As a plus-size person, it is not always easy to find affordable clothes which look good and inspire confidence. The higher end of the fashion industry has long rejected size inclusivity, and while fast fashion has been more inclusive, many people today prefer to buy second hand clothing because it is more sustainable. However, decent second hand options for plus-size people are usually thin on the ground.
Add to this that body shapes among the plus-sized can vary considerably, and it is easy to see how difficult things can be. But there are some tips and tricks which can make clothes shopping much easier, from knowing great places to find bargains to understanding what styles to wear to look your best. Here are some of the top tips.
- Know your shape – You should already know key measurements like your bust, waist and hip size, but it can also be helpful to see which body type you are. This is because a lot of online fashion advice is based on body type. While there is no international standard, most people employ the same descriptive names, such as “hourglass,” “apple” and “pear.”
- For second hand, forget physical stores – When it comes to brick-and-mortar stores, second hand plus-sized clothing can be incredibly difficult to find. But with internet retailers such as Vinted, Depop and eBay, it is easier than ever before to find plus-sized clothing of every condition online. You don’t have to use these companies; a clear and specific search prompt like “Australia plus size clothing online” is likely to return some good results.
- Spend on well-fitted staples – Some people say that the confidence and feel-good factor of having two perfect dresses is better than 20 imperfect ones, so don’t be afraid to splash out on staples. For these, it is well worth using a company that specialises in plus-sized clothing and will customise the clothes to the size and shape of your body.
- Opt for stretch fabrics – There is a tendency for plus-sized people to choose shapeless, airy styles for comfort. However, these often look sloppy because they do not match their specific body shape. They can even make you look bigger. A solution to this which is just as comfortable is stretch fabric. Clothes made from it will follow the curves of your body, fitting the widest parts nicely while accentuating the slimmest parts.
- Lace-ups can also work – Those who know their female fashion history will know that corsets are a trend which keeps coming back. This is probably because clothes which can be loosened and tightened can, like stretch fabric, be adjusted to fit your body shape.
- Choose bold colours – It’s counterintuitive, but choosing an eye-popping colour or combination of colours actually draws attention away from your body and towards your eyes. This can make you appear slimmer and even younger to others.
Whatever you choose to wear, remember that the most important thing is that it makes you happy. Carrying yourself with confidence will do more to make your outfit look good than any illusion or hack.
