Fashion
10 Plus-Size Brands You Probably Haven't Heard Of
One of the big problems with plus-size fashion is selection. Because there still aren't nearly as many designers and brands that stock anything over a 12, we plus-size women all tend to gravitate to the same few places: ASOS Curve, Lane Bryant, the designers stocked by Bloomingdales and Lord & Taylor. But the reality is that this isn't the endgame for full-figure fashion: There are a ton of e-commerce shops with smaller profiles that are just as fantastic.
In an effort to spread the word on all those brands you may have never heard of, we've rounded up 10 e-commerce sites that we feel are underrepresented. There's no doubt that diversity in fashion over a size 12 is limited (and there's a long way to go before we have the same options that straight-size women do), but here's a good start to opening up the field.
Image: zinkevych/Fotolia
TwentyFour20
TwentyFour20 is plus-size fashion blogger and model Allison McGevna's baby, which was born just this fall. McGevna has always been a spokesperson for plus fashion, and has built her business on the premise that "women of all sizes and shapes deserve access to sexy, fabulous fashion without limitations." So with that beautiful ideal, it's no surprise her clothes are beautiful, too.
Take No Prisoners Dress, $175, twentyfour20.com
Domino Dollhouse
Tracy Broxterman of Chubble Bubble founded Domino Dollhouse to add "style and glamour to the plus-size fashion world." She's one of those designers that is undeniably doing something different. DD is quirky, fun, sexy and new. Part '80s, part festival chic, part punker, it's got a little something for anyone wanting to make a statement.
Over the Knee Leggings in Pink Velvet, $35, dominodollhouse.com
eShakti
There are two pretty cool things about eShakti. Number one: they stock sizes 0-36 (woohoo!). And number two: they offer customizable garments. Yep, you can pick sleeve length, dress length, and neckline all to your taste, as well as enter your unique measurements if you don't want to go for standard sizing. Plus, their clothes are all retro-inspired: think tartan and velvet and 1950's cuts and ruffles. Oh yeah.
Contrast Trim Retro Twill Frock, $80, eshakti.com
Gisela Ramirez
Australian designer Gisela Ramirez is all about breaking the rules. Curvy girls can't wear see-through tops? Curvy girls can't wear bodysuits that show off some leg? False and false. Her designs are fierce and bold and totally unapologetic.
F*ck Flattering Crop Tee, $35, giselaramirez.com.au
Monif C.
Monif C. is all about elegance. Their daywear, workwear, and eveningwear mix classiness and fun for the perfect combination. Everything is contemporary, hip, and chic for the woman wanting to make an impression.
Maria Chifon Sleeve Peplum Romper, $168, monifc.com
City Chic
City Chic can be described as glam meets street wear — a great mix of both vibes. For those who do know City Chic, it has a cult following, and it's easy to see why.
Roxette Party Dress, $148, citychic.com
Avenue
Avenue has a bit more of a grownup feel to it. Your nana probably wouldn't wear the clothes, but your mom might. And yet, it works. Most of the apparel is ideal city workwear, and once in a while there's the rare gem that you just have to have for day-to-day.
Faux Suede Moto Jacket, $140, avenue.com
Kiyonna
Kiyonna is sophisticated. Going to a cocktail party? Kiyonna it. Off to a dinner in Manhattan? Kiyonna it. Important work meeting? You know what comes next.
Valentina Illusion Dress, $118, kiyonna.com
Dorothy Perkins
Dorothy Perkins is pretty huge in the U.K., but less so in the states. Here, it's limited to an e-commerce site, but a pretty awesome one. DP stocks plus-sizes in ready-to-wear fashion. They mix modern trends with classic cuts and flattering silhouettes, all in all creating a beautiful, hip look perfect for 20- and 30-somethings.
Paisley Ponte Shift Dress, $32, dorothyperkins.com
Pinup Girl Clothing
Pinup Girl Clothing has been around since 1999, and yet people seem to forget that this fabulous e-commerce site carries sizes over a 12. As the brand's name would suggest, the apparel is authentic pinup style, for any vintage/retro loving lady.
Deadly Dames Wiggle Dress in White with Black Polka Dots, $102, pinupgirlclothing.com
