Plus Size Tights, Leggings & Jeggings – Size 4X +

One of my fashion role models is my friend and fashion designer, Amber Clisura.  She did not wear pants in 2011 as evidenced by her blog No Pants.  We will be hearing from her soon, she just started a clothing line, Salt Clothing, and is showing her first Spring Line in a couple of weeks. She loves tights and wears them often, and she taught me how fun and useful tights are.

I am a pretty standard size 26 -28 or size 4X, I weigh 275 lbs. and I am 5’5″. In addition, my ankles are 9 1/2″, my calves 18 1/2″, my thighs are 27″, my hips 59″ and my waist is 54 1/2″.

So here is a little round-up of what has worked, what has not, and what I am excited to try next:

The Best So Far:

10/9/2016:
Sock Dreams Tights: This just in, I am hearing great things about these Sock Dreams tights in an Extra Plus Size, and come in both 180 denier and 20 denier (thickness of the fabric),

We Love Colors Plus Sized Tights: They carry a variety of plus size tights and leggings, use the charts carefully.I find them pretty true to size with maybe a 25 lb. margin.

We Love Colors striped tights in both the black striped tights and the white striped tight are “one size fits all” plus size tights, and the chart is below.  These tights just fit me, and I love them.

we love color plus sized one size tights chart

May 2014 Update: We Love Color is no longer carrying striped tights. I am heartbroken.
We Love color

Update: April 2013:  I just tried the plus size fishnets and the “one size” 1x – 3x fit perfectly, but I think I am at the top of their range, the size chart says hips to 48 inches, but they are also not very long. Update: May 2013: I just wore the fishnets for the second time today and they looked great when I put them on, and pulled easily above my waist, but within an hour they were falling down and since I was wearing a fairly short dress over them it was concerning.  I will probably not buy them again but will stick to striped and solid color tights.

On the other hand We Love Colors has a solid color tight that runs up to 375 lbs., (and maybe even a little higher).  I think they are the go-to tight if you are looking for an amazing range of colors, and I love that they last a long time.

we love color plus size tights chart

Sealed With A Kiss: They have a “One Size” legging that fits me perfectly.  I have a 54-55′ waist and I love how good they feel. Just a plain black, stretchy, footless, ankle length, legging that feels good and is wearing well.  This is my everyday, throw them on and go sort of legging.

            Size  
Length
Waist
Hips
Inseam
One Size 1X-4X 35 28-52 32-60 22.5

Torrid:

torrid footliss lights sz 2I love Torrid but their have been hit and miss for me.  I cannot wear Torrid Size 3/4, too small.  BUT their footless tights are great on me. I wear a 2 but often the 1 might be better, but might wear out sooner.  But I hate baggy tights.

Lane Bryant:

LB sz 26Lane Bryant tights tend to run large.  I purchased these Size 26-28 because I loved the studs, but they were way too large, and I have a similar pair that is equally baggy,  I am tugging on them in the photo so they will not look too baggy.  I am going to wear them at an event in a couple of weeks and I will have to take them in.

Roaman’s: .

Screen Shot 2013-03-22 at 7.11.36 AMI ordered a size 4X leggings from Roaman’s.  I did not review their size chart, I did not look at any notes I might have had about sizing for Roaman’s.  But guess what, Roaman’s runs VERY large.  According to their size chart a 4X is equal to a 34-36, not a 26-28, which is what I usually wear.  Good to know! I have this in this capri tight as well as a lace banded capri tight and they both run very large, I look best in a size 1X.

Roaman’s also carries a range of metallic leggings, up to a size 5X. I cannot really recommend metallic leggings in any brand.  No matter what size you get they bunch at the knee and the ankle immediately, and I think the bunching looks worse than in other colors.

Screen Shot 2013-03-22 at 6.41.05 AMCult of California: These are my favorite tights, I wore them recently to a Mad Max sort of party and I wear them with black boots or flats, often.  The back is not mesh so they are comfortable and the Size 4X fits me perfectly, and they come to a size 5X.  The are pricey, but I love them so, they were my splurge last year.

My Dissappointments:

Berkshire Queen: Silky Sheer Size 5X – 6x, I can just get them on but it is very difficult

Sealed With a Kiss Jeggings: 4X, I cannot get them on, and I am heartbroken.

Excited to Try Soon:

Curvissa:  Curvissa, a plus size brand in the UK, has a great range of clothing including a selection of cool and casual leggings.  They invited me to have a look at their tights and jeggings and I see several pair I want to try.

Screen Shot 2013-03-22 at 7.39.11 AMThese Fair Isle Print Leggings are my favorite and they come to a UK Size 32 which would be a US Size 30 or a Size 28 at the smallest.  I love them, they are right on trend with the tribal stripes and would look great with a sundress, and there is also an Aztec version.  I also like the lace trim on these.  If I get a chance to try them I will let you know how they fit.

Chubby Cartwheels Leggings:

chubby cartwheelsI have always wanted to try her leggings. I love the lace and these polka dots are precious and of course I love that her leggings come to a US size 32.  I will let you know if I try a pair.

I would love to hear from you if you find other plus size leggings that fit a Size 4X or higher. The more we share information, the more options we will have and the more the retailers will know what we want and need.  Sounds like a win-win for all of us.

Peace…affinity

UPDATE 3/23/2013:

A couple of Affatshionista’s readers, first Tristy, made some useful comments on Facebook that I have  added to make this a more complete discussion.  I REALLY appreciate it, I love learning from all of you.  She begins by outing my legs as smallish so in my description above I have included my measurements.

Per Tristy  “I have BIG legs and it makes a huge difference in finding tights and leggings. So I’m looking for any blog reviews of Size 4X+ leggings/tights for the big-legged ladies, in case any of you know of some. And what works for my big legs you (didn’t) ask? We Love Colors tights (only the spandex ones), Re/Dress Online‘s Teggings, and Domino Dollhouse‘s leggings fit my big legs great. Torrid, Lane Bryant, Avenue, Roman’s – not at all. I am LIVING for the CULT of California’s Rapture Leggings, so I might just have to give those a try. Did you find that they had a lot of stretch?” (My response, “The Cult of California legging are pretty true to size, not a lot of stretch)”

(Tristy responds) “It sounds like you and I have somewhat opposite bottom halves  I find with this kind of stuff, it’s REALLY helpful to know actual measurements of the person reviewing – my thighs are 33″ around and my calves are 21″ – Hips & tummy are 58″ – so that gives everyone an idea of where I’m coming from  – the reason the brands I listed that don’t work for me, don’t work, is because of my legs. Roman’s goes up to really nice, big sizes, but they only give you more in the waist and not in the legs, so I can barely squeeze my legs in them, but am swimming in the waist area.”

Per Amber,  “I’m with Tristy. I’m big all over, and I’ve got tree trunk legs. My calves are 27 inches at the widest point. (I love them, don’t get me wrong, but dressing them is difficult!) But, I left a comment on your post about tights that worked great for me!”  (That comment is incorporated here)  “When it comes to tights, I recommend these from One Stop Shop. They tend to run on the smaller side, I’d size up a size or two, and they seem to have gotten rid of the 8x, which is what fits my 5’7/430lb body. But that means they will fit anyone smaller than I am.”

THANKS SO MUCH FOR SHARING YOUR INFORMATION.  I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM MORE OF YOU…affinity

Fractured Friday v. 02/01/2013

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[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xV6bQa-pW9A?rel=0&w=560&h=315]

Russian Dance troupe the Big Ballet bring their unique comedic take on classical ballet.

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From Sex + Design  -  Stair PornJovan Salamor and Steven Aponno.

From Sex + Design – Stair Porn
Jovan Salamor and Steven Aponno.

Love this from Valentino's Spring Collection

Love this from Valentino’s Spring Collection

Photographer: Izzet Beyazit Yıldırım

Photographer: Izzet Beyazit Yıldırım

Can't help but love this retro look.Sweet Susie Q Ginger Platforms by Deandri

Can’t help but love this retro look.
Sweet Susie Q Ginger Platforms by Deandri

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Peace…affinity

American Rag – A review

Until recently my interest in fashion had been on hiatus, thus  finding fun clothes in a size 26 -28 was difficult.  So I started reading Skorch Magazine, and one of the first things I saw was a layout with Tiffany from On the Fat Walk, in this size 3X American Rag tunic.  So I stole her look. I figured she would not mind helping the new kid on the block put a look together, since she looked so fabulous in it. It is one of the most comfortable outfits I have ever worn, so I will wearing on the  plane to Venice Italy tomorrow morning.  Thanks Tiffany, for helping me get started…affinity

Chic Star Vintage – A Review

The vintage look is all the rage right now and one on-line store I have been looking at Chic Star hails from China.  One of my favorite aspects of Chic Star is that they solicit designs from the public and pay them a small fee if the design is used, thus the designs have quite a bit of breadth.  In addition, as lots of on-line stores are doing right now they encourage buyers to send in their photos.

Their size range includes a 4X with a bust size up to 56 inches,  but the waist is only 48 inches, seems like the designs might work better on an hourglass figure rather than an apple shaped size 26-28 like me. I am concerned that the waist will not fit, and that has kept me from buying one of these fun dresses.  I would love to hear about it if you have a Chic Star dress…affinity

Tripp NYC Plus Sizes – Review

A Tripp skirt might be the first piece of clothing I ever bought from Torrid, years ago. The skirt was a purple underskirt with tulle overlay and was a 4X, and always a bit small, but I loved it so I wore it anyway. At the time it seems to reflect Torrid’s edgy style. Then this fall I found this turquoise pleated skirt at Torrid in a 5X, and it is a perfect fit.   That drew me back to Tripp and I bought a couple of pairs of jeans (leopard which you will see later), which you can buy at  One Stop Plus or Torrid (as well as a bustier on sale) for about the same price. FYI, the short jeans are just a bit too short for me and I am 5′ 5″.  I look for Tripp pretty often on Ebay because I rarely find anything else that I like quite as much.

A few weeks ago, I found this 4X mini pleated skirt in a purple plaid and I just had to have it but as you can see below it is a little small and I will not be wearing it again.  So it seems to me that Tripp NYC runs just a tiny bit small but I love their fun style and I think it reflects who I am, so I will continue to buy it when I can find it in my size.

I purchased the belt on Ebay many years ago. If I were buying it today I would not buy rhinestones since I have lost a few over the years…affinity

Kmart Festival Dress – OMG – It Fits!

 This week there was a going away party at the Burning Man Headquarters because one of my favorite people ever and the Communications Manager and Regional Network Manager, Andie Grace is moving on.  She was my boss when I was the Wedding Coordinator for Burning Man for several years and I will miss her terribly. Although it was 68 degrees in San Francisco that day I knew it would be warm at the party so I wore my new sundress.

A couple of weeks ago I decided that I should check out kmart’s plus size clothes, just ’cause.  I ordered this Festival Dress in a Size 26-28 (my size)  for $18.74 with an extra 15% off, and it is 100% cotton, what a bargain.  I had no  hope of it fitting and then it came and when I tried it on it did not fit, but while I was putting it back in the bag and felt a drawstring which untied and then tried again – and OMG it fits and it is precious.  I cannot remember the last time I was so happy with a piece of clothing.  It was made for Burning Man or a hot day in the city.  It also comes in a print and if you wear this sort of thing it is a must have.  You might also want to check out the rest of the Love Your Style Love Your Size line.  I am pleasantly surprised by kmart plus sizes…affinity

Necklace: I made this is 2009, Precious Metal Clay and Colored Pencil
Bra: White strapless Goddess bra, fabric spray painted green for project
Bracelet: Handmade gift at Burning Man 2006
Earrings: Dichroic Glass from Etsy

Just for your amusement I have added a photo of the project that the bra was spray painted for, I made a life size paper mache of Tara: the Tibetian Goddess of Compassion.  I don’t paper mache anymore but I thought this might make you smile.
photo of me and Tara: Julian Cash

photo: George Post

I Love My Raincoat

I think this morning might have been the last little rain that we are going to have so I wanted to tell you about my Mycra Pac size XL raincoat (I am a size 26-28).  I fell in love with one in a store but they generally run over $200, so I stalked them on ebay until I found one for $100.  They are reversible, they run very large, I really wanted an animal print and I always feel dressed up when I wear it, what more could I ask for?…affinity

P.S. I hear there is an outlet store but I have never been there:  Mycra Pac Designer Wear Outlet 535 Center St · Moraga, California

June 2013 Update: Since I wrote this post In Full Swing in Oakland CA has started carrying these fabulous coats.

Torrid 4X Belt – How Does it Fit?

I bought this polka dot black bow belt in a size 4X from Torrid a couple of weeks ago and I love it.  I am always looking for a belt with a little more style.  It fits snugly on my size 28 waist, the elastic parts fold where they should and it is very comfortable.  The little piece of sheer ribbon with the polka dots is not going to hold up and will have to be cut off, but that is okay.

I wear a belt almost every day, so I will be in the look-out and would love to hear about any that have worked for you…affinity

Coral – The Universal Color?

I love the look of a cropped, lightweight cardigan over my everyday wardrobe.  I have worn it to work, then out for the evening and to lunch with the girls.  It brightens up my look (my husband likes it when I wear something besides black) with a sweater that is light enough to leave on all day.  And did you know that coral is considered a universal color and looks good on everyone?  Do you agree with that?…affinity

Sweater: Torrid – Size 4X
Bracelets – Torrid – Size 4X
Cami – Avenue – Size 26 – 28

LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED!

OMG!  I am so excited to have a Betsey Johnson sweater that I just had to show it to you right away! I love Betsey Johnson and it would never have occurred to me that even an “oversized” sweater would ever fit my size 26-28 torso, and then to find LOVE… since I am a child of the sixties, thank you Tracy of Chubble Bubble (who IS Domino Dollhouse) for showing me it could work! You made my week!…affinity

If you want to try one of Betsey Johnson’s oversized sweaters, try here!