Clothing for Big Folks: U.S. (FAQ)
Sasha Wood
Version: 2.4
Last-modified: June 08, 1995
Posted-By: auto-faq 3.1.1.2
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).
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Changes from Last Version
* Added/modified info on catalogs: Danskin.
* Added/modified info on stores: The Avenue, Elisabeth, Jean Nicole
Plus, Macy's Woman.
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Contents
SECTION A: FAQ about clothing for big folks in the U.S.
A1) How do I convert between sizes?
A2) Where can I find clothing for women?
Part 1) Clothing brands for women
Part 2) Clothing catalogs for women
Part 3) Retail clothing for women
Part 4) Maternity clothing
Part 5) Wedding dresses
A3) Where can I find clothing for men?
Part 1) Clothing brands for men
Part 2) Clothing catalogs for men
Part 3) Retail clothing for men
A4) Where can I find children's clothing?
A5) Where can I find shoes?
A6) Where can I find sewing/knitting patterns?
A7) Where can I find spectacles?
SECTION B: Information about this FAQ
B1) Are there other related FAQs?
B2) Posting information
B3) Availability of the FAQ
B4) Contributors
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SECTION A: FAQ about clothing for big folks in the U.S.
A1) How do I convert between sizes?
Here are some conversions between European, U.K., and U.S. sizes:
women's dresses and suits
U.K. size is 2 more than U.S.
European size is 30 more than U.S.
i.e., UK 28 = US 26 = Euro 56
women's shoes
U.K. sizes are 1.5 less than U.S.
i.e., UK 8 = US 9.5
men's suits and coats
U.K. sizes are the same as U.S.
European sizes are 10 more than U.S./U.K.
i.e., UK 56 = US 56 = Euro 66
men's shirts
U.K. sizes are the same as U.S.
i.e., UK 20 = US 20
men's socks
U.K. sizes are the same as U.S.
i.e., UK 10.5 = US 10.5
men's shoes
U.K sizes are 1 less than U.S.
i.e., UK 10.5 = US 11.5
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A2) Where can I find clothing for women?
A2) Part 1) Clothing brands for women
Capistrano
Complaint of cheap manufacture.
Citiculture
Fancy "garden party" dresses up to 4X (sizes run large).
Elisabeth
Liz Claiborne's plus sizes line. Expensive, but good quality.
Sizes 14-22.
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.
Hanes Her Way
Large size sweatpants and sweatshirts.
Jockey for Her
All-cotton underwear in three styles up to at least size 11.
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.
Sharon Anthony
Two Potato
A2) Part 2) Clothing catalogs for women
1824
Arnott Mason Corporation
P.O. 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.
Amazon Designs
1473 Old Airport Rd.
Paris, AR 72855
1-501-963-6548
Catalog $4, refunded with first order.
Clothing for big and tall women. Career clothes. [checked
4/7/95]
Anne Terrie Designs
129-R Derby Blvd
Harrison, OH 45030
(513) 367-6960
(513) 367-6194 (fax)
1-800-774-6898
Catalog $3, refunded with first order.
Swimwear, 1 and 2 piece styles, sizes 14W-26W (2 styles to
28W).
Apples and Pears
20488 SW Inglis Dr.
Aloha, OR 97007
1-800-475-5166
1-503-649-4601 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]
Back to Basics II for plus sizes
1107 West Main St., #201
Durham, NC 27701
1-919-477-5669
fax: 1-919-477-6476
Small catalog of simple cotton and cotton-blend clothes and
underwear. Bike shorts, leggings, T-shirts, tights, socks,
underwear. Reasonable prices. Sizes 1X-4X.
Barely Nothings
897 Park Blvd., Suite 163
Pismo Beach, CA 93449-3293
1-800-422-7359 (orders)
1-805-489-5592 (customer service)
Catalog $3.
Lingerie and a few other items (T-shirts, Danskin Bodywear,
etc.) Sizes up to 6X in some items, 4X in others.
Beloff's Women's World
192 West Main St.
Meriden, CT 06450
The Big, the Bad & the Beautiful
19225 Ventura Blvd,
Tarzana, CA 91356
1-818-345-3593
1-818-345-1033 (fax)
1-800-347-3593
Catalog $2. (Credited to first order.)
Sizes 14-32+. They also do custom work for a nominal fee.
Among other things, they sell bike shorts and lingerie.
Big Stitches Swimwear
2423 Douglas St.
San Pablo, CA 94806
1-510-237-3978
Send self-adressed envelope.
Custom made large-size bathing suits. Will make extremely
large sizes as well. Basic suit is about $70. Special
fabrics, extra features $20 more. And they also make bicycle
shorts.
Body by Rubens
1-800-935-0355
Reputed to have large-size bicycle shorts for women.
Body Image Task Force
Contact: Dawn Atkins (dat...@blue.weeg.uiowa.edu)
P.O. Box 934
Santa Cruz, CA 95061-0934
1-408-457-4838
They sell T-shirts and jewelry that promote body image
diversity. They sell "All Women Are Beautiful" T-shirts that
come in two designs, sizes small - 10X.
Sue Brett
Dept. A
Indianapolis, IN 46207
Sportswear, dresses, lingerie, shoes, in misses' 10-24,
women's 34-52. Half sizes also.
Brownstone Woman
685 Third Ave.
New York NY 10017-4024
1-800-221-2468 (orders)
1-800-322-2991 (customer service)
Sizes 14-28W. Somewhat expensive. They use thin models.
Bust Stop
8270 E. 71st St.
Tulsa, OK 74122
1-800-858-3887
Catalog $2.
Bras up to 60GG, including maternity/nursing bras.
Cabela's
812 13th Ave.
Sidney, NE 69160
1-800-237-4444 (U.S. or Canada)
Gortex parkas and pants up to at least 5XL. Many other items
up to 3XL in both big and tall sizes. Reasonable prices.
[checked 4/7/95]
Cameo Coutures, Inc.
Dallas, TX 75247
1-214-631-4860
They make custom-made large-size bras. They are expensive
(about $50) but are very comfortable and well-made and
long-lasting. They don't have 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.
Castles Direct
P.O. Box 690002
Houston, TX 77269
1-800-424-1008
T-shirts up to 4X (some have fat-positive designs). The sizes
seem to run small.
Cathy O
2101 West Alice Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85023
1-800-878-2086
Sizes 16-34.
Color Me Big
PO Box 9773
San Bernardino, CA 92427
1-909-887-8969
Sizes 16-60, custom work available.
Danskin Plus
1-800-288-6749
They don't have a retail catalog, but since their "plus-size
customers have such a hard time finding Danskin clothing"
they'll photocopy the plus-size pages of their catalog for
retailers and send them to you. They have stuff up to size 4X
-- bike shorts, leggings, sweatshirts, sweatpants, long and
short-sleeved T-shirts, jackets, and sports bras. Their
outlet stores also carry items up to 4X.
Decent Exposures
P.O. Box 27206
2202 NE 115th
Seattle, WA 98125-1606
1-800-524-4949 (U.S. or Canada)
1-206-364-4540 (Seattle or overseas)
Bras, underwear, nightshirts.
Bras "look like outerwear, have no hardware and are quite
comfortable.... Come in a variety of colors", cup sizes AA to
K and band sizes 30-58 or so. They make maternity/nursing
bras. They make leisure-style bras, so they may be less
supportive, but the fabric of the bra makes a difference
(lined lycra is most supportive, cotton is not recommended for
large sizes). You can get them in cotton, velour, or lycra,
and in a number of different colors. Follow the sizing
instructions carefully, they may be somewhat different than
regular sizing. (The sizes run large.) They also sell
underwear up to size 12 in cotton, lycra, and velour. If you
don't like how something fits, they will adjust it for free
(deepening the armholes, re-cutting the legs, etc.). They
also have leggings up to size 4X (36 or so).
Desert Rain
4705 Sanders Road
Tucson, AZ 85743
1-800-771-9771
Designs by Phillippe
1-800-99KAFTAN
Kaftans, loungewear, and evening wear in plus and super sizes.
Deva Lifewear
Box SM4
110 1st Ave., West
Westhope, ND 58793-0266
1-800-222-8024
Limited selection of casual, cotton and silk clothing in large
sizes. They sell cotton pantaloons.
Dream Big International
4427 Wisconsin Ave. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20036
Catalog $3. (Credited to first order.)
Filmy night stuff.
Eddie Bauer
1-800-426-8020
Clothing up to size 22W. Similar to that sold by L.L. Bean
and Land's End.
Elianna
1-213-653-5585 (this appears to be a fax number)
Super size, tall and petite.
Entrance
PO Box 11627
Marina Del Rey, CA 90295
1-800-800-2394
Conservative work and party clothes in sizes 14-35 and 1X-5X.
Polyester and rayon fabrics. A little pricey.
Fairy Godmother at Large
133 S. Murphy Ave.
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
1-408-737-7684
Run by Marcia Shea (fair...@aol.com)
New and used clothing in sizes 14-super. Women's jeans up to
size 60. Tee-shirts up to 72" around, big shirts up to 78"
around. Panties up to size 16. Also nylon petit pants up to
6X. Some folks have had bad experiences giving them
consignments. (Checks have taken a long time to arrive,
checks have bounced, there hasn't been nice clothes for them
to take in exchange for consignments, the proprietor has not
gotten back to them in a timely fashion.)
Feminine Fancies Catalog Sales
P.O. Box 96
Walterville OR 97489-0096
1-503-484-4040
$5 catalog, credited to first order
Plus-size leather catalog. Be sure to ask for the Plus Size
catalog as they also have a Small Size catalog.
Fit To Be Tried
4754 East Grant,
Tuscon, AZ 85712
$2 catalog.
Active wear up to 4X. They sell bicycle shorts.
For Play Lingerie
540 N. Santa Cruz Ave.
Los Gatos, CA 95030
1-800-464-8300
Sizes 18-26
For You
Spiegel
1040 W 35th St.
Chicago, IL 60609-1494
1-800-345-4500 (orders) 24 hours, 7 days
1-800-422-6697 (FAX)
1-605-348-8100 (customer satisfaction)
1-605-348-8998 (order questions)
1-800-645-7467 (retail locations)
A large size (14-24) offshoot of Speigel. Very classy
clothes, but somewhat pricey. Sizes 14-26, 1X-3X. They have 10
retail locations, (in IL, MI, VA, MD, MO, CT), call for info.
They have winter coats up to 24 or 26W.
Frederick's of Hollywood
6608 Hollywood Blvd.
P.O. Box 229
Hollywood, CA 90078-0229
1-800-323-9525 (24-7)
An increasing selection of their lingerie is available in
sizes up to 3X (24-26W). Some folks think the tops are too
small, some think the tops are too large. Good service. The
clothing is not especially well-made, which doesn't matter so
much for lingerie, but may be a problem if you want "trashy
street clothes".
FSA Plus Women
60 Laurel Haven
Fairview, NC 28730
1-800-628-5525
Pants, skirts, shorts, stirrups, leggings in sizes 1X-6X.
Tops, dresses, and A-lines in 1X-8X. They do custom orders
with a one-time $10 pattern fee. Nice clothes.
Full Bloom
185 South Pearl
Denver, CO 80209
1-303-733-6264
Catalog $2. (Credited to first order.)
Sizes 2x-12x shirts, nightshirts, tank tops, "fanny wraps".
Gotcha Covered
PO Box 40443
Downey, CA 90241
Pants, T-shirts, etc. in sizes 1X-5X. Reasonably priced.
Great Impressions
720 Anderson Rd.
St. Cloud, MN 56340
Greater Woman
10360 Ellison Cir.
Omaha, NE 68134
1-800-68WOMAN
They send out four seasonal video catalogs a year. (Each
mailing includes a 1 hour fashion show, newsletter, clothing
directory, and individual manufacturer's sizing charts. First
one includes a 100" tape measure.) Call for details on how
much the videotapes cost (about $10, refunded with your
order). They sell career wear, casual and dressy clothing,
lingerie, bridal wear, swim wear, coats, jewelry,
wallet-purses, fanny packs, hats, overwear, leather coats, and
accessories in sizes 14 - supersize. Moderate prices. They
use large-size models. Clothing has a 30 day money back
guarantee, and the company covers return shipping. They have
gorgeous clothes, they do custom-fitting, they have a large
in-stock inventory, they have fantastic customer service.
Good quality merchandise, a little pricey but more than worth
it.
Hot Off the Tour
1-800-878-8189
Sportswear catalog. 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).
I.Y.M
P.O. Box 1482222
Chicago, IL 60614-8222
Catalog $3, refunded with first order.
Lingerie up to size 4X.
Intimate Appeal
Arizona Mail Order Company, Inc.
PO Box 27800
Tuscon, AZ 85726
1-602-747-5000 (orders)
1-602-748-8600 (customer service)
Connected with Regalia (see below) but have more 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.
It's a Revolution
1870 N. Vermont Ave. Dept 530
Los Angeles, CA 90027
213-661-1431
Clothing for men and women using African kente cloth.
Standard stock is up to 5X, and he will go larger on special
orders.
It's A Secret Plus
PO Box 5001
Englewood, CO 80155-5001
Catalog $3.
Sexy lingerie, also oils, lotions, books, etc. Sizes 1X-6X.
Average prices.
J.C. Penney's
1-800-222-6161
Their regular catalog has some large-size clothing, and, in
particular has large-size maternity clothing. They fill
orders in a few days. They also have a separate large-size
catalog with jeans, overalls, coveralls, dress pants,
T-shirts, work shirts, and dress shirts in plus and super
sizes. Pants go up to W54 (sometimes W56), and shirts go up
to 5X. And they have a reasonable selection of women's
petites. They also carry large size coats, but their sizes
run small. They carry cotton leggings and split slips. You
can return catalog merchandise to their stores.
J. Jill
P.O. Box 3006
Winterbrook Way
Meredith, NH 03253-3006
1-800-642-9989
Style described as "New England Country". About 2/3 of
merchandise is available in women's sizes Generous fit.
Overnight shipping on in-stock items.
Jalon Enterprises
P.O. Box 750355
Forest Hills Station
Forest Hills, NY 11375
1-800-316-2877
Coats in silk, leather, suede and fur-trimmed. Sizes from
14/1X to 30/5X, also 34W and 36W. They use large-size models.
Jasco Uniform Co.
1-800-222-4445
1-708-291-7928 (fax)
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).
(Also have men's scrubs.) They won't sell to people in FL and
five other states. Something about UPS won't deliver for
them.
Just Big Sportswear
4700 Rozzelles Ferry Rd.
Charlotte, NC 28216
1-804-391-3000
T-shirts up to 10XL. Also sweats, dorm shirts, and hooded
T-shirts.
Just My Size
P.O. Box 748
Rural Hill, NC 27098-0748
1-800-522-9567 (orders)
1-800-522-0889 (customer service)
1-910-635-3447 (orders) though they "don't ship to Canada"
They sell lingerie - Bali, Playtex, JMS and possibly other
brands (up to 46DDD or so). 100% cotton panties up to size
12. And pantyhose. And pettipants (split slips). And Hanes
Her Way sweatpants/shirts. And lycra shorts up to 3x. Also
have inexpensive casual clothes up to about 4X. They use
large models and also disabled models.
L.L. Bean
Freeport, ME 04033
1-800-221-4221
Women's sizes to 20. Great quality, ships FedEx in
continental US for no extra charge. Service varies, sizes may
run small, abide by their measurements.
Lady Grace
1-800-922-0504
Land's End
1 Land's End Ln.
Dodgeville, WI 53595
1-800-356-4444
Some of the clothing (including bathing suits) in their
regular catalog goes up to 20W. Let them know you want larger
sizes. They recently 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
P.O. Box 8301
Indianapolis, IN 46283-8301
1-800-477-7070 (orders)
1-800-477-7030 (other questions)
The catalog is not affiliated with the retail stores.
Selection is somewhat frumpy, but they do have strapless bras.
Good sales. Some people think clothing quality is good, some
disagree. Misses' sizes 14-20, women's sizes 36-60. Soft-cup
bras that aren't underwires and don't give you a monobosom
look. They use thin models.
Large and Luscious
P.O. Box 36344
Richmond, VA 23235
Catalog $10.
Teddies, gowns, bustiers up to 4X.
Laughing Sisters
Seattle, WA
They make and sell unusually high quality nightgowns of their
own design. Similar to the full old-fashioned gowns of the
past. Extremely full and graciously gathered with set-in
sleeves. Sizes up to supersize, and they will custom-make.
Superb and glorious, well-constructed and high-quality.
The Lerner Woman
P.O. Box 7211
Indianopolis, IN 46207-0211
Misses' sizes 12-24, women's sizes 34-54.
LEL - Long Elegant Legs
P.O. Box 1290
Somerville, NJ 08876
1-800-344-2225 (orders)
1-800-344-2235 (customer service)
1-908-359-0691 (fax)
Clothes for tall women, up to size 22.
Lillian Lavergne Designs
7401 Lunar Dr.
Austin, TX 78745
1-800-416-0063
Slips and camisoles in sizes XS to 10X. Prices around $40.
Making It Big
501 Aaron St.
Cotati, CA 94931-3062
1-707-795-1995
Excellent clothes, can be dyed to order. They have a small
selection of women's petites. Some folks feel they aren't
sufficiently responsive to super-size needs. Other folks
think they do a good job. They use large models. Interesting
clothes in pretty colors. Dresses, pants, tops, career
clothes. They have their own size chart that corresponds to
new women's (14W to 32W) and traditional women's (32-70)
sizing. Sizes up to about 3-4X (sizes 32-70), and they're
looking at adding a size 5 (72+) to their line. [checked
4/26/95]
Marilyn's
PO Box 1117
Santa Maria, CA 93456
1-800-462-4447
Lingerie in sizes 1X-$x. A little pricey.
Miss M.
4470-107 Sunset Blvd, Suite 131
Hollywood, CA 90027
"Slutwear" in sizes 1X-6X. Possibly no longer in business
(3/7/95).
NAAFA Feminist SIG
Lynn Meletiche
2065 First Ave. #19-D
Dept. RM
New York, NY 10029
(212) 721-8259
They sell large-size hospital gowns (allow 4-6 weeks for
delivery).
Nancy's Choice
Indianopolis, IN 46201
Misses' sizes 10-20, women's sizes 36-46, also shoes.
National Wholesale Co.
400 National Blvd.
Lexington, NC 27294
1-704-249-0211
Pantyhose by the dozen at reasonable prices. Several
queen-size styles. Also truly non-run pantyhose in large (up
to 200 lbs) but not queen sizes.
Naturally Yours
P.O. Box 86481
Portland, OR 97286
3405 SE 63rd St.
Portland, OR 97206
1-503-777-1027
Leggings in sizes 1X-4X
New Look
1-800-998-1985
Tall and BBW.
Newport News
Avon Lane
Hampton, VA 23630-1244
1-800-688-2830
1-804-827-9000 customer service
Formerly Avon Fashions. Casual clothes. Some of their
stuff goes up to size 16, 18, 20, 2X.
Nightlines Plus
PO Box 442
Lafayette CA 94549-0442
1-800-715-PLUS
1-510-284-7528
Lingerie in plus and super sizes.
Original Jo's
8766 Wicklow Lane
Dublin, CA 94568-1149
1-800-352-9156
T-shirts decorated with sayings or picutres. Sizes 1x-8X.
Parsinen Design
1011 Boren Ave., Suite 178
Seattle, WA 98104
Tel: (206) 329-4761
Fax: (206) 329-0944
1-800-422-5808
Prairie Rose Lingerie
Vendredi Enterprises
P.O. Box 220
Camas Valley, OR 97416
1-503-445-2330
Catalog $10, refunded with $50 order
Lingerie in sizes 40-46, variety of colors, fabrics, and
styles. Large-size models.
QVC
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 of Hearts
19 Merrick Ave.
Merrick, NY 11566
(516) 377-1357
Catalogue $5
Sizes 14-22/24
Rainy County Knit Wear
PO Box 7852
Everett, WA 98201-0852
(206) 653-7189
Custom-made sweaters.
Regalia
3740 East 34th St.
Tuscon, AZ 85713-5305
catalog $1
1-800-362-8420 (orders)
1-602-748-8600 (customer service)
Bras up to sizes F & G. Connected with Intimate Appeal.
Richman Cotton Clothing Company
2631 Piner Rd
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
1-707-575-8924
1-800-992-8924
Fax: 1-707-575-8924
All-cotton, dyed-on-the-premises clothing in sizes from infant
to 3X. Shirts, skirts, dresses, long johns, cotton/lycra bike
shorts, and leggings. Reasonable prices.
Right Touch
95-60 Queen's Blvd., Suite B205t
Rego Park, NY 11374
Catalog $1.
Accessories for larger women.
Roaman's
P.O. Box 8360
Indianapolis, IN 46283-8360
1-800-274-7130 (orders) 24-7
Sister company of Lane Bryant.
Some unattractive pieces. Some random sexy pieces. Cute
casuals. Nice coats. Sister company of Lane Bryant, but
sizes run larger than LB. Women's sizes 38-60 (up to about
3X). [checked 4/7/95]
Rocky Mountain Clothing
1-800-688-4449
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
347 14th St.
Oakland, CA 94612
1-510-444-7472
Dresses, suits, lingerie, danskin, in plus and super sizes.
Royal Resources
Vendredi Enterprises
P.O. Box 220
Camas Valley, OR 97416
1-503-445-2330
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
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.
Sally's Place
P.O. Box 1397
Sausalito, CA 44966
1-415-898-5683
Catalg $3.
Sexy lingerie, up to size 4X (24W-26W). Bustiers, panties,
stockings, garters, catsuits, French maid's outfits. Some
reports say it is expensive and some of their stuff is tacky.
Others say that the items they's gotten were good quality,
attractive, and reasonably priced. They use large models.
Sandy's Wearable Art
6283 River Rd.
Flushing, MI 48433
1-810-732-5303
Says Who
3903 Piedmont Ave.
Oakland, CA 94611
1-510-547-5181
539 Bryant St.
Palo Alto, CA 94301
1-415-324-3511
Catalog $1.
Also have a retail store in Palo Alto, CA.
Sheer Mahogany
3870 Crenshaw Blvd, #781
Los Angeles, CA 90008
Lingerie up to 5X.
Shop at Home Catalogs
2080 S. Holly St.
P.O. Box 221050
Denver, CO 80222-9050
This is the address for a catalog of catalogs. They list the
following catalogs:
Appleseeds -- #644 $2
Big is Beautiful -- #733 $5
lingerie, sizes 40-50
Just Right -- #105 $2
Secret Passions -- #819 $2
regular and some plus sizes
Silhouettes
340 Poplar St.
Hanover, PA 17333-0069
1-800-852-2822
Sizes 14-26 including petites.
Dressy/casual/evening/accessories/bras. Pricey, but has a
good variety (including some women's petites). Unfortunately,
their stock is small so they often will have to put items on
back order. (And the back orders take from 3 weeks to 3
months to fill.) If you're in a hurry, this is probably not a
great place to order from. They do not use large models.
The Smart Saver
PO Box 105
Wasco, IL 60183-0105
Bras up to size 48DD. Reasonably priced.
Spiegel
Some of the clothing in their regular catalog is sold in plus
sizes.
Suzanne Henri, Inc.
PO Box 2399
Appomattox, VA 24522
1-800-634-2590
They sell bras (no underwires) in a wide range of sizes.
They use a different sizing system than the rest of the
industry.
Sweet Cheeks Designs
PO Box 7767
Redlands, CA
1-909-792-0454
1-909-792-5060 (fax)
Sizes 1X-6X.
Sweeter Measures
P.O. Box 340
Gibbon, NE 68840
1-308-468-5156
Catalog $2.
Sizes up to 70 or so.
Some people find the quality good, some not so.
May be a little pricey. They carry nurses' uniforms.
They will custom-make clothing if you ask (for instance, a
skirt to match a blouse or jacket they offer). Sizes 38-60.
Tropical Adventure
P.O. Box 6262
Burbank, CA 91510-6262
1-800-362-2682
Lingerie (silk and polyester) up to size 4X. Also "faux
leather" teddies, thongs, bustiers, garter belts up to 4X.
Seems somewhat pricey.
Uniquity Plus
320 2nd St., Ste 1-C
Eureka, CA 95501
1-707-441-1887
Custom-dyed clothing in sizes 1X-5X.
The Vermont Country Store
P.O. Box 3000
Manchester Center, VT 05255-3000
1-802-362-2400
Slips, chafe shields, mumus, robes, float dresses. Good
prices and good quality. They also sell 100% cotton mid-thigh
panties which do a good job of preventing chafing and
protecting stockings.
Votta's Wearable Art
PO Box 243
Wilmington, IL 60481
Catalog $2, refunded with first order.
Jewelry. Large-size bangles and bracelets.
Winter Silks
2700 Laura Ln.
P.O. Box 620130
Middleton, WI 53562
1-800-648-7455
Silk long johns up to 18-20W. Call and ask for larger sizes.
WorkAbles for Women
Oak Valley
Clinton, PA 15026-0214
1-800-826-9317
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).
XTC Leather of NY Limited
120 Nancy St., Unit E
West Babylon, NY 11704
1-516-643-3030
Fax: 1-516-643-3510
Leather Lingerie in sizes up to 3X. They are a wholesale
operation, so they may not sell to retail customers, but give
them a try anyway.
A2) Part 3) Retail clothing for women
14 Plus (formerly 16 Plus)
Chain in NJ, PA, and elsewhere
One store: 1-215-365-0499
Owned by the same folks as Size Unlimited or Sizes Unlimited.
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. [checked 4/7/95]
Added Dimensions
Adini En Plus
725 Branch Ave
Providence, RI 02904
1-800-556-2443
Casual wear, sizes 1X-3X
All Ashore
7959 Broadway St #404
San Antonio, TX 78209
(210) 829-7813
Swimwear in sizes 16W-26W
Ample Annie's
717 Pacific Ave.
Santa Cruz, CA
1-408-425-3838
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 thing move very fast.
Annette's Fine Fashions
Southern California
1-707-528-8281
Sizes 14 and up
The Answer
Washington D.C. and elsewhere
They carry clothes for significantly less (say, half the
price) than you'd find in a department store.
Arlene's
Salisbury MA, Route 110 just 1 1/2 mi east off of I-95.
Lousy looking building, pie racks. 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.
Ashley Stuart Woman
New York, NY
Clothing is a little more formal than Lane Bryant.
Astarte Woman by Design
24582 Hawthorne Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90505
1-310-373-0638
1-800-R-U-WOMAN (1-800-789-6626)
Family owned, in house designed. 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.
Audrey Jones
Typically found in malls in U.S.
Expensive, career/evening focus, carries some Danskin
leggings. Has a tendency towards glitter, fake jewelry on
clothing. Generous sizes 14-26. Lately questionable quality.
August Max
Typically found in malls.
Career and casual. Price ranges from moderate to expensive.
Excellent quality and service. Sizes 14-26. Also has small
but dependable selection of nightgowns/lingerie.
The Avenue
Chain.
Casual clothes, pantyhose (Gloria Vanderbilt in sizes up to 3
or 4X). Funky fashions and basic shorts/jeans/sweats. Sizes
to 24-26.
Barbara Stone Designs
1800 Shasta St., Suite B
Redding, CA 96001
1-916-246-1927
The Big, the Bad & the Beautiful
19225 Ventura Blvd,
Tarzana, CA 91356
1-818-345-3593
1-818-345-1033 (fax)
1-800-347-3593
Connected with catalog listed above.
Sizes 14-32+. They also do custom work for a nominal fee.
Among other things, they sell bike shorts. Lingerie.
Blue Victorian Big & Tall & Pinmania
1325 Columbus Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94133
Tel 1-415-775-6909
Fax 1-415-346-4623
near Fisherman's Wharf
T-shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants, and shorts in extremely
high quality cotton with SF logos on them. Sizes up to 8X.
T-shirst $15-$22, sweatshirts $25-$45.
Nice to see a funky touristy place catering to large folks.
Burlington Coat Factory
Women's coats up to at least 30W. And inexpensive too. Also
men's coats up to 4X or so.
Carol Doda Boutique
Lingerie boutique in SF.
Cato Plus
Chain
Catherine's
Upscale sister store of PS (see below). Boutiquey,
concentrated in the South and on the East Cost. Moderately
priced, good service. Nice, good quality lingerie, among
other things. Also leather bomber jackets. Sizes 14-26, and
some up to 32, also up to 4X. The sizes run large.
The Company Store
San Francisco, CA.
On Fillmore
Creative Woman
1530 S Myrtle
Monrovia, CA
1-818-358-6216
They carry, among other things, nursing bras in sizes up to
46H, with extenders for largers band sizes. They carry
large-size bras and lingerie (including g-strings). They
carry costumes around the various holidays. And they do
custom fitting.
Daphne
467 Amsterdam Ave.
New York, NY 10024
1-212-877-5073
Suzes 1X-5X, and custom sizes over 32.
Dress Barn Woman
Seconds/discount store. The large size version of Dress Barn.
Elisabeth
Chain.
Liz Claiborne's large size store.
Their clothes are well-made, and somewhat expensive. Their
service is great -- 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 of their
pants have some elastic in the waist, though. Sizes 14, 16,
18, 20, 22. (Tell them you want larger!)
Fairy Godmother at Large
133 S. Murphy Ave.
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
1-408-737-7684
Run by Marcia Shea (fair...@aolc.com)
New and used clothing in sizes 14-super. Women's jeans up to
size 60. Tee-shirts up to 72" around, big shirts up to 78"
around. Sometimes prefers to give clothing rather than cash
for consignments. Carries Hovi jeans and peacock clothing.
Panties up to size 16. Also nylon petit pants up to 6X. Some
folks have had bad experiences giving them consignments.
(Checks have taken a long time to arrive, checks have bounced,
there hasn't been nice clothes for them to take in exchange
for consignments, the proprietor has not gotten back to them
in a timely fashion.)
Fashion Bug Plus
Chain.
Forgotten Woman
Boylston St., Boston MA
Expensive, very dressy clothes, but good sales. Also,
beautiful clothes based on ethnic designs with beadwork,
batik, etc.
Great Changes
Southern California chain.
Harper Greer
San Francisco store. Expensive. Casual career to dressy.
Clothes made in the store, so they will be unique!
Jean Nicole Plus
Chain.
In Full Swing
285 Sutter St., at Grant
San Francisco, CA
1-415-433-1564
Katherine's
Chain in the U.S. Clothing up to size 34.
Lane Bryant
Owned by the people who own the Limited, and found in malls
across the U.S. They have somewhat trendier clothing, pricey
if you don't buy on sale. Some people have problems with the
quality. Check different locations -- selection will vary.
They refuse to use large-size models in their advertising.
Lord & Taylor
Good plus-size department.
Making it Big
9595 Main St.
Penn Grove, CA 94951
1-707-795-6861
Also has catalog (see above).
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.
Marianne Plus
Chain.
Funky clothes at reasonable prices. Cool urban fashion.
MaxMara
San Francisco, CA
Regular size clothing, but they do have a limited selection of
larger clothes (sizes 12-22). If their style matches yours,
you'll be in heaven.
Modern Woman
1-717-396-9000 (corporate headquarters)
Lingerie, mid pricey but great sales, excellent service. Call
corporate headquarters for location near you. Sizes 14-26,
mostly, but they carry some stuff up to size 32.
Nancy Lawrence
1-612-925-9305
Pricey boutique, sizes 14-26 in Edina, Minnesota (Twin Cities
suburb).
Nordstrom's Encore
Upscale, service oriented department store. Some have large
size department, career/casual.
Peacock Clothes
558-B South Murphy Ave
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
1-408-730-0941
Open 1-8 pm Monday thru Saturday. Carries XL-XXXL (28 can fit
up to 500lbs or more). Reasonable prices, some people think
quality is good, a few disagree. Complaints about amount of
time it takes to fill order.
Plus Sizes
Chain.
Business and casual wear. Very reasonable prices.
Pretty Plus Plus
Madison Ave, around 90th St.
Manhattan, NY
1-212-427-4724
Consignment store with good large-size clothing.
Pretty Woman Plus
Peoria, IL
Good quality, somewhat expensive.
Renaissance Woman
Washington D.C.
Large-size underwear and sexy wear.
Roselyn
347 14th St.
Oakland, CA 94612
1-510-444-7472
Dresses, Suits, lingerie, danskin, in plus and super sizes.
Ross
Chain discount department store (in Midwest and West Coast).
Small large size section.
Ross Unlimited
366 Flat Shoals Ave., SE
Atlanta, GA 30316
1-404-522-4083
If they don't have your size, they will custom-make clothing
for you (such as jeans), though you must purchase at least six
of the item they custom make. Also have super-size underwear.
Ruthie's Big Galz Boutique
1307 First St.
Napa, CA 94559
1-707-255-7737
1-800-655-7738
Fax" 1-707-255-8789
Says Who
3903 Piedmont Ave.
Oakland, CA 94611
1-510-547-5181
539 Bryant St.
Palo Alto, CA 94301
1-415-324-3511
Very nice clothes somewhat expensive, mostly casual, includes
some tall/large sizes. Associated with catalog (above).
Seams to Fit
6527 Telegraph Ave.
Oakland, CA 94609
1-510-428-9463
Big dressing rooms. Responsible, and honest. Has great
clothes, both consignment and new. Affiliated with Says Who?
Sizes Unlimited (or Size Unlimited)
Chain in NJ, PA, and elsewhere.
One store: 1-215-365-0499
Owned by the same folks as 14 Plus.
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. [checked 4/7/95]
Sizes Woman
Pittsburgh, PA, may be part of a chain
Bright, beautiful clothes, nice clerks, reasonable prices.
Smart Size
Salem, OR
Spencer's Gifts
Not clothing per se, but they do carry Halloween costumes in
plus sizes.
Strom's Big & Tall Clothiers
5801 San Pablo Ave.
Oakland, CA
1-510-653-3198
Women's clothing (sizes 12 - 26) and men's clothing
Sweet Dreams Intimates
81 Route 111
Smithtown NY 11787
(516) 366-0565
Bras 34B to 60FF, G, H. Swimwear to 26. Lingerie sizes
1X-6X.
Stuarts Plus
Owned by the people who own Stuarts, found in malls across the
U.S. They are trendier and cheaper than Lane Bryant.
Westport Woman
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.
Woman's World
Found in malls across the U.S.
They carry women's petites.
Uniquity Plus
320 2nd St., Ste 1-C
Eureka, CA 95501
1-707-441-1887
Custom-dyed clothing in sizes 1X-5X.
Valley Department Store
245 N. Euclid Ave.
Ontario, CA 91762
1-909-984-8646
Large selection, friendly staff, sells clothing and
accessories. Sizes range from 16-18 to 30-32W.
A2) Part 4) Maternity clothing
Unfortunately, I only have a very limited number of sources for
large-size maternity clothing. I'd suggest checking
out misc.kids.pregnancy and seeing if they have any additional
information over there. (If they do, please pass it on!)
Bust Stop
8270 E. 71st St.
Tulsa, OK 74122
1-800-858-3887
Catalog $2.
Bras up to 60GG, including maternity/nursing bras.
Cameo Coutures, Inc.
Dallas, TX 75247
1-214-631-4860
They make custom-made large-size bras. They are expensive
(about $50) but are very comfortable and well-made and
long-lasting. Their bras have cups that unhook at the top and
can be pulled down, so they can be used as nursing bras. They
are extremely supportive.
Decent Exposures
P.O. Box 27206
2202 NE 115th
Seattle, WA 98125-1606
1-800-524-4949 (U.S. or Canada)
1-206-364-4540 (Seattle or overseas)
Bras, underwear, nightshirts.
Bras "look like outerwear, have no hardware and are quite
comfortable.... Come in a variety of colors", cup sizes AA to
K and band sizes 30-58 or so. They make maternity/nursing
bras. They make leisure-style bras, so they may be less
supportive, but the fabric of the bra makes a difference
(lined lycra is most supportive, cotton is not recommended for
large sizes). You can get them in cotton, velour, or lycra,
and in a number of different colors. Follow the sizing
instructions carefully, they may be somewhat different than
regular sizing. They also sell underwear up to size 12 in
cotton, lycra, and velour. If you don't like how something
fits, they will adjust it for free (deepening the armholes,
re-cutting the legs, etc.).
Extra Emphasis
1-916-581-0848
Excellent selection of large-size nursing bras.
Fairy Godmother At Large
133 S. Murphy Ave.
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
1-408-737-7684
Run by Marcia Shea (fair...@aol.com)
New and used clothing in sizes 14-super. Women's jeans up to
size 60. Tee-shirts up to 72" around, big shirts up to 78"
around. Panties up to size 16. Also nylon petit pants up to
6X. They also sell maternity clothes. Some folks have had bad
experiences giving them consignments. (Checks have taken a
long time to arrive, checks have bounced, there hasn't been
nice clothes for them to take in exchange for consignments,
the proprietor has not gotten back to them in a timely
fashion.)
JC Penney's Maternity Catalog
1-800-222-6161
Maternity outfits up to size 26. Bras up to 44DD. Also have
maternity panties and pantyhose. Good quality, sized well.
Unfortunately, a somewhat limited selection, and somewhat
pricey.
Sears
Their Take Nine maternity line's XL fits about 18-22. Though
they are often out of stock on the large sizes.
Maternity Ltd. (Also Maternity Wearhouse)
1-810-347-0715 -- Michigan store
Chain in the U.S.
Call their Michigan store to find if there's one near you.
Maternity clothes up to 24-26 (1X-3X). Bras up to 44G,
maternity panties, and pantyhose.
A2) Part 5) Wedding dresses
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.
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.
Here are some places you can find large-size wedding dresses:
Arlene's -- Salisbury MA, Route 110 just 1 1/2 mi east off of I-95
They have off-the-rack wedding dresses in large-sizes.
Citiculture -- brand name
They make large-size "garden-party" dresses that can be used
as wedding dresses.
The J
Western Division
507 E. 10th
Spokane, WA 99202
1-509-624-4795
Bridal and bridal party gowns in sizes 2W-28W.
J.C.Penney
1-800-222-6161
Larger stores usually have a bridal department. And if not,
they do have a bridal catalog.
Here are some manufacturers who make large-size wedding dresses:
Alfred Angelo makes 18-20 and 38-44. Both cost extra but their gowns
are relatively cheap. 1-800-528-3589 or 1-215-659-8700.
Ange D' Amour makes through size 20. 1-800-288-3888.
Bianchi makes through size 20. 1-800-669-2346.
Bonny makes a line called "Essence by Esther" which makes gowns to
size 44 (costs extra). 1-714-961-8884.
Bridal Originals makes to size 30 (encourages stores to carry large
size samples!) 1-800-876-GOWN or 1-312-467-6140.
Carmi Couture makes gown through size 20 (extra charge).
1-212-921-7658.
Citiculture makes large-size "garden-party" dresses that may double as
wedding dresses.
Diamond Collection makes gowns through size 20 ($100 extra).
1-212-302-0210.
Eden makes gowns petites through 20-32 (extra charge).
1-818-441-8715. Bridal Bargains gave these guys 4 stars!
Eve of Milady makes gowns through size 20. $100 extra for 18-20.
1-212-302-0050.
Fink makes gowns through size 20. Extra 10% for 18-20.
1-212-921-5683.
Galina makes gown trhough 20, extra charge for 18-20.
1-212-564-1020.
Ginza Collectopn/Private Label by G both make gowns through 42 (extra
charge of $100). 1-800-654-7375.
Ilissa makes through 20, 18-20 are $60 extra. 1-212-967-5222.
Impression makes gowns through size 30. 16-20 cost $30 extra, 22-30
are $70 extra. 1-800-BRIDAL-1.
Jasmine makes gowns to size 44 (extra charge). 1-708-519-7778.
Jessica McClintock has a few gowns through size 24. 1-800-333-5301 or
1-415-495-3030.
Jim Hjelm makes gowns through size 20, 18-20 are $150 extra.
1-212-764-6960.
Lili makes through 26, $70 extra for 22-26. 1-800-258-7944 or
1-818-282-4326.
Marisa makes through 20, $160 extra for 18-20.
Mary's makes through size 30. 1-713-933-9678.
Mon Cherie has sizes 18-20 and 38-44, $20 or $40 extra.
1-609-530-1900.
Moonlight has sizes through 44 (extra charge). 1-708-884-7199.
Mori Lee has some designs available through size 42 for extra charge.
1-212-947-3490.
San Martin has some styles available through 44. 1-213-257-5333.
St. Pucchi sells through 20, 18-20 extra 20%. 1-214-631-4039.
Sweetheart has gowns through 44 (and keeps all sizes in stock).
1-212-868-7536.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
A3) Where can I find clothing for men?
A3) Part 1) Clothing brands for men
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.
A3) Part 2) Clothing catalogs for men
Big Clothes For Big Men
Freda Rosenberg, Freda's Secrets
P O Box 2765
Philadelphia PA 19118
Directory of big men's catalogs
Cabela's
812 13th Ave.
Sidney, NE 69160
1-800-237-4444
Gortex parkas and pants up to at least 5XL. Many other items
up to 3XL in both big and tall sizes. Reasonable prices.
Cheyenne Outfitters
Cheyenne, WY
1-800-234-0432
All sizes of Levis 501s from tiny to huge. Many other
"Western styles" in big sizes.
Drysdales, Inc
1555 N 107th East Ave.
Tulsa, OK 74116
1-800-444-6481 (orders)
1-800-608-9800 (customer service)
1-617-982-8681 (local/outside US)
1-617-982-8766 (FAX)
Carry large-size button fly jeans.
It's a Revolution
1870 N. Vermont Ave. Dept 530
Los Angeles, CA 90027
213-661-1431
Clothing for men and women using African kente cloth.
Standard stock is up to 5X, and he will go larger on special
orders.
J.C. Penney's
1-800-222-6161
Their regular catalog has some large-size clothing.
Jasco Uniform Co.
1-800-222-4445
1-708-291-7928 (fax)
Uniforms. Men's scrubs up to 5XL (chest 62-64, waist 56-58).
They won't sell to people in FL and five other states.
Something about UPS won't deliver for them.
Just Big Sportswear
4700 Rozzelles Ferry Rd.
Charlotte, NC 28216
1-704-391-3000
1-704-393-3747
T-shirts up to 10XL. Also sweats, dorm shirts, and hooded
T-shirts. Will ship overseas.
King Size
P.O. Box 9115
Hingham, MA 02043
1-800-846-1600 (orders)
1-617-982-8681 (orders)
1-617-871-4100 (main switchboard)
Fax:1-617-982-8766
Tall and big men. T-shirts up to 9XL for $14.95. Cotton
draw-string pants, turtlenecks, overalls, etc. Inexpensive.
Also large-size rain gear that is more-or-less unisex,
extra-large umbrellas, ties, and fanny packs. Will ship
overseas.
L.L. Bean
Freeport, ME 04033
1-800-221-4221
Pants go to 46 in some styles (inseam sometimes to 36), shirts
to TXXL in some styles. Great quality, ships FedEx in
continental US for no extra charge. Service varies.
Land's End
1 Land's End Ln.
Dodgeville, WI 53595
1-800-356-4444
Some of the clothing in their regular catalog goes up to XXL.
Let them know you want larger sizes.
Phoenix Big and Tall
1-800-251-8067
805 Branch Drive,
Alpharetto, GA 30201
They sell a general range of clothes. They have boxers and
briefs in sizes 44-72. They have Levi's action slacks up to
size 54. They seem pricey, but their quality is meant to be
good. Will ship overseas.
Richman Cotton Clothing Company
2631 Piner Rd
Santa Rosa, CA95401
1-707-575-8924
1-800-992-8924
Fax: 1-707-575-8924
All-cotton, dyed-on-the-premises clothing in sizes from infant
to 3X. Women's and men's clothing. Reasonable prices.
Royal Resources
Vendredi Enterprises
P.O. Box 220
Camas Valley, OR 97416
1-503-445-2330
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.
Winter Silks
2700 Laura Ln.
P.O. Box 620130
Middleton, WI 53562
1-800-648-7455
Silk long johns up to 50-52'' chest. Call and ask for larger
sizes.
A3) Part 3) Retail clothing for men
Big & Tall Outlet Store
1240 W. 7th St.
Upland, CA
1-909-946-7234
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 Guys
Locust Grove Plaza
1692 Clements Bridge Rd.
Deptford, NJ 08096
1-800-848-8255
721 E. Landis Ave.
Vinland, NJ 08360
1-609-696-0955
Good selection of dress and casual 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 also mail order anywhere
in the U.S.
Burlington Coat Factory
Men's coats up to 4X or so. Inexpensive.
Casual Male Big & Tall
Good customer service, nice stuff, reasonable prices. Sizes
up to 6X.
K Mart
Big men's clothes.
Rochester's Big & Tall Clothing
Chain.
There's a store in San Francisco, 1-415-982-6455.
They sell, among other things, suits.
Spencer's Gifts
Not clothing per se, but they do carry Halloween costumes in
plus sizes.
Stan's King Size Men's Shop
7428 University Ave.
La Mesa, CA 91941
1-619-469-0336
Some very large sizes.
Stout Men's Shop
59 Temple Pl.
Boston, MA
617-542-5397
Slacks on the rack up to 92". Great selection, and they do
world-wide mail order.
Strom's Big & Tall Clothiers
5801 San Pablo Ave.
Oakland, CA
1-510-653-3198
Target
Has a reasonable selection of big and tall men's clothing (up
to about XXXL and XXXLT), and they're fairly inexpensive.
Valley Department Store
245 N. Euclid Ave.
Ontario, CA 91762
1-909-984-8646
Large selection, friendly staff, sells clothing and
accessories. Sizes go up to 10X shirts, pants up to about a
64.
Walmart
Inexpensive pants (cotton and polyester slacks, jeans) up to
size 50.
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A4) Where can I find children's clothing?
J.C. Penney's "Big Kids" catalog
1-800-222-6121
Two catalogs a year (spring and fall), with girl's Plus and
Extra Plus sizes and boy's husky and shorter husky sizes.
They carry Levi's Dockers, Union Bay, Bugle Boy, snow pants,
wind suits, denim and flannel shirts, the works.
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A5) Where can I find shoes?
Here are some brand names of women's shoes that folks have found
fairly comfortable. As always, ymmv.
Bally
Easy Spirit
Ecco (made in Denmark)
Nordstrom's store brand
Rangoni
Rockports
Selby
Sorel's (winter boots -- proper mountaineering boots)
Here are some brand names of unisex shoes that folks have found fairly
comfortable.
Birkenstock
New Balance
Puma
Red Wings
Romika
SAS (hiking boots)
Wolverine (hiking boots)
Worishofer
Here are some catalogs that carry larger shoes.
B.A. Mason
1251 First Ave.
Chippewa Falls, WI 54729-9981
1-800-457-9325
M-F 7-5 Central Time
Men's shoes up to 13EEE, women's shoes up to 12EE. Sizes 4-16
and widths AA-EEEE.
Coward Shoes
1-800-362-8410
The Dehner Company, Inc.
3614 Martha St.
Omaha, NE 68105
phone 402-342-7788
fax 402-342-5444
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.
Hitchcock Shoes
225 Beal St
Hingham, MA 02043
1-617-749-3571
Men's shoes to 6E width. Also have winter boots.
Massey's
1-800-4MASSEY
Women's shoes up to size 14 in a variety of widths.
McB's Shoes
715 Market St.
San Francisco, CA 94103
Sizes 6-13, AAAAA-EE.fdvc
Nordstrom
Upscale, service oriented department store. This is a *great*
place to find large shoes, especially for women. They will
move heaven and earth to find a fit!
Sara's 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.
Silhouettes
1-800-852-2822
Clothing catalog with large-size women's shoes.
Sorel's
They make winter boots (used for mountaineering), and the
boots run wide. Generally sold in outdoors stores.
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A6) Where can I find sewing/knitting patterns?
Big Knits, Great Big Knits
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. Big Knits ISBN 0 7126 5097 0. Published by Trafalgar
Square Publishing, North Pomfret, VT 05053.
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 0-932086-10-1, $9.95
Provides instructions on how to alter patterns to fit you.
Burda
Large size patterns. They have a magazine "Burda Fashions
for the Fuller Figure", which has patterns up to size 34W.
For subscription information, contact:
GLP International
P.O. Box 9868
Englewood, NJ 07631-1123
1-212-736-7455
1-201-871-1010
computer packages to size patterns
A number of companies make programs that print out customized
patterns. You pick the basic pattern and enter the
measurements of the person who the garment is intended for,
and it spits out a pattern. Some of these are:
LivingSoft
P.O. Box 970
Janesville, CA 96114
1-800-626-1262
Available for IBM, in the works for MAC.
Fittingly Sew
Available for IBM
dressmaker's dummies
Dressmaker's dummies are available in plus-sizes. Your local
fabric shop may carry them, and, if they don't, they should
certainly be able to order them.
Great Fit
2229 N.E. Burnside, Suite 305
Gresham, OR 97030
Patterns in women's sizes 38-60. Nice patterns.
large-size patterns
mary....@exchange.exchange.com has a list of commercially
available sewing patterns for big men (chest size 48" to 52",
56" or 68")
McCalls
Some patterns that go up to size 50.
Simplicity
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 be incorrect (i.e., the size that your measurements say
you should be may be too large). They have also come out with
a multi-sized pattern for men (1X-6X) for a shirt and a pair
of pants. Hopefully, in future catalogs, they will have more
selection.
Style
Some large-size patterns
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A7) Where can I find spectacles?
Luxottica makes large-size frams 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.
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SECTION B: Information about this FAQ
B1) Are there other related FAQs?
fat-acceptance-faq/clothing/canada
information about clothing for large people in Canada
fat-acceptance-faq/clothing/uk-europe
information about clothing for large people in Europe (and in
the United Kingdom in particular)
fat-acceptance-faq/clothing/us
information about clothing for large people in the U.S.
fat-acceptance-faq/health
information about health issues affecting large people
fat-acceptance-faq/organizations
information about organizations for large people
fat-acceptance-faq/physical
information about resources for dealing with the physical
aspects of being large
fat-acceptance-faq/publications
information about publications for large people
fat-acceptance-faq/resources
information about resources for large people (that aren't
covered in the other resources FAQs)
fat-acceptance-faq/size-acceptance
information about size-acceptance
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B2) Posting information
This document is posted monthly to news.answers and alt.answers and
posted bi-weekly to soc.support.fat-acceptance and
alt.support.big-folks. Sasha Wood (Sasha...@cs.cmu.edu) maintains
this FAQ.
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B3) Availability of the FAQ
All FAQs posted to news.answers are archived at rtfm.mit.edu and its
mirror sites. You can get any of these FAQs from rtfm.mit.edu via
anonymous FTP or via the mail archive server. (To get information
about the mail server, send email to mail-...@rtfm.mit.edu with the
body of the message containing the word "help", without the quotes.)
FAQs posted to news.answers are also available on the Web from:
http://www.cis.ohio-state.edu/hypertext/faq/usenet/top.html
http://www.cs.ruu.nl/cgi-bin/faqwais
You can find this FAQ at the following URLs:
ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet/news.answers/fat-acceptance-faq/clothing/us
http://www.cis.ohio-state.edu/hypertext/faq/usenet/fat-acceptance-faq/clothing/us/faq.html
http://www.cs.ruu.nl/wais/html/na-dir/fat-acceptance-faq/clothing/us.html
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B4) Contributors
These are the people who have contributed significant chunks to this 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.