Author: Zenda Nel

Plus Size Clothing or Dresses Australia

Before we get into plus-size clothing, let's be clear about what we are talking about. If plus size is catering to women who are big-boned, that's one thing. However, if it relates to overweight women, it's something else altogether. The first refers to a body shape and the second is a health risk.

Look in the mirror and be honest with yourself. Are you looking for plus-size dresses because you are a naturally big and curvy woman, or are you overweight? To be clear, it's unhealthy to be overweight – it increases one's risk of developing serious health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancers. 

So, if you are overweight, do buy clothes that suit you and make you feel good, but also take steps to take care of your health. Feeling miserable about your body size is not helpful, but neither is ignoring a serious health condition. 

Basic Style Rules For The Fuller Figure

Always Buy The Best Quality Clothes You Can Afford
A well-cut pants suit made from top-quality linen or wool will always look smart, no matter what the size. 

Of course, good quality clothing is more expensive, but you can start by adding a few basic pieces. Buy these for the office and going out, so they don't get spoiled by the kids messing on them or by you while you are cooking or otherwise busy in the house. 

For at home with the children, you can invest in denim jeans and cotton or linen shirts. If you love wearing t-shirts, buy the best quality cotton t-shirts you can afford. Don't be tempted by cheap fast fashion items; they look cheap and frumpish on anyone, no matter their size. 

Shop for quality clothes at Australia’s largest online marketplace for quality ethical and sustainable clithing. All the clothes sold on the Local Threads platform have to comply with high standards.

Shapeless Clothes Are Not Stylish

If you are self-conscious, you will probably favor baggy clothes that hide your body. Big mistake. The truth is shapeless clothes are not flattering. 

Actually, on any body shape, fitted clothes look the best. If you don't believe me, just go online and look at the many photos depicting full-figured women in fitted dresses – they look great!  For instance, check out the curvy figure of Serena Williams on the cover of the August 2022 Vogue, showing the tennis legend in a long, fitting white dress. 

You can even consider knit and crochet dresses. Choose dresses fashioned out of thick yarn, as they tend to fit comfortably and show fewer body details than thin jersey cloth that clings. 

Think of your fitted dresses as your personal couture range: fashionable made-to-wear clothes. 

Buy yourself some Yin Flares on Local Thread; they come in XL and XXL and will hug your body. 

Photo by Daniel Rocha via Pexels

Wear Properly Fitted Undergarments:

This rule applies to all ladies. If you want to look your best, you must always wear underwear that fits properly since your underwear is the foundation for your outerwear. The purpose of underwear is to provide firm support and keep everything in place, which, in itself, has a slimming effect.

In fact, you can appear a few pounds lighter by wearing a bra cup that fits and adjusting your bra straps to pull your breasts in the optimal position, which will improve your silhouette from the side. 

Also, consider investing in a camisole. These little things let your outer garments fall flatteringly without any folds, which contributes to a slimming look. All the underwear sold on Local Threads are of the highest quality. 

Create An Optical Illusion With Opposing Colors

This is a great tip for ladies on the big side with no waste to speak of. You can confuse the eye by using three strong opposing colors. For instance, a red shift dress with a navy crop jacket and a wide yellow or white belt; or a burned orange top with pair of navy pants, and a black jacket. Finish the ensemble off with several long strings of multi-colored beads.

The strong colors captivate the eye and distract from shape and form. This ensemble available on Local Threads works well.

Photo by Antony Trivet via Pexels

Don't Let The Numbers Rule You:

We've all been there: you have always been a size 14 and suddenly it looks like you have to buy a size 18! It's devastating, but don't be devastated. Remember that all sizes 14 are not created equal – one brand's size 14 can be another brand's size 16. Ignore the numbers on the label, try on the garment you like, and if it fits and looks good on you, buy it. 

Don't miss out on a great pair of pants because you can't stand the thought of buying such a big size. Life is too short for such battles.

Choose Fabrics Wisely:

Make a study of fabrics so you know what goes into them and how they drape. We all need clothing made from fabric that drapes well, hanging loosely over problem areas. What you don't want is fabric that clings to every nook and cranny of your body. Few things look so bad on a woman than a dress or a skirt that clings to her legs.

Natural fibers like cotton, linen, bamboo, modal, denim, and twill breathe well and won't cling to your body. 

Clothes made from synthetic fibers tend to be cheaper than those made from natural fibers, and most synthetic fibers are not breathable. Many synthetic materials have elastane or spandex woven into them to give them more stretch, which makes them comfortable to wear, but these fabrics also tend to cling to the body accentuating flaws you might not want to advertise.

Polyester is a very commonly used fabric in the fashion industry. While it won't crease, it does cling to the body, especially if it's not mixed with some cotton or linen. Avoid pure polyester since it's also very detrimental to the environment.

For something really stunning made from 100% cotton, shop Chamani or Zoha Online.

Shop For Well-designed Clothing From Sustainable Brands:

Many plus-size ladies – and others – believe that fast fashion is their only option for clothes. They believe that sustainable and ethically made clothes are not affordable. What they forget is the hidden cost of cheap fast clothing that you constantly have to replace because they fall apart after a few washes.

Buying something that cost you more, but that you wear longer, works out cheaper in the long run. You can shop for good quality plus-size clothing on Local Threads, Australia's largest marketplace for ethical and sustainable fashion brands. 

Workpants by Chasing Springtime via Local Threads