A growing list of local fashion labels that cater to beyond a size 16
Image via @varietyhour_/Instagram
Words by Maggie Zhou and Fashion Journal
Pieces for a range of bodies.
There are a growing number of Australians who are becoming more conscious shoppers and prioritising ethically-made and sustainable fashion. But what happens when the industry doesn’t serve you? There’s nothing groundbreaking in proclaiming that fashion has a serious problem with size-inclusivity.
We know that shopping pre-loved is made infinitely harder, and navigating standardised sizing can often be a nightmare. At this point, it’s shameful (and bad business) that plus-size people have largely been rendered invisible.
For more style suggestions, head to our Fashion category.
This list features brands that, at a minimum, cater to sizes beyond a size 16, but we acknowledge that this is not a full and accurate representation of the spectrum of bodies in our midst. This selection of labels is a starting point and it serves as a reminder that size does not dictate style. We’re proud to share this extensive collection of clothing, intimates and activewear brands and hope you can find something you love.
Ruby
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Size range: 4 to 20
New Zealand-based label Ruby makes playful, high-quality pieces intended to last a lifetime. Each Ruby piece is photographed on a size 8 and 16, so shoppers can get a feel for how the garment fits on different bodies. The Ruby collection spans multiple categories, so you can shop clothing, shoes and accessories.
Ramp Tramp Tramp Stamp
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Size range: XS to 5XL
Founded in 2017, Ramp Tramp Tramp Stamp (RTTS) is designed in Sydney, Australia, by Niamh Galea. The label is modelled on a ‘fit flexibility’ approach, and aspires to make clothing that fits a wide range of bodies. From its Yummy Mummy trackpants to Logo removal baby T-shirt, RTTS’ size range varies from an XS to 5XL, depending on the style.
Karlaidlaw
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Size range: XS to XXXL
Karla Laidlaw might be famous for her Spider Pants but the Naarm-based designer is growing her label in exciting new directions, with more outerwear, denim and accessories plus a second brick-and-mortar store in Fitzroy. Her website features models of all different shapes, ages and sizes, which we love to see.
Dyspnea
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Size range: XS to 5XL and custom sizing options
If a sparkly unicorn could make clothes, it would make Dyspnea. A whirlpool of fluffy tulle, dreamy pinks and sequinned goodness combine to produce Dyspnea’s signature sexy styles. All pieces are made-to-order in Bali and can be crafted to any custom size.
Après Studio
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Size range: XXS to 4XL
Founded in 2018, Après Studio is an independent Melbourne-based fashion label. Though its iconic plaid might be its most well-known design, the label makes a range of clothing and accessories in different colours and textures. Each style is consciously crafted using organic and recycled fibres, and comes in sizes XXS to 4XL.
Elk
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Size range: 6 to 20
Founded in 2004, this Melbourne-based independent label not only offers on-trend items from sizes six to 18, but it has a social conscience too. Elk only works with small manufacturers who meet its ethical values and are also involved in several charities. You can expect breathable and comfort-focused designs and product lines including all-occasion clothing, accessories and footwear.
Clothing The Gaps
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Size range: XS to 7XL
Featuring sizes ranging from XS to 5XL (as well as children’s sizes), Clothing The Gaps makes inclusive clothing with a message. The not-for-profit organisation and clothing brand were created by healthcare professionals striving to close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people’s life expectancy. Shopping with Clothing The Gaps is easy, with clear indicators for what is ‘Ally Friendly’ and ‘Mob Only’.
Gary Bigeni
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Size range: 6 to 18
Sydney label Gary Bigeni is all about showcasing individuality. All original designs are hand-painted by Gary before being printed in very limited production runs and released in small batches. The label has styles available in sizes 6 to 18.
Hara the Label
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Size range: XS to 3XL
Hara, meaning green in Hindi, constructs sustainable, soft, dreamy bamboo intimates and loungewear. Founded by Allie Cameron, Hara aims to bring change and awareness to the human and environmental issues within the fashion industry. The pieces are available in sizes XS to 5XL and are naturally dyed, cut, sewn, packaged and shipped in Melbourne.
Made590
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Size range: 6 to 26
First opening its doors in Newtown in 2004, Made590 has been ‘tackling the size inclusive landscape head-on’ ever since. Known for its colourful, feminine dresses and practical basics, Made590 offers pieces in sizes ranging from 6 to 26 – and we love to see it.
Maker and Mineral
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Size range: S to XL, with custom sizing options
Inspired by Scandinavian powerhouse Marimekko, Maker and Mineral produce made-to-order and hand-printed frocks, smocks and other fun threads in Melbourne. Samantha Ives is the brains (and hands) behind the small label. Fabrics are either locally sourced, recycled or deadstock materials and Samantha patterns, prints, designs and sews everything herself, meaning all pieces are customisable.
Variety Hour
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Size range: XS to XXL
Variety Hour is a print-focused label by textile designer Cassie Byrnes. Each season, a new collection of prints is designed, hand painted and adapted into pieces up to a size 2XL. The collections are made in small quantities in Melbourne by Ethical Clothing Australia accredited manufacturers.
Raq Apparel
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Size range: 8D to 18F, 8 to 20
Raq’s inclusive range of swimwear and clothing is for busty people, by busty people. If you still whip out that ill-fitting, nip slip-inducing bikini top in desperate times, treat yourself to bathers that fit you like a damn glove. They styles offer just the right of ’90s nostalgia, while still being timeless.
Sük Workwear
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Size range: 8 to 30
Ever wanted to rock a tradie’s ‘fit? Now’s your chance. Sük Workwear is a culmination of what founder Mimosa Schmidt describes as “function, sexuality, fluidity, integrity and fierceness”. Ethically manufactured in Pakistan, you can nab a pair of their boilersuits or other garments that are available up to a size 24.
Obus
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Size range: 6 to 20
Inspired by her past adventures and the journeys to come, Obus designer Kylie Zerbst fuses timeless sillhouettes and unconventional patterns. Loved for fun palettes and vibrant prints, Obus pieces – available in sizes 6 to 20 – offer the summery colour our cool-toned Melbourne wardrobes (probably) need.
Opia
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Size Range: XS to XL
Opia is a Byron Bay-based clothing label focused on producing simplistic, delicate clothing for everyday wear. Inspired by a love of nature and the ocean, Opia achieves its rich colourways from plant-based, raw materials. Its timeless garments prioritise sustainability by only using natural fibres with cassava-based packaging sent out in compostable bags.
Katharina Lou
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Size Range: XS to 4XL
Eponymous label Katharina Lou first started as a one-woman show, operating as a made-to-order label. Over time, the label has grown in scale, though it continues to produce its pieces with 100 per cent deadstock materials. Find a range of plaid, colour and designs with plenty of personality, available in sizes XS to 4XL.
Homie
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Size range: XS and 3XL
If it’s uniquely-cool not-for-profit streetwear you’re after, Homie is your brand. On a mission to support young people affected by hardship, the brand has been breaking the stigma of homelessness since 2015. Homie’s colourful gender-neutral collection looks and feels good.
Dk Active
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Size range: XS to 2XL
Brisbane-based Dk Active creates Australian-made activewear from its solar-powered HQ. Director Danielle Kay’s idea behind the brand is to promote inner well-being, self-love and body positivity, seen through its collections specifically designed for curvy and pregnant customers. Using regenerated nylon, organic cotton, bamboo and modal, its activewear ranges cover sizes 6 to 24.
Collective Closets
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Size range: S to 2XL
African-born and Melbourne-raised, sisters Laurinda and Fatuma Ndenzako started the Collective Closets label as a harmonious mix of their two cultures. Bringing the beauty of the vibrant shuka textile to modern Melbourne design, a Collective Closets piece is unmissable. The best part? Last year, they extended their range up to a size 20.
Woolerina
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Size range: 8 to 18
Australian-owned and made slow fashion brand Woolerina has your merino staples sorted for all seasons in sizes eight to 18. The brand’s wool is hand-picked and comes from non-mulesed sheep that grow their fleeces in the best living conditions. Woolerina’s garment manufacturing is certified by Ethical Clothing Australia.
Kowtow
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Size range: XXS to XXL
New Zealand-based label Kowtow creates clothing made from 100 per cent certified Fairtrade cotton, traced from seed to garment. From jeans and trousers, to knitted jumpers, coats and more, Kowtow creates pieces that will last in your wardrobe for years.
Camp Cove Swim
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Size range: 6 to 16
Camp Cove Swim creates retro-inspired swimwear, activewear and loungewear that’s ethically and locally manufactured on the South Coast of New South Wales in Jervis Bay. Not just using regenerated nylon from rescued fishing nets and nylon waste, Camp Cove Swim also employs a digital printing method called sublimation which eliminates water entirely from the dyeing process.
Kuwaii
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Size range: 18 to 22
Melbourne-based womenswear brand Kuwaii was founded in 2008 by designer Kristy Barber as an alternative to fast fashion. Using intelligent design, expert skills and quality fabrics, Kristy and her team make clothing made to last in an inclusive range of sizes.
Squint Clothing
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Size range: XL to 6XL
You don’t need to squint to spot this Scottish ready-to-wear fashion brand’s playful and funky pieces from far away. Based and handmade in Melbourne, Squint’s Lazy Oaf aesthetic combines feminine prints with tomboy silhouettes and are made up to 4XL aka an Australian 26.
Gorman
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Size range: 6 to 20
If you consider yourself to be a fun, quirky and eccentric dresser (or you’d like to be one), then Gorman’s pieces will fit perfectly in your wardrobe. The brand features relaxed fits, high-quality fabrications and loud prints, with a size range beginning at size 6 and going up to size 20.
Sanct
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Size range: 8 to 26
Ethically made in Melbourne, Sanct makes simple, relaxed staples designed to seamlessly pare back with your already-existing wardrobe. The brand’s pieces are made to order, with a focus on reducing wastage and encouraging conscious purchasing decisions.
Active Truth
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Size range: XS to 3XL
Active Truth founders Stevie and Nadia set out to create a brand that not only serviced the activewear needs of women of all different sizes and shapes, but celebrated them too. Active Truth is committed to supporting a diverse range of women and their bodies by prioritising quality and functionality in their activewear range. Stocking up to 3XL, Active Truth also offers an extensive range of products for maternity, post-partum and petite body types.
Emma Mulholland on Holiday
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Size range: XS to 3XL
As the name suggests, Emma Mulholland on Holiday creates souvenier-inspired pieces that feel like ’80s beach vacay nostalgia. Designed in Sydney and made sustainably in Bali, the label aims to minimise waste by operating on a pre-order basis and using deadstock fabric to create smaller items like scrunchies, masks and stuffed toys. Emma Mulholland on Holiday pieces are available up to a 3XL, so you can dress for a beach getaway year-round.
Amble Outdoors
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Size range: XS to 5XL
This woman-founded and-run activewear brand is the epitome of dressing for Mother Nature. Not only are Amble clothes made for enjoying the outdoors, but they are also made for us to enjoy forever. Recycled plastic waste is the main ingredient in these tights, tops and jackets, which are super sleek yet supportive and sized up to 16.
Our editorial decisions are made with our readers (you!) in mind and we hope you enjoy the products that we wholeheartedly recommend. Fashion Journal may sometimes receive a commission or similar from third party links placed.
For more sustainable size-inclusive brand suggestions, head here.
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