We’re big, we’re bold, we’re beautiful. Yet, somehow when we go shopping there just are not a lot of options. Brands are starting to be better about size inclusivity; but, sometimes it feels like us plus sized girls are just waiting for the cute clothing to catch up. Let’s face it, shopping in stores can be stressful. It can take a while to find something that you love that also fits right on all your curves. By shopping online you can have so many more plus size clothing options right at your fingertips. With some trial and error you are sure to find clothing you love, from brands you can trust to fit fabulously time and time again.
Measure Yourself
As women we have a tendency to get into our heads about size. Brands do not make this easier because there is no universal sizing system. Even within a certain brand different styles may be cut differently and therefore sit different on our specific bodies. Let go of the idea that you are always one size wherever you shop.
Get out a tape measure and take some measurements. This is a crucial step in understanding how the clothing pictured is going to fit on your body. It only takes a few minutes and is a great way to have tactile information to help you understand how you will fit into the clothes shown.
- Bust – measure around the fullest part of your chest.
- Waist – measure your natural waistline, found just below your ribs but above your hips, usually this is in line with your belly button
- Hips- measure around the widest part of your hips, find this by finding where your hip bones jut out slightly, it should be around the curviest part of your booty
- Torso- go between your legs and over one shoulder to measure the length
Once you have this information it puts you in the driver seat when you are shopping. Before you buy, check the size chart and compare it with your measurements. Even if you have shopped a brand many many times, give the size chart a quick check. This way you’ll be certain that you order the size that’s right for your body.
Find Brands That Include Size Diversity in Their Photos
There are so many online brands that offer quick fashion solutions. However, many of them feature the classic petite model. The clothing may be cute but when you only see it on a size two model it can be hard to imagine the same piece beautifully hugging all of your curves. Look for brands that feature models of different shapes and sizes.
If you are interested in a brand check reviews and their socials. See if anyone has posted a photo in the clothing with a body type like yours. Even within the plus sized community there is a huge amount of size diversity. To find clothing we feel good in we need to be able to imagine ourselves wearing it. That becomes easier when we see our body type mirrored in the images we consume.
By checking reviews you can also see how real people found the fit of the clothing. Comparing that to the measurement chart can be really helpful, especially if you are between sizes. If multiple reviews say that the dress runs a little small, go a size up. Trust your fellow shoppers and when you find something you love leave a review yourself. Make sure to drop a photo too! That way everyone can see how fabulous and confident you look and know they can feel that way too.
Look for High Quality Brands with Plus Size Options
Fast fashion can be a quick solution, but it’s also a cheap one . Even worse, the cost to the environment is very high. These items also usually rip or tear faster than a more high quality option. Although you will spend more money when you choose a high quality and sustainable brand you will save in the long run. Plus, the pieces you buy that are of a higher quality are the staples you will keep in your closet for years to come.
Find a brand you love that you are willing to invest in. Choose simple pieces you know you will wear time and time again. When you buy high quality clothes you can have more confidence they will fit as photographed. Plus, when the material is of better quality it will lay better and you can be sure of finding the perfect fit.
Take the fear away from finding beautiful plus size clothes you can feel confident in. When you take control of your shopping experience you are sure to find cute and quality clothes that emphasize every sultry curve.