This year was a fantastic one for plus size clothing and lingerie, guys. When I first start getting into writing about the fashion industry, it was sometimes like truffle hunting to find stuff worth covering.
Now, fabulous new things come out all the time and in multiple categories! Today I’m covering two of my favorites: lingerie and clothing. While this is a more general "best of" list, it also functions as a list of “my favorite things." A lot of these pieces I tried or bought and fell in love with because I wear them on a regular basis.
Clothing
Universal Standard:
There have been a ton of think pieces written on Universal Standard this year, so I am not going to write another one here, but I think any great plus size fashion brand list has to include them. I do not always agree with them or their marketing, and I have a 50% love/hate ratio when it comes to their new releases.
Why they deserve to be here is that they are bold and brave and their clothes are incredibly thoughtful. Everything I have ever purchased from them has held up beautifully and become a wardrobe staple. They are the first place I go for work clothes. You may not agree with their downward size expansion and what it says about their commitment to plus sizes. But I do think that their vision of a world full of stores where customers who wear sizes 00 - 40 can shop together is an important one to support.
Crosby Caftan Dress Available in Sizes 0 - 32 via Univeral StandardEloquii:
Most of my plus size clothing purchases this year were from Eloquii, and I suspect I am not alone. Eloquii is excellent at making high-quality pieces that are easy to wear, mixed with some high and low trendy pieces. I got my favorite expensive yet timeless party dress from them as well as some dresses with giant ruffles and other stylish touches. They made my favorite pair of pajamas. They also have sales constantly, which makes it easy to splurge a bit. When you’re stuck in a wardrobe rut, Eloquii will have something to get you out of it.
Sequin Leopard Slip Dress Available in Sizes 14 - 28 via Eloquii Cardigan Sweater Dress Available in Sizes 14/16 - 26/28 via EloquiiModCloth:
I hadn’t purchased anything from ModCloth since they became part of the Walmart family, but the Anna Sui collaboration made me cave and try them. I know everyone predicted that the end was nigh a few years ago, but I don’t think that is the case. Lots of anecdotal evidence shows that their pieces are the same quality as they were a few years ago and their commitment to plus sizes is real. They’ve expanded their plus size clothing offerings dramatically. If you haven’t tried them recently, you might be surprised about how you feel once you do.
Torrid:
Torrid is the unsung hero of the plus size community. I love that they carry Disney and nerdy fandom pieces next to great jeans and underwear. All this makes them a fun and unexpected place to shop. I’ve had several of their clothes not only hold up over time but become some of my most complimented!
11 Honoré:
If I won the lottery, the first place I would head with my winnings is 11 Honoré. They are singlehandedly responsible for changing the way many designers view the plus size clothing market. I picked up a casual Milly dress I had lusted after for months in their super sale, and it was perfect. There was no design dilution, but someone had also thought about how plus size curves work when you cover them with fabric. I hope they’re around for years to come so I can continue to save up for some favorite pieces and so more designers can expand their horizons.
Bolero Beachwear:
I’m friends with Patricia, the designer behind Bolero Beachwear. And I admit that I am biased when it comes to her pieces. However, I genuinely believe that Bolero Beachwear is the curve friendly brand that everyone should know about---because they’re that good. Her styles are so well adapted for curvy figures of all sizes and made with real joy. She makes them in conjunction with a Florida based all-female seamstress team. So the benefits of buying from her line radiate beyond her own pocket.
Premme:
Premme was one of the early brands that demonstrated that yes, some bloggers did know plus size customers better than the brands that were producing clothes for them. Premme has started doing smaller releases, but their pieces are still beautiful and trendy and very much worth checking out.
Rue 107 :
Rue 107 frequently shows up on these sorts of lists for their sheer pieces or swimsuits. But the brand also makes knit and casual wear that is gorgeous. Even if you think they’re not your style, make sure you check out their options beyond what you see on Instagram. They’re a treasure trove of beautiful clothes for curvy customers.
Lingerie
Elomi:
Every time I think I’m getting bored with Elomi, they step it up and produce a season where I want absolutely everything they put out. This season is that season, from their gorgeous embroidered Tori set to all the new Soraya/Sachi releases. Despite their longevity, most plus size brands are still working to catch up with what Elomi does consistently.
Panache:
Panache is a classic brand for a reason: they continue to put out beautiful bras that fit perfectly year after year. Are they creating trends and breaking new ground like Elomi? Maybe not, but only because they don’t need to. Their Jasmine bra frame is an industry standard now, along with offerings like their metallic Clara bra.
Clara Full Cup Bra Available in Bands 30 - 40, Cups D - J via PanacheScantilly by Curvy Kate:
Scantilly is on this list for one reason: their Encounter set is the most beautiful lingerie set I saw in all of 2018. In person, it practically belongs in a museum. I’m hoping that this means that Scantilly will mix some more embroidered pieces in with their more standard offerings because they have a lot of design depth.
Sugar Candy:
Sugar Candy bras are my only lounge/bralette type bras left in my drawers. I also have four of them plus their tank top, all of which get worn on a regular basis. They won’t hold up to real sports, but they’re the perfect work at home or run to the store without getting weird looks bra. I suspect they’ll get even more wear now that I’m getting a puppy in early 2019. After all, who else makes a bra that you can respectably wear while you run your dog out at 2 am?
What do you think of these plus size clothing and lingerie brands? Do you wear any of them? What other brands would you add to this best of 2018 list?