Recently, I had to buy a very specific type of dress, because I was going to be doing an on-camera interview. The brief came through: must be a solid colour, no prints, no black, white or green, and preferably a jewel colour. Oh, and it probably shouldn’t show my ample bust too much (OK, that wasn’t in the brief, but was more common sense).
Usually, I’d try to whip something up in my sewing room but I only had 48 hours notice, so off to the shops it was.
Initially, I was stunned by the realization that I hadn’t been RTW shopping in aaaages and was super excited by all these pretty things – and they’re already made! How luxurious!
But then it all came flooding back. I didn’t really fit in the dresses at all. And despite the fact I kept on repeating to myself “it’s the dresses that don’t fit you, not you that doesn’t fit the dresses!” it was incredibly hard to not feel disheartened. It was a huge reminder that clothes shopping was probably one of the main reasons for my previously poor body image – constantly being reminded that you’re “bigger than normal” is tough to take. I was once in an Armani store while my Mum was shopping and the assistant asked me why I wasn’t trying on things; when I asked him if they had anything in a US size 14 he just laughed and walked off.
The crazy thing is that I’m really not that far off the American average, and yet it was over 4 hours before I found a dress that didn’t highlight every bump. I eventually found a candidate from St. John – in a US size 16, which I had to remind myself not to freak out about – and while it did look great, you can see from my face that I wasn’t a happy camper with the entire experience.
What did all this prove? How incredibly glad I am that I started sewing! To not have to traipse around stores any more is such a joy! And that making things that fit me perfectly without my clothing size being pushed in my face is enormously satisfying.
So all that being said, I do still buy some RTW (Ready to Wear – i.e. what you buy in the stores!) items, and I thought I’d share some of my favourite online stores, that have broad size ranges, and ship to your house so you don’t have to stand in a changing room under fluorescent lighting… (who invented that idea?!) As it happens, all of these are British (my roots are showing!) but they all ship to the US for reasonable prices (and sometimes free):
- Boden do lovely dresses, which are good both for sewing inspiration and for just buying when they’re on sale. They are cut for hourglass/busty figures and go up to a US size 18/ UK size 22. I adore their skinny jeans as well! (close fitting legs and roomy waists – great for apple shapes). Top tip: they have semi-annual warehouse clearance sales in Boston (and I think Pennsylvania) where you can pick everything up for a total bargain
- Bravissimo is my favourite lingerie retailer – beautiful and fun bras in cup sizes up to L, and innovative things like strappy summer tops that have integral bras up to a G – so no peeking out! They also do great bikinis, tankinis and swimsuits. No more matronly white sports bras for me!
Sundaes by the Seaside bathing suit (up to 40G) / Floris Bra (up to 38K) / Betsy Bow Bra (up to 38K)
- Duo Boots do boots in calf sizes up to 49cm (19 inches), so you can get gorgeous and reasonably priced boots which will fit you perfectly.
What RTW pieces do you buy rather than sew? And do you have any great retailers for curvy ladies? Let me know!
*These are all my personal recommendations, and there are no affiliate links or sponsorship here!
Hey, I can totally understand how you feel when shopping dresses. I used to end up crying in the cabin when I tried to go shopping when I was younger. Today it’s fine, I know what to expect: a tedious journey with the likely possibility of not finding anything that fits properly. That’s why I need to learn to sew better. 🙂
Another Boden fan here!
Also, my much-beloved Duo boots are probably not going to last through another winter. The zip broke last year and although I managed a temporary fix, it’s not going to hold out. They saw me through nearly four years, though, which I think is pretty good. I shall be looking for replacements from them this autumn. I had wanted a pair of knee high boots for ages, but assumed it was a pipedream because of my fat calves until someone told me about Duo. Expensive but well worth the money.
You should definitely check out Re/Dress for fun, fashionable plus clothing in both modern and vintage styles! http://www.redressnyc.com My friend Rachel knows what is up.
I bought this dress at Pepperberry while in the UK recently: http://www.bravissimo.com/pepperberry/products/dresses/day-dresses/tropical-sundress/red-floral/pd305rfl/?level=2 I loved how much information came with the dress! Not only a sized high enough for me, but a variety of bust sizes (curvy, really curvy, super curvy). For once I was able to get the bust and the waist to fit me nicely!
OMG, I’m so excited about Boden! I have always loved the style but never dared try them. I’m definitely an apple and I am going to try some Boden jeans now (need a loose waist). Yay!
I buy swimwear from Land’s End, I can get 16DD suits that fit well. Just picked up a cute one shoulder suit from them in an 18W and the bust fit great (44″ full bust for me).
I’m still learning how to fit my own makes and don’t end up liking what I sew very often, but I just made M6360 leggings that are actually pretty decent. There’s hope. 🙂
That blue dress is really very lovely!
I particularly like the fit of Elomi bras.
I second all your shopping recs, and I’ve also had some nice things from Kiyonna in the USA. They do ship internationally, but it adds substantially to cost, along with the customs charges in the UK, so they are a very occasional indulgence for a special occasion. However, they do regularly offer a discount code, which helps a little.
Thank you, that was great! The more women talk openly about RTW limitations, the more women will feel like they are not the only ones. RTW means each size has specific numbers in specific places, therefore they are for specific figure types – not everyone! Great dress, by the way! You look lovely! I always gravitate towards the blue shades!
Talbot’s and Land’s End have a great selection for full figured and petite. And they have great sales.
Thank you so much for these resources. I’ve been wanting a pair of boots for so long…
I love shopping at http://www.modcloth.com they even ship to Australia within the week. I love their dresses and if you read the fit on them to size they are always spot on. I have never had to send anything back it always fits me perfectly and my measurements are 42-37-52
The clothes are very rockabilly style but http://www.modemerr.com does plus sizes. In full disclosure the owner is a good friend of mine. They go to size 3X but she’s also starting to do custom sizing. All items are made in the USA.
You look great and don’t worry about the size in RTW. I can go anywhere from a 14 to a 18. I just look for a good fit and then go from there. With the short notice you were giving you worked it out and look gorgeous in the blue! I am getting back into sewing for myself and perhaps others so finding this blog is so awesome for me.
I have found http://www.lace.de great for large bra sizes. But its only in German, French and some other eurpoean languges. For me the best brand (or the more expenseive size) is Prima Donna, so have been sticking with this the last few years. They make good quality larger bra sizes that last years.
For lingerie, I am a big fan of Change of Scandinavia. Bra sizes up to K, I think, with the full range of chest sizes (I am a 34 I – most bra store employees just stare at me and blink when I ask for that size, then suggest I just get a size 38 DD, because “it’s basically the same thing.” Um, no it isn’t.). They are great with fittings, the bras last forever, and they are actually PRETTY! Whoever told bra designers big busted gals want bras that look like they were made from my grandma’s old tablecloth and industrial steel? Not Change, thank you very much. This is seriously the first store I went bra shopping at where I didn’t leave in tears. Okay, done gushing.
Being tall and large-busted, shopping has been frustrating for me at any weight. I do order from Bravissimo to get better fits for my body type, but I wish they used higher-quality fabrics and detailing. Especially for the price, they seem like poor value. With the exchange rate, a polyester dress with cheap buttons comes out to over $100 still.
I think Boden clothes are nicer quality, but they don’t work well for my hourglass frame. My bust and hips are similar in size, and I have a defined waist. I’ve had to get Boden skirts taken in by four inches in the waist when I purchase by my hip size, and I cannot fit my bust and ribcage into tailored dresses that I order by the size chart. When I order up a few sizes for my bust, the tops are very baggy. I’m wearing an old blouse of theirs right now, a UK size 18 from about six years ago, and while it has comfortable ease around the bust, it must have at least 10 inches of ease at the waist. They have cute things, but I’ve concluded that they don’t fit me very well.
Aha, I’m more apple-y (48 – 40 – 46 at latest measuring) so that would explain why Boden fits me better than you. Boo to that! You’ll just have to sew your own versions instead 😀 For what it’s worth, I’m a US 14 in Boden, although I do tend to buy their knit rather than fitted things.
I’m 5’10” and measure around 45-34-46 right now. I’ve ordered as small as US 12 and as large as UK 18 from them, and I tend to have the same proportion problems. I’m very large-boned as well, and I find they cut the ribcage too small for me on their tailored dresses. But I have that problem with most stores.
By the way, the blue dress looks fantastic on you.
You’re pretty much the same measurements as Mary D, so check out her recos below!
Thanks. For RTW, I’ve done okay with Shabby Apple because they tend to have a slight stretch in their fabric that helps around the bust. I buy jeans from PZI, and I’ve had luck with some Trashy Diva dresses. I still think I could get a better fit if I improve my sewing skills, especially because I am dealing with height as well as curves. I really like the fitting tips on this site.
To be honest, I’ve worn RTW clothes with a poor fit since adolescence. I used to be fairly thin, but I had the same height and proportions, which still sized me out of most items. It’s always a compromise between hips/bust that fit too tightly and a waist that fits too loosely. The tailor charges a lot just to take a waist in, and the clothes don’t look good afterward because they’ve been cut too much from their original lines. As well, with my bust size I’ve always straddled the straight/plus sizes, so I’ve never had the option of sizing up and tailoring in. No matter my size at the time–10, 12, 14, 16–it always seems one of the largest easily available in straight size stores. My bust has never been smaller than 40, which seems to be impossibly large according to most straight size charts and even some plus ones. And I’m not necessarily proportioned like a “plus,” best I can tell. I’m trying to read as much about sewing and fitting patterns as I can before starting my first project, but it’s easy to get intimidated.
Ugh, sorry for the novel.
Hey Scarlet!
Jenny is right, you and I are very similar, measurement-wise. I’m only 5’8” but usually measure around 46-34-46. Or, as I like to call it, an “exaggerated hourglass.” You’re all too correct that it can be impossible to fit a small waist, but curvier bust and hips. Invariably, when something fits me in the bust, it’s gigantic over my waist.
When it comes to RTW, I don’t even bother with dresses anymore, but still have success in pants and knits. For pants, specifically, I shop at places that offer various fits–regular, but also curvy or woman or what have you. Loft’s “curvy fit” and Talbot’s “woman” are my favorites, though definitely watch their measurements! I take a 16 curvy in one and a 14W in the other.
My best recommendation is one you’ve already mentioned, however: sewing. This hobby was such a revelation for me. Unlike the tailoring required to get RTW stuff to fit, narrow waist adjustments are a breeze in sewing. All you do is draw bigger darts or gathers! It’s the simplest adjustment I do. If you’d like, I’ll add it to my list of tutorials to be posted in the next few weeks. And, if you’d ever like to exchange well-fitting pattern recommendations, let me know! There are a few lines that would probably work really well for your figure.
Thanks very much! I’ve never been successful with sewing in the past, but there weren’t many internet tutorials around last time I tried. I’m trying to be more patient this time and take in as much information as I can. I used to always assume I was the only person out there with a non-standard body, and I didn’t realize that most women need to make multiple pattern adjustments. I would love a tutorial on sizing waistlines down by a few inches. Your blog looks great.
Such a great post, Jenny! I have always ogled Boden, but never actually made a purchase. That may have to change soon!
As for RTW, It’s really rare that I even think about buying dresses or skirts anymore, unless there’s some sort of wardrobe emergency. For jeans, knits, and sweaters, however, I’m still on the RTW wagon. I have really good luck with the sizing at Loft (I’m a 16/XL and online they go to an 18/XXL) and Talbot’s Woman, which goes up to a 26W and is cut for a curvier figure than their misses line.
Once you buy Boden you’ll never go back! I used to shop in LOFT occasionally but my whole lifestyle has changed now I sew – I rarely just “wander” around stores/malls in the way I used to, so I tend not to end up there any more. Just another benefit of sewing: no constant “wanting” of stuff just because I saw it somewhere… Instead of course I buy lots of fabric 😀
You really do look gorgeous in your blue dress!!
Thank you Helen!
I think that the blue dress looks lovely–that shade of blue is a fantastic color on you.
I’ve been there with the unexpectedly jarring experience of having to find something RTW in a pinch. (I had a few job interviews on short notice last year.) I think that what really bugged me about the experience is that I wound up paying money for two interview outfits that I didn’t feel were really “me”, but they were what I could find that fit decently and didn’t cost an arm and a leg.
I’ve heard so many great things about Bravissimo that I’m going to have to hit one of their stores when we take our London vacation in a year or two.
As far as other RTW retailers go, widewidths.com carries women’s plus sized calf boots up to a “super plus” width. However, I still usually stick with Zappos (or its overstock off-shoot 6pm.com) for my boots and filter for “extra-wide” calf. I’ve found that I really like David Tate brand boots for fit and comfort.
Ooh I hope you can make it to a Bravissimo store! They are particular masters at fitting – I’ve never found anywhere in the US as good. For some unknown reason bra sizes here often seem to stop at DDD so I have the store women telling me I’m a 42 DDD and I’m like “er, no, I’m a 34HH”. Most women I know left Bravissimo 3 sizes smaller on back size and 2 – 3 sizes bigger on cup size than when they went in!
I’m throwing asos curve into the mix, plus sizes that actually reflect the styles in the non- plus range not just tunics they also do offer guest brands though I do prefer asos’s own offerings above others.
I second the love of Asos Curve! Their coats, specifically, are so on-trend and cute. I have an embarrassing number of them currently in my closet…
I agree, RTW shopping is the pits. I am getting back to sewing after a long hiatus. I no longer have to worry about something not available in my size or alterations to contour the garment to me. In RTW I rely on knits and I buy very little in the stores (lingerie, coats, shoes).
I am in currently in RTW HELL. I am too curvy for straight sizes graded up, being pear shaped. But I am also too small to shop plus. (I recently went into Lane Bryant for the first time to look for bras, and got the side eye from everyone in there) I like to go into shops and just look at cuts I know work well with my shape, regardless of the brand, and then ignore the size. It’s a bunch of crap anyways, and I know that’s the truth working in apparel. Depending on grading, a size 16 can be about 10 different sizes, if graded up from an 8.
Oddly Target Merona brand is pretty ok in sizing, Loft, and Kohl’s in the Sonoma, Lauren Conrad (knits only), and Elle. Other that I’m shopping local or making it myself. I’m battling being a petite, short waisted, sway back, and two sizes bigger on the bottom with large biceps. YAY knits!
Knits FTW! (That blue dress is doubleknit if it wasn’t already obvious….)
The blue is lovely and you deserve lovely after such hard work shopping. The only things I prefer to buy rather than make are tee shirts (I can get everything from Lands End to Coldwater Creek for $1.25 at our wonderful second hand stores) and jeans: Wrangler Q Baby fit me just fine and when I find a pair second hand for $4- BONUS!!!
Thanks! I can see the logic on t-shirts – only thing is, I can rarely find them in the exact colour I want and with the right neckline (deep scoop). So sometimes I whip them up too! I know what you mean about jeans – Boden’s skinny jeans fit me fantastically so they’re all I ever wear now
Gah! I nearly bought a dress in the Boden sale thanks to this post: forgetting my pledge not to buy any RTW until 2015! That blue dress is gorgeous btw
Booooooooooooooden….
I would forgive you 🙂
I’ll just throw my .02 into the ring and say that that blue suit looks stunning on you! Shows you off in all the right places 🙂
Why thank you 🙂 I haven’t actually worn it since the interview, but I probably should.
Lands End has some pretty fit and flare dresses at the moment – they go up to 3XW. They deliver to the house and you can return them at Sears if you decide not to keep them. I just bought some in their sale – including this one http://www.landsend.com/products/womens-sleeveless-pattern-cotton-modal-fit-and-flare-dress/id_237136?sku_0=::K6J#
Also, Boden only seems to go up to a 10 in petite sizing. 10!! That’s why they have never had any of my hard earned cash 🙁
Ah yes, Land’s End! I got my winter coat (down one) from them, and it was the only place I could find one that would comfortably fit my chest.
Wow, I just had a ready to wear experience. I spent a lot of time sewing a dress that didn’t work. Then I spent more time on it trying to fix. Just a wadder.. . Then I went shopping. There is a Laura chain of stores: regular, petites and plus, in Canada. I usually don’t go in because everything looks so ugly, but with hard work, a great salesperson and a patient, discerning 14 year old. It went pretty well….NOW , back to sewing. <3 The blue is beautiful on you and the silhouette is lovely. I love your makes better!
It’s so nice when it goes well! But also good to be reminded of how much easier it is (after you have the basic skills) to make something look amazing 🙂
Jenny, you look AMAZING!!! But I know you can sew better ensembles than what is out there. You are an inspiration to us curvy sewing enthusiasts!
Thanks Sandra! You’re very kind