Credit: Courtesy of the brands
7 min read
Plus-sized women over bear the brunt of fast fashion, when bigger bodies want (and deserve to!) splash their cash on premium, high-quality clothing. But with more and more premium high-street and designer brands rightly stepping into the extended sizing space here are my top picks of the best fashion right now that extends beyond a UK Size 16.
For many women over a UK size 16, premium-quality, trend-led fashion can be a struggle to find. Don’t get me wrong, we’ve come on in leaps and bounds when it comes to size inclusivity (even though this year’s catwalks might say otherwise), but it sometimes feels as though the fashion world has forgotten that bigger bodies love (and deserve) high-quality, premium items.
If you fall into that category, you’ll likely to be all-too familiar with being sized-out of premium high street and designer womenswear, and seeing the brands you love choose not to make clothes that fit you.
This is why I’ve struggled to really find my signature style, and in the past I’ve often opted for baggier dresses in unflattering prints as my go-to. Like many curvier women, I’ve craved a wardrobe packed with high-quality staples with a neutral palette and vivacious and bold statement dresses and skirts to help me create a multitude of outfits.
That’s why plus-size women still bear the brunt of fast fashion, with the cheaper, more purse-friendly brands (that can afford the lower margins that come with manufacturing bigger clothes) being the ones that offer clothing beyond straight and mid sizes.
I’ve lost count the number of times I’ve coveted a pair of trousers with a premium price tag only to see they don’t go beyond a size 14 or lusted after a designer dress that while in my size, was not made with my body in mind.
Which is baffling, considering that the plus-size clothing market reached a value of around $252 billion (£200bn) last year and is increasing rapidly in 2024.
And this isn’t the first time the conversation of size inclusivity has shone a light on the highest echelons of fashion excluding bigger bodies. A couple of years ago, author Katie Sturino and fashion blogger Nicolette Mason started the #FatBabesInLuxury movement to highlight the lack of representation – and shoppable clothing options – in the luxury fashion space.
While brilliant women including Felicity Hayward, Lydia Okello, Callie Thorpe and Abisola Omole continue to use their platforms to show that bodies that defy the straight-size narrative deserve (and look sexy in) clothes that don’t feature cold-shoulder tops, garish patterns and fabric that is almost certainly going to have a hole in it after a few washes.
One woman who is all-too-familiar with being sized out of the brands she loves is Hannah Thompson, founder of Rune, a brand-new, premium fashion label that embraces curves.
“I always felt like I’d love to be able to shop designer, or more elevated high-street brands, especially as I’ve become older and have more disposable income and want to invest in quality clothing,” Thompson explains to Stylist. “I was fed up with the constant battle of talking about plus-size fashion and the room going quiet. So, I basically started putting feelers out; I just wanted to start making a lovely, high-quality brand that caters to people above a size 16-18.”
Launching in March 2024, Rune describes itself as “the industry’s answer to plus-size premium”, creating garments that are specifically tailored to fit plus-size bodies comfortably. Starting with a small collection of resort-style wear that includes linen two-pieces and figure-hugging and accentuating dresses in a beautiful palette of neutrals, it’s refreshing and welcomed.
Like Hannah, I’ve been on a mission of my own, as a curvier, premium-fashion loving woman, to find the brands that are truly keeping size-inclusivity in mind. Here’s a roundup of 10 pieces – and brands – that are worthy of a gold star for their premium, plus-size fashion.
Rune
I’ll say it one more time, I am obsessed with this brand. This shirt and trouser combo is at the top of my wish list. Made with 100% linen, the two-piece has been created with curves in mind. I love that the shirt has split seams on the hem and arms for a more comfortable fit, while the wide-leg trousers feature a split seam ankle and high-rise, elasticated drawstring waist. An outfit that can be dressed up and down.
(Sizes UK 16–UK 24)
Rixo
Rixo does a great range of extended sizing and has recently collaborated with plus-sized blogger Abisola Omole on a lineup.
I particularly love this dress. As fashion blogger Erica Davies quite rightly says, leopard print is a neutral, and this dress screams versatility. Yes, the pattern is bold, but this outfit can be worked in so many ways – pared back with Adidas Sambas or dressed up with a chic low heel.
(Sizes UK 6–UK 26)
Abercrombie & Fitch
Teenage me would be aghast at the knowledge that Abercrombie is pretty great with its extended sizing now. The brand has come on in leaps and bounds and its range of dresses is brilliant. Plus-size fashion bloggers have been going wild for a particular style (the Emerson poplin midi), which is always sold out thanks to the rave reviews. I own one and can confirm – I feel fantastic in it.
However, another option – one that’s great for summer weddings – is the pleated Giselle cutout maxi dress with a range of gorgeous jewel tones.
(Sizes UK 4–UK 24)
Shop Abercrombie & Fitch Giselle Pleated Cutout Maxi Dress, £115
Never Fully Dressed
Never Fully Dressed has always been one-step ahead when it comes to curve fashion, with bold prints and beautiful cuts. The brand has never shied away from fun, statement clothes for all sizes and occasions.
Like this colour clash crochet dress: dress it up with gold heels and a red slip for a nighttime look or wear it solo thrown over a swimsuit by the beach.
(Sizes UK 6–UK 28)
Skims
Kim Kardashian really knew what she was doing when she launched Skims. While known for its shapewear, I love Skims’s range of neutral loungewear and relaxed clothing – and the fashion crew also give it top marks for its range of curve-hugging pieces.
This soft slip dress is next on my list in black. I think it’ll work perfectly – not only for relaxing at home but also with a pair of trainers and jacket for an off-duty look.
(Sizes UK 4–UK 32)
Phase Eight
For premium, quality occasion wear, Phase Eight has always been a go-to for me. In fact, I rented its gorgeous floor-length sequin gown from By Rotation as my evening wedding dress change.
As a curvier woman, I know all too well the fear that jumpsuits put in bigger-bodied women, but this wide-leg silhouette is gorgeous and versatile.
(Sizes UK 6–UK 26)
Youswim
Youswim is a brand on a mission “to turn the tide on standard, inflexible sizing”, focusing on an area of fashion that fills many plus-size women with fear: swimwear. Made entirely in England, the fabric used is described as ‘second skin’, meaning it adapts and moves with your body no matter your height, bust and size.
This means we never have to dread ill-fitting bikini bottoms giving us wedgies or tops that were certainly not made for the bigger bust in mind.
(Sizes UK 6–UK 28)
Marina Rinaldi
I love the shirts from Marina Rinaldi – they feel super-luxe and you can tell the brand has worked with models of all shapes and sizes to ensure optimum style and comfort.
If you have a wider back and bigger bust, shirts – especially ones with up to the neck buttoning – can be tricky. But I love this oversized cotton poplin shirt. It comes with side splits, which makes the fit just generally a lot nicer.
(Sizes UK 8–UK 28)
Ganni
Ganni is a fashion brand I’ve always coveted, so when it released its first plus-size range three years ago, I was stoked. While its entire range doesn’t extend beyond a size 16-18, it still has some brilliant core pieces to choose from. On my wish list? My very own Ganni vest.
(Sizes UK 4–UK 24)
AYM Studio
AYM is a brand with ethical clothing at the heart of what it does. And even better, its extended sizing is great and its mission is to empower those who make the clothes and wear the clothes.
I love the Roro reversible top that can be worn as a V-neck and a boat-neck, making it a great multi-wear piece for your wardrobe.
(Sizes UK 4–UK 24)
Images: courtesy of brands
Sign up for the latest news and must-read features from Stylist, so you don’t miss out on the conversation.
By signing up you agree to occasionally receive offers and promotions from Stylist. Newsletters may contain online ads and content funded by carefully selected partners. Don’t worry, we’ll never share or sell your data. You can opt-out at any time. For more information read Stylist’s Privacy Policy
Thank you!
You’re now subscribed to all our newsletters. You can manage your subscriptions at any time from an email or from a MyStylist account.