The concept of a separate fashion market based purely on size is a peculiar one – surely, everyone should be armed with the same set of fashion tools? – but there are a lack of options for plus-size consumers. Many websites specialising in this area either offer garish styles or expensive items, while high street retailers often only produce catwalk styles up to size 16. So where can the fashion-conscious, curvy young woman go to get her latest fashion fix?
Castaluna
This French website offers modern, funky products at reasonable prices. The various looks offered are stylish and cater for women of differing age groups. However, in some sections, the models do not look like they are plus size and therefore may not offer customers the best example of how an outfit may look.
Coleen Bow
Another French label, Coleen Bow positions itself as a true fashion brand, offering timeless style for all women. The styles are feminine and flirty, while the feel and look of the site is much more art- and fashion-focused than other plus-size retailers. However, even though the company delivers to most European countries, the website is only available in French.
Missphit
Missphit showcases colourful, fresh designs for confident curvy women. Flower patterns, embroidery and ruffles are central to the look and, while there is currently only one stockist in the UK, they do ship from the US. However, the company's "phit" concept – based on the aim of designing clothes for fuller-figured women – is slightly undermined by the outfits being showcased on manikins rather than actual models.
Svobodastyle
This brand, run by US-based designer Jessica Svoboda, specialises in denim for plus-size women, which is fantastic considering how hard it is to find the perfect pair of jeans. There are many styles on offer: cropped, flared, bootcut ... Svoboda has it all, in all sizes. Some areas of the site remain under construction, but it is possible to order online.
Carmakoma
Carmakoma is a Danish retailer featuring original designs with attitude. From rock chick cool to sweet and feminine, garments are made with the aim of being fashionable. The company ship internationally, although the European sizing can make the purchasing process difficult for UK shoppers.
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