With all of this to consider, we find that tailoring is often one of the last areas brands making plus sizes will cover. So where do I look for a good suit or great pair of trousers? I really rate the fit of ASOS curve’s trousers for my body, I find that I can nearly 100% rely on the fact I will need a size 24 and they will fit well. I appreciate that when ASOS create an oversized blazer for plus sizes it is actually oversized, giving that dramatic “Chuck on your boyfriend’s blazer” look that you often find in street style looks. And after working on the tailoring design team for two and half years when I designed for ASOS I also know how passionate they are for bringing us new and trend led styles.
The other high street brands I look to for plus size tailoring are River Island, Simply Be, Mango and Trousers at M&S. However, M&S sadly currently only go up to a size 24, and I would really love their “long” trousers available in sizes over an 18 like they do in petite and standard lengths.
As a plus size shopper I am very used to shopping online, meaning that when I receive clothes they are often really creased and crushed, needing a very good press before wearing. This can sometimes be worse when it comes to tailoring, shoulder pads can get distorted, creases in trousers can be hard to repress and collars might lose their correct breakpoint. That’s why I really appreciate that Simply Be suits come on a hanger and are generally folded much less than others I have ordered.
As for a slightly more premium price point, I am really impressed by the range of tailoring pieces available from Karen Millen and Marina Rinaldi. Marina Rinaldi go up to a UK 28, however I have found some of their trousers come up small so would usually try a size 26 or Marina Rinaldi size 31. It’s also interesting to note they have quite a wide range of price points so maybe look at their Persona Collection for a cheaper option. Their quality however is always on point, and they offer tailoring in their stores so if you often struggle with the length of sleeves or trousers you can get them fitted just right for you.
One brand I immediately think of for plus size tailoring is Henning, the New York based luxury plus size brand founded by the fabulous model Lauren Chan. Their goal is to create beautifully executed wardrobe staples that make you feel “smart, sharp and powerful”. Their sell out suits, the “Bank”, “Laight” and “Renwick” have been specifically designed for plus size bodies with hidden elastic waists and reinforced inner thighs.
After trying on the Incredible Blazer from last year’s size extended Ganni Collection with 11 Honoré, I am even more excited to see Ganni producing larger sizes. Keep an eye out for their newer collections as they introduce this larger size range.
Just before I share some of my current shoppable favourites with you I want to shout out Universal Standard and The Hour too. Universal Standard have trousers and blazers available in sizes US 00 – 40 (UK 2 – 44), and the Hour have lots of tailored pieces specifically cut for plus size bodies with fine finishes in quality fabrics.
wazup.