neckline.
I will not be buying from Revelle again. Price is not worth the fit issues and I didn't find the construction/finishings to be especially special/worth it.
Wray (Defunct; available second hand)
Etore Shirt Dress: Effortless. French seams. Gorgeous fabric. Perfect.
Claudia Dress in Piscine: Silk. French seams, cook optical illusion pattern.
Angel Hair Slip Dress in Night Fusco Sketch: Silk. French seams. Gorgeous simple shape that lets the fabric speak for itself.
Vee Dress in Licorice: Perfectly oversized. Great statement dress in a lux poplin cotton.
Abby Latte pants: Heavy wool pants. Reselling because I live in warm climate lol Proportions didnt work for me
Condor Tee: PERFECTLY oversized, looks super chic
Madison Top: Wrist cuffs too large but that is an easy fix. So dramatic looking.
probably won't buy again (second hand)
Feverish Garments
Various: Mostly polyester fabrics in avantgarde/weird/cool designs. Some girly things too. I love the uniqueness of the pieces but poly/mesh does not suit my weather.
maybe buy again (if i live in a cooler climate)
State the Label
Laverne Dress in Venetian: SO CHIC. The construction of this is deceptively simple. It’s so structural. Perfect for summer.
maybe buy again
Samantha Pleet
Coat of Arms Tee Shirt: Defintely smaller than size chart. More of a baby tee. Also mislabeled content tag. Very nice embroidery.
Faire Dress Ribbon: Very sexy, has built in bra that is definitely meant for someone with a larger bust but it's not the end of the world. Ribbons are a lil flimsy. Otherwise cute.
would not buy again (the construction of these garments and the low quality rayon does not make it worth it)
Pari Passu (Currently out of business)
Shirt dress: Decent construction. Very warm, a winter dress. Just okay
Would shop second hand for it
Big Bud Press
Ricky Jacket in Forest Green: Thrifted, new with tags. Very workwear but chic, fits in the waist and bicep with ease, cuff has 2 buttons for a cuter billowy look
Nooworks
Have not tried
Shiny By Nature (kind of controversial now)
Their plus size socks are thick and excellent. I tried shorts by them and they didn’t fit according to the size chart.
Universal Standard (also kind of controversial now)
Several pairs of pants/shorts did not work for my body lol. The rise was too high up in my crotch.
Cashmere double V neck: I managed to snag this on sale and now they don’t care cashmere anymore. Which is such a shame because this is so lovely
Eileen Fisher
Silk cashmere sweater: GORGEOUS, loose fit, warm but holds up in California winter.
Linen knit tank top: Thrifted, in perfect condition. This is so nice in summer.
Swingbird Fashion (etsy; going out of business)
Amazing made to measure and custom. She also is very open to changes and getting nicer fabrics. I love my silk blouse by her so much.
Lucy and Yak
Addison Trousers: I’ve tried so many of these and love every single one. One pair did totally split in the crotch three wears in but it was a defect.
Maya tee: not that oversized in their largest sizes unfortunately. still cute but not the look I'm going for.
Selkie
Cotton gauze oversized top: So pretty, well constructed, very oversized
Silk organza blouse: Second hand, French seams, very oversized.
Puck dress: Gorgeous construction!!! Silk!!! I did have to get this shortened because it's so long
This brand has very hit or miss items for other people online. I have lucked out also I think people are not as satisfied with their stuff now compared to two years ago when I got these items.
Good American
Trench coat: Literally the perfect trench. So fucking chic. Heavy cotton twill fabric.
Curator SF
Mara Dress: The linen is SO nice, very thin but opaque. a lil small on the hips and i wish the tie was twice as long for more artful tying.
maybe buy again
Connally Goods
2 different pairs of shorts. Cotton used was okay. One pair of shorts uses a plastic zip which feels weak and cheap.
“My green coat, pink boa, and pink hat all by Martina Dietrich Couture. The orange felted jacket undercoat is a recycled piece from Eileen Fisher. Earring is by me made from toilet paper rolls, purse from Paris 25 years ago, shoes thrift shop finds, and fur vest gifted by a friend who moved to Florida.”
