I'm 5'9" and wear size 16 -- I often size up to Plus in tops for that extra slouch factor. IMO, Eileen Fisher's clothing range is the best for plus sizes now -- every single item is available in both regular and plus, for no extra charge. Granted, I love the simple, elegant, minimal styles that might not appeal to everyone.
Thank you for this! I think one of the best ways to promote body diversity would be to always post size ranges when you post a clothing item. So many times I've clicked through to one of your linked tops, only to be disappointed the sizing only goes up to an L. It's a practice we stick to in a lot of plus size communities I am in, and it's really helpful.
As far as brands go, I love Tuesdays of California (xxs-7x), Dressed in Lala (xs-3x), Loud Bodies (2xs-10XL - GOLD STARS FOR THESE GUYS), Nettle's Tale (XS-4x), Tamara Males (2-36), and Curator SG (XS-4X).
Thanks for this. I am between an XL and Plus size depending on cut of garment,etc. Marina Rinaldi is so so pricey...not sure why? I think living in midwest I am sometimes shocked at clothing prices so its prob. just because of my location. I do like Madewell sometimes but its often is a bit too young for me...the cropped tops for example. I find little at Nordstrom any more...isn't much middle anymore...either fast fashion or designer...plus they sell so many brands I can find any mall...nothing unique. Anthropologie is my go to 99% of the time for dressy items and Old Navy for weekend wear. I love clothes and fashion, not a huge buyer but love scrolling online as well as in store when I get to Chicago.
I love that philosophy! This is from their website.
“Why Universal Sizing?
We thought that conventional sizing seemed a little skewed, so we decided to shift the spotlight to reflect the real bell curve. If the average woman wears a size 18, then that should be called a Medium, right?”
The 4XS makes me feel non-existent. It’s weird. I never felt that way with 00/the standard XXS at other places. I’m 44 now, so a bit bigger. In most parts of Asia, I’m more S (my standard answer to people who ask who wears 00 is “well, looks like they want to expand internationally. And we see a lot of immigrants and international students around here who need clothes too.”).
Yay Kim. Thank you! Also you’ve done a great job including extended sizing options in your posts. It’s not your fault that so many vendors ignore larger women. Fat phobia is alive and well. I’m an 18/20 and 5 ‘7 “ and I love US for denim. They have great sales too. I also wear a lot of Jcrew - their Etienne shirts are a favorite right now. It’s nice to have options because at my age I’m not going to starve myself just so I can fit into a 12 anymore, and I was still too big. I try not to think about all the crap I put up with just because my body was an outlier. Anyway another discussion for my therapist.
This is a great list. I love that sweater, and the Geneva dress is fantastic.
Additional options for perusal--Wray NYC has a good range of sizing and they have interesting cuts and good colors. Ilana Kohn also does offer pieces in a range of sizes as well--fun check and plaid patterns and good solids. Mara Hoffman also offers a reasonable range of sizes--expensive but fun to look at. Tradlands offers a good range and has really nice solid sweaters. And a lot of Indian brands will custom fit to size (norblacknorwhite, more of a streetwear brand, is an example), as will Lora Gene from the UK, which does gorgeous silk dresses, tailored yet flowy pants, and good knits.
Kim, thanks for doing this. I'm an 18/20, and it is a bummer when some brands ignore my size. The ones you mentioned are where I shop. On the high end, there is Veronica Beard, Vince, and some DVF. Elieen Fisher also does a good job. For preppy, LL Bean offers extended sizes. Democracy Jeans are excellent (better than Good American, IMO), as are Slink. J. Crew has done a great job with extended sizing, and Ralph Lauren has some good offerings as well. Mango is definitely a gem--not too pricey and good quality.
If you’re looking for sustainable and ethical, Canada’s MIIK does extended sizing for some of their looks. The sizing is also really generous (as in I’m sized out!) and they ship to the US.
Thank you for this post! Love the Geneva dress, too. I wish Canada had more options (especially bricks and mortar stores so i could try on the 10 pairs of jeans I would normally need to figure out my size!). Will have to plan a US shopping trip soon!
Thanks for broadening my mind to include Anthropologie. I was in there the other day picking up a very chic top you recommended and saw that they have a lot of good-looking tops and bottoms for spring.
11 Honore, Vince and H&M have extended sizes too. Vince's range is limited, but it does have classic staples. 11 Honore carries Good American and Vince, plus a nice selection of other brands that do extended sizing.
Always appreciate you covering this topic, Kim! (I have a Geneva dress and a pair of dark denim overalls from Universal Standard and love them both. The denim has the perfect amount of stretch, no yucky fake distressing, and a nice grownup silhouette.)
Shout out to QVC, who have been doing extended sizing for ever. And use models of all shapes and sizes , and bonus all different ages. (And no, I don’t work for them)
I'm 5'9" and wear size 16 -- I often size up to Plus in tops for that extra slouch factor. IMO, Eileen Fisher's clothing range is the best for plus sizes now -- every single item is available in both regular and plus, for no extra charge. Granted, I love the simple, elegant, minimal styles that might not appeal to everyone.
Eileen Fisher is great quality and the colors are IT!
Thank you for this! I think one of the best ways to promote body diversity would be to always post size ranges when you post a clothing item. So many times I've clicked through to one of your linked tops, only to be disappointed the sizing only goes up to an L. It's a practice we stick to in a lot of plus size communities I am in, and it's really helpful.
As far as brands go, I love Tuesdays of California (xxs-7x), Dressed in Lala (xs-3x), Loud Bodies (2xs-10XL - GOLD STARS FOR THESE GUYS), Nettle's Tale (XS-4x), Tamara Males (2-36), and Curator SG (XS-4X).
Also! Parade for underwear (5XL) and Alpine Butterfly Swim for swimwear (6x!)
Thanks for this. I am between an XL and Plus size depending on cut of garment,etc. Marina Rinaldi is so so pricey...not sure why? I think living in midwest I am sometimes shocked at clothing prices so its prob. just because of my location. I do like Madewell sometimes but its often is a bit too young for me...the cropped tops for example. I find little at Nordstrom any more...isn't much middle anymore...either fast fashion or designer...plus they sell so many brands I can find any mall...nothing unique. Anthropologie is my go to 99% of the time for dressy items and Old Navy for weekend wear. I love clothes and fashion, not a huge buyer but love scrolling online as well as in store when I get to Chicago.
I’m LOL-ing at how some brands size clothes. Seriously, Universal Standard would call someone like me 4XS. 🙄 I don’t feel that small!
I love that philosophy! This is from their website.
“Why Universal Sizing?
We thought that conventional sizing seemed a little skewed, so we decided to shift the spotlight to reflect the real bell curve. If the average woman wears a size 18, then that should be called a Medium, right?”
The 4XS makes me feel non-existent. It’s weird. I never felt that way with 00/the standard XXS at other places. I’m 44 now, so a bit bigger. In most parts of Asia, I’m more S (my standard answer to people who ask who wears 00 is “well, looks like they want to expand internationally. And we see a lot of immigrants and international students around here who need clothes too.”).
It's amusing to hear you say you feel non-existent because of their sizing. Now imagine how fat women feel all the time.
THIS
That’s true. It’s weird to see all those X’s.
Also, when you’re short, you’re always going to be non-existent despite the number of celebrities who are your size.s
I understand your point but they also use the numeric sizing too. I think they are trying to do their best here and cover everyone.
Talbots! They have a lot of classic non-cringey pieces, you just have to look past the lobster sweaters.
Yay Kim. Thank you! Also you’ve done a great job including extended sizing options in your posts. It’s not your fault that so many vendors ignore larger women. Fat phobia is alive and well. I’m an 18/20 and 5 ‘7 “ and I love US for denim. They have great sales too. I also wear a lot of Jcrew - their Etienne shirts are a favorite right now. It’s nice to have options because at my age I’m not going to starve myself just so I can fit into a 12 anymore, and I was still too big. I try not to think about all the crap I put up with just because my body was an outlier. Anyway another discussion for my therapist.
This is a great list. I love that sweater, and the Geneva dress is fantastic.
Additional options for perusal--Wray NYC has a good range of sizing and they have interesting cuts and good colors. Ilana Kohn also does offer pieces in a range of sizes as well--fun check and plaid patterns and good solids. Mara Hoffman also offers a reasonable range of sizes--expensive but fun to look at. Tradlands offers a good range and has really nice solid sweaters. And a lot of Indian brands will custom fit to size (norblacknorwhite, more of a streetwear brand, is an example), as will Lora Gene from the UK, which does gorgeous silk dresses, tailored yet flowy pants, and good knits.
Kim, thanks for doing this. I'm an 18/20, and it is a bummer when some brands ignore my size. The ones you mentioned are where I shop. On the high end, there is Veronica Beard, Vince, and some DVF. Elieen Fisher also does a good job. For preppy, LL Bean offers extended sizes. Democracy Jeans are excellent (better than Good American, IMO), as are Slink. J. Crew has done a great job with extended sizing, and Ralph Lauren has some good offerings as well. Mango is definitely a gem--not too pricey and good quality.
If you’re looking for sustainable and ethical, Canada’s MIIK does extended sizing for some of their looks. The sizing is also really generous (as in I’m sized out!) and they ship to the US.
Universal Standard is having a sale right this second!!!!! Just FYI.
Agree on the Old Navy denim!!!
Thank you!
Thank you for this post! Love the Geneva dress, too. I wish Canada had more options (especially bricks and mortar stores so i could try on the 10 pairs of jeans I would normally need to figure out my size!). Will have to plan a US shopping trip soon!
Every time I see the Geneva dress linked anywhere I want to buy it. It looks so cool and effortless.
Thanks for broadening my mind to include Anthropologie. I was in there the other day picking up a very chic top you recommended and saw that they have a lot of good-looking tops and bottoms for spring.
11 Honore, Vince and H&M have extended sizes too. Vince's range is limited, but it does have classic staples. 11 Honore carries Good American and Vince, plus a nice selection of other brands that do extended sizing.
Always appreciate you covering this topic, Kim! (I have a Geneva dress and a pair of dark denim overalls from Universal Standard and love them both. The denim has the perfect amount of stretch, no yucky fake distressing, and a nice grownup silhouette.)
Their denim also comes in multiple lengths and washes which I really like!
Shout out to QVC, who have been doing extended sizing for ever. And use models of all shapes and sizes , and bonus all different ages. (And no, I don’t work for them)