Whether you're looking for work clothes, casual clothes or just that perfect pair of jeans, these brands have you covered
Finding cute plus-size fashion is no easy task. You can go to shop after shop, scour rack after rack and still come up empty. But that doesn't mean there are no stylish plus-size options out there – you just need to know where to look.
Australia is full of small businesses and local designers offering plus-size options for every occasion, but shop frontage is expensive and being stocked in mainstream stores just isn’t possible for many brands. So where can you find these brands? Online.
I know online shopping is a daunting thought for many people, especially if you’ve had negative experiences before. But I’m here to tell you that you can do it. You just need a tape measure and this handy guide to Australian-based plus-size brands.
Why the tape measure? Because the sizing of clothes across brands is inconsistent. So it’s time to ditch the number on the tag and pay closer attention to the size chart. Do yourself a favour; take your measurements, write them down somewhere handy and use them to choose your clothes from now on. Ignore the number on the tag. It has no moral value.
A thriving fashion hub, the Iconic is home to some of my favourite plus-size brands including Atmos and Here, Sunday in the City and Missguided. You can get everything from jeans to underwear to blazers to going-out dresses. The bonus of shopping on the Iconic's website is that you can style a whole outfit there: find your dress, then some shoes and a handbag and you’re all set.
Sister brand of Ally Fashion, You + All has that boho look on lock, with a few work-appropriate tops and dresses added into the mix. The brand sells sizes up to a 24, the pricing is reasonable, and the styles are on trend. The brand has recently updated its exchange policy too. Previously you could only return clothes by going to an Ally Fashion store, but now you can post them back for free at your local AusPost.
Forever New Curve is my go-to for casual workwear, cocktail wear and anything soft and feminine. The largest size being a 22 might be off-putting, but it is a very generous fit and will fit a size 24 in most cases. A classic lesson in going by your measurements and not the number on the tag.
Best and Less is really doing something right at the moment, particularly when it comes to jeans. The brand sells good basics at a really affordable price, which is something the plus-size community has been screaming out for for years. Best and Less goes up to a size 26, and although the brand's jeans are a little on the smaller side, it's easy to find your perfect fit with the Denim Style Guide.
Plus-size boots for women can be hard to find, but DuoBoots champions inclusive sizing by offering its entire collection of calf-fit boots in eight calf sizes and nine shoe sizes. That means it's a breeze to find a pair that complements your shape and fits you perfectly. All of the boots are hand-made in Portugal from high-quality leathers and materials, and while shoppers previously had a lengthy wait on shipping from the UK, now the products are available to be shipped locally. Learn more at the DuoBoots website.
If bold prints (that aren’t lame or gross) are what you’re after, then Nyata is where you need to go. Founded in 2014, Nyata is one of the most size inclusive fashion brands in Australia, and it stocks up to a size 30. Although Nyatas HQ is in Geelong, all of the pieces are ethically manufactured in Bali. Plus-size, ethically made fashion is really hard to come by, so Nyata is already ahead of the game.
Named one of the top plus-size brands in the world by Madison Plus NYC and Essence Magazine, Hope and Harvest is a Melbourne-Based brand run by owner and designer Harvest Powell. Creating everything from knits to denim and the comfiest palazzo pants, Hope and Harvest is a hidden gem. And the sizes go up to a size 26.
Vagary is a label that prides itself on creating patterns for clothes with all bodies in mind, and it shows. Stocking up to a size 26, Vagary is the epitome of luxe boho fashion. Vagary releases a new collection every few months - they always sell out and rarely repeat a run, so make sure you set a reminder when the next line drops so you don't miss out.
If some premium quality fashion is what you’re looking for then Harlow is where you need to go. Made in Australia and based in Melbourne, Harlow sells fashion made to last a lifetime, not just a season. A size 26 is the brand's largest size and it’s a generous fit. If you’re looking for the ultimate power suit check out the Last Dance Waterfall Jacket.
Amazing quality streetwear and basics live at 17 Sundays. The jeans are also the best quality jeans I have ever worn in my life. Being a homegrown Australian label, 17 Sundays takes inspiration from Australian cities, beaches and life in general. You can tell how passionate the designers here are by the quality of their clothes, which go up to a size 26.
The Curve Project is home to five labels including the Poetic Gypsy, Pink Dusk and Indigo Tonic. Each brand features its own aesthetic, from boho to streetwear to rock chic. There really is something for everyone. The sizes listed are up to a 22 but check your measurements because the sizing is quite generous.
With all of these options you have no excuse not to step outside of your comfort zone and treat yourself to a new outfit. Happy shopping.
Based out of Melbourne, White & Co. offers an extensive selection of affordable and stylish women’s curve clothing. The brand loves celebrating women of all sizes, offering styles to fit and flatter every body shape. The boutique caters to sizes 18-22 with 400+ styles on offer, featuring Australian brands like Hope and Harvest, 17 Sundays, Elm Embrace and more.
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