Make Your Plus Size a “Plus” in Life
What actually is plus size? Ask ten women and you’ll get ten different answers. It’s any size over 16 some will say. Others will argue that it’s regular-sized clothes (sizes 12, 14 etc) with a little bit of extra material. Still others will state that plus size clothes can only be bought in a plus size store or a plus size department. Plus size clothes would never hang alongside “regular” clothes, they say.
And it’s not just women who can’t agree. Manufacturers also differ. One store’s size 14 will fit a woman who must buy another store’s 16 to be comfortable. It is a well-known fact that manufacturers of women’s clothes have no common standards, and plus size clothing manufacturers are no exception. When you walk into a store and pull an XL off the rack, you’re not sure if you’re getting an 18-20 (like Land’s End) or a 14-16 (like Banana Republic).
Over 40 million women shop for plus size clothing, and that number is growing every day. In fact, the average woman wears a size 14. Voluptuous women have lots of disposal income, and the fashion industry is just now starting to sit up and realize that fact. When a plus size woman walks into a store, she wants the same selection that her thinner friends have. Larger women want bright colors, trendy fabrics, and the new, novelty items. They want plus size dresses, plus size swimwear, and plus size lingerie. They simply want to be treated like every other consumer that walks in the door of the shop.
Kohl’s, a major department store, surveyed its customers and found that they were not satisfied with the plus size selections that were available at the store. They indicated that that they were unhappy with the selection, the poor fit, and the exorbitant cost of some of their choices. Kohl’s listened, and it’s adding more sophisticated, cost-effective plus size apparel.
And it’s not just women who are having a problem with plus size apparel. Junior apparel has long catered exclusively to the very small teenager. Sizes in junior clothing usually begins at size 1 and ends at size 13, leaving out a large chunk of the population. Some junior manufacturers and retailers have discovered the power of the plus size junior market. For example Hot Topic’s Torrid plus size stores are carrying high-fashion items that are very similar to items carried in there flagship stores. It has been very successful for them, and other retailers are taking notice and following their lead.
Types of Plus Size Clothing
What does a plus size woman want? What every woman wants – attractive and comfortable clothes that make her look great. From plus size casual wear to plus size office wear to plus size lingerie, a voluptuous woman wants a great selection and low prices.
Plus size office wear covers a lot of bases. From plus size dresses and suits, to jackets, formal blouses and skirts, there are a lot of plus size styles that complement the working environment. Silky fabrics and soft knits can accentuate a larger figure, and scooped necks and full-cut skirts can add elegance to a simple line.
Every woman needs a collection of active wear, and plus size women are no exception. Plus size capris and shorts, pants and jeans, sweaters and tops all fit in the active wear category. Plus size active wear needs to provide support along with comfort and quality. There are wonderful fabrics available which fit this description, Lycra and Solarveil being just two. Lycra is especially great because it is very durable, and extremely flexible. In fact, Lycra will always return to its original shape, so it wears very well.
What woman doesn’t love silky, sexy lingerie? Retailers are beginning to understand that many men love voluptuous women and want them decked out in something clingy and soft. Lacey stretch fabrics and satiny plus size undergarments are beginning to appear, replacing the white cotton briefs that plus size women were forced to buy. A major addition to the plus size lingerie lines is the introduction of shapers that softly mold plus size curves. As every retailer knows, sex sells, and they are learning that plus size sex sells very well.
Swimwear and exercise clothing are two other areas that have come into plus size focus. Just because a woman is plus sized does not mean that she is not interested in staying healthy, and swimming is one of the best exercises for the entire body. Finding flattering plus size swim suits used to be impossible, but retailers are rolling out new stylish suits that would look great at any beach or pool. Having a healthy lifestyle means having comfortable and interesting exercise clothes, and there are now a variety of lines of exercise wear that would get any plus size woman onto the jogging path.
Both tall and short plus size women have their own unique problems with ready wear, but retailers are listening to their requests and stores are beginning to stock items that fit the bill for these two groups.
Where to Buy Plus Size Clothes
So where are all of these wonderful retailers who are filling their stores with plus size clothing? Where are these stores who are stocking comfortable casual and work clothes for big, beautiful shoppers? They are all over the place, in malls and boutiques, and many of them are only a click away on the internet.
Put away your basic black outfits (yes, all of them) and your plus size beige jacket, and hit the roadway (real or digital) and discover what treasures await you. Trendy, colorful separates, sophisticated, tailored suits, and wonderfully wicked lingerie all manufactured for the plus size woman. From Big Dog Sportswear, that carries graphic tees up to size 5X, to upscale resort wear from Coldwater Creek, there is a bonanza of merchandize waiting to be scooped up.
For something fun, navigate your mouse to the Disney Store and pick out plus size clothing that carries pictures of your favorite characters. LL Bean and Lands End now cater to the plus size woman, with choices too numerous to mention. Even the old standby, Lane Bryant, has added some new, sizzling selections, and waits till you see what a plus size woman can get at the National Geographic store.
Many brick and mortar retailers have opened internet sites that cater to the larger woman. And just because it’s got more fabric does not mean that it’s more expensive. There are lots of great bargains on luxurious clothes that look as if they came from a designer. Check out Ellen Tracy and Liz Claiborne for some great new plus size looks.
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