For so long, there has been a Great Divide when it comes to clothes shopping in Australia.
In bricks and mortar terms; it generally means a whole shopping centre for ‘normal’ sizes. And then, if we’re lucky, a small strip of well-meaning plus-size stores (Autograph, Big City Chic, My Size) in the lower traffic area of the centre. Opposite end to the food court. Nowhere near the David Jones entrance. Probably on the top floor.
Read: Out. Of. The. Way.
Online is, of course, easier. We have options online – both local and international. We have basics and trend-wear and higher brow clothing; and we now have some well known brands getting in on the size inclusion action.
It is, however, still tough to find good quality, stylish, affordable clothes for anyone over an Australian size 16-18, particularly for younger women. Was there a secret memo sent out to all stores stocking plus size demanding their clothing be dowdy and matronly?! We need to see a broader representation of styles, colours, patterns and products. Department stores like Target, Kmart & Myer have their place, of course. But we need range, people!
So we thought we would help a sister out. The Relatable Project wanted to remove the hours of relentless, soulless searching and have pulled together a nice long list to help you source some cool threads, either from brands that embrace complete size inclusion (x-small to xxx-large) or are more skewed towards plus size.
Happy Shopping!
The biggest hero of them all right now has to be Hear Us Roar, the Australian online plus size store run by industry experts Blaise McCann and Karina Bruce. With their brilliant mantra, ‘nobody puts curvy in the corner’, these ladies have single-handedly shifted the way size 12+ women shop. Stocking fabulous brands such as 17 Sundays, Embody Women and Revoque, we strongly suggest you head over there now and check them out!
If you want fun, disposable fashion in a range of sizes:
- ASOS and The Iconic, which now incorporate plus size ranges.
- Showpo, Boohoo and Pretty Little Things also all incorporate Curvy & Plus Size;
If you want to stay on trend, but maintain a broad spectrum range, including the classics:
- Australian-owned, St Frock, stocks sizes from AU8 to AU20 in a wide range of clothing;
- Relatable’s personal fave: Torrid, based in the US; sizes range from AU14-30;
- SimplyBe, based in the UK; sizes range from AU8-30;
- Australian Bohemian Traders, sizing ranges from AU6-22.
- Across the pond, NZ-based Zebrano, sizing ranges from AU14-26.
If you want access to some cool OS brands who have recently introduced plus ranges:
- Whimsical Anthropologie, based in the US; now stocking up to size AU28 or 3XL.
- Cult brand Reformation, based in the US; with ‘extended’ range now up to size AU26.
If you want high-end basics and investment pieces:
- Universal Standard, based in the US. Undoubtedly more expensive, but made for the wonderfully tailored and made for the long haul, with sizes ranging from AU8-38. And for extra points, US have teamed up with a luxury designer for the collection Rodarte X Universal Standard.
If you want to look and feel uber sexy:
- Rhianna’s Savage X Fenty label is super hot and has sizes up to 3XL.
If you want some workout gear that’s actually comfy and made for your body:
- Stylish Active Truth, based here in Australia, with sizes AU8-26.
- Then there’s super cool POP Fit Clothing, based in the US, sizes range from AU4-28.
If you want to support your small biz girl gang who are doing some awesome stuff:
- Local crush, Confetti Rebels – aka Amy – produces and sells very cool & empowering apparel.
- US-based and super awesome, Letter Shoppe – aka Dina – is all about mental health and self-love.
- Sydney-based Saint Somebody, produces beautiful luxury swimwear for sizes AU12-20.
And this is just the beginning. We have so many other gorgeous labels and brands to bring you; finally the fashion industry is waking up to the 60% of women they have long-ignored.
Watch this space!
TOP IMAGE VIA UNIVERSAL STANDARD
