As a plus-size fashion blogger, I’m always looking for cute clothing that accentuates my figure and looks good. Even though I have written content on how to dress fly on a budget, and even find designer pieces, I am aware that how to shop for designer pieces when you are plus size can be a challenge. Trust me, I know. And even though I have asserted before that you do not need to make a million dollars to look like a million dollars, I also want to acknowledge that if you want to shop designer, that is entirely okay. In fact, it’s 10 out of 10, highly recommended, lol.
As someone who is a size 12/14, I am always trying to figure out the best method when it comes to not only finding designers that I like and who cater to the plus-size market, but, and probably more importantly, how to specifically shop those brands in a way that feels authentic, but also supportive of my plus size frame. So, I’m going to share a few tips on how to shop designer clothing when you are plus size.
To know how to shop designer, first, do your research.
A lot of people don’t think that designers cater to the plus-size market. And even though the statistics show that most designers still are not tapping into the untapped market of plus size, some designers do acknowledge and step up to the plate. A few of my favorite designers include Christian Siriano, 11 Honoré, Michael Kors, Calvin Klein, and countless others that make sure that their clothing does not stop at a size 10 or even a size 12. When doing your research, simply Googling plus-size designers or plus-size luxury brands can yield many results. But I would recommend starting with the above list first. Also, take into account what brands you particularly like. I, for instance, like brands that are much more vibrant in color and might give me a classic silhouette in the actual cut. However, the style of whatever I’m wearing might be more avant-garde.
I’m probably going to look at different retailers like Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, and maybe even Saks Fifth Avenue and Macy’s to start me off because they offer affordable and high-end luxury options. Definitely check out different department stores, both online and at their brick-and-mortar stores. This is going to be extremely advantageous to you, mostly because, a lot of times, the models on the e-commerce sites are thin, or relatively straight size, so you may need to go into a store to look at a garment and to see if it is what you want. For me, I like going into the actual store to touch the fabric and also to try it on. The reality is that a jacket that fits on my body will work differently on someone who might have a smaller bust or a smaller stomach, or even just someone who is a smaller size than me. I don’t take those things to heart; I believe that, especially when you are curvy, you should take the liberty of trying out a lot of clothes before you buy.
It is not fair, and I want that to change. Still, I would recommend it to anyone, mainly when you invest a lot of money into a garment you try before buying to make sure that you want it.
My second tip is something that I just mentioned, which is going into the store and interacting.
Now, there are a couple of reasons for this one. Often, brands will size something, and the sizing is not conducive across the board. I can be a size 12 in one brand but then a 14 and another; I can be a 16 petite in yet another brand, and it just depends on how the brand cuts their fabric, specifically how the designer envisions their clothing. With that being said, I like to go into the store and try things on and stand in front of the mirrors and get a good glimpse from all angles.
If I don’t feel like $100 million while I’m standing inside the department store, I probably won’t want to take it home.
The great thing about shopping luxury, especially at a department store like Nordstrom or Saks Fifth Avenue, is that oftentimes they have a tailor on staff who can make alterations either in real-time or at a later time, after purchasing. There have been a few garments that I have purchased from Nordstrom, for example, that I then dropped off at the tailor once I got my measurements in. You can rest assure that the tailor has worked with that particular fabric before, so there won’t be any missteps. That is what you pay for when you are investing in luxury.
Shopping for designer products and designer clothing, especially when you are top-heavy or bottom-heavy, may mean that you have to get a nip or a tuck here or there, but when you are shopping and spending a certain amount of money you also can command a certain level of attention to detail that others will gladly assist you in. It is honestly one reason why I love to shop at the department stores and would much rather go to a brick and mortar than shop e-commerce. Don’t get me wrong, your girl loves shopping an e-commerce site. Still, there’s just something about being in a store and being wined and dined that just feels different and allows me to really understand the clothing item or whatever it is I’m buying. While you are in the department, I would also recommend storing that you make friends with a sales associate.
This is a tip that is as old as time, but you know how they always say that you should have friends in high places. Well, that is the exact same when it comes to retail in the luxury market. When you have people you can depend on who are sales associates or who worked in the luxury space, they can be on the lookout for the first initial drops whenever a new line or a new designer is introduced to their storefront.
This is extremely crucial and advantageous if you are someone who tends to find that by the time you get to the department store, your size is gone or that you cannot actually get your hands on som
ething that fits. So, exchange information and really groom that relationship with a sales associate so that you can be in the know whenever new things pop up. When I went shopping at Nordstrom and I bought a beautiful Tom Ford coat, the sales associates not only made sure that I was well taken care of but the actual interaction and feeling like family are what prompted me to want to return and make another purchase.
I have their numbers saved on my phone, so I know that at any given moment, if I needed something, or if I had learned that a new brand or a new line was coming, I could text them and make sure that someone saved something for me. Now, to some people, this may be a little unnecessary or a bit out there, but this is a tactic that is useful even when you are straight-sized; people want to get their hands on the best, and they want it first. And so, if you know that these size extra larges, or two XLs, or whatever tend to go out of stock sooner, you would want to either make sure that you get there first or that you have someone who is advocating and fighting for you to get it. So make sure you are friends with that sales associate.
Another thing that you will want to do is know your measurements.
Now, this is tedious, but it will make all the difference when shopping, especially if you like to purchase and buy things online. Once you know your measurements, you can simply go to any product description and make sure that it is conducive to what you need. Now, a little styling tip. I usually like to add an extra inch or two to my measurements and look for garments there. It is much easier to get your clothes tailored than to open a garment up, especially when it is luxury or a designer piece, and you do not want to compromise the fabric.
A measuring tape is something you can quickly get at Amazon. Still, when it comes to purchases that will last longer, like my shoes or purses or coats, I always make sure that I turn to the outlets and the brands that I know for a fact do it right. I know some people think that if you have five or six different things from a particular designer that it looks corny, but I am absolutely a fan of “If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it,” especially when it comes to finding clothes that you like.
For example, I love Gucci, and I tend to find Gucci fashion items that work for me. So even though I have a Gucci purse and a Gucci belt, I also will gladly shop Gucci beauty or Gucci blouses. I don’t care if it’s all one designer, and I do not feel pressured to change or shop a particular brand simply because it is what everybody else is doing; do what works for you and find what makes you happy and good at.
Lastly, make sure that you build a great foundation.
Even though you may want to do as I do and get something like a white tee or jeans from a regular fashion brand, investing in high-quality undergarments, hosiery, and accessories adds comfort and support and will allow you to save money in the long term. I am someone who can say that even if the upfront cost was a little painful, all of my designer purchases have lasted me the longest in my wardrobe. Not only do you just naturally take care of them in a different way but the quality of the product is made to be an investment piece.
If you’re looking to build a great foundation, you can also take your measurements or get fitted at a department store. For example, the Nordstrom lingerie department offers bra fittings, so if you personally don’t know what size bra you wear, or you want different options depending on what you’re wearing, you can head to the lingerie department of any department store and see how it works. Additionally, you can invest in things like shapewear, although I personally don’t wear it because I get way too hot.
I am actually on the hunt to find some good shapewear so as soon as I find some I will let you all know, but having those things just allows everything to look seamless and for your clothes just to lay right. It’s not about looking smaller or thinner or more flat, but really just sort of buffering out things so that your clothes really look and feel great, but also add extra support.
And lastly, just have fun with it! Different designers offer different styles in their clothing, but you are not fixed to just one thing. The best way to find out what works for you and your body type is to have fun and try everything that intrigues you, whether you want to wear an oversized blazer or wear a fitted evening gown. Your style is yours, and nobody can tell you otherwise.
But honestly, if you have a good tailor, if you know your measurements, and if you just keep yourself open to experimentation, you should be good. Now, I cannot end this post without saying that I want the industry to do a lot better, with plus-size women in particular but also plus-size men.
The average American woman is a size 16, so sending down sample sizes on the runway is not only a terrible idea from a publicity standpoint, but it also is very unrealistic to the large majority of people who would shop your brand if they had options. I still have many days where I cannot find my size in the department stores, let alone online, and it is frustrating considering I am at the very low end of what the plus-size market would entail. That being said, there has been some progress.
Still, I challenge designers to get out of this self-centeredness, the ego of what they want their target market to look like, and just actually take the time to look at a body as a body instead of a body as just numbers on a piece of paper. I promise that if you provide the clothes for the plus-size market, that plus-size enthusiasts will show up and shop. So those are my tips on how to shop designer when you are plus size or curvy. If you have any extra information, drop them down in the comments below.
