Plus-size clothing used to be dreadful. It was limited to clothing that was suitable for work or other dressy occasions. It was very difficult to find plus-size active wear. Clothing designed for specific sports was virtually impossible. This further restricted the activities of overweight people. Things have changed. Last year I was able to buy a plus-size wet suit. This increased the days I was able to swim. It is possible to buy personal flotation devises so boating is no longer a problem. I have noticed more and more plus-size people in a wide variety of sports clothing.
If you are going to lose weight, you need to get out and get active. This means you need a wardrobe that fits your chosen activities. You need to be comfortable and you need to look your best. Basically, you need to be able to move.
Active Wear
Those wonderful yoga pants are still available. When they are new, they can be worn in many casual situations. They are wonderful for any type of exercise. They stretch with your body without binding. You can get them in both capris and full length.
Swimsuits have also come a long way. The tankini is especially nice; it gives you greater freedom of movement and is flattering to a wide variety of body types. Many other swimsuit styles are flattering to a variety of figures.
Capris have to be the most wonderful pant style ever invented. Except on hot days I don’t like wearing shorts. Capris hide a number of figure flaws and are still comfortable. Many overweight people don’t wear shorts. I strongly believe that when the weather is hot we shouldn’t be worrying about chunky legs. There are so many styles of shorts that everybody can find something flattering. When I wear shorts, I try to wear a brightly colored top to draw the focus away from my upper legs.
Dresses
This year I have seen numerous sun dresses in both plain a printed styles. Right now dresses with bold prints are definitely in style. I don’t like the really “busy” prints that I have seen but that’s a personal thing. I do believe that plus-size women should experiment with bright, bold colors and prints. Many people have the idea that these will make them look bigger. This is not always true, and if your taste runs to the bold and beautiful, go for it.
Formal dresses are a little harder to find, but many sun dresses could be dressed up with the addition of a careful choice of boleros, cardigans, shawls or jackets jewelry and other accessories.
For formal events, there is an increase in the number of sites that offer graduation, wedding, and other formal clothing. This year I found several lovely plus-sized wedding dresses. Maxi dresses are very stylish and many of them can be accessorized to give them a formal look.
Having looked at a number of plus-sized clothing stores online, I find very few business suits. There are skirts and if you look hard suitable blouses. Many offices allow wear that is more casual in the summer. Generally, my strategy is to buy a really classic and comfortable business suit every few years. Some years there seems to be a wonderful selection and others very little.
Casual Clothing
Thank goodness for plus-size jeans with a bit of stretch in them. If you are dieting, they will last you while you drop those pounds. Most plus size stores offer a wide range of very attractive casual clothing. These resemble the clothing found in other trendy shops, so there is no need to look dowdy.
What’s not hot? Highly structured clothes; they never really looked good on plus-sized people unless their fit and tailoring are exceptional. Dull colors and styles are out. Black is still a hot color, but it is paired with more dramatically cut tops and accessories.