When it comes to dresses for plus size and mid-size women, finding the right fit can be challenging. Considering everything from style to sleeve and hem length, makes it hard to know what works for your body and your style. At Dia & Co we have a wide selection of dresses for plus size women of all shapes with any kind of style. We are here to help you find dresses that will be favorites in your closet season after season. Here are our top three things to consider when shopping for great dresses.
“First and foremost, do what makes you feel comfortable. “
Style
Most dresses are cut from one of four main silhouettes: A-line, fit-and-flare, shift and bodycon. These four styles work for most body shapes because they create more balanced silhouettes and in the case of the bodycon dress, otherwise known as “body-conscious” it conforms to the contours of the body that’s in it. A-line and fit-and-flare dresses for plus-size women are the most universally known because they feel good on all bodies.
They both feature a more slim fit bodice with a skirt that flares from waist to hem. The main difference is the fit-and-flare has a more dramatic flare. Pro Tip: If you wear a smaller size on top, buy your fit and flare dress in that size to get a comfortable fit on top with ample room in the skirt. Shift dresses are more minimal with the same width from bust to hemline. They work well on straight figures with little difference in measurement between bust hip and waist. Women who wear a larger size on the bottom may want to buy a shift dress according to their bottom size and have the bodice tailored.
“Pro Tip: If you wear a smaller size on top, buy your fit and flare dress in that size to get a comfortable fit on top with ample room in the skirt.”
Length
Dress lengths are measured in two ways—from the highest point of your shoulder to the hem, or from the waist to hem, known as the “skirt” of the dress. Mini, knee-length, midi and maxi can vary in measurements across brands and even sizes. In the past, the rule of thumb has been that shorter hems work best for shorter heights while longer hems look best on taller heights. While you by no means have to follow this rule, getting the right hem length is important. On a petite plus-size customer, a contemporary midi or maxi dress that doesn’t hit at the right place can feel overwhelming. And a mini that’s too mini might make for an accidental peek-a-boo moment for someone who is too tall. First and foremost, do what makes you feel comfortable.
(Pictured: classic dress styles from Dia&Co.)
“Pro Tip: in general, aim for a wider cut sleeve with lots of room and a generous arm hole.Narrow sleeve openings and pinching fabric will be super uncomfortable to wear.”
Sleeves
It’s very common for fuller figured women to have larger arms—I do. And it’s always challenging during the colder seasons wearing dresses such as maxi dress with ¾ or long-sleeves and having to layer under coats and sweaters that might also have restricting sleeves. It can be extremely uncomfortable to fit your arms into a dress with no stretch. Luckily, there are a few long-sleeve cuts that are trendy and comfortable, my favorite of which is the balloon-sleeve dress. The balloon-shape and extra room in their long sleeves makes the cut more accommodating to larger arms whether the fabric is stretchy or not. Pro Tip: in general, aim for a wider cut sleeve with lots of room and a generous arm hole. Narrow sleeve openings and pinching fabric will be super uncomfortable to wear.
Discover your new favorite dress this season at dia.com today.
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