It has taken a while but online clothing retailers in South Africa are finally offering more selection to plus-size shoppers – because fashionable clothing shouldn’t stop at a size 14. All women deserve gorgeous clothes that fit and flatter, no matter what size or shape they are. We applaud the below brands for being size inclusive and catering for fuller figures – and we’re sure you will too.
Here’s our pick of the best plus size clothing that can all be bought online – including some second-hand finds.
LeeBex
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LeeBex is clothing made for women sized 34 to 50 who love their curves and have the confidence to show them off. Browse the online shop and you’ll find mesh bodysuits, tiered dresses, bodycon dresses, pencil skirts and much, much more. Expect fabulous prints, flattering tailoring and ultra-comfy loungewear.
Why we love it: Everything is designed by a curvy woman – so she clearly she knows what she’s doing!
Shop LeeBex plus size clothing here.
Mango Violeta
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The Violeta range by Mango offers all the on-trend style the brand is known for, just in extended sizes (European 42 to 54 – the equivalent of a South African 16 to 26). Choose from tailored suits, dresses, fun tees, jeans and accessories to match it all.
Why we love it: Here’s a brand that knows that there’s no size limit on style – this is a one-stop plus size clothing shop for all things gorgeous. Plus, you can now buy it online from Superbalist.
Isabel de Villiers
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Designer Isabel de Villiers started her clothing brand when she identified a need for a fashionable range of clothing that catered for all shapes and sizes – and that’s exactly what she has achieved. There’s no frumpy ‘plus size range’ here – all the available designs come in sizes 32 to 48.
Why we love it: The best bit? Each item is photographed on two different body shapes so you can see how it will fit on a slimmer, and fuller figure. Genius!
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Love My Body curve-friendly online store
We’ve found it: a second-hand and preloved plus size clothing store! Love My Body founder and owner Stacey started her online store selling new and pre-loved plus-size and curve-friendly clothing. Looking for a designer dress at a discount? You may just find it here, but there are plenty of basics to choose from too.
Why we love it: Want to sell your gently worn clothing? You can! But there is very strict criteria for what’s accepted to make sure everything is in great condition for its next owner. So if you’re stick of walking into a shop and having to sift through a small rail of plus-size options, go online instead and you’re guaranteed clothing in the sizes you’re looking for – and you’ll get the BYY stamp of approval for shopping sustainably, too! You can find out more here.
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Plus Fab
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Plus Fab owner, Ouma Tema, says she used to find shopping a nightmare; whenever she found something she liked, it wasn’t available in her size – and the items that were in her size looked like something a ‘grandma’ would wear. So she started her own plus-size fashion line, initially selling from the boot of her car, and now her creations are sold in retail chain The Space and online.
Why we love it: Her impressive list of celebrity clients includes Noeleen Maholowna-Sanqu, Rosie Motene and Anele Mdoda, and that’s all the endorsement we need to check this designer out.
Forever New Curve
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A relatively new addition to the local plus-size shopping options, Forever New introduced their Curve range to South Africa in 2020. It caters for sizes 16 to 22 and you can expect to find the brand’s trademark feminine silhouettes and pastel colour palettes.
Why we love it: Looking for something for a special occasion? You’ll definitely find it here.
Cotton On Curve
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Made to fit and flatter women ranging in size from 16 to 24, the Cotton On Curve collection is everything you love about Cotton On, with more inclusive sizes. This is the place to go if you’re looking for comfort and effortless laid-back style.
Why we love it: You’re spoilt for choice with the available selection of jeans, and you’ll be treated to the fabulous clothes, swimwear and activewear you’ve seen in their original range, but for fuller figures.
Roze Collection
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Tired of seeing plus-size shoppers forced to choose between unflattering baggy tops and outdated flowing floral dresses, dynamic duo Sue and Claire (both curvy gals themselves) founded the Roze Collection.
Why we love it: From tux jackets, harem and cigar pants, to bodycon dresses and maxis in sizes 38 to 48, you really will find it all here. Pssst… there’s even sleepwear!
Lonzi & Bean plus-size maternity
Looking for plus size maternity clothing? We’ve fallen in love with the Curvy Mum Plus Size Maternity Range from Lonzi & Bean, which includes dresses, leggings and more up to a size 22/46. When the founders of Lonzi & Bean were expecting themselves, they were disappointed in the range of comfortable and stylish maternity wear available locally, and what started out as just a few scribbles in a notebook has become a beloved South African brand.
Why we love it: There are many reasons but top of our list is that they’re catering for an often neglected market of plus-size pregnant moms – thank you Lonzi & Bean. Also love that all their garments, and 95% of their fabric, are made in South Africa and support local communities.
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Maya Prass
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Since launching her business in 2000 designer Maya Prass has become synonymous with vibrant, feminine prints and figure-flattering silhouettes, catering for women up to a size 46. We also love that the company keeps as much of the creation process – from design to printing and manufacturing – in Cape Town, South Africa.
Why we love it: Can you imagine how many fabric off-cuts the design house has collected over the past 20 years? Saying that they’re too beautiful to be thrown away, but too small to be made into garments, Maya Prass started the No Waste Project, which turns these pretty swatches into one-of-a-kind scrunchies, purses and coin pouches.
Miladys
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Have you heard about Miladys’ WonderFit technology? Really, the question should be: who hasn’t heard about it? The built-in tech (which includes power mesh) slims, lift and supports you where you need it most – and you’ll find it in the store’s range of jeans, swimwear and even shoes. They cater for women up to a size 50 .
Why we love it: The swimwear selection is almost unmatched. Choose from tankinis, full costumes, swim shorts or skirts – and there are kaftans to match!
Foschini x Donna
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Remember when Donna was a standalone store? Well, when it rebranded a few years ago (it used to be called Donna Claire!), revamping the clothing selection to make it far more appealing to a trendier customer. And the store-within-a-store (they’re now located in selected Foschini stores nationwide) gets the stamp of approval from us. From lingerie to workwear and the accessories to match – you’ll find it all here!
Why we love it: We love the range of lingerie on offer for well-endowed women and that their advertising campaigns are some of the most size- and shape-inclusive we’ve seen.
FitCurves Activewear
At last, comfortable activewear available in plus sizes – because everyone deserves to be able to work out in attractive clothing. The founder describes herself as a ‘larger lady’ and says that “there is nothing more off putting than building up the courage and motivation to exercise and then not being able to find any clothing suitable to do it in.”
Why we love it: You’ll find more than just the usual black and grey gear here. Think fun prints, stretchy fabric and everything available up to a size 4XL. From R885 for the racerback top and high-waisted pants set, and from R550 for the tights, available online from FitCurves.
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