Have YOU Tried customPlus T-shirts?

affat tshirt leoriI had wanted an AffatshionistA t-shirt for awhile, but the custom design sites did not have my size, and then I happened upon customPLUS last year and here is my t-shirt and I love it.  How fun is it to have a t-shirt with my logo on it, in my size?

IMG_8951See the red logo t-shirt above? I have t-shirts made for our theme camp at Burning Man every year.  To get one to fit ME I have to find a t-shirt the same color, cut out the logo from one of the men’s t-shirts, and then sew it onto the t-shirt I have in the same color.  I know there are places I could have a 4X t-shirt made but they don’t really fit me. They are not usually “women’s” in shape, and they are bulky in all the wrong places. So this is what I have been doing for several years to have a Burning Man t-shirt like my campmates.

That said, YAY, you can make your own, you can buy one of their graphic tees, you can even buy a Wonder Woman t-shirt and use it as the basis of your Halloween costume with a couple of accessories (if you are a DIY kind of girl), that I tell you how to make right here.

The customPLUS 4X Tank that you can design is $25.99, with free shipping to the U.S., runs quite large, and they are great to interact with, so go out there and design an outrageous t-shirt for YOU to wear.

Peace…affinity

photo: AffatshionistA tee – Leori Gill

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

eShakti Clothing – A Plus Size Review

Cat Oake

Cat Oake

Cat Oake

Cat Oake

Cat Oake

Cat Oake

I have been watching eShakti for awhile.  It is everywhere in my Facebook Groups. I am thrilled, these buyers had posted their candid photos (I love that they take their own photos with their phones)  and they are willing to let me share them.  Because of that you will be able to see the range of clothing that eShakti sells, and they look fabulous.  And then, fellow blogger XXELLE put up a coupon code up for eShakti that is good until March 10th, (those details are at the end of this post) so I knew it was time to review eShakti.

eShakti carries sizes 0 – 36, they offer customization, they do not keep any clothing in stock, they cut to order and their clothing is made in India.  You have two choices, you can order clothing according to their sizing chart, and then have minor customization, or you can order custom sizing specifying all of your measurements. Customization is just $7.50 for both custom sizing and custom styling, and it is free with your first order.

I had never ordered anything from them because my personal experience with custom made clothing has not been very good, I tend to buy online and then have my clothes tailored.  But I ordered a dress last week, completely custom and we will see how it goes when it arrives in several weeks.

Per Cat Oake recently:

I had been buying items from eShakti and adding several inches to the bust and waist as well as saying I was 5’11” tall when I’m actually only 5’5″. Well, things were coming larger and larger. I think they have been finally figuring out that they need to add extra ease to the garments for fat people.

Anyway, I recently changed my ordered measurements to be just an inch larger in bust and waist and VOILA! Perfect fits in the last two garments that arrived. No need fix ’em with the sewing machine or just live with the extra volume.

In addition, I loooove the fabric in the dress shown. It’s a eyelet using silver threads. (That is the dress at the top). You can only customize using the options on the customize tab with eShakti and fabric is everything, when you buy their more expensive pieces the fabric is better and they look better.

Madelyn McWilliams

Madelyn McWilliams

Madelyn McWilliams said:

I pretty much ordered a size larger than I usually wear.  I usually wear a size 26 (22/24 top and 26 bottom) but I got a 28. The way it’s cut at the top i could use a little more room but it’s not bad.

Here are some more photos of other fabulous women wearing eShakti:

Aimie Thomas

Aimie Thomas

Katie Bot

Katie Bot

Cardigan: Annex Woman
Dress: eShakti
Tights: We Love Colors
Shoes:: Payless
Necklace: My grandmother’s

AnnMarie Elle

AnnMarie Elle

Cardi: Old Navy
Top: eShakti
Jeans: One Stop Plus
Headband: Sephora

Good luck to all of you if you make any purchases.  Consistently I saw the suggestion to buy a larger size than you usually wear and to add some inches to your height, the clothing tends to run short.  Thanks to everyone on FatToo Anonymous that was willing to share their photos with you and me. They look fabulous don’t they!
Peace…affinity

Plus Size 4X Edwardian or Steampunk Costumes

Edwardian Ball 2011My friend Amber Clisura is back this week with How to Dress for the Edwardian Ball.  I think she provides great costume advice even if you do not happen to be going to the Edwardian Ball. I have a couple of cheap tips and plus size suggestions.

dare to wear corset topThe obvious is a corset top. Dare to Wear has this style and other styles in a 5X, and I hear they run a little small. You can read my review and readers comments HERE.

Screen Shot 2013-01-18 at 8.40.22 AMYou can find small headbands and “fascinators” everywhere now, but I love the breadth at Amazon, for figuring out how to make your own or buying one inexpensively.  The one above as only $10 plus shipping and would dress up any outfit (second page of the Amazon link). As you may know I live in a costume sort of world so I am always looking for tricks to make it easy.  In the photos in her post some women are wearing bustiers over their clothing, or over a bra, rather than alone.  You get the effect without being so exposed.

Screen Shot 2013-01-18 at 8.09.32 AMI also find that most stretch or fishnet fingerless gloves fit me just fine, even inexpensive ones (at 275 lbs).  I have not tried these velvet stretch fingerless gloves and they are a little more expensive, but I would be surprised if they did not fit.  In very worst case, if they did not fit you could sew a little piece of black eleastic into one of the seams, easy and effective.

red gloveThese little fishnet gloves I own in many colors, they are very inexpensive and have never found a pair that does not fit.

tie on bustle MIn addition, a Tie-On Bustle, which will make any skirt you own a costume. It says it is one size, but I have worn these before by just replacing the ribbon. If you want to spend more I would check out Etsy.  Steampunk is kind of “Around the World in 80 Daysish” and not unlike Edwardian in the costume world.

So with a pair of gloves, a fascinator, a ribbon around your neck and a tie-on bustle, you could make almost anything in your closet into a Steampunk or Edwardian Costume.  If you want to stretch a little and try a bustier it would make the costume even more authentic.

And a video with lots of ideas that are not size related, make-up, masks, big fun: [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NO4eIRpIZ1k?rel=0&w=560&h=315]

Hips and Curves has a Steampunk Section on their site. A lot of the collection only runs to a waist measurement of 50″ so that may not be helpful, but they have some cute accessories.

Bustiers: Here is a great bog 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, Clockwork Couture has a variety of accessories.

Or you could do a little DIY steampunk, it is all over the web, last year I did a vacuum tube hat and necklace made out of computer and old doll parts.

Peace…affinity

Our Guest – Jenny Strauss

Yesterday when I was perusing Facebook I fell in love with this skirt that Jenny Strauss is wearing, especially the petticoat peeking out at the bottom, and asked her if I could blog it.  So I was even more excited when she told me that the skirt was custom made by Peach Berserk in Toronto.  Peach Berserk’s tag line is Funky Clothes – Painted Clothes – Hand Printed Women’s Wear, which I find very promising for my future wardrobe, and as her friend points out “I love their design your own dress page!!!”

Jenny Says:  They have prints, fabrics, colors, and you pick them all with the style you want. Mix and match fabulousness. The top was a gift from my mom maybe 18 years ago so not much I can say about that. The leggings are IDEA from ReDress (got them at the NOLOSE conference in Oakland last year). Shoes are Fluevogs, style: Mini Gorgeous. Necklace from a boutique on the Oregon coast. Glasses Jean LaFont. Hair, Jenny. 🙂

So welcome Jenny, looking forward to seeing more of you here at Affatshionista…affinity