Fashion and Body Shape
What to Wear If You Are Plus Size

What to Wear If You Are Plus Size

By Amanda Bown

If you have a plus-size figure, you'll know that finding on-trend clothing for work and play can sometimes be a struggle. But, good news: the high street is embracing Britain's curvy-licious fashion lovers and style is finally there for the taking for all women.

What Is a Plus Size?

Generally speaking, in the UK, most shops and stores consider a woman who is above a size 16 to be a plus size (though considering the average dress size in the UK is a 14, this seems a bit unbalanced to us - tell us what you think in the comments box below).

Shape Not Size

Every woman is different: from height to curves in different places, there's no one item of clothing that suits all women. The way clothes fit you is the crucial factor. Jane Eskriett, brand director of Ann Harvey says, "Look for clothing that shapes and contours your body - and avoid oversized smocks and tunics that will swamp you. Go for details such as trims, embellishments, which can highlight areas you love (such as your lovely neck or covetable bosom)."

Aim to dress for your shape - not size- and go for quality fabrics that make you feel confident and comfortable. Eskriett adds, "Our pattern-cutters see the quality of fabric, colour and print as of key importance. For example, if they're designed badly, the shoulders and armholes of clothing can make garments look boxy and masculine."

Don't be afraid to embrace trends and be picky about how well-made your clothing is. "The key is in the fit of garments, and fabrics being more fluid and flattering, with small alterations made on structured garments, such as concealed panels," says Lisa Marie Peacock, head of design at Evans. "If you have broad hips and bottom, go for detail on top, such as wide lapels, and choose narrow shapes on your bottom half. For ladies with rounder tummies, go for tailored pieces and lower necklines to give more shape," says Lisa Marie Peacock, head of design at Evans.

The Choice is Yours

A recent survey by Verdict showed that women take their plus-size clothing cues from other women over fashion magazines, celebrities and TV shows. That means, ladies, that you are a discerning bunch who won't be influenced by fickle trends, but more by what your friends and family are wearing.

Top 5 Do's & Don'ts of Plus-Size Clothing

Do dress for your body shape, not your size. (To find out your body shape – try our Body Shape Finder tool and find out how to dress best for your shape.)
Do wear figure-hugging clothes that are well made, rather than giant smocks that do nothing for your figure.
Do choose tops that have pretty patterns or embellishments around the neckline to draw attention to your upper body.
Don't be afraid to ask for help. Evans and Ann Harvey have personal shopping services.
Don't be afraid to go for clothing with colours and prints, as these things can make such a difference to classic pieces such as jackets, blouses and skirts.

Top 5 Plus-Size Clothing Shops

Evans – one of the first shops to solely cater for plus-size women and still going strong with sizes 14-32
Ann Harvey – good for upper-end tailoring and formal or evening wear for size 16-32
Simply Be – fun and fancy 14-32 size fashion on this online store
New Look Inspire – great plus-size range for casual dresses, jeans and T-shirts, sizes 16-28
Marks and Spencer - increased its sizing in 2007 from 6 to 32