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

Torrid Sizes 1X – 4X Bathing Suits

Chelsea Vest

Chelsea Vest

I had not planned on posting about bathing suits this time of year, but I saw two fabulous photos on FatToo Anonymous which is a chat room for members of the FatToo groups on Facebook and I just had to share them.  Doesn’t she look fabulous! This is what Chelsea said about her Torrid bikini. She is wearing a size 1 on the top and size 2 bottom:

My first bikini EVER! I fell in love and even cried cause I am cry baby LOL. I just never thought I would be able to wear one of these EVER but I felt like a million!

And then a few minutes later there was Brianna Smith Leonard trying on this Size 4X. It looks like it might run a little on the small side because she usually wears a size 3X but they did not have one to try on. She just looks precious. If you want to read more from Brianna she has a blog, just click here.

Briana Smith Leonard

Briana Smith Leonard

I know it is a little early, but I love these choices and am so pleased to be able to post about the real world. Thanks Chelsea and Briana for letting me share your photos.

Stina Scott

Stina Scott

Update February 25, 2013: Christina Scott was kind enough to send me her photo in her Torrid one-piece cherry fabric suit, which I love.  I think she looks awesome.  This is what she said about how it fits.

This is the Torrid cherry suit in a size 3. I normally would take a 4. I like my suits tight and this just fits me. I’m a 22/24 top and 26 bottom.
Stina

Well it becomes obvious that Torrid is the place to buy a bathing suit this year, whether it is a one piece, two piece or bikini. When I bought this suit over 10 years ago (pre Torrid) it was so boring I HAD to put rhinestones (which you can barely see in this photo) on it before I could even wear it.

Thanks again for sharing your photos with me and my blog, you have no idea how happy it makes me.

Update March 2, 2013: Still getting mixed reviews about sizing of Torrid suits this year but I just read this on Facebook;

If anyone plans on getting one of the one piece bathing suits from Torrid, make sure you size up!! I had to go a size up and honestly I could have done two sizes up if they would have had it in store!

Peace…affinity

Obsessed by Plus Size Necklaces and Collars

Photo: Art & Fashion

Photo: Art & Fashion

Okay, I am obsessed, we have to have another post about how to make necklaces and collars work for you if you are plus size. I am moving, more about that in another post, and I spent last evening looking at collars and necklaces as discussed in my prior post (rather than packing), because there are so many statement pieces out there right now, like the one above.  It is kind of a summer spring Annie Hall look. Who knows what this cost, hundreds of dollars perhaps?  But you could recreate this look with this, in fact I may have to.

HAREMDESIGN on Etsy

HAREMDESIGN on Etsy

HAREMDESIGN on Etsy $45 including shipping.  It has a silver chain at the back which could have an extender if needed. Or you could add a long ribbon so it starts further down and surrounds the necklaces below, more like the inspiration pieces above.  There are other bibs or large lace collars on Etsy that are cheaper, but the lace look may be too lacey for me, although Torrid says the lace and denim look is trending right now.  You could combine it with the necklaces below by putting them all on a ribbon, together or separately.  I think it would look amazing, or maybe something a little more in the same shade and color of the collar above. Or this heavier but still spring summer look:

Statement Necklaces by VintageStarrBeads on Etsy

Statement Necklaces by VintageStarrBeads on Etsy

Statement Necklaces by VintageStarrBeads on Etsy about $30 shipped.

And here are several more statement pieces, all from Etsy, because I love that someone is actually making most of these.  That some woman has found a market for tatting or lace or crochet, or crafting, a talent that she thought was not marketable.  YAY!

lacetime on Etsy

lacetime on Etsy

From lacetime on Etsy

EPUU on Etsy

EPUU on Etsy

From EPUU on Etsy

From KBazaar on Etsy

From KBazaar on Etsy

From KBazaar on Etsy for under $10 with shipping.

BellaJewelry4u on Etsy

BellaJewelry4u on Etsy

From BellaJewelry4u on Etsy.  Most under $20 plus $5.95 shipping from China.

From OrangePlus at Etsy

From OrangePlus at Etsy

OrangePlus from Etsy $24 plus $18 shipping from the Netherlands

This season is all about the statement necklace look. Be brave and try something a little wild, you will be glad you did, hopefully.  I will try to stop now and get some packing done.

Peace…affinity

Torrid Studded Boot Review

studded boots torridWhen I saw the Black Minka Studded Boot I knew I just had to have them.  I have a deal with my husband that I will not buy boots on line, I think I have sent back 20 pairs over the last 10 years.  We have a Torrid about 10 miles away, but I just could not seem to get there.

So last week I panicked and ordered them and YAY, they fit.  In fact they are on the largish size.  I wear a 9.5W and the size 10 more than fits.  It is a size 10W and is a little large for me, a tiny bit in the toe and in the ankle, but not so long or loose that I am afraid I will trip over them or the ankle will not provide any support.  I have a 18″ calf at the top part of the boot, and they are so big I have to lace them as tightly as possible, as you can see in the photo. I cannot really determine how much larger you could make them with longer laces, laced as loosely as possible, but I would think at least 21″ or 22″.  They have a side zipper so I loosened the laces all the way down so I coule get my foot in, but now even laced all the way back up my foot fits right in when I use the zipper.  I am just delighted.  I could not have imagined wearing spiked boots 5 years ago because they always felt violent looking to my little pacifist self, but I get compliments everywhere I go.

Peace…affinity

Plus Size Necklace Reviews and Neckline Cheat Sheet

neckline cheat sheet I came across this fabulous Neckline Cheat Sheet from Charming Charlie.  Seems like I am always struggling with “what is a good look for this neckline?” I have some special plus size favorites for some of these:

domino dollhouse spiked collarcollar etsyCollars: Separate collars are all over the fashion magazines this season. I love the Domino Dollhouse Spiked Collar. I have not tried it on but since it is on their site I assume it will fit a plus size neck. I do not wear much in the way of crewnecks or I would have already bought it.  Etsy Lace Collars tend to be hand made and could be tied with a ribbon to make them fit, and you can get a lot of visual impact for a nominal price and dress up some of your less interesting clothing.  This lace collar is less than $10 with shipping (which may have been sold by the time you read this) and would look fabulous on black.  Do you think you can wear a collar with a turtleneck?  I may have to try that.

D.I.Y. Cyber Goddess

D.I.Y. Cyber Goddess

sonsi plus size necklaceNecklaces: I tend to wear necklaces that I have made or have been made by my friends that are artists but if you are looking for an edgy look Domino Dollhouse is once again my first choice.  I love Torrid, I wear their bracelets everyday, and Torrid necklaces run about 17 inches and often come with a 5 inch extender.  Sonsi costume jewelry necklaces come in a wide variety of prices and styles. The photo above is of a set on this page that I am seeing everywhere. Sonsi also has a fine jewelry necklace line.

faux pearlsFaux Pearls: Etsy has over 5,000 Faux Pearl Necklaces listed right now.  If this is the look you are looking for you cannot help but find it here.  I love this Vintage Triple Strand necklace (which may have been sold by the time you read this). The smallest strand is 22″ and the longest is 28″, for less than $20 shipped. That would work for me even with a turtleneck.

Facebook: If you use Facebook, FatToo Accessora has lots of jewelry.  But buyer beware, there are no returns and carefully view what you are buying.  I find I have about a 50% success rate on this site for receiving items that work for me.  But when I get what I am looking for, often I cannot find it any place else and I love that.

And it goes without saying that Goodwill and other thrift stores are a great place to shop if you are out and about.  Goodwill is often the most inexpensive because they have not been curated or handmade as they might have been in on Etsy or a smaller thrift store.

Shop carefully, check that the necklaces are long enough or that you are willing to wear a necklace extender, but they are out there for a good price, and currently I am loving the vintage or edgy look as you can tell from this post.

Peace…affinity

Beth Ditto’s Domino Dress and Leggings

aff 1st beth dominoAs you know, if you have been following along, Beth Ditto is my Fatshion Hero.  I have been lusting after the domino dress and tights that she designed for Evans in 2009.  I have been lurking on ebay and the “thrift store” plus size sites on Facebook for quite some time, and here they are.

My bodycon dress is a U.K. Size 32, which is equal to about a size 28 in the US.

The tights are a much smaller size, although they are no longer tagged.

Shoes: Torrid Size 10, very comfortable.

The Hunt:  I went on the Facebook sites and ebay every day and searched for Beth Ditto.  On ebay I had to narrow that to clothing because she shows up under books, magazines, make-up and music, before you even get to clothing.

So, I am still on the hunt for the Beth Ditto Heart Dress in a larger size and there is a Face sweater that I would love to try too.

I wore it on Saturday to Fatty Affair and got lots of compliments on it and had lots of fun wearing it.  I am sure I will be taking it out for a stroll again soon.

Peace…affinity

Torrid CrossBack Dress Review

18083_10151330547716280_1498661911_nI went to my fabulous tailor this week, Barbra Hume, who is also a designer. She was altering a dress for me to wear to the Hot Couture: A Fusion of Fashion and Fire, fashion show I was going to and we discussed why I feel like I need to wear one dress or another for a particular occasion!  That turned out to be very interesting because that afternoon this Torrid dress arrived in the mail and I knew I had to wear it rather than the fabulous Simply Be dress that I am going to save for The Bay Lights Opening Ceremony on March 5th.  Why, because I could not wear this strappy, too revealing, form fitting and short for an old fat lady, to an event the Mayor of San Francisco and the Lt. Governor of California are going to attend. But I love it, so I wore it to an evening of boundary stretching fashion.

The photos of me in this dress are not very good.  I promise to reshoot and post them soon.  It is the best fitting strappy dress I have ever tried on. The straps fit perfectly, the waist is long enough and it is just fun. I was sure it would be too small but just that little bit of spandex made it work in the waist and yet not tug anywhere. But, I cannot seem to get a great photo of me in it to share with you. I am so happy I took a chance on it after looking at it for a couple of weeks before I took the risk, rarely does anything this fun last that long on Fattoo Grand, the Facebook online resale page.  I love it.

Here are the deets:

Dress: Torrid – Size 5X – purchased thru Fattoo Grand

Coat: Lane Bryant – Size 24 – Double Breasted and pulls a little if I try to button all the buttons  Here is a similar version  I cannot tell you how many compliments I got on this coat!   Purchased from Jessica Kane on Fattoo. How fun is that?  Sometimes you are in the right place at the right time.

Tights with studs (glued on): Lane Bryant – Size 26-28 – Way too large – purchased through Fattoo

Regarding Leggings: I tried on some Avenue Size E leggings that I had but I could not even get them up my skinny legs.  Since I am 5’5″ and weigh 275 lbs. I was very disappointed when they did not fit. I guess I will buy some Size EE while they are on sale.

Avenue Size Chart

Avenue Size Chart

Shoes: Lane Bryant – Size 10W – my most comfortable flat

photo: Gary J. Wilson

photo: Gary J. Wilson

IMG_2627IMG_2635

IMG_2637

I thought you might like to see some photos of the show:

This was my favorite dress of the evening with the windowpane design

This was my favorite dress of the evening with the windowpane design

photo: Brittany Schell

photo: Brittany Schell

photo: Will Bucquoy WB Photography

photo: Will Bucquoy WB Photography

Screen Shot 2013-01-12 at 3.28.59 PM

photo: Ed Jay

photo: Ed Jay

photo: Will Bucquoy WB Photography

photo: Will Bucquoy WB Photography

A stained glass gown and a dress bejeweled with images displayed in LED lights are just a few of the pieces of evening wear made from steel, wire, leather and other industrial materials that will be paraded down the runway this weekend at The Crucible in West Oakland for the Hot Couture fashion show.  Brittany Schell

And Rose Nisker Aerialist did a beautiful performance with a live violin accompaniment

740999_10151337756677591_1596841012_oAll in all a very exciting evening.

01/18/2013 Update: An Oakland Local Blog review of the event.

Peace…affinity

Joe Zee’s 2013 Fashion Trends – Where Can I Find Them in Plus Sizes?

Joe-Zee-Elle-Magazine I am a big fan of Joe Zee. He is the the Creative Director of Elle Magazine and hosts “All on the Line”, a fashion series on the Sundance Channel. I feel like he has his finger on the pulse of what works and what is next so when I saw that ABC did an interview with him I wanted to share the highlights.  I thought you might like to see the suggestions in some plus sizes.

TREND #1: LACE

Torrid Nude And Black Lace Splice Tank Dress – On sale now $39

Torrid Red And Black Lace Tube Top – On sale now $32.98

Lace was huge on the runways for spring.  Valentino, Giambattista Valli, Bottega Veneta and Burberry were some of the best examples. It is definitely a return to delicate, feminine dressing.  I love the idea of lace detailing on skirts, pants and coats. Lace tops are great to pair with a structured blazer to offset the sweetness. A super easy way to integrate the lace trend into spring is a lace tight!  Joe Zee

TREND #2:  JAILHOUSE STRIPES

IMG_1803Graphic prints like stripes and checkerboard were huge on the spring runways. Most notable were the Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton shows, both designed by Marc Jacobs. Strong prints were sent down the runway in all silhouettes, from gowns to minis to suit sets.  The best way to integrate this into your spring wardrobe is piece by piece. A strong jacket or blazer pairs well with a dark jean or cropped pant where as a skirt or pant goes well with a classic button down or a super soft t-shirt in black or white.  You can keep your whole outfit graphic and on trend without turning into an optical illusion!  Joe Zee

Old Stripes are New Again

TREND #3:  90′s GRUNGE

IMG_2539“90’s grunge is rough and girly with a great mix of patterns and proportions. It’s about a balance of texture and toughness.”

I am about to add rhinestones going the other direction on this DIY Size 4X top, and you cannot really tell that the shoulders have lace on them. This is a top I found in my drawer and decided to use for studding…affinity

For spring, layer a great knit over a delicate dress and add a great boot. Mixing prints like floral and plaid with a solid in between is also a great way to step into this trend!  Joe Zee

In Joe Zee’s Own Words: Four Wardrobe Must-Haves

1) A black leather moto jacket.  This is an Elle wardrobe staple for all seasons.  Leather adds great texture and toughness to almost all pieces of a woman’s wardrobe. Cool with jeans, pencil skirts or over dresses. We saw spring-weight leather at many shows this past season – always a great investment piece. Joe Zee

Simply Be Leather Look Biker Jacket – $105 

Michael Kors Biker Jacket – $399 – only in 1X

Inc. Non-leather Jacket – $99.50 (plus 15% off code) size to 3X – I find this brand runs large. If I needed a jacket, this is what I would try and I am a 4X…affinity

IZOD Leather Moto Jacket – $129

Very difficult to find this late in the season most of the plus size biker jackets I looked at were sold out…affinity

2) Skinny dark jeans (slim cut).  Denim finds its way onto every runway season and it’s why it’s on our trend list each season. Dark denim is seasonless and a necessary addition for spring. Pair it with a blazer or leather and add accessories to go from day to night. Joe Zee

Torrid currently has 67 versions of skinny jeans

3) A blouse or skirt with ruffle detail.  Ruffles and romantic details were huge this spring! Tone it down with a ruffle detail on a blouse for a bit of romance without being overwhelming.  Joe Zee

Torrid has a wide selection of items with ruffles

I had a more difficult time finding just ruffle detail on the edge of a collar or just down one side of the skirt.  Maybe those are not yet in plus sizes…affinity

4) A structured blazer.  Another major trend this past spring was suiting. We love the idea of breaking up a suit to still keep it cool! Pair it with jeans and a t-shirt to keep the ease. Joe Zee

ASOS Curve Blazers – Size 22 = about a size 26 US

Blazers are everywhere this year, Avenue, Lane Bryant, Jessica London, etc. I have tons from my many years of working in the corporate world so I will not be buying any…affinity

PEACE…affinity