Size 16 Woman Shows Why You Shouldn't Trust High Street Clothes Sizes… And It's Why Women End Up Hating Their Bodies
SIZING issues are common on the British high street.
But one woman has been left "angry and upset" after discovering that she could comfortably wear a pair of size 24 jeans from H&M - despite only being a size 16.
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Stylist Stevie B took to TikTok to slam H&M after trying on a pair of size 24 jeansCredit: Tiktok/@steviebstylefashion3
Other than being a bit big at the back, the jeans fit comfortably - despite her being a size 16Credit: Tiktok/@steviebstylefashion3
She insisted the sizing issues are one of the reasons many women end up struggling after a trip to the shopsCredit: Tiktok/@steviebstylefashionStylist Stevie B took to TikTok to rage about the denim drama, as she showed herself wearing the jeans.
"These jeans are a UK size 24," she began her video.
"They're only a little bit big at the back.
"I'm a 16. This is so damaging to women's mental health.
BELIEVE IN YOU I'm plus-size - you don't have to be skinny to be pretty
CURVY FASHION I'm plus-size and tried on outfits NOT meant for my body so you don't have to
"H&M I love you but this is not OK."
Stevie added in her video caption: "This is not ok. This can send women on a downward spiral of self loathing.
"It makes me so angry, I love h&m but this makes me so upset."
People were quick to weigh in on the video message, with one writing: "As a lady who is a size 24, I would of picked these up and thought they would fit only to find out that they are extremely small making me feel s**t."
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"This is my exact reason for the video!!!! Sending love," Stevie replied.
"H&M are the WORST for this! Yet you can get a small or medium top and it be huge! Make it make sense!!!!" another raged.
"I'm a 14 and I put seven pairs of my jeans on top of each other," a third commented.
"I had from size 10 to 18. All identical waist size."
"Some shops I won't go in unless I'm closer to a 14 or below as their '18' won't fit, which would be the biggest size," someone else said.
H&M has been contacted for comment.
Finally, Vintage Fashion For Plus-Size People Is Here
From scrolling through Depop on your smartphone to striking a deal over Instagram DM, the world of vintage shopping has embraced the digital age. While online platforms have made secondhand shopping more accessible in terms of geographical location (living in a big city is no longer a prerequisite for finding vintage gems), if you're not straight-size the search is still much harder. Echoing an issue we see across the fashion industry as a whole, vintage shopping is much more suited to those with thin privilege.Photo courtesy of Finds By Foxes.
This is something Katty Patterson, a thrifting lover who's been selling vintage since 2007, has experienced firsthand. As a size 10 she had "the pick of the shop" but as a size 16 it was a different story. "I felt like I was getting the dregs. When looking for a size 16 you would always end up with the polyester nylon zip-up from the '70s in some mad print," she told me. "If you are bigger than a size 14, you're sourcing from a smaller pool while if you are standard size you could probably find 50 vintage sellers in just one county and pick and choose for your budget," she added. However, with her determination to change the narrative and her years of experience at sourcing vintage, Patterson has discovered that finding more size-inclusive pieces is definitely possible. She now sells premium vintage womenswear for curvier women through her online Etsy store, Finds by Foxes. From ditsy print '70s dresses to '80s linen blouses, Patterson styles and models each piece she sources herself (check out her IGTV for some great styling videos). The demand is there – 16 is the UK's average dress size – and the majority of her sales come through women searching for "size 16 vintage" on Etsy. "I hate the idea of settling. I want to find pieces that people think I wish that were in my size but it is."Photo courtesy of Sooki Sooki Vintage.
Lapoze McTribouy discovered vintage as a broke student with "huge hips and a big butt" who struggled to find clothes she could wear. "It was really depressing and I ended up sourcing my own," she explains. Her passion and skill for finding pieces evolved into a business, selling via her website Sooki Sooki Vintage, Depop and ASOS marketplace. "I realised a lot of big girls found it hard to find beautiful vintage clothes. I wanted to be size-inclusive. I feel like it's an erasure of big people to say we only sell size 6-14 and if you're bigger than that, then you're on your own." Much like Patterson, McTribouy models and styles all her pieces. With women's clothes sizing notoriously unreliable at the best of times, she also makes sure to include measurements of pieces so buyers know exactly what they are getting.In the past few months McTribouy has noticed a shift in accessibility across the vintage space. "With the promotion of Black creators as a result of the Black Lives Matter movement, people have been noticing that there are Black vintage sellers out there. This movement has connected people – not just Black people but people of all colours and shapes, sizes."
Photo courtesy of Lauren Ashley Gordon.
For Lauren Ashley Gordon, an influencer and founder of the blog Dilan and Me, 2020 has also made her rethink some of her choices. "We are all posting our black squares but what difference does it make? With shopping, I can put my money where my mouth is," she says. As a plus-size woman, Gordon has struggled to find ethical brands that cater for her. "So many of the sustainable brands forget plus-size people exist. There's a denial that we're around," she notes. Similarly, on sites like Depop it's (quite literally) slim pickings. When Gordon started talking to her audience about the issue of accessibility within ethical fashion, she was inundated. "I had lots of people messaging saying, 'I want to shop more ethically but fast fashion shops are the only places that cater to my size'." She decided to take action and create a Facebook group called Plus Size UK BST (buy, sell, trade). "I wanted to create a space specifically for plus-size women that want to be more mindful of their impact on the environment and other human beings," she explained. Since launching a month ago, the group has grown to nearly 500 women who are selling pieces and putting out requests for items they're struggling to find in their size. It's a friendly and supportive space which champions slow fashion and allows women to support other women as opposed to large (and often unethical) corporations.Photo courtesy of Loft Frocks.
Vintage fashion – defined as pieces that are 20 to 100 years old – in larger sizes is always going to be harder to find, considering the change in body shapes over the last century. However Mandie Voukanari, the founder of Lofty Frocks, has created a way to enjoy vintage whatever your size by upcycling fabrics and tailor-making dresses to your exact measurements. "I wanted to create dresses made from fabrics that had a story behind them," she told me. Shoppers choose one of Voukanari's designs (the puff-sleeve maxi dresses are reminiscent of The Vampire's Wife) and a fabric from her library of vintage options. Voukanari then makes the piece to their exact measurements within five or six weeks. It's a slower approach to vintage shopping that both prevents waste and creates a unique piece that will fit you like a glove. These women are certainly making vintage a more accessible space but there is still a way to go. "We need more plus-size people selling," touts Patterson as one suggestion. "People need to be educated on the benefits of shopping sustainably," says McTribouy, adding: "I want to help people see the glory and the beauty in buying vintage." After all, as Gordon succinctly puts it: "We all want to look nice and make ethical choices."The Best Plus-Size Clothing Brands For Women, According To Fashion Experts
After decades of being underrepresented in fashion, finding the best plus-size clothing isn't as tricky as it once was. The plus-size apparel market is thriving; according to Statista, it's worth an estimated $24 billion. With this explosion of demand comes more options, obviously, which means shopping for plus-size fashion is no longer limiting. Instead, everyone from retail giants like Nike to fashion-forward labels like Reformation have embraced more inclusive sizing. The issue now is not so much a lack of options, but finding the very best places to shop for plus-size clothing in what's become a very crowded market.
Reformation is one of our expert's favorite places to shop for plus-size dresses and day-to-night ... [+] pieces.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERSAs a plus-size fashion influencer, Katrina Nichole knows the market well. "I have been a lover of all things fashion since I was a little girl, and have lived in a bigger body my entire life," she says. "My number one priority when I am shopping is finding clothes that actually fit my ultra-curvy body well and look stylish." Fashion influencer Bonnie Wyrick has a similar point of view. She specializes in the mid-size market (sizes 12 through 16), which she defines as "the space between straight sizes and plus." It's category that speaks to "a quickly growing and highly engaging community who, until recently, didn't feel represented in the fashion or social space."
Here, Nichole, Wyrick, and a few other experts share their go-to retailers and the fashion labels they like best, so you can shop and bookmark them. And for more inspiration, check out our guides to the best plus-size leggings and plus-size bras.
Sizes: 00-24Average price point: $99-$175
"Good American is one of my favorite places to shop for any kind of plus-size pieces, especially for jeans," says Nichole. "They come in so many different fits based on your body type and size, and they are one of the few places that create trendy jeans for all sizes. Right now, I am in love with their Good '90s jeans, and their Always Fits jeans are perfection for those who fluctuate in size since there's built-in stretch."
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Sizes: 14W–28W and 1X–4XAverage price Point: $98-$148
"Madewell has invested in being more size-inclusive with a large collection of petite, curvy and plus styles," says Wyrick. "Their curvy collection caters to body types who need a couple extra inches in their hips and thighs but don't want that dreadful waist gap. The line is contemporary and the quality is on point with more high end, buttery fabrications."
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Nordstrom
Reformation Mara Dress
Sizes: 0-24Average price point: $128-$328
"Reformation is a sustainable brand that makes some of the most stunning dresses for upscale and formal events. I fell in love with their Michaela dress so much that I actually hiked with it up to the top of the Arches in Moab just to take photos in it," says Nichole. "They have great basics as well, such as skirts, pants and tops."
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Sizes: 0-16Average price point: $70-$100
"One of my favorite things to say is 'show up and show off' because style isn't a size and I truly believe everyone can wear what they want and should have accessibility to do so," says Wyrick. "Want to wear a crop top? Do it. Nervous to wear a tank? Bare those arms. Brands like Showpo make affordable, trendy clothing in sizes 0-18 and can help make that happen. Each item of clothing is often shown on two different body types, to give you a better idea of what it may look like on you."
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Sizes: 14-28Average price point: $50-$170
"Eloquii is a staple store in the plus-size community," says professional stylist and personal shopper McKenzie Crouch. Outside of its wide selection, "it's hip, it's modern, and it has a little bit of everything for every style. Not to mention, the price point and quality is really incredible."
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Sizes: 12-26Price Point: $24-$135
Finding modern tops in plus or extended sizing can be especially difficult. Crouch recommends Asos Curve for stylish additions to your wardrobe. "If you are looking for affordable trendy styles, Asos curve has some of the best discounted pieces," Crouch says. "They also have the edgy looks that you want for a vacation or fun event."
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MOST POPULAR
Sizes: 12-24Average price point: $150-$2,500
11 Honoré, which is now available at Dia and Co, has luxury and quality pieces for mid-size and plus-size figures. "It's nice to shop for luxury plus-size pieces in one space; I don't have to guess if the brands offer my size," say Raena Loper, an editor at Forbes Vetted. Dozens of luxury designer styles are available, from Tanya Taylor to Minnie Rose to Ganni. 11 Honoré also has its own collection with similar luxury styles at a slightly lower price point.
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Sizes: 3XS-3XLAverage price point: $45-$255
Nichole finds it hard to choose a favorite among plus-size activewear brands. "Choosing just one brand when it comes to fitness and workout clothing is hard for me since I like so many," she says. "The site that I am currently obsessing over is Bandier. They offer an array of athletic brands, and their selection of colors, patterns and trends are so unique when it comes to the world of plus-size fashion."
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Sizes: 32A-42DD; XXXS-3XAverage price point: $60-$138
"J.Crew's bikinis are my favorite for full coverage, and they have lots of family-friendly one-pieces as well," says Nichole. "If you are looking for bikinis and one-pieces for vacation and sultry getaways, I would also recommend a peek at Good American's swimsuits."
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Sizes: 0-26Average price point: $65-$125
"Just because you may a little belly, doesn't mean you have to rock an outdated tankini," says Wyrick. "We want our curves to be supported yet also want to feel snatched, too. Summersalt swimwear is offers slight compression, is made from sustainable materials and provides designer quality, all for under $100. I've done my time with cheaper swimwear brands in the past and they just don't compare to the quality and fit of this one."
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Sizes: XS-4XLAverage price point: $15-$100
"I feel cozy yet luxurious in my Savage X Fenty robes," says Loper. The brand offers loungewear, sleepwear, lingerie and more, "I've purchased so many items over the years, I look forward to using my $50 credit each month with my VIP rewards." As a subscriber or VIP, members pay a monthly fee, which goes toward new purchases, and you also get special deals and promotions.
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Sizes: 4XS-4XLAverage price point: $46-$188
"Universal Standard is an amazing brand to shop for basics and they are one of the most inclusive brands on the market with clothing that goes up to a size 40," says Nichole. "I'd also recommend Target for wardrobe basics with solid quality at a great price point. I've worked with them on sponsorships and some of the in-house brands I like best are Ava & Viv and Universal Thread."
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Sizes: 00-26Average price point: $44-$129
"In my twenties, I struggled finding a pair of dress pants that also made me feel confident. They always gapped or pulled across my hips, or bunched when I sat down," says Wyrick. "Slacks tend to be more of an investment, so it was hard to make a purchase that I didn't feel good in. Athleta has a variety of pants that take you to from work to happy hour, from workouts to brunch, in sizes from 00-26." The look and fit, she says, "is chic comfort in one."
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Editor's Pick
Sizes: 10-28Average price point: $84-$164
Created by plus-size model Gia Sinatra, the newly launched mid-size to plus-size range offers stylish formal wear, including two-piece sets and dresses that you can wear day or night. "I always reach for my GIA/irl pieces whenever I have a special event—they make an elegant statement," says Loper.
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Material: The best advice for any type of garment is to look for high-quality fabrics that will last. Cotton and denim hold up well and come in a variety of weights and weaves for different levels of breathability. If you'd like pieces with a bit more stretch, consider lyrca, a synthetic fabric with elastane. For durability, polyester has incredibly strong fibers and helps create structure to retain the shape of your garments.
Fit: The best way to optimize the fit of your garment is to know your measurements, says professional stylist McKenzie Crouch. "Definitely keep a tape measure around for online purchases," she says. But, she adds, it's sometimes more important to focus on the fit of the item. "Many women, regardless of size, get caught up in the numerical size of a garment and won't even consider a style if it requires them to go up in size," she says. "I always encourage women to improve the fit regardless of the number."
Return Policy: Mid- or plus-sizes at one brand can vary greatly among brands. A size 20 in one store may fit you perfectly, but it may be too tight in another one. With this in mind, it's always a good idea to confirm the return policy before you click to buy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mid- And Plus-Size Clothing What is the difference between mid-size and plus-size clothing?Mid-size labels are relatively new, but Crouch categorizes "mid-size" as sizes between 10-16. For plus-size clothing, most brands categorize sizes 18-24 or 1X-6X.
Which brand is good for plus-size?All plus-size and mid-size bodies are different—like with any clothing store, sizes vary from place to place. Shopping with brands that carry two sizes smaller and larger than your standard size is best, just in case you have to size up or down. That said, sizing up and down will only sometimes be an option—when you can't, look for items that have some stretch, this allows you to have more wiggle room when it comes to finding the right size for you.
What's flattering for plus-size and mid-size women?The term flattering can be associated with attempting to look smaller, so wear what makes you feel good on the inside and out, not what makes you look like something or someone else. Search for pieces that make you feel comfortable and confident; you will look and feel the same way.
Do luxury brands make plus-size clothing?Yes, several luxury brands make plus-size clothing. One retailer offering a mix of plus-size luxury designers is 11 Honoré, which is featured above, and includes pieces from Roland Mouret, Baacal and Tanya Taylor. Another luxury brand is Henning, which specializes in elevated closet staples like soft cashmere sweaters and heavyweight leather jackets. Unfortunately, the large majority of European luxury brands don't offer sizes above 46, which is equivalent to a US size 14.
What are the hardest items to find in extended sizing?Crouch has found while working with plus-size clients and listening to their shopping challenges, the biggest issue is having access to stylish clothing. Many plus-size brands offer basics or staples, but on-trend options are much more difficult to get your hands on. "Additionally, many brands don't keep plus-size options in store for easy try on," Crouch explains.
More Size-Inclusive Clothing Brands For Women
