Clothing for Big Folks: U.S. (FAQ)

[Stef Jones]

Posted-By: auto-faq 3.3 beta (Perl 5.003)
Archive-name: fat-acceptance-faq/clothing/us
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.

This document contains information about clothing for fat people in the
U.S. If you don't find what you're looking for here, try one of the
related FAQs (see question B1 for a complete list).
Note: This FAQ is very long. 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
June 1997
Added Triumph Hosiery, Birkenstock Express, Sensual Adventures, Soho
Woman on the Park, Kaufman's Tall & Big, Oddessy Martial Arts and
Medieval Supply Center, web site with wedding dress measurements.
Updated Lane Bryant, JC Penney, Decent Exposures, Silhouettes, Big
Stitches (review), By Ro Designs (review), Big Day at the Beach (new
phone number), JW Ramage (new web site).
Removed Above & Beyond (out of business).
July 1997
Updated Laughing Sisters email address, Ashley Stuart; added web site
that sells collar expanders.
Changed URL for Ripley Custom Shirtmaker. Added Jump In. Small update to
Peggy Lutz. Review of J. Jill.

============================================================

Contents

SECTION A: FAQ about clothing for big folks in the U.S.
A1) Where can I find clothing and shoes?
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?

This question contains an alphabetized list of all the large-size
clothing/shoes retailers I know of. 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

14 Plus (formerly 16 Plus)
[chain][women][supersize][casual][career][lingerie][sportswear]
Mall store.
One store's number: (215) 365-0499
Used to be owned by The Limited, which owns Sizes Unlimited
and Lane Bryant stores, but is now a separate company. Casual
to elegant clothing in sizes up to 32 and 4X. Fashionable,
very little dowdy stuff. They sell large-size lingerie and proper
denim jeans. They sell large-size underwear. They also sell
large-size petites. Good sales.

1824
[catalog][women][custom][unisex][outdoors][sportswear][shoes]
Arnott Mason Corporation
PO Box 293
Clifton, VA 22024
Phone: (703) 503-2916
Fax: (703) 425-1243
Women's riding clothes in big sizes -- breeches, riding sweats,
stretch jeans, Kentucky jods, t-shirts, sweatshirts; semi-custom
boots; half chaps and full chaps. (checked 2/97)

A Jalon Full Figured Women's Fashion
[catalog][internet][overseas][women][supersize][outdoors][career][outdoors][casual][accessories]
PO Box 751014
Forest Hills Station, NY 11375
Phone: (800) 316-2877
Email: geo...@jalon.com
Web site: http://www.jalon.com/
Sportswear, suits, and leisure wear, accessories, and men's
shirts. Coats in silk, leather, suede and fur-trimmed. Sizes
from 14/1X to 30/5X, also 34W and 36W. They use large-size
models.

A Personal Touch
[catalog][women][supersize]
1411 Broadway
New York, NY 10018
Phone: (212) 398-0007
Fax: (212) 398-1987
Tops to size 60, skirts to size 46, tunics to size 5X.

Absolute Woman
[catalog][women][lingerie]
15 NE 181st St
Portland, OR 97230

Abundant Fashions
[catalog][single][New Jersey][women][supersize][lingerie]
Belmar, NJ
Phone: (908) 988-0550
One of a kind fashions up to size 7X.

Added Dimensions
[chain][women]
Mall store.

Adini En Plus
[single][Rhode Island][women][casual]
725 Branch Ave
Providence, RI 02904
Phone: (800) 556-2443
Casual wear, sizes 1X-3X

Alice's Undercover World
[single][California][women][lingerie][custom][supersize]
Torrence, Calif.
Phone: (310) 326-6775
Bras and foundation garments. 28Ato 64Z and custom.

All Ashore
[single][Texas][women][swimwear]
7959 Broadway St #404
San Antonio, TX 78209
Phone: (210) 829-7813
Swimwear in sizes 16W-26W

All of Me
[single][Massachusetts][women][casual][sportswear]
7 Old South Street
Northampton, MA 01060
Phone: (413) 584-3474
Natural fiber and Danskin clothing.

All the Rage
[single][internet][women][lingerie]
5711 Kennedy Boulevard
North Bergen, 07047, NJ,
Phone: 800-515-1229
Web site: http://www.quikpage.com/A/alltherage
Midsize lingerie: lace t-shirts and gowns

Amazon Designs
[catalog][women][custom][petites][supersize][tall][shoes][career][casual]
[uniforms]
1473 Old Airport Rd.
Paris, Arkansas 72855
Phone: (800) 315-8332, (501) 963-6548
Fax: (501) 963-6536
Email: jh...@MAIL.CSWNET.COM
Clothing for big and tall women. Special catalog of nurse's
uniforms. Custom work ($20 pattern fee) and standard size chart,
1-9, to 84" hip. Jeans to blazers, broomstick skirts,
turtle-necks, custom rainwear and polar-fleece coats, denim
western wear, "Munro shoes" and sandals to 14ww. Embroidered
t-top, pant sets, sweatshirts. Custom embroidery. One person
reports: "The jeans are wonderful! Real denim (in blue or
black), front pockets, zipper, belt loops ... just regular
old-fashioned jeans. If they don't fit quite right when you get
them, she'll fix them."

America's Shirt Catalog
[internet][overseas][men]
Phone: (800) 259-SAVE
Web site: http://www.cottonshirt.com/
Button-down shirts up to neck size 22.

Ample Annie
[single][California][consignment][women]
717 Pacific Ave.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Phone: (408) 425-3838
Large-size consignment shop. Small store, but full of clothes at
great prices, both consignment and new. You need to shop there
often to get the great deals on consignment since good things
move very fast.

Ample Boutique
[single][Colorado][women]
Colorado Springs, CO

Ample Duds
[chain][unisex][women][men][supersize][sportswear]
Jeans up to size 60, T-shirts to 10X. Women's clothing to size
52 or 60.

Ana's Accoutremonts
[catalog][internet][men][women][custom][career][casual][costume]
[evening][accessories][wedding]
834 Pine Tree St
Slidell, LA 70458-4514
http://www.slidell.com/ana/
Custom-made period costumes, their design or yours, their fabric
or yours. Also custom-sized patterns. Custom men's wear, bridal
wear, and dresses.

Andee Unlimited
[catalog][women][wedding]
New address (2/97):
944 SE Sellwood Blvd.
Portland, OR 97202-5919
Phone: Reported not listed with phone company 03/97
(503) 292-5176
Sizes to 30.

Annette's Armoire
[single][Illinois][custom][women][evening][career][casual][outdoors]
27 E. Delaware
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: (312) 337-6706
Sizes 14-26. Original clothing, custom work. Special occasion
dresses, casual, and work clothes, coats, jean, jackets. Mostly
natural fabrics. One person complained that she had difficulty
returning an item and that another expensive item she bought was
sewn poorly and they gave her trouble about repairing it.

Annette's Fine Fashions
[single][California][women]
Southern California
Phone: (707) 528-8281
Sizes 14 and up

The Answer
[chain][women]
Mall store.
They carry clothes for significantly less (say, half the price)
than you'd find in a department store.

Anthony Richards
[catalog][women][evening][casual][career][lingerie]
6836 Engle Rd
PO Box 94503
Cleveland, OH 44101-4503
Phone: (800) 359-5933, (216) 826-3008, (216) 826-1712

Anya
[catalog][women]
70 James St
Worcester, MA 01603
Phone: (508) 791-8589
Fax: (508) 754-9331
Some clothes in larger sizes; the proprieter is open to carrying
more large sizes.

Apples and Pears
[catalog][overseas][women][supersize][casual][sportswear]
20488 SW Inglis Dr.
Aloha, OR 97007
Phone: Reported disconnected 03/97
(800) 475-5166, (503) 649-4601 in Oregon and overseas
Casual women's clothing -- tunics, coats, sweatshirts,
cardigans, knit tops and shorts. Much of the clothing has
embroidered designs. Sizes 1X-8X. Pricey, and they may charge
more for clothing in sizes 6X-8X. [checked 4/7/95]

Arlene's
[single][Massachusetts][women][supersize][swimwear][wedding][evening]
[lingerie]
100 Elm St
Salisbury, Ma 01952
Phone: (508) 462-6444
Best selection of everything and they will order things for you.
Hundreds of bathing suits, lots of wedding dresses you can try
on, party dresses, Renata B clothing, bras, etc.

Armand's
[catalog][women][supersize][lingerie]
219-A Elm
Reading, PA 19606
Queen-size panties, hips 48"-71", sizes 13-18.

Ashanti
[single][New York][women]
New York City
Clothes run the gamut of prices. Unique items (like
hand-painting on fabric). Gorgeous fabrics. High quality.
One-of-a-kind jewelry.

Ashley Stuart Woman
[chain][New York, Philadelphia][women][swimwear][lingerie][evening]
Chain store with outlets in New York and Philadelphia (and
possibly elsewhere). Clothing is a little more formal than Lane
Bryant's. Good service.

Astarte Woman by Design
[single][California][women][supersize][lingerie][casual][evening]
24582 Hawthorne Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90505
Phone: (310) 373-0638
Web site: http://www.astartewoman.com/
Family owned, clothing designed in-house. Expensive, but good
quality and good service! Sizes up to 32-34W. All kinds of
stuff, from casual wear to lingerie and holiday party dresses.
They have a mailing list and a great quarterly newsletter. They
also have a video catalog available for purchase, with a
discount coupon worth more than the purchase price of the video.

Attitudes and Lace
[catalog][internet][women][lingerie]
Phone: (800) 519-5568
Web site: http://shops.net/shops/SHOWCASE/
Catalog: $4.95, refundable from first purchase.
Lingerie in regular sizes and sizes 1X-4X. Large models on web site.

Auction Web Classifieds
http://www.ebay.com/aw/
Sometimes offers large-size clothing for auction.

August Max
[chain][women][petite][career][casual][lingerie]
Mall store.
Career and casual, small but dependable selection of
nightgowns/lingerie, some petites. Prices from moderate to
expensive. Excellent quality and service. Sizes 14-26.

The Avenue
[chain][women][casual][lingerie][sportswear]
Mall store.
Casual clothes, pantyhose (Gloria Vanderbilt in sizes up to 3 or
4X). Funky fashions and basic shorts/jeans/sweats. People seem
to disagree about what sizes they carry: some say to 24, some
say to 32. It may vary from store to store. Review 2/97: "Very
reasonably priced, silky little nightie things to size 32. The
Avenue/Sizes Unlimited (same store, just one is a mall name and
one is a strip mall name) used to be Lerner Woman, and used to
be part of The Limited group. (Lane Bryant is also owned by this
group.) They carry up to 30/32, unlike Lane Bryant. Also, they
have certain outfits that I find "younger" than LB. I like their
lines of underwear lots better than LB, too. [...] I've gotten
some of my best clothes there over the years." One woman likes
their pants selection better than Lane Bryant or Sizes Unlimited
because it is "height-proportional."

B.A. Mason
[catalog][women][men][shoes]
1251 First Ave.
Chippewa Falls, WI 54729-9981
Phone: (800) 457-9325, M-F 7-5 Central Time
Men's shoes up to 13EEE, women's shoes up to 12EE.

Baby Becoming
[catalog][women][maternity][supersize]
PO Box 7238
or
10 Nate Whipple Hwy
Michigan Bldg., 2d Flr. #5
Cumberland, RI 02864
Phone: 401-658-0688
Fax: 401-658-3008
Email: babybe...@igc.apc.org or bbca...@babybecoming.com
Web site: http://www.babybecoming.com/
Good customer service, friendly and inspirational owner --
Charlotte Bradley. Nice shirts, pants to size 8X. Some nice
nursing attire. Sizes 16-48, bras 30AA-60M. Baby slings.

Back to Basics II for plus sizes
[catalog][women][lingerie][sportswear]
1107 West Main St., #201
Durham, NC 27701
Phone: (919) 477-5669
Fax: (919) 477-6476
Small catalog of simple cotton and cotton-blend clothes and
underwear. Bike shorts, leggings, T-shirts, tights, socks,
underwear. Reasonable prices. Sizes 1X-4X.

Barbara Stone Designs
[single][California][women]
1800 Shasta St., Suite B
Redding, CA 96001
Phone: (916) 246-1927

Barb's Large & Lovely
[single][Missouri][internet][catalog][women][supersize][lingerie]
4928 Woodhaven, Jefferson City, MO 65109
Phone: (573) 761-5311, (888) 761-5311
Email: Linge...@aol.com
Web site: http://www.bll.com
Catalog $5
Plus and supersize lingerie to 8X. They use large and supersize
models, unlike a lot of the lingerie catalogs who use models who
are barely plus size.

Barely Nothings
[catalog][women][supersize][lingerie][sportswear]
1514 Grand Ave.
Grover Beach, CA 93433-2209
Phone orders: (800) 4-BARELY (800-422-7359)
Customer service: (805) 489-5591
Fax: (805) 489-5987
Email: barelyn...@worldnet.att.net
Web page: http://www.barelynothings.com
Catalog $3.
Regular size and mid-size lingerie -- stretch lace bustiers and
teddies, garter belts and stockings, baby doll nighties and long
silky gowns, faux leather bustiers and thongs, bare bosom
bustiers, French maid costumes, split crotch panties, fishnet
stockings. and a few other items (T-shirts, Danskin Bodywear,
etc.). Sizes up to 6X in some items, 4X in others. (Note: web
page seems to show only mid-size items.) They also sell bra
extenders, bustier extenders, and torso extenders (which
elongate the crotch section so as to better fit long
waisted/round bellied folks). (These items are also not
available on the web page.) Clothing is high quality and
telephone operators are helpful. Web page uses large models.
[checked 12/96]

Beautiful Skier
[catalog][sportswear][outdoors]
Phone: 800-638-3334
Ski wear in sizes 16-30.

Bedford Fair Lifestyles
[catalog][women][casual][career]
421 Landmark Dr
Wilmington NC 28410
Phone (800) 964-1000
Inexpensive casual and career clothes. About 1/3 of the styles
are available in women's sizes up to 28.

Beloff's Women's World
[catalog][women]
192 West Main St.
Meriden, CT 06450

Betsy & Co.
[catalog][women][maternity]
PO Box 1911
Philadelphia, PA 19105-1911
Catalog $2.
Sizes 1X-3X.

Big & Tall Outlet Store
[single][California][men][supersize][evening][casual][career]
1240 W. 7th St.
Upland, CA
Phone: (909) 946-7234
Warehouse-type place with racks of clothes at incredible prices.
Dress shirts up to size 21, sports shirts to 6X, pants to size
60 and higher.

Big Ass Sportswear (AKA Butson Company)
Out of business 4/97

Big Black Boots
[catalog][unisex][men][custom][shoes]
Phone: (619) 298-1973
Custom and stock leather boots for women and men. Sizes 2A to
16EEE, heights from 11" to 38" and custom-fitted leg and foot.
I think they specialize in "mannish" styles: engineer boots,
western-style boots, logging boots, etc.

Big Clothes For Big Men
[catalog][men]
Freda Rosenberg, Freda's Secrets
PO Box 2765
Philadelphia PA 19118
Directory of big men's catalogs.

Big Day at the Beach
[catalog][women][supersize][swimwear]
Phone: (909) 798-5228
Custom sizing. Good prices.

Big Guys
[single][New Jersey][catalog][men][supersize][evening][casual][career]
[sportswear][outdoors]
Locust Grove Plaza
1692 Clements Bridge Rd.
Deptford, NJ 08096
Phone: (800) 848-8255, (609) 848-8255
and
721 E. Landis Ave.
Vinland, NJ 08360
Phone: (609) 848-8255, (609) 696-0955
Good selection of dress and casual men's clothes with dress suit
sizes in stock up to 72, dress shirts up to 8x, jeans to 74, and
dress and casual pants to 74. Also bathrobes, underwear,
T-shirts, outerwear, etc. They will mail order within the U.S.

Big on Batik Sarongwear
[catalog][women][supersize][casual]
2649 Vista Way #8207
Oceanside, Ca 92054
Web site: http://www.bigonbatik.com
E-mail: mc...@jps.net
Email your mailing address for brochure.
Owner Cathy Miller writes: "I make cocoon jackets and flowing
tops out of washable rayon Indonesian batik sarongs. The jackets
fit all sizes up to at least 50, and the tops through about size
32 or so. Each piece is a one-of-a-kind garment."

Big Shots
[single][New York][women][supersize][casual][career][outdoors][swimwear]
[evening][lingerie][accessories]
182A merrick rd.
Lynbrook, NY 11563
Phone: 516-593-2900
Lingerie catalog: $6 to Large Encounters, PO Box 364, Island
Park, NY 11558-0364
Sizes to 60; all types of clothing, lingerie, accessories.

Big Stitches Swimwear
[catalog][custom][supersize][women][swimwear][sportswear]
2423 Douglas St.
San Pablo, CA 94806
Phone: (510) 237-3978
Send long self-addressed stamped envelope for catalog and
swatches.
Custom made large-size bathing suits. Basic suit is about $70.
Special fabrics, extra features $20 more. They also make bicycle
shorts and cover-ups to hip size 84 inches. Good service. One
person complained the suits don't hold up well in chlorine, but
that may depend on the fabric; they may also make suits out of
fabric you send them.

The Big, the Bad & the Beautiful
[single][California][custom][catalog][women][supersize][lingerie]
[casual][sportswear]
Main store:
19225 Ventura Blvd,
Tarzana, CA 91356
Phone: (818) 345-3593, (800) 347-3593
Fax: 818-345-1033
Outlet (discount) store:
29002 Roadside Drive
Agoura Hills, CA
Phone: 818-735-0706
Catalog $2 (credited to first order)
Sizes 14-32+. They also do custom work. Among other things, they
sell bike shorts and lingerie. Inexpensive.

Birkenstock Authority
[internet][unisex][shoes]
Phone: (800) 597-3338
Web site: http://www.birks4u.com/
Internet catalog of Birkenstock shoes. Free shipping. Many big
folks claim that Birkenstocks are good for wide feet.

Birkenstock Express
[catalog][internet][overseas][unisex][custom][shoes]
301 SW Madison St.
Corvallis, OR 97333
Phone: (800) 451-1459 U.S. and Canada; (541) 758-7631 Other Countries
Fax: (541) 752-6313
Web site: http://www.footwise.com
Searchable "sale corner" for folks to find bargains in their
size. Repairs on Birkenstock products and can custom fabricate
footbeds for folks whose feet are wider than the "norm".

Blair Women's Wear
[catalog][women][petite][swimwear][casual][career][lingerie]
220 Hickory St
Warren, PA 16366
Phone: (800) 458-2000 (orders), 800-458-6057 (customer service)
Sporty, casual, and career stuff, very middle-of-the-road,
mostly poly and/or cotton, to size 26 (51" bust, 45" waist, 54"
hip). They use thin models.

Blue Victorian Big & Tall & Pinmania
[single][California][unisex][supersize][sportswear]
1325 Columbus Ave. (near Fisherman's Wharf)
San Francisco, CA 94133
Phone: (415) 775-6909
Fax: (415) 346-4623
Two stores next to each other offer souvenir type printed and
embroidered T-shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants, and shorts in
extremely high quality cotton. Sizes up to 8X. T-shirt dresses
up to 22. T-shirts $15-$22, sweatshirts $25-$45. Nice to see a
funky tourist place catering to large folks.

Boutique Unique: Fashions for the Unique Woman, Sizes 18 to 8X
[single][Ohio][women][supersize]
Colony Square Mall
3575 Maple Avenue
Zanesville, OH 43701
Phone: (614) 453-1053, (614) 454-3886
Located 50 to 55 miles east of Columbus, Ohio on Interstate 7.
I understand it's the only large size store out in that area.

Bras Custom-Fit by Maxine
[single][Missouri][custom][women][lingerie][maternity][swimwear]
11104 E. Sheley, Independence, MO 64052 (near 30th & Sterling)
Phone: (816) 252-1899
Bras 28A-64N & Custom (some Maternity, Prosthesis, and Strapless
as well), Swimwear cup-sized. When calling, state that you found
her listed on the fat-acceptance clothing list on the Internet.

BridesMart
[chain][internet][wedding]
Web site: http://www.chron.com/ads/display/a/als/brides/bmpage.html
BridesMart has 16 Texas locations.

Brownstone Woman
[catalog][women]
685 Third Ave.
New York NY 10017-4024
Phone orders: (800) 221-2468
Customer service: (800) 322-2991
Sizes 14-28W. Somewhat expensive. They use thin models.
One person complained their sizing is inaccurate (too small),
some of their accessories are poor quality, and the colors in
the catalog photos were way off.

Bullock's Woman
[chain][women]
Nice clothes, designer labels, good quality.

Burlington Coat Factory
[chain][men][women][career][outdoors]
Women's coats up to at least 30W. Inexpensive. Men's coats up to
4X or so. Some locations also offer career/casual wear.

Bust Stop
[catalog][women][maternity][lingerie]
8270 E. 71st St.
Tulsa, OK 74122
Phone: (800) 858-3887
Catalog $2.
Bras up to 60-OO (double-O), including sports, strapless, and
maternity/nursing bras.

By Ro! Designs
[catalog][women][supersize][sportswear][casual][swimsuits]
New address: 567 W 5th St #1 San Pedro, CA 90731
Phone: (310) 221-0059
Fax: (310) 221-0307
Email: byrod...@aol.com
For brochure send a long SASE with $.55 postage
Active wear for plus- and supersize women to size 5X (36). Bike
shorts, unitards, sports bras, swimsuits, lycra dresses. Several
people reported extremely slow service (six to nine month
delays, unreturned phone calls) on clothing promised much more
quickly and paid for in advance.

COY
[catalog][women][accessories]
24843 Del Prado, Ste 249
Dana Point, CA 92629
Phone: (714) 496-7042
Catalog $1 (refundable with first order)
Large size bangles -- 8, 9, or 10 inches around.

Cabela's
[catalog][unisex][tall][supersize][sportswear][outdoors]
812 13th Ave.
Sidney, NE 69160
Phone: (800) 237-4444 (orders U.S. or Canada), (800) 742-4008
(catalog request)
Fax: 800-496-6329
TDD: 800-695-5000
Email: cab...@attmail.com
Web site: http://www.cabelas.com/
GoreTex parkas and pants up to at least 5XL. Many other items up
to 3XL in both big and tall sizes. Reasonable prices.

California Rainbow Tie Dye
[internet][unisex][sportswear]
John Holland
Email: jhol...@mcn.org
Web site: http://www.catalog.com/giftshop/tiedye/td.htm
Tie-dye shirts up to 3X.

Cameo Coutures, Inc.
[catalog][custom][women][lingerie][maternity]
Dallas, TX 75247
Phone: (214) 631-4860
They custom-make large-size bras. They are expensive (about $50)
but are very comfortable, well-made, and long-lasting, with no
underwires, so they won't poke you or stick out in funny places.
One woman (size 52DDD) reports that changing to Cameo bras
completely alleviated shoulder pain she experienced due to large
breasts and ill-fitting bras.

Carol Doda Boutique
[single][California][women][lingerie]
Lingerie boutique in San Francisco.

Castles Direct
[catalog][unisex][supersize][sportswear]
PO Box 690002
Houston, TX 77269
Phone: (618) 675-0121, (800) 424-1008
T-shirts up to 4X (some have fat-positive designs). The sizes
seem to run small.

Casual Male/Big & Tall
[chain][men][supersize][casual][career]
Web site: http://www.thinkbig.com/
Good customer service, nice stuff, reasonable prices. Sizes up
to 6X.

Catherine's
[chain][women][supersize][lingerie][evening][outdoors]
Mall store.
Upscale sister store of PS (see below). Boutiquey, concentrated
in the South and on the East Coast (they also have stores in the
Chicago area). Styles and quality can vary from store to store.
Moderately priced, good service. Nice, good quality lingerie,
nice formal evening wear, among other things. Also leather
bomber jackets. Sizes 14-26, and some up to 32 or 34, also up to
4X. The sizes run large, including the pantyhose and tights.

Cathy O
Mail returned 4/97

Cato Plus
[chain][women]
Mall store.

Chadwick's of Boston
[catalog][women][petite][casual][outdoors]
Phone: (800) 525-6650
1 Chadwick Pl Box 1600
Brockton, MA 02403-1600
Midsize women's clothing. One reader reported they have great
swing coats.

Charlene's Sportswear
[internet][unisex][supersize][casual][sportswear]
BKI PO Box 782 - Charlene's
Las Vegas NV 89125
Phone: (702) 695-3889
Fax: (702) 735-2309
Email orders: ke...@ultimate.org
Web site: http://www.ultimate.org/2531/2531a.html
Catalog $1
Sweats and jersey slacks/shirts to 12x.

Cheyenne Outfitters
[catalog][men][casual]
Cheyenne, WY
Phone: (800) 234-0432
All sizes of Levis 501s from tiny to huge. Many other "Western
styles" in big sizes.

Chico's
[chain][women]
There's one at Valley Fair Mall, Santa Clara, CA
Good quality, natural fiber clothes up to size 20/22.

Collar Expander
Web site: http://www.flash.net/~dollie/Collar_Extender.html
"Wonder Button" Collar Expander allows men to increase the neck
size of their shirts by 1/2 inch.

Color Me Big
[catalog][custom][women][supersize]
PO Box 9773
San Bernadino, CA 92427
Phone: (909) 887-8969
Catalog $3.
Sizes 16-60, custom work available.

The Company Store
[single][California][women]
Fillmore St.
San Francisco, CA.

Coole Designs (formerly Richman Cotton)
[catalog][men][women][casual][sportswear][costumes]
2631 Piner Rd
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
Phone: (707) 575-8924, 800-992-8924
Fax: 1-707-575-8924
Email: bco...@metro.net
Web site: http://www.metro.net/bcoole/designs/index.html
All-cotton, dyed-on-the-premises clothing in sizes from infant
to 3X. Shirts, skirts, dresses, long johns, cotton/lycra bike
shorts, leggings, and Renaissance costumes. Reasonable prices.
Can be slow to ship because they make some things to order and
dye in batches.

Coward Shoes
[catalog][shoes]
Phone: (800) 362-8410

Creative Woman
[single][California][custom][women][lingerie][maternity][costumes]
1530 S Myrtle
Monrovia, CA
Phone: (818) 358-6216
Nursing bras in sizes up to 46H, with extenders for larger band
sizes. Large-size bras (including Goddess Bras) and lingerie
(including g-strings). They carry costumes around the various
holidays. They do custom fitting.

Dallis Fashion
[single][New York][supersize][career][casual]
34 W 37th St
NY, NY 10018
Phone: 212-967-9744

Danskin Outlet
[catalog][chain][women][sportswear][lingerie]
Phone: (800) 288-6749
Bike shorts, leggings, sweatshirts, sweatpants, long and
short-sleeved T-shirts, jackets, and sports bras in sizes to 4X.
Clothes are well-made. They use large-size models. They don't
have a retail catalog, but they'll photocopy the plus-size pages
of their catalog for retailers and send them to you. (Danskin
sportswear is also available in a number of other large women's
clothing outlets, both retail and catalogs.) They pay shipping
for orders of $50 or more.

Daphne
[single][New York][custom][women][supersize][lingerie]
473 Amsterdam Ave.
New York, NY 10024
Phone: (212) 579-0479
Sizes 1X-5X, and custom sizes over 32. Good fabrics, nice
clothes, clothes run the gamut of prices.

David's Bridal
[chain][women][wedding]
National chain that carries large-size wedding and bridal party
dresses. One person had a very good experience with them.

Decent Exposures
[catalog][overseas][custom][supersize][women][maternity][lingerie]
PO Box 27206
2202 NE 115th
Seattle, WA 98125-1606
Phone: (800) 524-4949 (U.S./Canada), (206) 364-4540 (Seattle/overseas)
Fax (206) 364-0488
Email: requ...@decentexposures.com
Web site: http://www.decentexposures.com/
Maternity/nursing bras and leisure bras which "look like outerwear,
have no hardware and are quite comfortable." Cup sizes AA to K
and band sizes 30-58 or so, and custom sizes. Bras come in cotton,
velour, and lycra and in a number of colors (they will send
swatches). Elastic is covered. Follow their special sizing
instructions. The sizes run large. Some women think the bras
aren't supportive enough; some love them. They also sell underwear
up to size 12 in several styles, cotton or lycra leggings and
T-shirts to 4X, and cotton nightshirts to size 67 hip. If you
don't like how something fits, they will adjust it for free.
Excellent service.

Dehner Company, Inc.
[internet][catalog][unisex][shoes]
3614 Martha St.
Omaha, NE 68105
Phone: (402) 342-7788
Fax: (402) 342-5444
Email: in...@dehner.com
Web site: http://www.dehner.com/
Custom boots for riding, Trooper boots, Wellingtons, chukkas,
laced or strap tank boots, and oxfords. Excellent quality. Boots
are all custom and can be ordered to fit any size foot or leg.
Also have a nice style of riding boot with buckles down the side
instead of pulling straight on --- great if you have arthritic
ankles that don't flex well. Everyone I've talked to who has
custom Dehner boots says that they will last forever. They
aren't cheap, but are well worth the price.

Desert Rain Mercantile Co.
[catalog][women][supersize][sportswear][casual]
4705 N. Sanders Road
Tucson, AZ 85743
Phone: (800) 771-9771
T-shirts and pants with glittery Native American and
southwestern designs. T-shirts up to 5X, sweatshirts up to 4X.

Design by Batya
[internet][overseas][custom][women][supersize][tall][outdoors][casual]
[career][evening]
1200 Santee St. 208
Los Angeles, CA 90015
Phone: (213) 746-7844
Web page: http://www.batya.com
Designs for "tall, large, big, and super" women in fabric and
leather. Ships internationally. Accepts special, wholesale, and
retail orders for coats, suits, blazers, skirts, pants and other
fashion wear.

Designs by Phillippe
[catalog][women][supersize][evening][casual]
Phone: (800-9-KAFTAN)
Caftans, loungewear, and evening wear in plus and supersizes.

Deva Lifewear
[catalog][women][casual]
Box SM4
110 1st Ave., West
Westhope, ND 58793-0266
Phone: (800) 222-8024
Casual, natural-fiber clothing for men and women in unique
designs and attractive colors; many styles flatter larger
figures and shapes. Reasonable prices and good quality. Order
tops and bottoms that you want to match at the same time and
indicate that you want cloth from the same dye lot. Sizing may
be more generous than the size chart indicates; the woman's L is
about an 18. Nearly all unisex items (and some women's items)
come in XXL. Nearly all women's items come in XL.

Dion Jones
[single][Illinois][catalog][internet][women][petite][tall][supersize]
[outdoors][evening][career][casual]
Email: dion...@netpad.com
Web site: http://www.dion-jones.com/
555 W Roosevelt #7
Chicago, Il, 60607
Phone: 312-243-4333
Fax: 312-243-4592
Sizes to 7X, petite, average and tall. Coats, dresses, jackets,
pants, blouses. Web site uses large and older models. Moderate
to expensive.

Draper's & Damon's
[catalog][single][California][career][evening][casual]
17911 Mitchell Ave S
Irvine, Ca 92614-6015
Phone: 800-843-1174
Fax: 714-440-2968

Dream Big International
[catalog][women][lingerie]
4427 Wisconsin Ave. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20036
Catalog $3 (credited to first order)
Filmy night stuff.

Dream Dresser
[catalog][single][DC][California][men][women][lingerie]
Stores:
1042 Washington Avenue, N.W.
Georgetown, Washington, DC 20007
Phone: 202.625.0373
and
8444-50 Santa Monica Boulevard
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Phone: 213.848.3480
Catalog:
PO Box 16158
Beverly Hills, CA 90209
Phone: 800-96-DREAM
Web site: http://www.dreamdresser.com/
Catalog $10, refundable with first order.
Lingerie and sexplay wear for men and women, including stuff
made by Stormy Leather, in mostly regular sizes, but some items
go up to women's size 22. Web site uses thin models.

Dress Barn Woman
[chain][women]
Seconds/discount store -- the large size version of Dress Barn.
Cheap to moderately priced.

Drysdales Western Wear
[catalog][internet][overseas][single][Oklahoma][men][women][casual][shoes]
1555 N 107th East Ave.
Tulsa, OK 74116
Phone orders: (800) 444-6481, (617) 982-8681 (local/overseas)
Customer service: (800) 608-9800
Fax: (617) 982-8766
Web site: http://www.drysdales.com
Blue jeans, various styles and sizes, one style to 54-inch
waist. T-shirts to 2X. Cowboy and work boots, some to men's size
14-EE.

Eagleson's Outlet
[chain][men]
Large men's clothing.

Eddie Bauer
[catalog][men][women][casual][sportswear][swimwear][outdoors]
Phone: (800) 426-8020
Web site: http://www.ebauer.com/
Affiliated with Spiegel. Some women's clothing up to size 22W,
similar to that sold by L.L. Bean and Land's End. Women's
swimwear to 20 long and D cup. Some men's items up to 3X. They
don't charge extra for large sizes.

Electric Earth Gemstone Jewelry
[catalog][accessories]
1840 41st Ave., #102-149
Capitola, CA 95010
Y-necklaces of various lengths. Send SASE for brochure.

Elegance at Large
[single][California][custom][supersize]
Jamie Fox
San Diego
Phone: 619-285-9265
Designer who does custom work for plus and supersizes

Elegance Plus
[single][California][supersize][lingerie]
Phone: (213) 292-6283
Can order up to 6X or 8X.

Elianna
[catalog][women][supersize][tall][petite]
7758 Via Rosa Maria
Burbank, Ca 91504
Phone: 213-622-8868
Fax: 213-653-5585
Supersize clothing, tall and petite.

Elliot-Brown Boutique
[internet][catalog][women][evening]
PO Box 49338, LA, Ca 90049
Fax: 310-858-4993
Email: pfb...@prodigy.com
Web site: http://pages.prodigy.com/elliot-brown
Email your address for a catalog.
"Special occasion fashions" to 3X. The web site has been under
construction for months.

Elisabeth
[chain][women][petites][career][casual][evening]
Mall store.
Liz Claiborne's large sizes store. Sizes 14-22 (tell them you
want larger sizes!), some petites. Clothes are well-made and
somewhat expensive. Their service is attentive -- the saleswomen
follow you around the store pointing things out that you might
be interested in, holding clothes for you, helping you
coordinate. Their pants seem very well-made -- the one with
buttons at the waist all have two buttons so the waistband sits
nicely. Most have some elastic in the waist too.

Enchanted Attic
[single][California][unisex][costumes]
San Bernadino, CA
Phone: (909) 862-1170
Halloween costumes in sizes 1X-4X.

ER Moore Academic Apparel and Choir Robes
[supersize][uniforms]
1810 West Grace St.
Chicago, IL 60613
Phone: (312) 477-7277
Fax: (773) 549 4625
E-mail erm...@ripco.com
Web site: http://www.ermoore.com/
A poster reports: "All they asked was my height and weight (5'6"
and 450), and they provided me with a gown (size 509) that fits
beautifully. I also needed a larger cap, and they provided that
as well. The best part is that they didn't charge me any more
for mine than they did anyone else. (It was less than $20.)"

E.T. Wright Executive Shoes
[internet][catalog][men][shoes]
Phone: 800-934-1022
Web site: http://www.etwright.com
Men's shoes in sizes 6 to 16 and widths from AAA to EEEEE. Also
refurbish old shoes.

Exceptional Shop
[single][Maryland][women][wedding][evening]
529 N. Center St.
Cumberland, MD 21502
Phone: (301) 724-0624
Bridal as well as dressy/elegant.

Exclusive Appeal
[catalog][women][lingerie][sportswear]
4809 Avenue N, Ste 306
Brooklyn, NY 11234
Phone: (718) 604-9297
Catalog $7 ($5 refunded with first order)
Danskin Plus catalog (14-28), also lingerie.

Extra Emphasis
[catalog][women][supersize][lingerie][maternity]
PO Box 1725
Tahoe City, CA 96145
Phone: (800) 539-0030, 1-916-581-0848
Fax: (916) 581-5719
Bras in sizes 32-56, cup sizes C-H. Some prenatal, maternity,
and sports bras as well. Particularly recommended is the Leading
Lady Nursing Bra, model LL491.

FFVW
[catalog][women][lingerie]
PO Box 3374 R-4
Beverley Hills, Ca 90212-0374
Catalog $4.
Lingerie in sizes 16-26.

Fairy Godmother at Large
[single][California][catalog][consignment][women][supersize][lingerie][casual]
[sportswear][maternity]
153 E Fremont Ave
Sunnyvale, CA 94087
Phone: (408) 737-7684
Catalog $1.
New and used clothing in sizes 14-super. Women's jeans up to
size 60. T-shirts up to 72" around; big shirts up to 78" around;
panties up to size 16. Nylon pettipants up to 6X. They also sell
maternity clothes. In the past, some folks had bad experiences
giving them consignments. The proprieter, Marcia Shea, says she
has responded to these problems by improving her consignment
policies and hiring additional staff to handle consignments.

Fashion Bug Plus
[chain][women]
Mall store.

Fashion Connection
[casual] [catalog] [women]
N410 Thunderbird
Genoa City, WI 53128
Phone: (888) 251-4248

Fashionique
[internet][women][casual][evening]
Web site: http://www.fashionique.com/
Phone: 800-376-7180
Email: fashi...@aol.com
Custom designed decorated blouses and tuxedo shirts to 3X

Feminine Fancies Catalog Sales
[catalog][women][lingerie]
PO Box 96
Walterville OR 97489-0096
Phone: (503) 484-4040
Catalog $5 (credited to first order)
Plus-size leather catalog. Be sure to ask for the Plus Size
catalog, as they also have a small sizes catalog.

Femme Fancy
[single][California][women][supersize][wedding]
217 S. Ellsworth
San Mateo, CA 94401
Phone: (415) 340-8392
Plus and supersize wedding gowns.

Filene's and Filene's Basement
[chain][women]
Web site: http://www.maycompany.com/Stores/fi_contact.html (lists phone numbers for stores)
Department store with locations throughout the US East Coast.
Jones New York Woman clothing, and others. Sizes up to 24.

Fine & Fancy Lingerie
[women][lingerie]
(415) 861-4576
Intimate apparel for sizes 1X-5X

Fit To Be Tried
[catalog][women][sportswear]
4754 East Grant,
Tuscon, AZ 85712
Phone: 520-881-6449
Catalog $2.
Activewear up to 4X, including bicycle shorts.

Forgotten Woman
[chain][women][evening][lingerie]
Mall store.
Expensive, very dressy clothes, but good sales. Also beautiful
clothes based on ethnic designs with beadwork, batik, etc. Silk
nightwear.

Frank's Big & Tall
[chain][men][supersize][casual][career]
One store's info:
115 Franklin Turnpike
Mahwah, NJ 07430
Phone: (201) 529-5445

Frederick's of Hollywood
[catalog][overseas][chain][internet][women][lingerie][casual]
6608 Hollywood Blvd.
PO Box 229
Hollywood, CA 90078-0229
Phone: (800) 323-9525, (310) 637-7770 Customer Service
Fax: (310) 764-2988
Email: cust...@fredericks.com
Web site: http://www.fredericks.com/
An increasing selection of their lingerie and "trashy street
clothes" is available in sizes up to 3X (50-inch bust, 44-inch
waist, 52-inch hips). Some folks think the tops are too small,
some think the tops are too large. Good service. The clothing is
not especially well-made. Most of their clothes are made for
hourglass figures. They use thin models, even in the plus size
section of their web site.

Full Bloom
[catalog][women][supersize][casual][sportswear][lingerie]
185 South Pearl
Denver, CO 80209
Phone: (303) 733-6264
Catalog $2 (credited to first order)
Sizes 2x-12x T-shirts, sweatshirts, nightshirts, tank tops,
"fanny wraps".

Full Figure Design Company
[catalog][women][supersize][career]
490 S. Stone Mountain-Lithonia Rd., #59
Stone Mountain, GA 30088
Phone: (770) 413-9520

Glamour Puss
[catalog][women][supersize][swimwear]
Phone: (818) 357-7277

Gotcha Covered
[catalog][women][unisex][supersize][casual][sportswear]
PO Box 40443
Downey, CA 90241
Pants, T-shirts, etc. in sizes 1X-5X. Reasonably priced.

Great Changes
[single][California][women][supersize][sportswear][lingerie][casual]
[evening][swimsuits]
12516 Riverside Dr,
North Hollywood, CA 91607
Phone: 818-769-4626
"Wonderful Victorian style boutique with an equally wonderful
selection of avant guard, vintage, elegant clothes plus fun
stuff like leather vests, beautiful lingerie, great swimsuits
and a good selection of Danskin exercise wear." Their own line
of leather lingerie, as well as Stormy Leather lingerie. Sizes
to 6x.

Great Impressions
[catalog][women]
720 Anderson Rd.
St. Cloud, MN 56340

Greater Salt Lake Clothing Company
[catalog][outdoors]
Phone: 800-273-8700
Ski clothes up to size 30.

Greater Woman
[catalog][custom][women][supersize][career][casual][evening][swimwear][lingerie][accessories][outdoors][wedding]
10360 Ellison Cir.
Omaha, NE 68134
Phone: (800) 68-WOMAN
Seasonal video catalogs. Update: "They appear to be out of
business. I am a subscriber and have received no tapes for a
year and they have quit advertising. Their phone is still
active, but they appear to only be taking orders from old
tapes." (Jan 97)

GynoCentric Catalog
[catalog][unisex][supersize][sportswear][accessories]
PO Box 934
Santa Cruz, CA 95061-0934
Phone: (408) 457-4838
Email: dat...@blue.weeg.uiowa.edu (Dawn Atkins)
T-shirts (two designs, sizes small-10X) and jewelry that promote
body image diversity.

Gypsy Moon Enchantment Collection
[single][Massachusetts][internet][catalog][women][custom][evening]
[casual][lingerie][accessories]
1780 Mass Ave.
Cambridge, MA 02140
Phone: (617) 876-7095 (store), (800) 955-GYPSY (mail order)
Email: the...@tiac.net
Web site: http://www.gypsymoon.com/
Catalog $3.
Velvets and chiffons, faerie tale clothes. Definitely designed
for the romantic dreamer in us, these fashions include a
gorgeous floor length, hooded cape in silk velvet (the most
expensive item in the selection at $285), flowing skirts,
tunics, and shawls. My favorite skirt, described as looking "as
if it could be made of cobwebs and stardust," is actually made
of a more practical silk chiffon and costs right around $100. A
bit pricey, but these are exciting, unusual, and very feminine
and available in "bountiful" or custom sizes. Regarding large
sizes, they write: "We have found, in the last year, that our
Bountiful clientele is quite diverse. Rather than trying to make
clothes that are not going to fit you, we suggest you inquire
about the fashions you are interested in. We keep a very small
inventory to begin with, so many of our orders are made up when
we receive them. We only charge about $10 more on most Bountiful
items and this is truly because we tend to receive fabrics that
are not very wide and do in fact use more yardage for these
items. It is not a fat tax! So, please call us and let's see
what is possible."

Harper Greer
[single][California][women][casual][career][evening]
580 4th St.
San Francisco, CA 94107
Phone: (415) 543-4066, (800) 578-4066
San Francisco store. Expensive. Casual career to dressy. Clothes
made in the store, so they will be unique!

Hartfield's Plus
[single][Hawaii][women]
Maui, HI
Clothing similar to what Lane Bryant sells. Fashionable and
low-priced.

Heinz Gift Shop
[catalog][women][lingerie]
PO Box 18714
San Antonio, TX 78218
Phone: (210) 657-9421
Catalog $8 (refunded with first order)
Lingerie 1X to 4X.

Henri's Full Figure Boutique
[catalog][single][Colorado][women][supersize][career][wedding][evening]
1419 Krameria St
Denver, Co 80220,
Phone: 303-355-1811
Email: had...@csn.net
Web site: http://www.csn.net/~hadavis/henri2.htm
Lacy bridal and evening wear, suits. Some items in supersizes.
They use thin models.

High Places
[catalog][women][lingerie][accessories]
PO Box 4406
Highlands Ranch, CO 80126
Phone: (303) 791-1819
Corsets, jewelry, bustiers, lingerie, and bustiers. Sizes to
24-26.

Hitchcock Wide Shoes for Men
[catalog][men][shoes]
225 Beal St
Hingham, MA 02043
Phone: (617) 749-3571, (800) 992-WIDE
Email: hitc...@wideshoes.com
Web site: http://www.hitchcockshoes.com/
Men's shoes sizes 5-13, EEE through EEEEEE. Dress, casual,
athletic, outdoor, and work shoes, boots, slippers, rubbers,
sandals. Email address for free catalog.

H.L.S. Belts
[catalog][unisex][supersize][accessories]
4757 W. Park #106-410
Plano, TX 75093
Catalog $2
Belts in plus and super sizes.

Hot Off the Tour
[catalog][women][sportswear]
Phone: (800) 878-8189
They specialize in golf wear, but some of their stuff may also
be applicable to tennis and other sports. They are pricey (polo
shirt $68, twill shorts $56).

Hovis Jeans by Hoveland Mfg. Co.
[catalog][men][women][supersize][custom][casual][sportswear]
Box 1717
Cody, WY 82414
Phone: (307) 587-5233
Denim blue jeans (to 60" waist), vests, blazers, dusters, and
jackets. 1X to 5X - up to 60" waist & custom sizing. Hovis is
carried by a number of retail outlets, and catalogs, but if you
can't find them, they will sell to you direct.

I.Y.M
[catalog][women][lingerie]
PO Box 1482222
Chicago, IL 60614-8222
Catalog $3 (refunded with first order)
Lingerie up to size 4X.

In Full Swing
[single][California][women]
285 Sutter St., at Grant
San Francisco, CA
Phone: (415) 433-1564

Indulgence Lingerie
[catalog][women][lingerie]
Phone: (617) 893-1986

Intimate Appeal
[catalog][women][lingerie]
Arizona Mail Order Company, Inc.
PO Box 27800
Tuscon, AZ 85726
Phone orders: (602) 747-5000
Customer service: (602) 748-8600
Connected with Regalia (see below) but better selection.
Somewhat tacky nightgowns, pajamas, loungewear in sizes small to
3X. Good selection of bras in bigger sizes, some styles up to
48G. Reasonably priced.

Irene's Fashions at Large
[single][California][women][supersize][casual][career][evening][lingerie]
2939 Arden Way
Sacramento, CA 95825
Phone: (916) 483-1065
Pam Segalman is the owner. Irene's has been serving large women
for over 25 years. Sizes are 36-60. They carry everything from
career wear, evening wear, slacks, jeans, sweater, lingerie &
bras. Pam will ship items to customers.

It's A Secret Plus
[catalog][women][supersize][lingerie]
PO Box 5001
Englewood, CO 80155-5001
Phone: 800-390-3528
Catalog $3.
Sexy lingerie, also oils, lotions, books, etc. Sizes 1X-6X.
Average prices.

The J
[catalog][women][wedding]
Western Division
507 E. 10th
Spokane, WA 99202
Phone: (509) 624-4795
Bridal and bridal party gowns in sizes 2W-28W.

JC Penney's
[catalog][chain][women][men][kids][supersize][maternity][casual][career]
[outdoors][swimwear][lingerie][wedding]
PO Box 2021
Milwaukee, WI 53201-2021
Phone: (800) 222-6161
Web site: http://www.jcpenney.com
Their regular catalog has some large-size clothing, in
particular maternity clothing. They fill orders in a few days.
They are good about returns. You can return catalog merchandise
to their stores. Some folks have had problems ordering from JC
Penney's large size and kids' catalogs (for example, one person
complained that many items are sold out before the catalog even
arrives). Others have had good experiences. Their outlet stores
have good sales on women's and men's and maternity clothing and
offer clothing in women's sizes 28-30 and up.
CATALOGS OFFERED:
Bridal catalog (their larger stores have bridal departments).
Fashion Plus catalog
Women's jeans, casual and career dresses and separates,
suits, outerwear, swimsuits, leggings, and split slips.
Sizes 14W-34W, and also women's talls and petites.
Swimsuits up to size 26W. Several people say their sizes
run small. Report: "I think their quality is pretty
good. They have more what I would call dressey and
career type clothing and their spring issue also has
some ethnic prints. Their models, are a decent size,
bigger than some other women's catalog's models....they
also carry some of the Delta Burke Collection."
JC Penney's Big & Extra Tall Catalog
Basic men's clothes -- waists up to 60:, chests up to
64", necks up to 21", sizes to 4X or 5X. Dress slacks
with elastic or partially elastic waists.
Big Kids Catalog
Two catalogs a year (spring and fall), with girl's Plus
and Extra Plus sizes and boy's husky and shorter husky
sizes. Levi's Dockers, Union Bay, Bugle Boy, snow pants,
wind suits, denim and flannel shirts, the works. Fairly
thin models.
Maternity Catalog
Maternity outfits up to size 26, bras to 44DD,
maternity panties and pantyhose. Good quality, sized
well, somewhat limited selection, somewhat pricey.

J. Jill Ltd.
[catalog][women][casual][career]
PO Box 3006
Winterbrook Way
Meredith, NH 03253-3006
Phone: (800) 642-9989
Style described as "New England Country." About 2/3 of
merchandise is available in women's sizes to 28. Generous fit.
Dresses cost around $80 and two-piece items cost around $200.
Overnight shipping on in-stock items. Courteous service. One
woman wrote that she has worn their clothing for years. Another
wrote: "Sometimes they may not "upsize" their designs
correctly--for example, a sweater will be made wider for the
larger sizes, but not longer. Unfortunately, you never know when
you are going to have this problem, since they never use
plus-sized models in their catalogues." One woman wrote that the
clothing in the catalogs looked high-quality and "What I
especially liked was that most of the selections went from a
size 2 to size 3-4X--not special (read: uglier) selections for
larger sizes....They specialize in natural fibers and
comfort--slightly funky--yet definitely appropriate for work."

J. Silver
[chain][women][casual][shoes][lingerie]
Chain of clothing stores located in RI, MA, CT, NY and FL.
Plus size department in every store. Clothing, lingerie, and
shoes. Inexpensive, sexy clothes.

JW Ramage Catalog (formerly Nightlines Plus)
[catalog][women][supersize][lingerie][swimwear][casual][career]
[evening][shoes]
1007 Oak Hill Road, Suite B,
Lafayette, CA 94549-3805
Phone: (800) 715-PLUS (7587), (510) 284-7528
Email: 71117...@compuserve.com; dlaw...@compuserve.com
Web site: http://members.aol.com/jwramage
Lingerie and clothing in plus and supersizes; Danskin Plus; some
swimswuits. John Sun silks. Salon coat. Almost everything in the
catalog goes up to 4X, some up to 6X and larger. Boots in custom
calf sizes. Several folks commented on the pretty packaging and
helpful sales staff.

Jacobsen's
[chain] [casual] [career] [women]
PO Box 844
Jackson, MI 49204
Michigan department store with a plus size department. Pricey,
good quality.

Janette
[catalog] [lingere] [supersize] [women]
PO Box 26458
Tucson, AZ 85726
Phone: (520) 746-9474
Bras to 76 and cups to Z

Jasco Uniform Co.
[catalog][men][women][unisex][supersize][uniforms]
Phone: (800) 222-4445
Fax: (708) 291-7928
Uniforms in misses' sizes up to 20, women's sizes up to 32W/52,
unisex sizes up to 3XL. Women's scrubs up to 5XL (54-56). Men's
scrubs up to 5XL (chest 62-64, waist 56-58). They won't sell to
people in FL and five other states. UPS won't deliver for them.

Jean Nicole Plus
[chain][women]
Mall store.

J. Lumarel Corp.
[catalog][accessories]
801 So. University Drive, Suite C-110
Plantation, FL 33324
Phone: (800) 606-1816
Catalog $3 (refundable with order)
Longer length Y-necklaces in gold and silver.

Johansen Bros. Shoes
[single][catalog][men][women][shoes]
(800) 624-9079
1915 W Main
Corning, AR 72422
Hard to find shoes 5-13, A-EE

John Sun Silks Design Center
[single][California][women][custom][supersize][career][casual]
[evening][lingerie]
1600 E 29th Street, Signal Hill, CA
Phone: (310) 989-1242
Handpainted silk clothing, one-of-a-kind, designer originals,
shirts, separates. Rather expensive. JW Ramage also offers some
of his designs.

Judith Couturiere
[catalog][internet][custom][supersize][women][wedding][evening]
S. 1314 Grand Se. 2-252; Spokane, Wa. 99202
Phone: 800-483-5598, 509-624-4795
Fax: 509-624-4795
Email: Jud...@wasuper.net
Web page http://www.wasuper.net/judith
Two lines of bride and bridesmaid gowns, to size 28-30, priced
from $100.

Jump In
[single][New York][women][supersize][lingerie]
46 W 14th St
New York, NY 10011
Phone: (212) 352-1777
Supersize as well as regular sized lingerie (wholesale to the
public). Example: royal blue silk camisole with beaded lace
applique in 5X is $5.99.

Junonia for Active Women
[catalog][women][supersize][outdoors][sportswear][swimwear][lingerie]
The Minnesota Building, Suite 216
46 East Fourth Street
St. Paul, MN 55101
Phone: (800) 671-0175
Email: 1800j...@worldnet.att.net
Web site: http://www.Junonia.com/
Sportswear from Danskin and other brands. Swimwear to 4X. Bike
shorts, great sports bras, support panties, lots of T-shirts and
leggings, tennis skirt, and ski wear. All clothes available in
sizes 14-26; many items, and all of Junonia's own brand, to a
roomy size 32. Sports bras 38-48 DD, 46 EE/F. They say they will
be carrying sports bras to 50s. Good service (although one order
was not delivered when promised) and good quality. Their web
site offers discount specials.

Just Big Sportswear
[catalog][unisex][supersize][sportswear]
4700 Rozzelles Ferry Rd.
Charlotte, NC 28216
T-shirts up to 10XL. Also sweats, dorm shirts, and hooded
shirts.

Just My Size
[internet][catalog][women][supersize][lingerie][sportswear][casual]
PO Box 748
Rural Hill, NC 27098-0748
Phone orders: (800) 522-9567, (910) 635-3447
Customer service: (800) 522-0889
Email: Hane...@saralee.net
Web site: http://www.justmysize.com/
They don't ship to Canada.
Pantyhose up to super sizes. Some people have complained that
their pantyhose aren't sized right for pear shaped bodies, feel
rough against the skin, and tend to bag at the knees and ankles.
Bras: Bali, Playtex, JMS and other brands, up to 50DDD or so.
Panties to size 14. Inexpensive casual and sports clothes to 4X.
Their sweatshirts are generously sized and comfortable. Lately
the models seem to have been getting smaller, and haven't seen
any disabled models in the last few catalogs.

Just Right
[catalog][women][swimwear] [midsize]
30 Tozer Rd.
PO Box 1020
Beverly, MA 01915-0720
Phone: (800) 767-6666
Sizes to 26

Kaufman's Tall & Big Men's Shop
[chain][Colorado][Washington][internet][men][supersize][tall][career]
[casual][shoes][evening][outdoors]
Two locations:
3395 South Broadway
Englewood, Colorado 80110
Phone: (303) 761-6000; (888) 761-8255
Fax: (303) 761-3395
and
10707 N. E. Fourth Street
Bellevue, Washington 98004
Phone: (425) 453-8255; (888) 761-8255
Fax: (425) 453-8181
Web site: http://www.kaufmans.com
Email: s...@kaufmans.com
No printed catalog.
Men's clothing to sizes 5LT and 5X (60-inch waist).

K Mart
[chain][men]
Department store.
Big men's clothes.

Kathleen's Full-Size Fashions
[single][Washington][women][supersize][casual][lingerie][accessories]
[sportswear][outdoors][evening][wedding]
In Seattle's Ballard district, near Market street, across
from the original Ballard Computer.
Jeans, sportswear, separates, dresses, including wedding
dresses. Sizes 14-32+. Many styles in limited size range: i.e.,
1x-3x, 1x-4x, or 4x-6x. No shoes or business suits. Not much
variety in bras or panties. Styles range from casual to
fashionable to funky to elegant to sexy. One reader buys most of
her clothes there.

Kay Largo Custom Sized Jewelry & Accessories
[internet][men][women][unisex][custom][supersize][outdoors][accessories]
[coats][costumes]
PO Box 7088, Huntsville, AL 35807
Phone: 205-518-9413
Fax: 205-518-9415
Email: Ka...@ro.com
Web site: http://www.kaylargo.com
Custom-sized jewelry (including eyeglass keepers, tummy chains,
and jewelry for the feet) and leather jackets and chaps in large
sizes (some to 70).

Key Industries
[men][supersize][sportswear]
Phone: (800) 835-0365
Bib overalls to about a 66" waist.

King Size
[catalog][men][supersize][casual][swimwear][outdoors][career]
PO Box 8385
Indianapolis, IN 46283-8385
Phone orders: (800) 846-1600
Fax: (800) 682-8109
TDD: (800) 682-8095
Tall and big men's clothing: T-shirts up to 9XL for $14.95. Cotton
draw-string pants, turtlenecks, overalls, shorts, swimsuits.
Inexpensive. Large-size unisex rain gear, extra-large umbrellas,
ties, and fanny packs. Levis up to 60" waist.

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)

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.

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. Carefully tailored, natural fibers, dyed to order
(so sometimes you have to wait a while), high quality. Good
source of basics. Some pants, dresses, and shirts are available
in petite and/or tall sizes. Some folks feel they aren't
sufficiently responsive to supersize needs; other folks think
they do a good job. They use large models. Pretty colors. They
have their own size chart. Their clothes seem to be long enough
for tall women. "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." One person said that the environmentally
friendly dyes are not color-fast, but another had no problem
with clothing fading quickly.

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

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.

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.

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. Sizes run larger than
in LB. Women's sizes 38-60. Some unattractive pieces. Some random
sexy pieces. Cute casuals. Nice coats. Swimsuits. See the Lane
Bryant entry for more information. There have been complaints
that Roaman's is unresponsive to the need for larger women's
sizes, but at the same time they have offered men's clothing
that is larger than the women's clothing they offer.

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/
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.

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.

Strom's Big & Tall Clothiers
[single][California][women][men]
5801 San Pablo Ave.
Oakland, CA
Phone: (510) 653-3198
Women's clothing (sizes 12-26) and men's clothing.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 entry above.

Beautiful Babes
6705 N. Seneca
Portland, OR 97203
Phone: (503) 286-1119
Catalog $2.
Easy-to-sew collection of patterns for dresses, blouses,
blazers, pants, ponchos, jackets, swimwear, lingerie, and more.
Sizes 38-72. A poster writes: "Laura, the owner, is real nice
and we discussed fitting problems etc etc and the dress I made
from her pattern is wonderful. They also have programs now where
you can make your own patterns from an ibm compatible computer.
They run $100-150." and "Laura's patterns are mostly casual."

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
2229 NE Burnside, Suite 305
Gresham, OR 97030
Phone: (503) 665-3125
Catalog $1
Sewing patterns, career, casual, separates, sweats, exercise,
uniforms and lingerie. Patterns in women's sizes 38-60. Nice
patterns.

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

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.