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 See reader questions & answers on this topic! - Help others by sharing your knowledge 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: georgi@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: jhess@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: babybecoming@igc.apc.org or bbcatalog@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: Lingerfield@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: barelynothings@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: mclan@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: byrodesign@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: cabelas@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: jholland@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: kerry@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: bcoole@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: requests@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: info@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: dionjons@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: pfbz40a@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 ermoore@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: fashionique@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: custserv@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: datkins@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: themoon@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: hadavis@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: hitchcock@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: 71117.2051@compuserve.com; dlawrenz@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: Judith@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: 1800junonia@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: HanesMgr@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: sam@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: Kate@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: ladygrace5@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: mailbox@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: lafngstr@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: leatherlady@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: leggings@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: michelle@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: orders@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: segalman@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: gwenn@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: npta@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: info@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: orchard@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: pluswoman2@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: poleyk@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: rx@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: hosiery@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: twosisters@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: cocoon@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: widecomfy@aol.com or widecomf@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: webmaster@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: bbwfromca@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: SmithsonC@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.wilson@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-server@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 (stef@bayarea.net) maintains this FAQ. ============================================================ B3) Contributors These are the people who contributed significant chunks to the FAQ: Sasha Wood (Sasha.Wood@cs.cmu.edu) Eleanor Brown (ebrown@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 (stef@bayarea.net) ============================================================ Copyright 1995, 1996 by Stef Jones (stef@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. User Contributions:Comment about this article, ask questions, or add new information about this topic:
[ Usenet FAQs | Web FAQs | Documents | RFC Index ]
Send corrections/additions to the FAQ Maintainer: stef@bayarea.net (Stef Jones)
Last Update March 27 2014 @ 02:11 PM
|
Clothing for Big Folks: U.S. (FAQ)
Clothing for Big Folks: U.S. (FAQ)
59493
34 Place Charles De Gaulle
34 Place Charles De Gaulle
France
Villeneuve-D'ascq
CENTRE
France
Jamika Beeler
Via Genova 76
43011
Busseto
PR
Italy