If there’s one thing that boils our blood, it’s a fashion range that uses ‘Plus Size’ as a style description. One solitary rail of ill thought out basics that have just been sized up and then forgotten about. Well, it is finally starting to feel like those days are on the way out. Plus size clothing ranges have developed beyond the designer or bespoke to become very much a reality on the high street. Perhaps every outlet can’t be relied upon to stock all the ranges. However online high street offerings certainly make accessible styles and affordable fashion far more straightforward.
So we run down our high street favourites depending on which look you’re after. And yes, we realise that our headings look at first glance like an extended Spice Girl family tree!
Casual
Simply Be has become synonymous with wearable daily plus size fashion in the UK. Available sizes go up to standard dress size 32. As well as the ranges within the Simply Be brand, you can also source garments from the likes of Monsoon, Levi’s and Wrangler. So for jeans ranges, this is a great one stop shop for the best casual daily choice.
Glam
No longer just for evening wear, classic and elegant lines remain trademarks of Karen Millen. The plus size ranges here are flattering on curves and full of character. They still maintain that sophistication that you’d expect from the brand. Sizes range from XL (standard dress size 18) to 3XL (standard dress size 26).
Street
Within the fashion behemoth that is ASOS sits ASOS Curve. This section includes over 7,500 items, meaning that it takes in most looks out there. And it stocks plus size ranges from other high street brands like River Island and MissGuided. So whatever your daily street style, from rock chick to boho, there are great basics and statement pieces to be found here.
Joyful
The Curve range, up to size 26, at Never Fully Dressed is really worth the hype. Anything worn by Beyonce has to have something special about it. So the prints and patterns available here are really special. With vibrant colours and super flattering lines, the ranges have a joyful quality that prove that what you’re wearing really can make you happier!
Tailored
Both affordable and wearable, there are some super cute tailored looks available within New Look Curves. Trends they’ve embraced this season include pastels, plunging necklines, ruching and long collars and lines. Their collab with plus size influencer Lauren Nicole is testament to New Look’s commitment to great, inclusive fashion. Sizes go up to standard dress size 32.
Active
There are diverse ranges and sizes up to standard dress size 30 at H&M Plus. This makes them one of the most accessible plus size stores on the high street. Clearly, H&M isn’t limited to sporty looks. However, its all embracing policy means that it’s one of the best places on the high street to shop for plus size active wear. There’s a selection of run tights, shorts, sports bras and sports tops showing a meaningful commitment to plus size from H&M.
Sexy
Reformation exploded in popularity thanks to instagram celeb endorsements. Now this US store is more accessible in the UK as an online retailer and you can find some fabulously sexy looks here. The Extended Sizes range is available up to standard dress size 28, and is strong in flattering plunge necklines and sultry fabrics.
Fun
For some really fun accessories, head over to Snag tights. This range began as ‘tights that actually fit’ and has now expended to include under shorts, dungarees, skirts and dresses. Everything here has fun at its core, and the special edition ranges of My Little Pony, Care Bear and Pride tights are one of a kind!
We think that every woman should be free to dress to express, so when you’ve found your look and want comfortable, supportive underwear, shop our foundation ranges.
Becky is an author and copywriter who has been writing about women’s issues and underwear for several years. She also writes blogs which cover a range of topics for local businesses.
Mannequin Madness
