Plus Size Paradise

Plus size is finally in!

2009-01-15T10:24:00.000-08:00

It's only up to you to build a fabulous wardrobe to show off your fabulous sexy figure. If you're not sure how to go about that, here at Plus Size Paradise you will find a few tips and pointers about what to look for when buying plus size garments, starting with the basics: the always essential plus size jeans, plus size coats, feminine and sexy plus size dresses, perfectly fitted plus size bras and plus size swimwear that will have you looking amazing on the beach next summer.

After decades of frustration in which clothes for fuller figure women were as beautiful as wrapping paper and as well fitted as a camping tent, designers and stores are finally beginning to realize that plus size is a huge market.

They are beginning to realize that women don't look like the skinny models on tv, and most women don't even want to look like them anymore. Plus size women are proud of their bodies, they are proud of their curves and they want to show them off in nice, fitted, elegant outfits.

So it's up to every woman to find what suits her curves best, and we hope our tips will help you with that. Keep checking Plus Size Paradise for more on plus size fashion and accessories!

Plus size jeans

2009-01-14T10:16:00.000-08:00

Jeans are a universally flattering garment - when they're done the right way. Plus size jeans can be found in most stores nowadays and they come in so many different shapes, colors, cuts and styles that it can be hard to choose if you don't know what you're looking for.

So you have to know what to look for when shopping for plus size jeans, and to know what to look for you have to know your own body. You have to know your most and least attractive features in order to choose the pair of jeans that's going to do justice to your beautiful plus size body.

★ When shopping for plus size jeans, go for a dark wash, always.

Dark is slimming as you probably already know, dark jeans last longer and they're classier as well - you can wear them anywhere from the workplace to a night out with friends. Go for a uniform wash and stay away from distressed plus size jeans, especially if you have a wide hip, bum or thighs. Distressed denim isn't classy at all, it's very very casual, and it will draw the eye to the wrong parts of your body.

★ When shopping for plus size jeans, small details can make a big difference.

If you have a large bum, big pockets can make it look smaller in comparison - flat pockets, of course. If, on the other hand, you have a small bum, you might want to give flap pockets a shot. Beware of jeans with no pockets though - not everybody looks good on them.

Big bums and hips will look great on low-waisted plus size jeans, but steer clear of them if you have a large tummy, as it will pop right out of your jeans, making you look like you're pregnant. A mid-rise would be the best choice to disguise tummy fat and give some definition to your waist at the same time.

You can choose jeans that have a bit of a stretch quality, but avoid skin-tight jeans. Remember that fit is crucial, especially on a plus size woman. Choose a pair of jeans that fit properly on your waist, your bums and your crotch area. You can try to choose the appropriate length for you, but chances are you're going to need to have it tailored so it will fit your legs perfectly.

A bit of a flare looks nice for almost every body type, so boot cut is usually a good bet - but if you're short, a big flare or a bell bottom will make you look even shorter. Straight leg and skinny jeans, on the other hand, are very unlikely to work for a plus size woman. Wide fits are probably not a good idea either, as they will make your legs look wider and heavier than they actually are.

Denim is casual wear, so when you go shopping for plus size jeans one thing to keep in mind is that you need them to be comfortable. You're very likely to be wearing jeans when you go on a paddle boat ride, or when you go on a picnic and have to sit on the floor. Comfort is essential when it comes to casual clothes. But so is elegance. By following a few simple rules, it's easy to have both on the same pair of plus size jeans!

Check out our article on plus size coats for more tips on plus size fashion and dressing for your shape!

Plus size coats

2009-01-13T10:10:00.000-08:00

Buying a plus size coat is something you should put a little thought into. This article will hopefully give you a few pointers as to what to consider when you go shopping for one.

A couple of good coats are essential in every wardrobe. Consider this:

coats are among the most expensive garments any of us owes
we spend a fairly large part of the year wearing a coat every single day
a good coat usually lasts for years
of all the pieces in your wardrobe, coats are the most seen and judged by other people

And yet they're not the object of great consideration. We look at the color and the fabric (how warm it is... that's what matters!), choose the right size and length and disregard the shape. After all, all coats have pretty much the same shape. Or do they?

★ When shopping for a plus size coat, shape matters. A lot!

No, not all coats are created equal. That coat that makes your sister look fabulous might look ridiculous on you - and vice versa. A coat, just like any other garment, should fit you properly. It should have the right shape.

Choosing a plus size coat really isn't hard. The important thing is to be aware of what your body looks like, what are your best features and the flaws you want to disguise, and keep that in mind as you shop.

For example, double breasted coats and trenches, despite their huge popularity, are not a good choice for plus size women. The two rows of buttons will widen your torso, turning you into a shapeless block - something that a plus size woman couldn't be farther from. Plus size women are fabulously curvy, and it would be a huge mistake to cover that up with a shapeless coat. Remember, no matter how beautiful and well-thought out your outfit underneath the coat is (check out our article on plus size dresses, by the way!) most people will see you with your coat on, so you have to worry about its shape and fit as much as with any other garment.

Funnel necks are a bad idea for women with large breasts, short neck and/or double chin. They make your neck shorter, emphasize your double chin and create a bulk on your chest area. It's better to get a plus size coat with a tight waist and an open chest - that will elongate your neck, slim your torso and create a beautiful deep V on your chest. Wear a scarf if you have to (not a bulky scarf if you're a bosomy lady), but do go for this shape when you choose your plus size coat because it will do wonders for your silhouette.

Frock coats are also a good idea because they make your waist seem narrower even when undone. If you have a bit of tummy fat, avoid belts on your plus size coat: they'll increase the width of your waist and attract unwanted attention to your tummy area. Let the shape of your plus size coat create the hourglass figure instead.

Don't forget that your coat is often the first "outfit" people see you in, and like they say, there's no second chance to make a good first impression. Remember these tips the next time you go shopping for a plus size coat and you'll be sure to look fabulous all Winter long!

Plus size dresses

2009-01-12T10:06:00.000-08:00

There's no garment as feminine and as sexy as a nice dress. A few plus size dresses are a must in any plus size woman's wardrobe, because it's the best way to show off your sexy curves and because, by choosing the right color and shape, it can also be the best way to desguise the features of your body you're not especially happy about.

★ When shopping for a plus size dress, pay attention to color.

The mantra that says black is slimming is not a myth: black does make your figure appear narrower and, by not reflecting light, helps disguise any areas you might want to play down. So you shouldn't underestimate the power of black in a plus size woman's wardrobe. But that doesn't mean you should abuse it. You don't want your wardrobe to be monochromatic, because you want it to reflect your multicolored personality. So, even knowing that black is always an option, let's think about other good colors for your plus size dress.

Remember that it's a good idea for plus size women to dress in one color from head to toe, because that elongates the body line. Keep in mind that dark colors like navy blue, purple, heavy green, brown, etc. will have a similiar effect to that of black - slimming your silhouette. That doesn't mean you can't wear brighter colors or patters, but if you do you'll have to pay even closer attention to how the dress fits you.

★ When shopping for a plus size dress, choosing the right shape is key.

That means that, first of all, you have to take a good look at your body today - and not hold on to ideas of what your body looked like 5 years ago or even last summer - and understand what are your best features, the ones you want to show off, and the ones you'd rather play down and disguise. But you have to disguise them cleverly, not just by throwing on a tent-like dress that covers your whole body up and makes you look like you're twice your size - and shapeless, which is a real shame considering that plus size women usually have fabulous curves. If you have a large bust, a well fitted plus size bra is essential.

So that's it. Don't forget these tips the next time you go shopping for a plus size dress!

Plus size bras

2009-01-11T09:33:00.000-08:00

Most people don't seem to realise the importance of a good, fitted plus size bra. If no one sees it, it doesn't have to look good, right? Wrong. The way your bra fits your breasts will influence your whole appearance - your posture, the shape, height and firmness of your breasts and the way your top fits you. If your bra isn't the right size (and cup size), you can be sure it will show.

So how do you choose the right plus size bra for you? Well, the easiest answer would be to find a specialist. Go to either a plus size store or one of those lingerie stores where they have thousands of bras in all different sizes, colors, fabrics and strap widths and have your breasts measured and fitted by someone who really knows what they're doing. That's the easy way. But those stores aren't on everybody's doorstep yet; if you happen not to live near one, this is not an option for you. So here go a few tips you can use that will help you pick up a plus size bra that will fit you and turn your breasts into your body's best feature.

★ Consider the bras you currently wear. Some common problems related to the size of the underband are:

If your bra straps, no matter how many times you've adjusted them, keep hurting your shoulders
If your bra's underband rises up your back
You feel your bust's weight is not being properly supported by your bra
The bra isn't providing a good level of firmness - your breasts keep bouncing
Your breasts drop through the bottom of the cups
Any of the above symptoms (you'll likely experience several of them at the same time, if not all) means that the underband is too large for you, and you should try going down a size if you're using the last hook already. Wider straps and a wider underband may also be a good idea in this case.

If your underband digs into your flesh, especially under your arms or at the base of the cup
The underband is too small. Try a looser hook placement if you can, otherwise you should go up a size.

★ As for the cup size:

If the cups are wrinkling, especially on the top and sides, and your breasts doesn't fill them
Well, this one is pretty obvious: you should go down a cup size.

If your breasts are bulging out of the cups, making it look like you have an extra pair of breasts on top of the "real" one
If the bra's underwire lifts away from the breastbone
That means the cup size you're wearing is too small for you. The next time you shop for a plus size bra, try the next size. Go for double or even triple D or E if necessary - these big sizes are more and more accessible every day, and you can always buy them online if you can't buy plus size bras anywhere near you.

★ It's ok to shop for a plus size bra online.

But be sure you measure your bust correctly in order to get the proper size. Most online plus size bra stores have a page to guide you through the process of measuring and determining the right underband and cup size for you.

★ When shopping for a plus size bra, remember: it's not only about style.

And remember, it's not just a matter of looks and elegance, it's also a matter of health. Wearing a bra that doesn't fit you properly can cause health problems in the breasts themselves, back, neck and even headaches and migraines. And if you exercise, be sure to get a couple of good plus size sports bras - it will make exercising a much more comfortable activity and prevent ligament stretching and sagging in the long run.

Some of these rules also apply when shopping for plus size swimwear. Check out our article on the subject for more information.

Plus size swimwear

2009-01-10T08:43:00.000-08:00

Plus size swimsuits are an especially interesting topic, because swimwear is a delicate issue for many plus size women. Until very recently, there barely was any plus size swimwear, let alone beautiful, fitted, sexy plus size swimwear. Not anymore.

If you're a curvy woman, you'll now be almost as spoiled for choice as any of your skinny friends - and you'll look more fabulous than any of them next time you head to the beach if you take your body shape into account and follow a few simple general rules when shopping for a plus size swimsuit or bikini.

★ When shopping for plus size swimwear, first decide if you're going for a one-piece or a two-piece swimsuit.

If you're not comfortable showing a lot of skin, if you're self-conscious about a little tummy fat, or if you like to be carefree when at the beach or pool, jump around, swim a lot and not worry too much, go for one-piece. Choose beautiful colors or prints and a shape that flatters you and it'll be more sexy than a bikini, even if not as revealing.

★ When shopping for plus size swimwear, pay attention to detail.

Plus size swimsuits often have cleverly slimming seams - look for those if you want to disguise a bit of a tummy or create a narrower waist. Crossover styles also work well to make the waist and tummy area more flattering. This is one of the main advantages of one-piece swimsuits.

If you have a large bust, and weather you choose a one or two piece plus size swimsuit, keep in mind that comfort in essential. Choose a swimsuit with a lot of support and that fits the shape of your breasts. Underwires are a good idea. Deep Vs and sweetheart necklines are perfect to elongate your neck, create a narrower figure and draw attention to one of your main physical assets.

On the other hand, if you have a small bust you can spice it up by looking for swimwear that has ruffles, frills or other gimmicks in the neckline.

★ When shopping for plus size swimwear, choose colors carefully.

Colors and prints are also a great way to create a more flattering silhouette on a plus size swimsuit. For example, dark colors on the top and lighter colors on the bottom are a great way to create a slimmer waist, while the opposite works well to disguise wide hips. Vertical lines and prints are slimming. Dark colors are also slimming, but do look for swimsuits that have prints and bright colors around the areas you want to emphasize, so as to draw the eye away from the least flattering parts of your body.

As you can see, choosing a plus size swimsuit isn't much different from choosing any other plus size garment - the same basic rules apply. You just have to know your body and your measures and choose carefully. The right shape and colors will take advantage of your curvaceous body lines in all their wonderful, sexy glory!

Plus Size Paradise - Sitemap

2009-01-09T10:28:00.000-08:00

Keep checking Plus Size Paradise for more tips on plus size fashion and accessories!