Plus Size Body Type: Style Guide

Written by Kate Curry

For many years, plus size fashion has been limited to plain, boring, and frumpy options that don’t do much to show off how much plus size people love their bodies. We’re finally starting to move past that dark time and have fun, colorful, and complementary fashion that is for ALL body types!

Before we get started - no body type is the same! Be aware of your measurements and comfort levels before you choose to add anything to your closet to avoid any frustration or discomfort!

Best Tops & Outerwear

Amara Long Recycled Sari Duster

A gorgeous plus sized woman is posing by an outdoor pool. She's wearing a black floral swimsuit, and a white and red long duster is blowing in the breeze behind her.

These gorgeous one-of-a-kind dusters are handmade out of reclaimed materials and are incredibly flattering for all body types. You can wear it as a beach cover up or as a colorful layer that can streamline your gorgeous silhouette.

Sophia Silk Duster

A plus sized black woman with long hair is standing in a gorgeous green house. She's wearing black pants, a white top, a sparkly pink duster, and super cute metallic high heel shoes.

No one should hide behind their clothes and there’s no way you can hide with these colorful and shimmering dusters! With beautiful embellished edging, these lightweight dusters are perfect for layering over your classy outfit to add some shimmer.

The Nanda Hooded Poncho

A smiling woman is posing in what looks like an empty greenhouse. She's wearing black boots, lettings, and is wrapped up in a cozy red and blue nanda hooded poncho

It’s important to be cute during all seasons! During the chillier months, keep all of you toasty warm with our nanda hooded poncho! Approved by our own Captain Sam - if you’re blessed in the chest and are tired of ponchos being too tight - you won’t have to worry about that with this poncho!

Best Skirts

Sari Wrap Skirt

A pretty plus sized woman is standing on the sidewalk, wearing a yellow hair wrap, mirrored glasses, a navy crop top, and a gorgeous three-toned sari wrap skirt.

Wrap skirts can help slenderize your tummy and enhance your waist! Our world famous sari wrap skirts are also adjustable, so if your weight fluctuates (like mine seems to do every other day!) you won’t have to deal with any annoying chafing! Also, our skirts can be wrapped in a ton of ways and styles - so you’re bound to find a wrap that is comfortable and makes you feel amazing!

100% Cotton Wrap Around Skirt

A smiling plus sized woman wearing a blue cotton skirt, an orange top, and a long sleeved jean jacket is posing outside in the tall grass and bushes in front of a yellow school bus.

Much like our sari wrap skirts, these hand printed cotton skirts are for those that may not feel comfortable with the silkiness of the original sari wrap skirts! The cotton fabric gives the skirt more fullness, so if you’re looking to be a little fuller down below - this is the skirt for you!

Sedona Patchwork Skirt

A smiling woman of color with short, curly hair is wearing a flattering black tank top and a patchwork sedona skirt at the poolside bar.

I hate tight clothing! Adjustable is the way to go for sure! This patchwork skirt (which can also be worn as a dress!) is one of the most versatile pieces of clothing you can have in your closet. A smocked elastic waistband allows for this skirt to be worn around the hips or around the chest to make a one-of-a-kind dress that you can dress up or down!

Best Dresses & Tunics

The Zaria Wrap Dress

An elegant and stunning plus sized black woman is leaning against a large barrel. She's wearing a blue hat, a yellow and blue wrap dress, and a matching pair of deep blue high heels.

I have heard people love and hate ruffles when it comes to plus size clothing. It comes down to intent - are these ruffles meant to disguise me or are they meant to accentuate and celebrate my curves? You won’t have a doubt in your mind about what type of frills our zaria wrap dress has! These one-of-a-kind wrap dresses help accentuate your waist while defining your curves!

Aanya Adjustable Short Tunic

Sam from Darn Good Yarn, a gorgeous model with long brown hair is wearing black leggings and a black and gold short tunic. She's standing outside during the fall, the Mohawk river behind her decorated with yellow, orange, and red trees by the bank

Tunics are the best for a quick and simple outfit that looks fantastic! Our one-of-a-kind tunics come with an adjustable drawstring closure to help create shape in your outfit. You can wear your tunic with your favorite pair of leggings or jeans to show off your gorgeous self!

At Darn Good Yarn, we’re proud to offer as many inclusive products as possible with no extra charge to you! Our artisans take pride in creating clothes that make people feel good about themselves! If you ever have any concerns, questions, or feedback about our clothing - please feel free to reach out to our amazing team at info@darngoodyarn.com

Meet the Author

Kate has been on the Darn Good Yarn team since 2018.

They have their degree in Creative Art Therapy & Psychology - and like crafting and animals a little too much.