Where Can I Buy Plus Size Costumes 1X to 3X or 4X or 5x to 12X? 2014

For a couple of years I have been writing posts about where you can find 4X and larger, Plus Size Costumes, and with Halloween coming it is time for an update. In addition to retail 4X costumes, as always I am going to include Do It Yourself (DIY) section. Just for reference I am size 26-28, weigh 280 lbs, have a 53″ waist and tiny ankles. My standard for inclusion in this article is that the costume might fit me. My experience is that costumes run small so buyer beware.

Halloween Costumes carries 31 different Size 5X costumes, priced between $28 – $104. They even have 9 Size 7X costumes, but this year there do not seem to be any 8X costumes. But based on one of my reader’s experience, these costumes appear to be generously sized. This is where I would start my search. They have quite a bit of variety and I think it is worth the effort to check out what they are offering, and these costumes appear to be exclusive to them. The Wonderland Cat includes the shrug and “wristlets”.

BigGals Lingerie has costumes up to a size 12X.  They are somewhat expensive, but it is good to know what your options are.  I do not know how late you can order a costume to guarantee delivery before Halloween, I could not actually get them to give me a date on the phone, but I would say beyond October 10th you might be pushing.  They told me on September 19th last year, that if I ordered a costume on that date it would arrive on October 20th.  They generally have a six week delivery time, but that seems to be compressed for Halloween.

Sanctuarie has more costumes this year that run to a 9X that are very cute, and some moderate pricing, as well as quite a few accessories and make-up. The site says to check sizing for each item. I think this is a fabulous resource if their costume themes speak to you.

Plus-Size Costume Shop carries handmade costumes up to a 7X.  They are pricey but quite lovely and lean toward renaissance costumes and witches. At this time they do not suggest a specific date by which you should place your order, but that might change in the next few weeks.

Etsy seems to have fewer Size 4X options this year. What I found was expensive and I had seen many of them elsewhere. Each seller will have a different policy so be sure to check that out. That said, they have a plethora of accessories, Paws, Animal Hats, various ears, and Tutus, which vary in their plus sizes. And don’t forget the amazing masks, which are not size specific, and vary tremendously in cost. And they even have some themed Halloween hats.

eBay of course has a variety of choices in both quality and fit.  This is what I came up with when I searched for Costume 5X. It seemed to me that most of the costumes were also being sold on the other sites I have mentioned, and I would be particularly careful of the bustier sizing, which always seems to vary a lot.

hips and curves sexy witch hatHips and Curves has a lovely collection of costumes and accessories, some to a 6X, which appear to run a bit small. I love the look of these costumes and I have not seen most of them anywhere else. And OMG, this sexy witch hat, I have never seen anything like it. And look at this hoop skirt which comes to a 50″ waist. 10/26/14 Update fror a reader, confirming my fears that sizing might run somewhat small:

I have some of the Hips ‘n Curves items. They run extremely small. I have the satin sleeves, and I can’t get them around my arms….also some of the school girl items and petticoats. The petticoats are my favorite…they stretch!

Torrid has costumes but my experience is that their Size 3X/4X runs really small, so I cannot really suggest them to people my size or larger.  But they continue to have parts to costumes, like Size 5X (I usually wear a 4X in Torrid Tops) Super Hero T-shirts which I am sure would fit me.

Lady Strange Erotic Lingerie carries very sexy costumes to an 8X.

Bustiers: Here is a great blog post, Plus Size and Proud, about Corset Boulevard Global and how they fit and how they look. Great information, and there are a couple of great photos.

In addition to the 4X+ size costumes, I owned this Maleficent Size 24 costume for years. It more than fit my size 26/28 body, and I have even had readers state that they thought it would fit to a size 6X, but I cannot vouch for that.

If you are looking for costumes through a 1/2X 3/4X or 1X – 3X, there are many options.  Most Halloween Costume vendors, like Halloween Express often carry up to a 3X, the list is quite long and you only have to Google “plus size costumes” to see the list of choices.

 

Most costumes tend to run a little smaller than standard sizes so check the size charts carefully when you are ordering.

aff and MB 50_1659500_nMaking Your Own Costume: And last but not least, there is making your own costume.  Go through your closet and see if there is anything that would work as the base of the outfit. Is there a black outfit that could be witch-like, or something gauzy for a princess or large sleeved for a pirate wench, or a leopard print that just needs leopard ears and perhaps some leopard gloves, the list is endless.  There are a ton of tutorials out there on how to make a headband or accessory to fill out the illusion. In my experience everyone wants to believe in your costume and it only takes a little sleight of hand to make it fun and festive for Halloween. Here are some costumes/DIY tips from prior years.

DIY Wonder Woman Plus Size Costume
DIY VooDoo Doll Plus Size Costume
DIY Steampunk or Edwardian Plus Size Costume
VERY casual Bee Costume (good for a child)
DIY Mrs. Claus Plus Size Costume

In the spirit of making clothes work as costumes, SWAK has a wonderful layout, where they have taken their clothing line, added some accessories and have created costumes, where the underlying clothing could be worn during the year. Gotta love that!

I hope you find this useful and as always if you have additional suggestions please comment.  In addition, I would love to see some photos if you do decide to dress up for Halloween, or any time.

Peace…affinity

Reallllly, Back to School?

Felt Bowler Hat - Vest - Mini  Skirt High Top Sneakers (similar and just as wide)

ASOS Curve Felt Bowler Hat                       –                   Mynt 1792 Vest size 4X –                                                   ASOS Curve Mini Skirt Size 24
T.U.K. High Top Sneakers (similar and just as wide)

So when someone in Ahead of the Curve suggested “Back to School” as our September blog subject, I thought OMG, I haven’t even thought about school clothes in 40 years. I started college at 25 so my approach to dressing for school was a little different. BUT, I had fallen in love with this felt bowler hat on ASOS Curve that I wanted to try, and I love, and they also had this mini skirt that just screamed school, and then I had to check and see if there are still school-girls in high top sneakers, and or boots, and guess what, there are, and it all came together. So here we are!

vest holding hatI thought I would try the look two different ways.

I wore the bowler hat out and about yesterday and everyone loved it. It is quite large (and I have a big head), and is difficult to keep on my head so I am going to try a couple of little twists of hair to anchor it to, or to put something in the hat to make it a little smaller. It is lightweight, which I love, and thus not too warm.

The vest is going to have to be returned. The armholes are HUGE and since it is scuba material, quite heavy. So you can’t wear it in the heat nor the cold. Very sad, because I really like it.

My name from Egypt 1989 Family Pendants Cartouches Egypt 1989 Family Pocket Watch

My name from Egypt 1989
Family Pendants
Cartouches Egypt 1989
Family Pocket Watch

The gold necklaces are mine that I have acquired over the last 30 years. I made black silk cord into necklaces using these lobster clasps so I could get the correct length so they would be the length I wanted. I am trying to use the jewelry that was my mother’s and my mother-in-law’s, rather than buy new.

To compare my measurements to yours, click HERE.

 

 

 

Layout 1Ahead of the Curve is a collective of plus size bloggers that come together to post on the same subject. While it’s been a hot minute since most of our group has slammed a locker door or crammed for a test, we thought “Back to School” would be a fun theme to explore. In this post, we’ll explore youthful looks that remind us of those glory days (well they’ll pass you by). Check out how our bloggers have fun with Back to School, HERE.
Stay in the know with Ahead of the Curve by liking us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram as Ahead_of_the_Curve_Bloggers.
Peace…affinity

ASOS Curve US Size 26/28 PlaySuits – Review

I grew up in Palm Springs where it is quite warm, sometimes over 100º, so I love desert clothes, but when I moved to San Francisco, where it is often in the 60ºs in the summertime, I gave up all those skimpy clothes. But now we live across the Bay where it is often in the 80ºs and 90ºs I started eyeing rompers again. And ASOS Curve had several that I HAD to have. The strapless romper above is my favorite. it is made from a stretch cotton jersey, and I love the wide legged shorts. I tried it in a US Size 24 and it was really too big so I ordered the US Size 22. AND TAKE NOTE: They even have it to a SIZE 28.

I also love the Playsuit with buttons in a size US 24. It had cute detailing, but it was difficult to get in and out of so I returned it, and now it is sold out.

I of course had to try the edgy one with the lattice back.

It is easy to get in and out of because the back is so flexible, and I get compliments on it wherever I wear it. But I don’t feel like I have found the best styling for it. ASOS still has it to a US Size 20, but I think that would easily fit a US Size 24, since I am wearing a US Size 22 and I am a solid Size 26/28.

To compare my measurements to yours, click HERE.

I think the strapless one will be part of my Burning Man wardrobe, although it requires a strapless bra, but it remains my favorite. Which one do you like?

Peace…affinity

photos: Leori Gill

Can a Plus Size 26/28 Wear a City Chic XXL top? Sometimes!

This is my color, which I was thrilled to discover was Radiant Orchid, the Pantone Color for 2014, which means there should be more choices of clothing in this color. You might have noticed it matches my glasses, yep, I love it.  BUT, it was $64, which is a little steep for a top I am going to wear with leggings. So I posted it on my Pinterest Board, and after a few weeks I got a notice from someone who had viewed my Pin that the shirt was now on sale, and it still is (but this color only comes to a XL, but they have the black in XXL). Shipping to the US is free, as are returns, so there was very little risk.

Then the questions was, would it fit? City Chic is an Australian company and their XXL is a US Size 24, since I am a Size 26/28, I was concerned, but I loved it so much, I ordered it anyway, and YAY, it just fits.

 

City Chic XXL

City Chic XXL

And I forgot to mention that it has one of those romantic lace up backs, Love it!

Every time I wear it I love it and get compliments on the color. I do wear a black cami and black tights with it as it is quite sheer.

To compare my measurements to yours, click HERE.

So I am so happy to have checked out the sizing of City Chic, and they do have some great sales (lots of items are less than half price), so I suspect you will see some City Chic here again.

Peace…affinity

Photo: Leori Gill Photography

Can a 4X Fit Into an Eloquii Plus Size 24? Well, Yes, Sometimes!

Elloquii Size 24 Studded Top

Eloquii Size 24 Studded Top (no longer in stock)

You may know that Eloquii relaunched their line in February, and I agree with many other plus size fatshion mavens that the new look is much more luxe and fun and trendy.

BUT, their largest size is a 24, and I really wear a size 26/28. I decided I would take a chance and see how Eloquii’s sizes run, so I ordered a studded top. It fit fine, partially because there happened to be a little stretch, and I loved that the armholes fit, because they often run large on me. I will try Eloquii again, but I doubt you will see me in a pencil skirt, or bodycon dress from their line.

To compare my measurements to yours, click HERE.

Peace…affinity

Photo: Leori Gill Photography

My Summer Wardrobe in a 4X at Kmart!

A couple of years ago I bought a summer dress at Kmart that I am still wearing and loving. I thought it might be interesting to see what kind of summer wardrobe I could put together if I were shopping at Kmart this summer, still wearing a Size 4X. Here is some of what I found.

Black Tropical Capris (All 4X)                  Black Tank Top Gray Crewneck Tshirt        Black

Black Tropical Capris                                                     Black Lace Trim Tank Top
Gray Crewneck T-shirt                                                    Black V-Neck Tee

The first outfit I found was a great pair of tropical print capris and three shirts that could be worn with them. There were of course a variety of others.

Palm Frond Earrings  Torrid Necklace Bangle Bracelets  Palm Frond Brooch

Palm Frond Earrings                                                                       Torrid Necklace
Bangle Bracelets                                                                             Palm Frond Brooch

And just to make the outfit a little more fun here is some inexpensive jewelry to dress it up. I would not think of going out in public without a bangle bracelet and earrings these days.

Navy Striped Top        Mixed Blues Floral Top Navy Capris   Blue  Blus Lace Tank Top

Navy Striped Top                                                       Mixed Blues Floral  Top
Navy Capris                              Blue Tropical Tee                                 Floral Lace Tank Top

Then I found some basic navy capris, with several choices of tops that had some navy in them.

And then for the pièce de résistance, they had JAMMIES. Jammies with shorts, jammies with capris and even nightgowns. But whatever color you could want.

I was quite pleased at how inexpensively I could put together and fun and versatile summer wardrobe. If I needed a more conservative wardrobe, they had long pants and button down shirts that would be sufficient for most casual day work.

Peace…affinity

Workin’ Stella & Dot Jewelry for Plus Sizes

Denise Spencer and I have been friends for well over 20 years. In fact you might remember her as one of the friends who gave me the fabulous Retirement Party a couple of years ago. SO when I heard she was selling Stella & Dot Jewelry, and you know I love jewelry since I wear it everyday, I thought it would be fun if we got together and I tried on a couple of pieces and shared them with you. (I wish I had also tried the necklace without any extensions, sometimes I really like that choker look with the sort of round collar this top has.

Stella & Dot Sutton Necklace Longer

Stella & Dot Sutton Statement Necklace Longer – To do this you just lift one of the lengths of chain over your head, nothing additional required

This is the Sutton Statement Necklace and it can be worn five different ways, I am wearing it with two extensions here. I love that it is a multi-metal necklace and can be worn shorter or longer or even longer, without or with the rhinestones strand.

I also tried on a wrap bracelet, which I loved since I have been wearing a lot of wrap bracelets lately.

Here are some other pieces I thought you might think were fun, and a little less expensive.

 

Peace…affinity 

 

 No compensation was paid for this post, not even lunch…

Yours Clothing Onesie Giveaway – US Size 32 – 34

Yoursclothing onsieHappy New Year, and to start the year off right, we have a Onesie Giveaway for you.

Yours Clothing sent me the most fabulous Red Star Onesies.  They want you to know that they are now carrying up to a US Size 34.  They sent me a US Size 28-30 (See the photo) for me to try on and review. It is very generous on me. They also sent me a US Size 32-34 (one size larger than the size I am wearing) to GIVE AWAY TO YOU.

I love my onesie. It is a soft, not too heavy, fleece and it just feels snuggly to wear. It seems like I could wear a smaller size, BUT, in order to get it on and off comfortably I think it is better to wear it a little larger. The sleeves are a great length for me, it is very cheery, and I look forward to nestling in my bed in it all winter long.

To compare my measurements to yours, and see how the US Size 28-30 fits me, click HERE.

Here is the link to their US Size 34 fashion
Here is a link to their US SIze 34 nightwear

Here are the rules:

    • You must have a U.S. mailing address.
    • No purchase necessary
    • The winner chosen at random by the giveaway software Rafflecopter, with one entry for each point
    • This giveaway is sponsored by Yours Clothing
    • Giveaway ends Monday, January 6th at Midnight, Pacific Time, 2014

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY HERE!!

Peace…affinity