Clothing for Big Folks: U.S. (FAQ) Part 2/2
Stef Jones
Posted-By: auto-faq 3.3 beta (Perl 5.003)
Archive-name: fat-acceptance-faq/clothing/us2
Posting-Frequency: monthly to *.answers, bi-weekly to
soc.support.fat-acceptance and alt.support.big-folks
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Clothing for Big Folks:
U.S., Part 2
This is the second half of the document about clothing for fat
people in the U.S. It contains companies whose names begin with L-Z and
some related questions. If you don't find what you're looking for here,
try one of the related FAQs (see question B1 for a
complete list).
To look for stores in a particular state, try using your browser's or
word-processor's search feature to search on the state name.
============================================================
Recent changes
December 1997
Added Worldesigns, L'Atmosphere, Love Your Peaches Clothing Company, Lingerie Plus, Tafford Uniforms, Valentina, WorldWear, Sewgrand
Updated Sears, Roamans. Removed Strom's.
January 1998
Updated Beautiful Babes. Removed Great Fit.
Updated Valley Dept. Store, Sizes Unlimited
============================================================
Contents
SECTION A: FAQ about clothing for big folks in the U.S., Part 2
A1) Where can I find clothing and shoes? Part 2: Companies beginning
with letters L-Z
A2) What manufacturers make clothes/shoes/spectacles for large
folks?
A3) Where can I find a wedding dress?
A4) Where can I find sewing/knitting patterns?
A5) How do I convert between sizes?
SECTION B: Information about this FAQ
B1) Are there other related FAQs?
B2) Posting information
B3) Contributors
============================================================
============================================================
SECTION A: FAQ about clothing for big folks in the U.S.
A1) Where can I find clothing and shoes? Part 2: Companies beginning
with the letters L-Z
This question contains an alphabetized list of large-size clothing/shoes
retailers beginning with the letters L-Z. Each retailer is associated
with various keywords:
Type of store
[catalog] Catalog store
[internet] Web store
[chain] Retail chain store
[single] Retail single store. [state name] follows.
[consignment] Sells some clothes on consignment
[overseas] Will ship overseas
[misc] Other lists of clothing resources
Whom they make clothing for
[women]
[men]
[unisex]
[children]
[maternity] Maternity and/or nursing clothing and/or bras.
What sizes they make
Note: All of the outlets make midsize clothing (1X-3X, women's
sizes 16-28), except as noted in the listings. Not all outlets
make clothing in all sizes in that range, however.
[supersize] 4X or 5X or bigger, women's size 30 and up
[petite] Petite women's sizes
[tall] Tall women's sizes
[custom] Does custom work
Type of clothing
[accessories] Jewelry, belts
[casual] Slacks, nice shirts, blouses, skirts, dresses
[career] Suits
[costumes] Halloween and other holiday costumes
[evening] Evening dresses, evening suits
[lingerie] Lingerie, including bras, underwear, sleepwear
[outdoors] Jackets, coats, other cold weather gear
[shoes] Shoes and boots in large sizes and/or wide widths
[sportswear] T-shirts, sweatshirts and sweatpants, shorts
[swimwear] Bathing suits (men or women)
[uniforms] Nurses' uniforms, etc.
[wedding] Wedding and wedding-party dresses
L'Atmosphere
20 E 14th Street
New York, NY 10011
212 620 0822
Another $10 store with a large section of extra size and plus
clothing. Most clothes are $5 and $10. Examples of "finds" are
hooded ponchos in 3x for $10, a white eyelet long sleeved
blouse size 3x for $6 and both a rayon and a demim A line jumper
for $10. This is part of a 15 store chain in NYC. Always
pleasant surprizes when you come in.
LL Bean
[internet][catalog][overseas][men][women][casual][sportswear][outdoors][shoes]
Freeport, ME 04033
Phone: (800) 221-4221
Web site: http://www.llbean.com/
Women's sizes to 20. Men's pants to 46 in some styles (inseam
sometimes to 36), shirts and jackets to XXL Tall in some styles.
Shoes in wider sizes. Great quality. Ships FedEx in continental
US for no extra charge. Service varies. Some clothing runs
small, especially pants/tops, not so much outerwear, which is
cut for layering.
Lady Dare -- "For the Distinctive Woman sizes 14-32"
[single][North Carolina][women][supersize][casual]
MP14, Outer Banks Mall
P.O. Box 441
Nags Head, NC
Phone: 919-441-7461
This is a fairly small store, but they had some unusual clothes
there, such as a batiked summer dress. Good quality, kinda high
prices. They don't have a catalog, but they have a mailing list
and they will notify you if they get something in that you might
be interested in.
Lady Grace Intimate Apparel
[chain][catalog][women][supersize][custom][lingerie][maternity]
61 Exchange St.
PO Box 128
Malden, MA 02148
Phone: (800) 922-0504
Email: ladyg...@aol.com
Web site: http://www.ladygrace.com/
Bras and maternity bras to 52-I, bustiers, panties to 9X,
girdles. Stores are located on East Coast of US. Send email with
name, mailing address, and daytime telephone number for free
catalog.
Land's End
[catalog][internet][women][men][casual][swimwear][sportswear]
1 Land's End Ln.
Dodgeville, WI 53595
Phone: (800) 356-4444
Email: mai...@landsend.com
Web site: http://www.landsend.com
Some of the women's clothing goes up to 20W or 2XL (bathing
suits go up to 18). Some men's clothing goes up to size 3X. Some
shoes in wide widths. Quality is good, prices moderate. Phone
service is good (service reps they have all the clothing
measurements on screen). The web site has a special index of
men's big and big/tall items.
A while back, they ran a picture on the front cover of their
catalog of a slender woman standing in a pair of shorts about
ten sizes too big for her, which she has to hold up the
waistband to keep from falling off her. Two other women stand at
either side holding the legs of the shorts out to show how huge
they are on her. They are all smiling as if at a joke. Some
folks do not patronize them because they feel this picture was
inappropriate and offensive to fat people.
Lane Bryant Catalog
[catalog][women][men][supersize][casual][career][sportswear][evening]
[swimwear][lingerie]
PO Box 8301
Indianapolis, IN 46283-8301
Phone orders: (800) 477-7070
Customer service: (800) 477-7030
The catalog is not affiliated with the retail stores. Misses'
sizes 14-20, women's sizes 36-60. They do have strapless bras
and soft-cup bras that aren't underwires and don't give you a
monobosom look. They have swimsuits. They use thin models.
Clothing varies in quality (for example, buttons sometimes
come off easily) and fashion consciousness. The general consensus
seems to be that if you read the catalog carefully and avoid
certain fabrics (such as rayon, which tends to shrink) you can
find a few fashionable good quality things. Clothing sizes tend to
be accurate. Some have praised their silk blouses and Hunter's
Run denim leggings. Good sales. Good about taking things back.
They may be offering some large and supersize men's clothing
to 9X. "I know it's common to pooh-pooh the Lane Bryant and
Roaman's catalogs, but the fact is that they *are* the most
affordable clothing source for women up to the smaller end of
supersize." Dresses and suits are less commonly offered in larger
sizes.
Lane Bryant Stores
[chain][women][casual][career][evening][lingerie][outdoors]
Web site: http://www.lanebryant.com/
Mall store.
Owned by the people who own the Limited; found in malls across
the U.S. Trendy clothing, pricey if you don't buy on sale. Sizes
to 28 or 32. Some people have (big) problems with the quality.
Selections vary a lot by location. So far they haven't used
large-size models in their advertising. Their web site,
infuriatingly, prattles about "real women" and advertises a
"search for real women contest" for women size 14 and over --
while using thin models in the pictures! Not affiliated with the
Lane Bryant catalog.
Large Lovely Lady
[catalog] [wedding] [supersize] [evening] [career]
PO Box 4385
Chatsworth, CA 91312-4385
Phone: (818) 709-0950
Catalog $2
Laughing Sisters
[catalog][custom][women][supersize][lingerie][maternity]
4514 Manitou Way
San Diego CA 92117
Phone: (619) 272-1976
Email: lafn...@pacbell.net
Catalog $1.
They make and sell unusually high quality nightgowns of their
own design, old-fashioned, extremely full, and graciously
gathered with set-in sleeves. Sizes to super and custom.
Well-constructed and high-quality. They also make flannel or
summerweight cotton nightgowns for nursing women, with two
openings concealed in deep pleats in gathers at the yoke. "The
owner is an amusing woman to speak with. She sells her gowns in
two sizes, Small and Medium. Medium is for about 24-36+, which
she said she named Medium because that's her size and it's her
company. She also will custom-size as necessary."
Leather Lady
[internet][catalog][women][lingerie]
248 Rt. 25A
Setauket, NY 11733
Phone: Toll free (888) LEA-LADY (532-5239)
Fax: (516) 751-6761
Email: leath...@mindspring.com
Web page: http://www.mindspring.com/~leatherlady/
Catalog $5
They have several catalogs. The one for large sizes is called
"Twice as Sexy." High quality, nice-looking sexy lingerie in
leather and PVC. Also choker and chain bra extenders, hosiery
and bondage toys. The models are large size (18-20), the
clothing offered is size 1X to 4X (51-inch bust, 42-inch waist,
53-inch hip) in most cases.
Lebow Brothers Clothing for Men and Boys
[single][Massachusetts][catalog][internet][men][children]
178 Linden Street
Diehl's Plaza
Wellesley, MA 02181
Phone: (617) 431-7194, (800) 814-2229
Web site: http://www.tiac.net/users/lebow/
Leggings Plus
[internet][women][unisex][sportswear]
36 Pequot
Ringwood, NJ 07456
Phone: 201-962-4678
Web site: http://www.nji.com/~leggings/
Email: legg...@nji.com
Quite inexpensive leggings, bike shorts, T-shirts to 3X-4X
Lightstone's
[single][California][men][supersize]
1696 Valencia
San Francisco, CA
Phone: (415) 282-1243
Men's work clothing to 6X or so. Pricey, but very good quality.
Lillian Lavergne Designs
[catalog][women][supersize][lingerie]
7401 Lunar Dr.
Austin, TX 78745
Phone: (800) 416-0063
Slips and camisoles in sizes XS to 10X. Prices around $40.
Linda's Classic Woman
[single][Michigan][women]
139 E. Chicago Blvd.
Tecumseh, MI
Phone: (517)423-7155
Classic women's clothing
Lingerie at Large
[single][California][catalog][internet][women][lingerie][sportswear][swimwear]
161 Carousel Mall
San Bernadino Ca 92401
Phone: 909-885-5611
Fax: 909-624-2288
Email: mich...@lingerieatlarge.com
Web site: http://lingerieatlarge.com/
Catalog $5 (comes with $5 coupon)
Sizes to 4X (a few items to 5X). Also sells Danskin Plus. The
web site uses large models. Bras to 52DDD. Longline bras and
bridal corselettes. Half-slips, camisoles, bra liners, teddy and
bra extenders, and strapless bras, teddies, baby dolls,
garterbelts, gowns, open bust and glow in the dark teddies.
Lingerie Net
[catalog][internet][women][lingerie]
633 Post Street, Suite 200
San Francisco, CA 94109
Phone: 800-336-4945 (orders only)
Fax: 800-336-4945 or 415-757-8485
Web site: http://www.lingerienet.com/p&p.htm
Email: ord...@lingerienet.com
Catalog: 5.95 (ask for the Plump and Pretty catalog)
Midsize to 4X (bust 51 inches, waist 43 inches, hips 53 inches)
Lingerie Plus by Lorianne
[single][Pennsylvania][Internet][women][lingerie]
Suite WB
85 South Tremont Street
Tremont, PA 17981-1619
Phone: 717.695.2408
E-Mail: lor...@ptdprolog.net
Web: http://www.shulersnet.com/lingerie
Web page includes information about designs that can be adapted
for some supersize women. Offers torso extenders and bra
extenders in several colors.
Lionwear Custom Clothing
[internet][custom][men's][career][evening]
Email: sega...@lionwear.com
Web site: http://www.lionwear.com/lion/html/
Made-to-measure men's dress shirts, using 10 measurements you
take yourself (with their instructions). They also offer velcro
fasteners (underneath cosmetic buttons) to make fastening
easier. $2 of each order is contributed to United Cerebral
Palsy. Prices $75-$110/shirt depending on fabric and size. US
shipping is included.
Long Elegant Legs
[catalog][women][tall]
PO Box 1290
Somerville, NJ 08876
Phone orders: (800) 344-2225
Customer service: (800) 344-2235
Fax: (908) 359-0691
Clothes for tall women, up to size 22.
Lord & Taylor
[chain][women]
Department store.
Web site: http://www.maycompany.com/Stores/lt_contact.html (lists phone numbers of stores)
Good plus-size department.
Love Your Peaches Clothing Company
[catalog][Internet][supersize][women]
Phone: 888-274-7499
Email: jan...@lypeaches.com
Web site: http://www.lypeaches.com
Luxurious. Sizes to 6X. Small, appealing online catalog. Kind
of pricey. "I've fallen in love with a silk and velvet lace jacket
which I probably won't be able to resist much longer."
Loving Woman Lingerie and More
[single][California][catalog][supersize][lingerie]
425 Broadway
Millbrae, CA 94030
Phone: (415) 652-7980
MTF Geriatrics
[catalog][women][casual]
PO Box 320
Ellis, KS 67637
Phone: (913) 726-4807
Dresses, slips/camisoles, skirts, blouses -- clothing for folks
with disabilities.
Macy's
[chain][women][evening][career][lingerie]
Web site: http://www.macys.com
Department store. Plus-size clothes in Macy's Woman section.
Pricey, evening/career focus. Recommended that you get a
"Personal Shopper" who can help if you have problems. Sizes up
to 24. Jockey For Her underwear to size 12 or 13.
Madame X Lingerie
[catalog][women][lingerie]
3023 N. Clark St., Suite 271R
Chicago, IL 60657
Catalog $5
Lingerie to 4X (24).
Magical Creations Boutique
[single][Oregon][supersize][casual][evening]
4232 NE Sandy Blvd.
Portland, OR
Phone: (503) 288-5450
Plus and supersize designer samples, wearable art, ethnic.
Making It Big
[single][California][internet][catalog][women][supersize][petite][tall][casual]
[career][evening][sportswear][lingerie]
9595 Main Street
Penngrove, CA
Phone: (707) 795-6861 (store), (707) 795-1995 (catalog)
Email: gw...@bigwomen.com
Web site: http://www.bigwomen.com
Dresses, pants, tops, career clothes, some underclothes,
sportswear. Natural fibers, dyed to order (so sometimes you
have to wait a while), high quality. Good source of basics.
Some petites, talls. They use large models. Pretty colors. "Their
leggings are the most comfortable garments I've ever worn, in
a very soft cotton-lycra mix which does not seem to be available
anywhere else. They are receptive to customer comments." Reported
Canadian-friendly.
Marianne Plus
[chain][women][casual]
Mall store.
Funky clothes at reasonable prices. Cool urban fashion.
Marian's Full Figure Designs
[catalog][women][casual][sportswear]
385 W. Marigold
Altadena, CA 91001
Phone: (213) 681-5845
Catalog $2 (refunded with first order)
Tops, shirts, stirrup pants.
Marilyn's
[catalog][women][lingerie]
PO Box 1117
Santa Maria, CA 93456
Phone: (800) 462-4447
Lingerie in sizes 1X-4X. A little pricey.
Marshall's
[chain][women][men]
Discount store.
Hit or miss, but sometimes they have good stuff.
Marshall Field's
[chain]
Department store. Sizes to 24-28. Not bad in price if you hit a
sale. Quality and selection varies by location.
Massey's
[catalog][women][shoes]
601 Twelfth St.
PO Box 10088
Lynchburg, VA 24506-0088
Phone: (800) 4-MASSEY
Women's shoes up to size 14 in a variety of widths.
MaxMara
[single][California][women]
San Francisco, CA
Limited selection of larger clothes (sizes 12-22). If their
style matches yours, you'll be in heaven.
McB's Shoes
[catalog][shoes]
715 Market St.
San Francisco, CA 94103
Phone: (415) 546-9444, (415) 957-9988
Sizes 6-13, AAAAA-EE.
Miss M.
[catalog][women][supersize][lingerie]
4470-107 Sunset Blvd, Suite 131
Hollywood, CA 90027
"Slutwear" in sizes 1X-6X. Possibly no longer in business
(3/7/95).
Modern Woman
[chain][women][supersize][casual][career][evening][lingerie]
Phone: (717) 396-9000 (corporate headquarters)
Clothing store similar to Lane Bryant; mostly casual and career,
some dressy stuff. Their lingerie selection is much better than
LB's. Somewhat pricey, but great sales, excellent service. Call
corporate headquarters for location near you. Sizes 14-26
mostly, some stuff to size 32.
More To Hug
[catalog][single][California][internet][women][lingerie][evening]
[casual][career]
Phone: (800) 850-8525
Web site: http://www.vcnet.com/moretohug/
Stores in Thousand Oaks and Camarillo, CA.
More To Love, Too
[single][Kentucky][women][supersize][casual][career][evening]
Breckenridge Lane South in the Hikes Point area
Louisville, KY
Sizes from 14 to 36 and can special order anything from a size 3
up to 8x
Myles Ahead
[catalog][single][Florida][women][supersize][tall]
6652 NW 57 St.
Tamarac, FL 33321
Phone: 888-MylesAhead, (305) 724-0500
Fax: (305) 724-7177
Web site: http://www.eskimo.com/~leiba/myles.htm
NAAFA Feminist SIG
[catalog][unisex]
Lynn Meletiche
2065 First Ave. #19-D
Dept. RM
New York, NY 10029
Phone: (212) 721-8259
Large-size hospital gowns (allow 4-6 weeks for delivery).
Nakazawa's
[single][New York][women][casual][evening]
132 Thompson St NY, NY 10012
Phone: 212-505-7768
Nancy Lawrence
[single][Minnesota][women]
Edina, Minnesota
Phone: (612) 925-9305
Pricey boutique, sizes 14-26.
Nancy's Choice
[catalog][shoes]
Indianapolis, IN 46201
Misses' sizes 10-20, women's sizes 36-46, also shoes.
National Wholesale Co.
[catalog][women][lingerie][casual]
400 National Blvd.
Lexington, NC 27294
Phone: 910-249-0211 (orders only), 910-249-4202
Fax: 910-249-9326
Pantyhose by the dozen at reasonable prices. Several
queen-size styles. Non-run pantyhose in large (up to 200 lbs).
Naturally Yours
[catalog][women][sportswear]
PO Box 86481
Portland, OR 97286
3405 SE 63rd St.
Portland, OR 97206
Phone: (503) 777-1027
Leggings in sizes 1X-4X.
New Attitude
[single][Hawaii][supersize]
1289 Kilauea Ave.
Hilo, HI
Phone: (808) 935-6055
Clothing "with an island attitude." Sizes 14-34. They ship.
New Look
[catalog][women][tall]
Phone: (800) 998-1985
Tall and BBW.
Newport News
[catalog][women][casual]
Avon Lane
Hampton, VA 23630-1244
Phone: (800) 688-2830, (804) 827-9000 (customer service)
Formerly Avon Fashions. Casual clothes. Some of their stuff goes
up to size 16, 18, 20, 2X.
Nicole Summers
[catalog] [career] [casual] [evening]
PO Box 3003
Winterbrook Way
Meridith, NH 03253-3003
Phone: 800-642-6786
Sizes to 26
Nordstrom
[catalog][chain][women][career][casual][shoes]
Catalog info:
PO Box 91018
Seattle WA 98111-9118
Phone: (800) 285-5800, (206) 215-7100 (outside US and Canada)
Fax: (800) 285-7288, (208) 215-7288 (outside US and Canada)
TDD: (800) 285-7344
Email: np...@nordstrom-pta.com
Web site: http://www.nordstrom-pta.com
Department store is upscale, service oriented. Plus-size clothes
in Encore department. This is a *great* place to find large
shoes, especially for women. They will move heaven and earth to
find a fit! They have a new plus-size catalog that uses large
models.
Nothing in Moderation
[single][Illinois][women]
801 Lake St.
Oak Park, IL
Phone: (708) 386-9750
Fax: (708) 386-9767
Wearable art, natural fabric, nice women, lots of styles.
Oddessy Martial Arts and Medieval Supply Center
[single][Missouri][internet][unisex][supersize][sportswear]
Phone: 1-800-ODDESSY (1-800-633-3779)
Email: in...@oddessy.com
Web site: http://www.oddessy.com
Large martial arts uniforms, including Karate gis up to size
12 (equivalent to men's 5X). Also Japanese swords and knives,
medieval swords, Karate, Kung Fu, and Tae Kwon Do training
equipment, aids and safety gear, and numerous other martial
arts and medieval related products and literature. Web site
uses some large models. The supersize uniforms are quite
expensive.
Oh! Susanna
[catalog][women][supersize][sportswear]
206 Culver St
Chatta, TN 37415
Phone: (615) 874-0792
Shorts, sweats, T-shirts in 5X to 8X.
Old Pueblo Traders
[catalog] [casual] [petite] [women] [lingerie] [shoes]
Palo Verde at 34th St
PO Box 27800
Tucson, AZ 85726-7800
Phone: (520) 747-5000
Catalog $2
Orchard Corset Discount Center
[internet][single][New York][overseas][women][lingerie][costume]
Orchard Corset Center
157 Orchard Street
New York, NY 10002
Phone: (212) 674-0786
Email: orc...@bway.net
Web site: http://www.bway.net/orchard_bras/
Many kinds and brands of lingerie, sizes to 54-I. Also
theatrical, costume and period items.
Original Jo's
[catalog][women][supersize][sportswear]
8766 Wicklow Lane
Dublin, CA 94568-1149
Phone: (800) 352-9156
T-shirts decorated with sayings or pictures, sizes 1X-8X.
PS Plus Sizes Plus Savings
[chain][women][supersize][casual][career][lingerie]
Mall store.
Business and casual wear. Very reasonable prices. Sizes up to
30/32 routinely, and sometimes up to 34/36 and 5X. Sizes run
large, including the pantyhose and tights.
Pango Pango Swimwear
[catalog][women][custom][swimwear]
1905 E. Atlantic Boulevard
Pompano Beach, FL 33060-6562
Phone: (305) 786-0255
Really skimpy, really sleazy swimsuits, mostly bikinis.
Bottoms up to XXL (45"-47" hips). Tops have cup sizes AA to F,
and they make the band to your measurements. They do special
requests.
Paradise on a Hanger
[catalog][unisex][supersize][casual]
Phone: 800-921-3050 in the USA, 970-921-3050 elsewhere
Email: hots...@hotshirts.com
Web site: http://www.hotshirts.com
Mail-order Hawaiian shirt company. Many shirts to 7X.
Parsinen Design
[catalog][women]
1011 Boren Ave., Suite 178
Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: (206) 682-9814, (800) 422-5808
Fax: (206) 329-0944
Peacock Clothes
[single][California][women][supersize]
331 Town & Country Village
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
Phone: (408) 730-0941
Carries XL-XXXL (28 can fit up to 500lbs or more). Reasonable
prices. Some people think quality is good, a few disagree.
Peggy Lutz Plus Size Designer Outlet
[catalog][internet][single][California][custom][petite][tall]
[supersize][women][casual][career][evening][lingerie]
6784 Depot St.
Sebastopol, CA
Phone: (707) 824-1634, (800) 498-3294
Web page: http://www.peglutz.com
Catalog $3.
Carries We Be Bop. Offers "custom clothing" and "fantasy wear."
Elegant designs and high-quality interesting fabrics. Good
selection of sizes. Not cheap. Internet catalog uses plus size
models and older models. "If you get put on Peggy's mailing
list, you will receive all sorts of things in the mail--fabric
samples, photos, printed brochures, flyers. Sometimes it is a
little overwhelming...but the reason is a great one--there are
no limitations: she will literally sew anything for you that you
want in any fabric that she has. Peggy's designs get more
beautiful and refined every year, and she has an intuitive sense
of what looks good on plus-size bodies...She is very pleasant on
the phone and will spend all the time you need...offering
suggestions and taking notes about any modifications you want."
Lutz is a featured designed in the Winter 1997 (Rosie O'Donnell
issue) of Radiance.
Phoenix Big and Tall
[catalog][men][overseas][supersize][casual][career][sportswear]
805 Branch Drive,
Alpharetto, GA 30201
Phone: (800) 251-8067
They sell a range of men's wear. They have boxers and briefs in
sizes 44-72, Levi's action slacks up to size 54. Their clothes
are moderate to expensive, the quality is moderate to good. Will
ship overseas.
Plus Woman (formerly FSA Plus Woman)
[catalog][custom][women][supersize][tall][petite][casual][career]
[sportswear]
60 Laurel Haven
Fairview, NC 28730
Phone: 800-628-5525, 704-628-3562
Email: plusw...@aol.com
Web site: http://www.viphosting.com/~pluswoma/
Each season they put out a catalog with a selection of fabrics
and a selection of separates. You can get most separates in any
fabric and specify inseam, length; sleeve length; neckline type,
and so on. For my taste, the separates fabrics tend too much
toward polyester and rayon and busy prints. One person writes:
"I love their sizing--42" to 50" busts are small!" but complains
they don't have much of a selection of petite sizes. They also
carry shorts, stirrups, leggings, sweaters. Sizes 1X-8X. They do
custom work with a one-time $10 pattern fee. Good quality. Good
customer service and prompt delivery.
Poley's Big & Tall
[internet][catalog][men][supersize][casual][outdoors]
Email: pol...@rcinet.com
Web site: http://shops.net/shops/Poleys_Big_and_Tall_Clothing/
Men's clothes up to 4XT and 8X.
Prescription Sportswear
[internet][unisex][supersize][sportswear]
Phone: (800) 557-4478
Email: r...@ix.netcom.com
Web site: http://www.gsn.com/sportswr.htm
T-shirts with sportsfish designs up to 6X, 4XT.
They have a picture of a skinny woman in a bikini (which they
evidently don't sell) on their web page. Sigh.
Prairie Rose Lingerie
[catalog][women][lingerie]
New addresses:
Vendredi Enterprises
1030 E. El Camino Real #314 Sunnyvale, CA 94087
PO Box 70817 Sunnyvale, CA 94086
Phone: 408-739-4192
Fax: 408-739-4192
Catalog $10 (refunded with $50 order)
Lingerie in sizes 40-46, variety of colors, fabrics, and
styles. Large-size models.
Pretty Plus Plus
[single][New York][women][consignment]
Madison Ave, around 90th St.
Manhattan, NY
Phone: (212) 427-4724
Consignment store with good large-size clothing.
Pretty Woman Plus
[single][Illinois][women]
Peoria, IL
Good quality, somewhat expensive.
Primadonna
[single][North Carolina][women][casual]
Durham, NC
Ethnic clothes up to size 24 or so.
PrimaDonna
[single][California][women][accessories][casual][career]
[evening][lingerie][outdoors][shoes]
2020 South Bascom Avenue, #C
Campbell, CA 95008
Phone: (408) 377-3370
Fax: (408) 377-7090
Email: flo...@msn.com
Consignment store. Carry assortment of large-size catalogues.
Will look for a particular item for a customer and call them
if it comes in. Consignor is paid 50% of the sale price for
new items (with their original tags) and 40% on "gently used"
items. 2 sales per year.
QVC
[catalog][women][accessories]
QVC (one of the home shopping television channels) offers
high-quality clothing at (usually) good prices. The Forgotten
Woman (see retail for women) hosts shows on QVC, as does August
Max Woman. Other names sold include Le Chute, DVFurstenberg,
etc. About 90% of the clothing lines they sell include plus
sizes (3X == 26-28). They deliver within 5 working days and have
a "no questions asked" 30-day money-back return. They also have
large-size models working right alongside thin models. On the
jewelry end of things, they usually offer rings up to size 10,
and they occasionally have the longer bracelets.
Queen Size Boutique
[single][Washington][women][casual][lingerie][evening][swimwear][accessories]
Near the main Microsoft campus
Bellevue, Washington
Some jeans, but much more stylish separates & dresses evening
dresses. The type of sportswear one wears to work, not to work
out. More upscale (hey, it's Bellevue) and more dressy than
Kathleen's; also more in bras & non-wedding dressy & formal
wear. Styles from casual to fashionable to elegant. Much
clothing up to 26, but they do carry many styles in beyond that.
If you wear super sizes, be sure to work the staff to find what
you want in your size.
Queen of Hearts
[catalog][women]
19 Merrick Ave.
Merrick, NY 11566
Phone: (516) 377-1357
Catalogue $5
Sizes 14-22/24
Rainy County Knit Wear
[catalog][custom][women][unisex][casual]
PO Box 7852
Everett, WA 98201-0852
Phone: (206) 653-7189
Custom-made sweaters.
Regalia
[catalog][women][lingerie]
3740 East 34th St.
Tuscon, AZ 85713-5305
Phone orders: (800) 362-8420
Customer service: (602) 748-8600
Catalog $1
Bras up to sizes F & G. Connected with Intimate Appeal.
Repp Ltd. Big & Tall
[catalog][men][tall][supersize][career][casual][shoes][sportswear][swimwear]
1492 Bluegrass Lakes Parkway
Alpharetta, Georgia 30201
Phone: 800-690-REPP
Fax: 800-225-6072
Brand name men's careerwear and sportswear. Most items to size
4XT and 6X; some items to 8X. Some shoes to size 16 EEEE.
On the expensive side. (5/97)
Right Touch
Mail returned 4/97
Ripley Custom Shirtmaker
[catalog][single][Louisiana][internet][men][custom][casual][evening]
222 City Park Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70119
Phone: (504) 488-2288
Fax: (214) 941-3340
Web site: http://www.swopnet.com/Ripley/index.htm
Manufacturer of upscale men's custom shirts (dress and western
style). You send them $5 and they send you a "Shirting Packet."
It contains measuring instructions, a tape measure, 100+ fabric
samples and a brochure illustrating different pocket designs,
cuffs, collars, etc. The $5 can be credited to your first order.
Roaman's
[catalog][women][outdoors][swimwear][casual][career][sportswear][lingerie]
PO Box 8360
Indianapolis, IN 46283-8360
Phone: (800) 274-7130 (24 hour ordering)
Sister company of Lane Bryant catalog. Also seems affiliated with
the Sears catalog. Women's sizes 38-60. Some unattractive pieces.
Some random sexy pieces. Cute casuals. Nice coats. Swimsuits.
Rochester's Big & Tall Clothing
[chain][men][career]
There's a store in San Francisco, 1-415-982-6455.
They sell, among other things, suits.
Rocky Mountain Clothing
[catalog][women][casual]
Phone: (800) 688-4449
Call to find a location in your area where they sell this
company's jeans and blouses. Currently sizes up to 26, soon up
to 30.
Roselyn
[single][California][catalog][women][supersize][career][evening][lingerie]
[sportswear][casual]
347 14th St.
Oakland, CA 94612
Phone: (510) 444-7472
Fax (510) 444-4754
Dresses, suits, lingerie, girdles and bustiers, gowns, hosiery,
Danskin. Plus and supersizes.
Ross
[chain][women]
Discount store (Midwest and West Coast) with selection of large
sizes, 14-28. Selection can be spotty.
Ross Unlimited
[single][Georgia][women][custom][supersize][lingerie][casual]
366 Flat Shoals Ave., SE
Atlanta, GA 30316
Phone: (404) 522-4083
If they don't have your size, they will custom-make clothing for
you (such as jeans) if you purchase at least six of the item.
Super-size underwear.
Royal Resources
Vendredi Enterprises
New address:
1030 E. El Camino Real #314 Sunnyvale, CA 94087
POBox 70817 Sunnyvale, CA 94086
Phone: 408-739-4192
Fax: 408-739-4192
Information and source directory for large folks. Information
on clothing, shoes, and much more. This is not a catalog, but
a book -- cost is $29.95.
Royal Woman
[catalog][women][casual]
14 East 38th St.
14th floor
New York NY 10016
Catalog $2.
Women's sizes 14-46 in natural silks and cotton. Capes, dresses,
blouses, sweaters, sleepwear.
Ruthie's Big Galz Boutique
[single][California][women]
1307 First St.
Napa, CA 94559
Phone: (707) 255-7737, (800) 655-7738
Fax: (707) 255-8789
Saks Fifth Avenue "Salon Z"
[chain][women][lingerie]
Beautiful silk and cotton nightwear.
Sally's Place
[single][California][catalog][women][lingerie][swimwear]
PO Box 1397
Sausalito, CA 94966
Phone: (415) 898-5683, (800) UR-SALLY
http://www.wco.com/~sallys/
Catalog $3.
Sexy lingerie, up to size 4X (24W-26W). Bustiers, panties,
stockings, garters, catsuits, French maid's outfits. Torso and
back extenders. Some leather and swimwear. Some reports say it
is expensive and some of their stuff is tacky. Others say that
the items they've gotten were good quality, attractive, and
reasonably priced. They use large models. They also sell out of
their stock store in Novato.
Sara's Shoes
[catalog][custom][unisex][shoes]
5638 County Rd., #102
Guffey, CO 80820
Shoes, boots, and sandals made to your foot, ankle, and calf
measurements. Very casual styles, Birkenstock-type foot shape.
High-quality materials and work, very comfortable and durable.
Prices run about $125-$250. May take several months to receive
the finished shoes.
Sav-On Surplus
[single][California][men][supersize][outdoors][casual]
Hawthorne St.
Lawndale, CA
Men's camping, outdoors, and regular clothes up to size 8X.
Reasonable prices.
Says Who?
[single][California][catalog][women][consignment]
Two locations:
3903 Piedmont Ave.
Oakland, CA 94611
Phone: (510) 547-5181
and
539 Bryant St.
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Phone: (415) 324-3511
Catalog $1.
Web site: http://www.sayswho.com (under construction)
Very nice clothes. Somewhat expensive. Mostly casual. Some
tall/large sizes.
Scarlet Crane
[catalog][women]
PO Box 1931-R
Sausalito, CA 94966
Natural fiber clothing.
Seams to Fit
[single][California][women][consignment]
6527 Telegraph Ave.
Oakland, CA 94609
Phone: (510) 428-9463
Big dressing rooms. Responsible and honest. Great clothes, both
consignment and new. Affiliated with Says Who? (see above).
Sears
[catalog][chain][men][women][supersize][shoes]
Phone: 800-948-8800 (catalog ordering)
Web site: http://www.sears.com/
Clothing very similar to that in Roamans catalog.
Several free specialty catalogs. Regular catalog sizes to
women's 24, plus catalog sizes to women's 56 or men's 8X. Big
and wide shoes. Apparel in stores goes to women's size 24. Mails
within US only (but there is also a Sears Canada -- phone
800-267-3277 in Canada for more information).
Semi Q Fashions
[women][evening]
Phone: (213) 623-9713
Sensual Adventures
[single][women][supersize][lingerie]
8967 Taft Street
Pembroke Pines, Fl 33024
Phone: 954-704-4114
Fax 954-704-4113
Thigh-high stockings, cat suits in many colors to 4x, pantyhose to
5-6x, one-piece garter belt and stockings. Owner Alma will respond to
customer requests.
Serendipity
[single][Indiana][women]
Indianapolis, IN
Sheer Mahogany
[catalog][women][lingerie]
3870 Crenshaw Blvd, #781
Los Angeles, CA 90008
Catalog $6.
Lingerie up to 5X.
Silhouettes
[catalog][women][petite][supersize][evening][casual][lingerie]
[accessories][shoes]
340 Poplar St.
Hanover, PA 17333-0069
and
5 Avery Row
Roanoke, VA 24012-8567
Phone: (800) 852-2822
As of spring 97, Silhouettes offers some items in sizes up to
34. Some petites. Pricey, but good variety of stylish, young
clothes. They often have items on back order, and the back orders
take from 3 weeks to 3 months to fill. Service is reported to
be prompt other than that. If you're in a hurry, this is probably
not a great place to order from. They use thin models. There
have been several complaints about their use of poor quality
fabrics and clothing arriving with tears, stains, etc.
Sister Sister Ladies Plus Size Fashion
[single][California][women]
660 3rd St.
San Francisco, CA 94107
Phone: (415) 243-4392
Outlet store, good prices, a little hit or miss.
Sizes Unlimited
[chain][women][supersize][petite][tall][outdoors][casual][career]
[evening][swimwear][lingerie][accessories][sportswear][shoes]
Mall store.
One store: 1-215-365-0499
Also called The Avenue in some malls. Owned by The Limited,
which also owns the Lane Bryant stores. Casual to elegant clothing
in sizes up to 32 and 4X. One woman says: "I'm 6'1" and usually
wear a 30/32, I find a lot of stuff I can wear to work [...]
shorter skirts, short dresses, and they even have some styles
of pants in three different lengths." Pantyhose runs smaller.
Fashionable. Large-size lingerie, underwear, petites, and proper
denim jeans. Wide shoes sizes 6W-12W -- good selection of leather
flats, some mid-size heels. Reasonably priced. Good sales.
Merchandise is different from store to store. In some stores, a
lot of the clothes are familiar brands, i.e. Gloria Vanderbilt,
Avenue, etc. Their lingerie selections do not satisfy some
shoppers.
Sizes Woman
[single][Pennsylvania][women]
Pittsburgh, PA.
Bright, beautiful clothes, nice clerks, reasonable prices.
The Smart Saver
[catalog][women][lingerie]
PO Box 105
Wasco, IL 60183-0105
Bras up to size 48DD. Reasonably priced.
Smart Size
[single][Oregon][women]
Salem, OR
SoHo Woman on the Park
[single][New York][women]
32 West 40th Street
New York, NY 10018
Located in Manhattan. Carries sizes from 14 to 26. The clothes
are reported to be "beautiful and unusual," "one-of-a-kind...
non-restricting and in luscious fabrics that are especially
designed and lot-dyed by the owner, Penny Healey."
Spiegel
[catalog][women][men][career][evening][casual][coats][lingerie]
PO 182555
Columbus, OH 43218-2555
Automated order line: 800-448-7070 (must be current customer)
New customer satisfaction: 800-474-5555
Order questions: 800-706-7600
Catalog requests: 800-345-4500
Web site: http://www.spiegel.com
They offer a line of midsize clothing for women called "For
You." Their retail "For You" stores no longer exist. Some men's
items to 2X. They use thin models.
Spencer's Gifts
[chain][unisex][costumes]
Mall store.
Halloween costumes in plus sizes.
Stage Clothes USA
[internet][women][lingerie]
Web site: http://www.stageclothes.com/
Lingerie and sex toys for regular and plus-size women to 4X.
Torso extenders (they snap onto the crotch area of a teddy and
add 4"-6" length), choker extenders, and chain bra extenders.
They use large models in the large-size section of their web
site.
Stan's King Size Men's Shop
[single][California][men][supersize]
7428 University Ave.
La Mesa, CA 91941
Phone: (619) 469-0336
Some very large sizes.
Stormy Leather
[single][California][men][women][lingerie]
1158 Howard Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
Phone: (415) 626-1672
Web site: http://www.stormyleather.com/
Manufactures, wholesales, and retails fetish attire and sex
toys. Leather, lingerie, and fetish wear in sizes to 6X (sizes
run small -- 6x corresponds to 52-inch bust, 44-inch waist, and
54-inch hips). Pricey and well made. A variety of other stores
stock their merchandise; see their web site for more
information.
Stout Men's Shop
[single][Massachusetts][catalog][overseas][men][supersize][casual]
[career][swimwear]
59 Temple Pl.
Boston, MA
Phone: (617) 542-5397
Slacks on the rack up to 92". Swimsuits. Great selection.
Worldwide mail order. Suits that go up to size 70 (and higher
per order).
Stuarts Plus
[chain][women]
Mall store.
Owned by the people who own Stuarts. Trendier and cheaper than
Lane Bryant.
Styleplus Catalogue
[catalog][women][lingerie]
1201 North Dearborn Parkway
Suite 134
Chicago, IL 60610
Phone: (800) 34-STILE
Beautiful lingerie, photographed on large models.
Sue Brett
[catalog][women][sportswear][casual][lingerie][shoes]
Dept. A
Indianapolis, IN 46207
Sportswear, dresses, lingerie, shoes, in misses' 10-24,
women's 34-52, and half sizes.
Suits Me Swimwear
[catalog][women][swimwear]
2377 Deltona Blvd.
Spring Hill, FL 34606
Phone: (904) 666-1485
Bathing suits designed to fit all sizes of folks. Easy to put on
and take off -- They are tie-on wraparound swimsuits that can be
fastened either as a one-piece suit or as a bikini. Four sizes:
up to 60 lbs, 60-120 lbs, 120-250 lbs, and 250+ lbs.
Sula and the Snapdragon
[single][Massachusetts][women]
393 Commercial Street
Provincetown, MA 02657
Phone: (508) 487-7200
Nice clothes up to 3X.
Suzanne Henri, Inc.
[catalog][women][lingerie]
PO Box 2399
Appomattox, VA 24522
Phone: (800) 634-2590
No-underwire bras in a wide range of sizes up to 60MM. They use
their own sizing system. The bras are very comfortable to wear,
and never ride up or cut into the shoulders.
Sweet Cheeks
[catalog][women][supersize]
PO Box 7767
Redlands, CA 92375
Phone: (909) 792-7014
Fax: (909) 792-5060
Original fun fashions, sizes 1X-6X.
Sweet Dreams Intimates
[single][New York][women][supersize][lingerie][swimwear]
81 Route 111
Smithtown NY 11787
Phone: (516) 462-9097
Bras 34B to 60H. Swimwear to 26. Lingerie sizes 1X-6X.
Sweeter Measures
[catalog][women][custom][supersize][casual][uniforms][career]
PO Box 340
819 Front St
Gibbon, NE 68840
Phone: (308) 468-5156
Catalog $2.
Sizes up to 60 or 70. Some people find the quality good, some
not so. May be a little pricey. They carry nurses' uniforms.
They will custom-make clothing (for instance, a skirt to match a
blouse or jacket they offer).
Sylvia's Swimwear
[single][Washington][women][supersize][swimwear]
Stores in Bellevue and Seattle.
Tafford Uniforms
[single][Pennsylvania][catalog][uniforms]
Tafford Showroom
104 Park Drive Montgomeryville, PA
Phone: 215-643-9666 ext. 241
--
The Scrub Shop
134 South 11th Street Philadelphia, PA
Phone: 215-351-6222
Free catalog: 1-800-283-0065.
Their sizes run to 6x (the 4x size is very generous), also sizes
4 to 32. They are primarily a catalog company but have two
stores in which you receive 20% off the catalog price as well as
a very cheap discontinued area of the store and various sales.
The salespeople are very nice to deal with.
Target
[chain][men][casual][swimwear]
Discount chain. Swimsuits up to about 24. Inexpensive.
Reasonable selection of big and tall men's clothing (up to about
XXXL and XXXLT).
Today's Proud Women
Mail returned 4/97
Today's Woman
[chain][women][casual][evening][lingerie][sportswear][swimwear]
Chain of stores in Florida (mostly). They carry Exquisite Form
bras, midsize clothing, and some accessories. Somewhat pricey,
but the discount rack has bargains. Clothing ranges from
sportswear to semi-formal. Swimsuits and a limited selection of
lingerie. They use larger size models in their store
advertisements.
Triumph Hosiery Corporation
[internet][overseas][women][supersize][lingerie]
2700 N. 29th Ave., Suite 105
Hollywood, Florida 33020
Phone: (954) 929-6021
Fax: (954) 963-3344
E-Mail: hos...@bellsouth.net
Web site: http://www.triumph-hosiery.com/
Largesse Hosiery for women size 160-450 lbs.
Two Sisters - Fashions for the Generous Figure
[internet][women][petite][supersize][outdoors][casual][career]
[evening][lingerie]
Texas
Phone: (800) 343-9559
Fax: (800) 343-9559 or (915) 580-7909
Email: twosi...@marshill.com
Web site: http://www.marshill.com/twosisters/
Internet-only catalog. Clothing tends to be in polyester or poly
blends and prints. Some clothing comes in petite sizes. Prices
range from inexpensive to moderate. They use large-size models
and give the model's height and the size she is wearing.
Ulla Popken
[internet][catalog][women][petite][career][casual]
Towson Town Center, 4th floor
825 Dulaney Valley Road
Towson, MD 21204
10610 Beaver Dam
Hunt Valley, MD 21030
Phone: (410) 494-8108, (800) 245-8552
Fax: 410-329-1320
Web site: http://www.ullapopken.com/
Well-established German company trying to enter the American
market. Sophisticated designs including career clothes, natural
fibers (including Green Cotton, great for sensitive or allergic
skin). Moderate to expensive. High quality. Some complaints
about service and inaccurate sizing. "Many of their clothes have
beautiful detailing that you can't see in the catalog pictures."
They guarantee items of the same color will match. They make all
their clothing themselves. Sizes to 28/30.
Uniquity Plus
Out of business 4/97
Urban Basics
[single][Colorado][women][lingerie][casual][outdoors]
The Seasons Mall
Avon, CO
Phone: (970) 845-7820
Now carries sizes 14-26. Seems to specialize in denim items.
Valentina
29799 Northwestern Highway
Apple Gate Square
Southfield, MI 48034
Phone: 810-354-4560
Fax: 810-354-4012
"I have been shopping there since 1985. The boutique carries a
large selection of stylish, quality fashions from sizes 14 to
34. One-of-a-kind fashions. Attention and service provided to
customers is excellent. Layaway is available. Prices range from
moderately expensive to excellent sales."
Valley Department Store
[single][California][men][women][supersize][accessories]
245 N. Euclid Ave.
Ontario, CA 91762
Phone: (909) 984-8646
Large selection, friendly staff, clothing and accessories.
Women's clothing in 16-18 to 30-32W. Men's clothing to 10X
shirts, pants up to about 64. They have said that they will mail
clothes.
Vermont Country Store
[catalog][women][lingerie]
PO Box 3000
Manchester Center, VT 05255-3000
Phone: (802) 362-2400
Web site: http://vermontcountrystore.com/vcs/vcs.htm
Slips, chafe shields, mumus, robes, float dresses. Sizes vary;
some items to 28, most smaller. Good prices, good quality. They
also sell 100% cotton mid-thigh panties which do a good job of
preventing chafing and protecting stockings.
Vibrant Handknits USA
[catalog][custom][women][casual]
Historic Savage Mill
8600 Foundry St
Savage, MD 20763
Phone: (800) 765-KNIT
High-quality art sweaters in sizes 16-28. Will do custom work.
Village East at Gottschalks
[chain][women][casual][career][evening][lingerie]
Most malls with Gottschalks have a Village East next door; it's
their large women's department. Though the prices are a little
steep, they have nice evening wear. Accessories but no shoes.
Some undergarments (mostly slips) and granny nighties; no cute
lingerie. Lots of separates.
Vivian Young
[catalog][women][lingerie]
9291 Greenwich Dr
Huntington Beach, CA 92615-8333
Bras.
Votta's Wearable Art
[catalog][women][accessories]
PO Box 243
Wilmington, IL 60481
Catalog $2 (refunded with first order)
Large-size bangles and bracelets.
W & M's Fantasy Fashions
[catalog][single][Pennsylvania][women][lingerie][swimwear][casual]
5664 Sandylake-Polk Rd
Sandylake, PA 16145
Phone: (412) 376-7057
Fax: (412) 458-7631
Email: coc...@nauticom.net
Catalog $3.
Lingerie and clothing up to size 4X.
WalkUSA
[catalog][unisex][sportswear][outdoors]
6310 Nancy Ridge Drive, #101
San Diego, CA 92121
Phone: (800) 445-2209
Men's and women's walking shorts and activewear up to 2XL.
Tell them you want larger sizes!
WalMart
[chain][women][men][casual][swimwear]
Some large size clothing up to 24 or 26, including lines by
Richard Simmons and Kathie Lee. Inexpensive men's pants (cotton
and polyester slacks, jeans) up to size 50. Swimwear to size
25.
WaterWear
[catalog][single][New Hampshire][swimwear]
Riverview Mill
Wilton, NH 03086
Phone: (800) 321-SUIT
Aquatic fitness wear, chlorine resistant fabric, sizes to 28.
We Be Bop
[single][California][women]
Two locations:
1903 Fillmore St.
San Francisco, CA 94115
Phone: (415) 771-7294
and
1380 10th St., Berkeley
Kicky hip loose clothes, beautiful prints, up to size 4X. JW
Ramage also sells some of their items.
Wedding Place
[single][Indiana][women][wedding]
Fort Wayne IN
Boutique. One bride-to-be called them up to make an appointment
and told them of her encounter with fatphobic salespeople at a
local wedding chain. When she arrived for her appointment, a BBW
saleswoman was waiting for her. She was very pleased with the
service.
WearGuard
[catalog][internet][unisex][supersize][outdoors][casual]
141 Longwater Drive
Norwell, MA 02061
Phone: (800) 388-3300
Fax: 800-436-3132
Web site: http://www.wearguard.com/
Work clothes, outdoors clothes, some casual clothing. Some of
their stuff is available up to 5X.
Westport Woman
[chain][women][career][casual]
Chain in California, possibly elsewhere.
One in Folsom and one in Vacaville.
Very nice clothes, from good blue jeans through handmade
sweaters and good suits. Reasonable prices.
Wide and Comfortable
[single][Oregon][internet][unisex][supersize][custom][casual][outdoors]
Roseann and Joe Hall
8021 SE Stark Street
Portland, Oregon, 97215
Phone: (503) 261-9222
Email: wide...@aol.com
or wide...@teleport.com
Web site: http://www.teleport.com/~widecomf/widecomf.html
T-Shirts to 12X, Henley's three button tab shirts to 8X and 10X.
Sweats to 8X right now, looking at a company that goes to 12X.
Shorts to 10x. Tank tops to 8X, in both mens and womens styles.
Jersey Pants & Baggy pants. Jeans & Stretch jeans to 66 inches.
Twill work pants to 74 inch waist. Custom sewing.
Willow Ridge
[casual] [career] [catalog] [midsize]
421 Landmark Dr
Wilmington, NC 28410
Phone: (800) 388-8555, (800) 388-2012 customer service
Winter Silks
[catalog][men][women][unisex][lingerie][casual]
2700 Laura Ln.
PO Box 620130
Middleton, WI 53562
Phone: (800) 648-7455
Email: webm...@wintersilks.com
Web site: http://www.wintersilks.com/
Silk long johns, shorts, robes, and so on. Some styles up to
unisex (men's) 2X. A few styles up to women's 3X. Call and ask
for more large sizes.
Woman's World
[chain][women][petite][casual][career]
Mall store.
They carry women's petites and sizes up to 26.
Women's Workout Gear of New York
[single][New York][catalog][Internet][women][sportswear][lingerie]
15 Park Row, Suite 810
New York, NY 10038
Phone: 718-855-4637
Fax: 212-227-2974
Email: wwg...@juno.com
Web site: http://www.womensworkoutgear.com
Sports bras to 40DD. Leggings in large sizes.
WorkAbles for Women
[catalog][women][outdoors]
Oak Valley
Clinton, PA 15026-0214
Phone: (800) 826-9317
Cold weather wear up to size 20W or 22W. Call and ask for larger
sizes. They sell, among other things, long underwear, polar
pants, wind pants, and wool pants with access panels so that
using the bathroom in the wilderness does not require baring
all.
Worldesigns Incorporated
[catalog][Internet][men][supersize][accessories]
PO Box 355
New York City, NY 10024
http://members.aol.com/wdinyc
Fanny packs 59"-92" and tailored cotton long-sleeved shirts (black,
white or blue denim).
Worldware Plus Size Clothing
[catalog][Internet][supersize][unisex][sportswear]
3181 Packard
Ann Arbor MI. 48108
Email: Rka...@aol.com
Web site: http://ic.net/~karle/ww/page2.htm
Mail order sportswear sizes 2X to 10X.
XL Collection Plus
[catalog][women]
Box 20511
Rochester, NY 14602
$12.95
Fashion resource guide.
XTC Leather of NY Limited
[catalog][women][lingerie]
120 Nancy St., Unit E
West Babylon, NY 11704
Phone: (516) 643-3030
Fax: (516) 643-3510
Leather lingerie in sizes up to 3X. They are a wholesale
operation and will not sell to individuals. You might be able to
call them to see if anyone near you carries their stuff.
"Quality is mediocre- to pretty decent, BUT their large-size
body template wears a B cup and so *all* of their plus stuff
comes in 1X, 2X, 3X B. This (obviously) doesn't work well for
those of us in 40Ds."
Yellow Creek Originals
Out of business 3/97.
Yoko Honda
[catalog][women][supersize][casual]
PO Box 35
New York, NY 10018
Phone: (212) 868-2050
Washable A-line dress/caftans in four colors.
Zala Design
[catalog][women][supersize][sportswear]
Box 80018
Minneapolis, MN 55408
Phone: (612) 871-4809
Catalog $2
Leotards up to size 7X.
============================================================
A2) What manufacturers make clothes/shoes/spectacles for large folks?
CLOTHING FOR WOMEN
You can find these clothing lines in various retail stores and catalogs.
Capistrano
Complaint of cheap manufacture.
Carole Little II
Carol Little's large-size collection. Beautiful fabric, flowing
cuts, nice colors. A little pricey. Well-made, and the dresses
are quite long.
Citiculture
Fancy "garden party" dresses up to 4X (sizes run large).
Danskin
Phone: (800) 87-DANSKIN
Exercise clothing in sizes 1X-4X. Their clothes are well made
and pretty and they use large-size models.
Elisabeth
Liz Claiborne's plus sizes line. Expensive, but good quality.
Sizes 14-22. Also has some petites.
Entree
Jeans that fit wonderfully and consistently across many styles
up to size 44.
Fruit of the Loom
100% cotton panties up to size 12. Also bras with large band
and cup sizes.
Gilda Marx
Phone: (800) 825-BODY
Exercise clothing in sizes 1X-3X.
Goddess Bras
Phone: (213) 629-2905 or (617) 569-3000
Well-made, large-size bras. They have cotton bras without
underwires up to about size 52DD. Good push-up bras, comfortable
merrywidows. They've been actively soliciting NAAFA to find out
what large women want in bras. They also make nursing bras
(particularly recommended is Model 510).
Hanes Her Way
Large size sweatpants and sweatshirts.
Jerzees
Good quality, heavy T-shirts up to size 6X.
Jockey for Her
All-cotton underwear in three styles up to at least size 11.
Jones New York Woman
Career wear.
Just My Size
Underwear, socks, and pantyhose. Affiliated with L'Eggs. They
also have their own catalog (see catalog section above).
Kathy Lee Plus
Carried at WalMart.
Lee Jeans
Tend to work well on figures with smaller waistlines, large
hips. Sizes up to 28 or 30.
Marina Bridal
Wedding dresses, priced reasonably ($350-$900 or so). Their
headquarters is in NYC. You should be able to get a copy of
their catalog (about 20 styles) by calling local bridal shops.
No Nonsense
Women like their plus-size pantyhose, which goes up to 4X, feels
soft against the skin, and doesn't bag because of lycra in the
fabric blend. They are getting harder to find.
Richard Simmons
Carried at WalMart.
Sharon Anthony
Two Potato
CLOTHING FOR MEN
You can find these clothing lines in various retail stores and catalogs.
Dolphin Swimwear
Levi's Jeans and Action Slacks
Large-size button-fly 501s. The Action Slacks apparently wear
like iron, wash well, and never need to be ironed. 545 Jeans
up to 60" waist.
Karl Kani
Classic jeans up to 60" waist
Discus Athletic
T-shirts and sweatshirts up to 6XL
Speedo
Swimming trunks up to 4XL
Nike
Shoes up to 18
Fruit of the Loom
Briefs and boxers up to 6XL
SPECTACLES
Luxottica makes large-size frames for men. They make metal frames in XXL
sizes, and have 170mm custom temples. Also look for Zyloware frames.
Most companies do carry large-size frames; have the optical tech look in
the Frames book for listings of large frames.
COMFORTABLE AND/OR WIDE WOMEN'S SHOES
Bally
Clark's
Easy Spirit (reported very long lasting even for supersize people)
Ecco (made in Denmark)
Hush Puppies "Bounce"
Nordstrom's store brand
Rangoni
Selby
Soft Spots
COMFORTABLE AND/OR WIDE UNISEX SHOES
Avia
Birkenstock
Cuddler's (available at K-Mart)
New Balance
Puma
Red Wings
Rieker
Rockports
Romika
SAS (hiking boots)
Simple
Sorel's (winter boots -- proper mountaineering boots)
Wolverine (hiking boots)
Worishofer
============================================================
A3) Where can I find a wedding dress?
You can probably buy a wedding dress in a regular bridal store -- many
stores carry large sizes, and almost all stores can order them. They may
have only a limited selection of sizes in stock for you to try on, so
you may have to use your imagination to figure out how the dress would
look on you in particular. Sometimes just putting your arms through the
dress and holding it in front of you will give you an idea of what it
would be like.
Note that wedding dress designers do not size their dresses
consistently. Some call a dress with measurements of 46-36-36 a size 42;
yet another may say a size 42 has measurements of 50-40-50. Many
national bridal designer's "measurements to size" descriptions are at
this web site:
http://www.lm.com/~modernbr/sizechartsa.html
It's also very common to have dresses tailored once they arrive. (This
is common even for women who wear smaller sizes -- often they can't try
on the dress in their particular size, so when it arrives it needs to be
taken in or let out.) If the dress turns out to be too small, they can
split the side seam of the bodice and sew in a few inches of extra
fabric. This is hardly noticeable, even when you are looking for it.
They may be able to get lace trim that matches the rest of the dress and
use that to make it even less obvious.
Also, nearly all bridesmaid's dresses go to at least size 24, and some
go larger. Many of these dresses are fairly formal and can be ordered in
white or off-white, so may work as a wedding dress.
You may want to look through some of the bridal magazines -- many of the
advertisers list what sizes they make. Also look through bridal books.
*Bridal Bargains* by Denise and Alan Fields lists which sizes various
manufacturers make. They have a Web page where they make available
updates to their books:
http://www.usa.net/~adfields
In December '96, they'll be putting another book out called *The Bridal
Gown Guide*, in which they'll print the size charts of major designers
along with style numbers and suggested retail prices.
Search for "[wedding]" in section A1, the big list of clothing stores,
to find stores and catalogs that carry wedding dresses.
Here are some manufacturers who make large-size wedding dresses:
Alfred Angelo
Phone: (800) 528-3589 or (215) 659-8700
Makes 18-20 and 38-44. Both cost extra but their gowns are
relatively cheap.
Ange D' Amour
Phone: (800) 288-3888.
Through size 20.
Bianchi
Phone: (800) 669-2346.
Through size 20.
Bonny
Phone: (714) 961-8884
Email: bbwf...@aol.com
Makes a line called "Essence by Esther," gowns to size 44 (costs
extra).
Bridal Originals
Phone: (800) 876-GOWN or (312) 467-6140
To size 30 (encourages stores to carry large size samples!)
Carmi Couture
Phone: (212) 921-7658
Through size 20 (extra charge).
Citiculture
Large-size "garden-party" dresses that can double as wedding
dresses.
Diamond Collection
Phone: (212) 302-0210
Through size 20 ($100 extra).
Designer at Heart, Inc.
Megan Moser Rosenhart
Phone: (800) 462-4889
Custom-designs bridal gowns -- "traditional and non-traditional
styles, from lace to leather, all sizes."
Eden
Phone: (818) 441-8715
Petites through 20-32 (extra charge). Bridal Bargains gave these
guys 4 stars!
Eve of Milady
Phone: (212) 302-0050
Through size 20. $100 extra for 18-20.
Fink
Phone: (212) 921-5683
Through size 20. Extra 10% for 18-20.
Galina
Phone: (212) 564-1020
Through 20, extra charge for 18-20.
Ginza Collection/Private Label by G
Phone: (800) 654-7375
Through 42 (extra charge of $100).
Ilissa
Phone: (212) 967-5222
Through 20, 18-20 are $60 extra.
Impression
Phone: (800) BRIDAL-1
Through size 30. 16-20 cost $30 extra. 22-30 are $70 extra.
Jasmine
Phone: (708) 519-7778
To size 44 (extra charge).
Jessica McClintock
Phone: (800) 333-5301 or (415) 495-3030
A few gowns through size 24.
Jim Hjelm
Phone: (212) 764-6960
Through size 20. 18-20 are $150 extra.
Lili
Phone: (800) 258-7944 or (818) 282-4326
Through 26. $70 extra for 22-26.
Marisa
Through 20. $160 extra for 18-20.
Mary's
Phone: (713) 933-9678
Through size 30.
Mon Cherie
Phone: (609) 530-1900
Has sizes 18-20 and 38-44, $20 or $40 extra.
Moonlight
Phone: (708) 884-7199
Sizes through 44 (extra charge).
Mori Lee
Phone: (212) 947-3490
Some designs available through size 42 for extra charge.
San Martin
Phone: (213) 257-5333
Some styles available through 44.
St. Pucchi
Phone: (214) 631-4039
Through 20, 18-20 extra 20%.
Sweetheart
Phone: (212) 868-7536
Through 44 (and keeps all sizes in stock).
Wallentin Collection
Phone: (800) 925-5954
Email: Smit...@aol.com
Silk wedding gowns. Can custom make any gown to fit any size
woman. Ask for Catherine.
============================================================
A4) Where can I find sewing/knitting patterns?
Ana's Accoutremonts
Custom fitted patterns of period costumes. See the listing in
the US Clothing FAQ part 1.
Beautiful Babes
Laura Woodruff
6705 N. Seneca
Portland, OR 97203
Phone: (503) 286-1119
Email: lauraboot...@worldnet.att.net
Web: http://www.geocities.comEureka/Plaza/1754/index.html
Catalog $2.
Easy-to-sew collection of patterns for casual dresses, blouses, blazers,
pants, ponchos, jackets, swimwear, lingerie, and more. Sizes 38-72.
"Laura, the owner, is real nice and we discussed fitting problems
etc etc and the dress I made from her pattern is wonderful."
Bellamy Manufacturing
222 N. 11th St
Clarksville, TN 37040
Phone: (615) 645-8249
Catalog $4.
Patterns for nice careerwear with skirts or pants. Maternity
patterns also available. Sizes 22-62 average and tall. Can
special-order sizes 64-70.
*Big Knits*, *Great Big Knits*
Big Knits ISBN: 0-7126-5097-0. Vermont: Trafalgar Square Publishing
Two books by Dawn French and Sylvie Soudan containing knitting
patterns for large-size women. Patterns go from very simple,
classic designs, to very complex intarsias. Proper large-size
models.
Bras
The rec.crafts.textiles.sewing newsgroup has a fantastic FAQ
about underwire and regular bras. If you're interested in
making your own bras and lingerie, check it out:
http://www.funhouse.com/babs/FAQ.html
The Busy Woman's Fitting Book
Nancy Zieman and Robbie Fanning
Nancy's Notions/Open Chain Publishing ISBN: 0-932086-10-1, $9.95
Provides instructions on how to alter patterns to fit you.
Burda
GLP International
PO Box 9868
Englewood, NJ 07631-1123
Phone: (212) 736-7455 or (201) 871-1010
Large size patterns. Their magazine, *Burda Fashions for the
Fuller Figure* (or Burda Plus?), has patterns up to size 34W.
One person reports: "Burda is very true to their sizing, and
they make patterns for up to size Euro60. The have all sorts of
interesting patterns, with unusual (nifty cool) detailing. I
find that I have to do mucho fewer adjustments to make these
patterns fit my narrow chest, big boobs, sloping shoulders,
bottom-heavy apple-pear shape." Another writes: "I had stayed
away from them because of the added seam and hem allowances, but
now they are adding them in for you. They have some really nice,
classic styles."
Butterick
Some patterns in sizes up to 32. Now carrying new Delta Burke
line -- some pretty styles in larger than 22's.
Computer packages for sizing patterns
A number of companies make programs that print out customized
patterns. You pick the basic pattern and enter the measurements
of the person the garment is intended for, and it spits out a
pattern. Some of these are:
LivingSoft (also known as Dress Shop)
PO Box 970
Janesville, CA 96114
Phone: (800) 626-1262
Available for IBM, in the works for Macintosh.
Fittingly Sew
Available for IBM
D'ates D'signs
3430 Robin Lane, Suite B
Cameron Park, CA 95682
Great wearable art patterns for coats, dusters, and shirts.
Dressmaker's dummies
Dressmaker's dummies are available in plus sizes. Your local
fabric shop may carry them or should be able to order them.
Fairchild Books and Videos
7 West 34th St
New York, NY 10001
Fashion designs for the plus size.
Fitting Finesse
Nancy Zieman
Book that explains how to alter patterns so that you can make
clothes that fit you right from patterns made for small people.
Great Fit Patterns
Reported out of business Jan 98.
Hattie Chanon
Design Center of Charlotte
1235-E East Blvd, #222
Charlotte, NC 28203
Large-size patterns
Email: mary....@exchange.exchange.com
List of commercially available sewing patterns for big men
(chest size 48" to 52", 56" or 68").
McCalls
Some of their patterns go up to size 50.
PAW Prints Pattern Company
Purrfection Artistic Wearables
19618 Canyon Drive
Granite Falls Washington 98252
Phone: 800 691 4293
Web site: http://www.purrfection.com
11 patterns that go up to a 3XL (bust 54 hip 56) and there are 2
new patterns that go up to a 5XL (bust 62 hip 64). Reports:
"I've made a kimono type jacket from one of their patterns in a
4X (I generally wear a size 30-32) and the only alteration I did
was to lengthen it." "These patterns are more 'fun' than
conventional but there are some fairly unique things that I've
never found elsewhere."
Pijin-Hole Patterns
804 Forest Park Blvd.
Fort Worth, TX 76102-5805
Phone: (817) 338-0025
Sewgrand
1160 Yew Ave. Bin 21
Blaine WA 98231-8019
Phone: (604) 274-3276
Email: sew...@sewgrand.com
Web page: http://www.sewgrand.com/
Easy to sew patterns to size 26. They'll offer super sizes if they get
enough requests.
Simplicity
Web page: http://www.simplicitypatt.com/index.html
Their patterns go up to size 32W in two lines -- BBW and HOAX.
HOAX is meant to be for different body types. Their sizing guide
may run too large. They also have a multi-sized (1X-6X) pattern
for men for a shirt and a pair of pants. Clothes made from their
patterns are attractive and come out beautifully. New Look is
also part of Simplicity.
Stretch and Sew
Web page: http://www.stretch-and-sew.com
One person reports "Stretch and Sew is good for those who are
not one size all over." They are featuring a new line of plus
size patterns, one of which is called Rita's Wardrobe (see Rita
Farrow's *Life Is Not a Dress Size* in the Publications FAQ).
The patterns include sizes 1X-3X (46-56 bust, 48-58 hip) in each
design. Besides the wardrobe, there are eight separate designs
in the collection, including pants, dresses, and a jacket.
Style
Some large-size patterns
Unique Patterns
Phone: (800) 543-4739
Over 130 personalized patterns, no size limits.
Vogue Woman
Dowdy, boring, waistless patterns.
============================================================
A5) How do I convert between sizes?
Here are some conversions between European, U.K., and U.S. sizes:
Women's dresses and suits
For U.S. size, subtract 2 from U.K. size.
For U.S. size, subtract 30 from European size.
(UK 28 = US 26 = Euro 56)
Women's shoes
For U.S. size, add 1.5 to U.K. size.
(UK 8 = US 9.5)
Men's suits and coats
U.K. and U.S. sizes are the same.
For U.S. size, subtract 10 from European size.
(UK 56 = US 56 = Euro 66)
Men's shirts
U.K. and U.S sizes are the same.
Men's socks
U.K. and U.S. sizes are the same.
Men's shoes
For U.S. size, add 1 to U.K. size.
(UK 10.5 = US 11.5)
============================================================
============================================================
SECTION B: Information about this FAQ
B1) Are there other related FAQs?
There is some overlap in the topics covered by the FAQs. If you don't
find what you're looking for here, try the other FAQs.
The following FAQs can be found at:
http://www.bayarea.net/~stef/Fatfaqs/
soc.support.fat-acceptance newsgroup FAQ
alt.support.big-folks newsgroup FAQ
Size-acceptance
Clothing for Big Folks in Canada
Clothing for Big Folks in the U.S.
Organizations for Big Folks
Publications for Big Folks
Resources for dealing with the Physical Aspects of Being Fat
Other Resources for Big Folks
The following FAQs can be found at:
http://www.comlab.ox.ac.uk/oucl/users/sharon.curtis/BF/SSFA/faqs.html
Big Folks and Health
Big Folks and Fitness
Big Folks and Sports
Research on Big Folks
Clothing for Big Folks in the U.K. and Europe
The maternity FAQ can be found at:
http://www.vireday.com/~rvireday/plus/Plus_Size_Maternity_and_Nursing_FAQ.html
You can also find (sometimes slightly older versions of) the above FAQs
(except the maternity FAQ) at the following locations:
ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet/news.answers/fat-acceptance-faq/
http://www.cis.ohio-state.edu/hypertext/faq/usenet/fat-acceptance-faq/
http://www.cs.ruu.nl/wais/html/na-dir/fat-acceptance-faq/
(Note: The big-folks FAQ is listed separately at these locations.)
You can also get FAQs from rtfm.mit.edu via anonymous FTP or via the mail
archive server. For information about the mail server, send email to
mail-...@rtfm.mit.edu
with the word "help" (without the quotes) in the body of the message.
============================================================
B2) Posting information
This document is posted bi-weekly to alt.support.big-folks.
Stef Jones (st...@bayarea.net) maintains this FAQ.
============================================================
B3) Contributors
These are the people who contributed significant chunks to the FAQ:
Sasha Wood (Sasha...@cs.cmu.edu)
Eleanor Brown (ebr...@mac.cc.macalstr.edu)
Also, lots and lots of other people (too many to credit) contributed
information that appears herein, some via email and some on s.s.f-a
and a.s.b-f. Thanks to them all.
Suggestions for additions/improvements are always welcome.
Send suggestions to Stef Jones (st...@bayarea.net)
============================================================
Copyright 1995, 1996 by Stef Jones (st...@bayarea.net)
Permission is granted to copy and redistribute this article in its
entirety for non-commercial, educational use only, provided that this
copyright notice is not removed or altered. No portion of this work may
be sold, either by itself or as part of a larger work, without the
express written permission of the author. This restriction covers all
publication media, including electronic media.