Plus size clothing has garnered a larger market share in the fashion industry than ever before. Even though the runway models with ‘stick-thin’ body frames are still dominating the catwalks, clothing geared for full-figured women is now turning up the heat.
Today plus size clothing is being designed to enhance the curves of women and these flattering garments are proof that the larger sizes can be just as trendy and appealing as the smaller sizes. Proof yet again that fashion, beauty and a stylish appearance are readily available in a wide variety of dress sizes.
Instead of consumers trying desperately to fit into a garment that is much too small these new plus size clothing lines are actually designed and cut to fit the shape of ‘real women’ with ‘real curves’. Once you could only find these clothes being created from standard fashion patterns that were simply ‘re-sized’.
Now designers and manufacturers are realizing that was not a sufficient way to produce these clothes. Today you will find that many fashion gurus are collecting statistical measurements of women’s shapes and using this data to create garments that really fit women with larger figures.
Even men have ‘plus sized’ clothing options, although these items are designated as ‘big and tall’. Women who wear clothing in the 12-18 size range select garments that the fashion industry typically refers to as full figured. The more modern clothes for plus size women are now being made to fit those individuals with petite, average or tall stature.
In order to make certain your plus sized clothing is the perfect fit you need to take your body measurements and use these figures to select the garments that will compliment your shape.
Do not pull the measuring tape too tightly around your bust, waist and hips-just bring the tape together snugly. You should measure the largest part of your bust and hips, but place the measuring tape around the smallest portion of your waist.
If you have a larger hip measurement than your bust size you may have a pear shaped figure. You should try to choose non-tapering clothing styles but avoid those pleated pants and side pockets.
Those women who have a more rectangular shaped body can select plus size clothing that drapes elegantly on their figure. Try to find tops that have a looser fit, or you may want to wear tops and dresses that have width in the shoulders and waistlines that can be cinched or belted.
If your largest measurements are your waist and bust then perhaps you have an apple shaped body. If this is the case then you should not choose wrap-style clothing. Looser fitting styles and body skimming garments selected from plus size clothing will be more flattering. Show off your legs while subtly camouflaging your waist and upper body. Women with a smaller waist, and roughly equal bust and hip measurements can choose many different styles of clothing to wear.