“As someone who was a plus size teenager throughout the 2010’s, I can confidently say the fashion options absolutely SUCKED,” shares content creator Jessica Blair in her “the WILD history of plus size fashion” Youtube video. Just as the title says, the history of fat fashion is in fact, WILD. Dating back to the 1800s, fatphobia is seen through historically unflattering designs that typically only catered to upper middle class white women. Clothing designers bounced between terms to describe the correct term for fat people, ranging from “stout wear” now known as “plus size” wear, which has its own problematic implications. Luckily, there's positive movement in clothes for fat women and fat inclusive fashion brands working to make you feel as good as you look.
The Plus Bus
Created in 2015 by two best friends with a shared mission to take the shame out of shopping, The Plus Bus is a curated fashion boutique serving fab, fat, and trendy fashion for sizes 12 and up. If you find yourself browsing their website wondering what color shirt would go with those shorts, or if that dress would swallow or snatch you up, The Plus Bus offers styling services aimed to “make all plus size babies feel and look their best.” It doesn’t stop there! Plus Bus also offers trading in your old, gently worn, clothes for store credit. Explore more curated trendy pieces in person at their Los Angeles location, or browse online from the comfort of your own home.
cantiqLA
Genderfluid AND all inclusive sizing for lingerie? I know, right? cantiqLA knows their audience. Independently owned by designer Chelsea Hughes, this shop began in 2015 with a sewing machine set-up in Hughes’ own kitchen. The designs highlight classically adored lingerie with unique, flattering patterns, lace, and mesh textures with sizes starting from XS to 6XL. Their newest compression collection features comfortably crafted binders, tucking thongs, and shorts that are not only effective – but made to embrace gender euphoria.
T|W Official
T|W Official offers custom design services for picture perfect events. Designer Tatiana Ways started the brand in 2018 with a passion to make people feel and look their most beautiful selves. “What better way to do that than to make them a design that is hand-crafted and customized for only them,” she shares with Womanly. “Knowing my struggles, I don’t want others like me to continue experiencing this issue. I provide a quality experience for all of my customers, but my plus sized babes hold a special place in my heart. It’s important for me to capture the beauty they’re filled with.” What sets this collection apart from others is its intentionally crafted formal wear that actually cares about fat inclusiveness. “Most brands who claim this don’t really ensure comfort, functionality, quality, or style concerns. I know what works best for my customers from fabric type, to how a design should be adapted to flatter each body, how clothing should fit, and best of all I know that each plus sized body isn’t the same.”
LuvSick
Curated vintage for sizes 12-40, this Chicago-based shop has timeless and trendy pieces that are made to be a forever favorite. Their in-house team refers to their custom made size chart to lessen your chances of getting the wrong fit. “When I hear, ‘People were just smaller back then,’ or, ‘There’s no such thing as plus-size vintage,’ I want to scream. Fat people did not just magically appear. We are not all of a sudden trendy. We have been around and clothed for a very long time. The resources are out there and there are customers who are desperate for it,” shares founder Britteny Riordan in an interview with 14 East Magazine. You can even shop beyond vintage clothing pieces and source one of a kind accessories ranging from jewelry, sunglasses, bags, and antique or modern pieces to freshen up your home.
Loud Bodies
Inclusive, ethical, and sustainable clothing made to show that style has no size. The Romanian-based brand started off in 2018 by founder Patricia Luiza Blaj. With sustainability and inclusion at the center of their brand, Loud Bodies makes it a point to disrupt the historical waste the fashion industry is known for. Their team of just 9 people are a powerhouse curating feminine and flattering pieces ethically designed to last a lifetime.
Thigh Society
It’s true, there’s a company focused on healing the well-known pain that is the thigh chafe – or as the Thigh Society describes it, the chub rub. “If you've felt it, you know the agony. That constant thigh friction, those painful prickly red rashes. I'd tried everything: bike shorts, shapewear, men’s boxers, messy creams & gels that never lasted.” says founder & CEO of Thigh Society, Marnie Rabinovitch Consky. If you resonate with this all too familiar feeling, or even if you just want a sweet relief pair of slip shorts to do your errands, workouts, or all of the above in, Thigh Society is your best bet. I mean, they only do slip shorts, so they mean business.
Torrid
Known for their one-stop shop specializing in sizes 10 to 30, Torrid serves looks and options for every personality. Whether you’re looking for staple items to build your capsule closet, Torrid has essentials ready for you to browse. They’re proudly known to have the Torrid Foundation, which focuses on equality, wellness, and empowerment for women of all races, ages, and sizes.
Thick Thrift LA
Your destination for plus size flea finds. Need I say more? Thick Thrift LA is Los Angeles’s first all-plus-size flea market, adored by many in the vintage fashion world – which is known for having a lack of size inclusivity. You might agree there’s no better feeling than browsing a flea market rack and going home with that item that was just waiting for you to find it. Well, founders Rachel Frank, Aya Kajikawa, and Mia Fernandez are experts in sourcing those euphoric finds. Kickstarting just last year, Thick Thrift LA has gained immense popularity. They’ve evolved from a backyard shop with a dream, to a massive outdoor market frequented by thousands of Angelino’s and featured in popular outlets such as NPR and Vogue. There’s no doubt you’ll find your favorite pieces at their market, or even get new inspiration from their endless assortment of 130+ vendors to browse.
Universal Standard
Universal Standard is known for their stylish and sustainable clothing — made to last. Think breathable, loose fits that don’t have you pulling at your clothes every other minute. Just as their name implies, they universally cater to each size all the way from 00 to 40. The brand got its start in a factory in Peru by founders Alex and Polina in 2015, and since then Universal Standard has grown to expand their all inclusive branding through various collaborations with Planned Parenthood, a children’s book publication titled ‘What Would Fashion Look Like If It Included All Of Us?’, and a voting campaign to name a few.
If you find yourself having decision paralysis or put one too many items in your cart, they offer a starter box which allows you to sample some of their best sellers and essentials. And if that’s not enough, they even offer 1:1 virtual styling appointments.
