What Is Plus-Size Clothing?

About What Is Plus-Size Clothing?

Many people think plus-size clothing is the same as regular-size clothing. However, this isn’t the case, items in plus-size collections are cut differently, and each brand of plus-sized clothing uses different measurements. To find the perfect fitting dress or pair of jeans, you often need to take specific measurements of your body and compare these to the sizes provided by the plus-size manufacturer. Or alternatively, you can visit the shop and try on the different sizes to find one that fits your body shape and size.

What is considered plus-size clothing?

Most regular brands cater for women from a size 6-18; anything sized 18 and above is considered a plus-sized item of clothing. Women larger than a size 18 might struggle to get clothing to fit their size in regular high street shops. They will need to seek out shops with a plus-sized range or brands selling only plus-sized items. Some shops are better than others at offering items in larger sizes; joining a forum or doing research online can help you to discover the shops that are and aren’t suitable for your size.

The cut of plus-size clothing

Standard patterns are cut to specific measurements; as you move up a size, the measurements change at each point on the pattern to allow for bigger-sized bodies. Plus, sizing is done completely differently; it takes into account curves and areas where bodies might need a bit more space as the size gets bigger. Some brands of plus-size clothing make specific clothes for women with bigger busts, while others focus on other areas of the body. This makes each item of clothing fit slightly differently; trying on plus-size clothing is essential in order to get a good fit. 

Plus sized models

Things change completely when it comes to plus-sized models; in the modelling industry, historically, anyone over a size 8 is considered a plus-sized model. However, things have changed, and more average-sized models are being used to advertise clothing. Women want to see clothing on people that look like them; showing every item on a size 6 model doesn’t help women to figure out what the item would look like on their bodies. The same goes for plus-size clothing; many brands use women of a size 14 or 16 to advertise their plus-sized range when the women buying these items are often sized 20 and above. The industry is slowly changing to represent the women buying the clothing, but there's still more room for brands to include larger-sized models.

Choosing quality

When buying any type of clothing, you should aim to buy quality pieces that will last for a long time. This is especially important when buying plus-sized items. Cheap materials quickly become worn or lose their shape when washed. Stitching is usually inferior on cheaper items of clothing; this can lead to holes in the seams of the fabric at the most inconvenient and embarrassing times. When you invest in quality clothing, you can trust the integrity of the stitching and be sure that you won’t get caught short with holes or tears in the seams. It might cost a bit more to buy quality plus-size clothing, but it will elevate your style, you’ll look better, and the item will last much longer compared to the cheaper alternative. Buying quality items of clothing is also much better for the environment; people regularly throw out clothing, and it ends up in landfill sites. When you choose to love and keep your clothes for longer, you’re helping to protect the environment. To further help the environment choose items made from recycled materials or brands with good environmental values and practices.

If you’re choosing your next plus-sized item of clothing, remember that every brand does things slightly differently. Check the detailed measurements online carefully or buy a few sizes and send back the ones that don’t fit. Once you get to know your size in each brand's plus-sized range, it will make it much easier to pick out clothing without needing to try it on first. Many women don’t enjoy the lighting and experience of trying on clothing in the shop. Taking things home is much less stressful and can help you make a more rational decision. Look out for companies that offer free returns or even sizing guides and exact measurements to help you find the perfect fit. 

Resources:

• Maternity Clothes - GitLab
• Plus Size Dresses Australia - Docker
• Maternity Clothes Australia - Steemit