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A growing list of Australian and New Zealand labels that cater to beyond a size 16

Image via @warmcore_clothing/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 fatphobia and size-inclusivity. We know that op-shopping is made infinitely harder and navigating standardised sizing can often be a nightmare.

With the average Australian woman fitting into a size 14 to 16 and the plus-size clothing industry worth $1 billion in Australia, 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 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.

Yevu

 

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Size range: XS to 4XL

Yevu’s size-inclusive clothing range consists of bright colours, unique prints and plenty of personality. Founded in 2012, Yevu strives to create fair jobs for Ghanaian women, paying living wages and providing healthcare and security.

yevuclothing.com

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.

sanct.com.au

Natalija

 

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Size range: 4 to 22

Australian-born label Natalija is known for its silk slip dresses and bespoke bridal and occasionwear pieces. Available up to a size 22, the made-to-order garments are crafted in a rainbow of colours – from basic black and white to sage green and hot pink.

natalija.com.au

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.

gormanshop.com.au

Clothing The Gaps

 

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Size range: XS to 5XL

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’.

clothingthegaps.com.au

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.

rubynz.com

17sundays


Size range: 12 to 26

Inspired by Australian and New Zealand landscapes, 17sundays creates easy casual wear for the everyday. Versatile basics, relaxed denim and flattering cuts make up the brand’s size-inclusive collection.

17sundays.com

Elk

 

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Size range: 6 to 18

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. 

au.elkthelabel.com

Warmcore Clothing

Size range: 8 to 22

Warmcore Clothing’s pieces are each handmade in founder and designer Eleanor Hutchison’s kitchen, and the brand stocks size 8 to 22. Its collection of boldly coloured singlets, tees, skivvies and jumpers will inject personality into even the most mundane outfit.

warmcore.clothing

Grump

 

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Size range: 6 to 22

Don’t worry, Grump is named after creator Kelly’s cat, and is not a reflection of the clothes she makes. In fact, Grump is happily a size-inclusive brand that focuses on colourful prints and patterns in comfy silhouettes. Her delicious selection of clothing is handmade by herself in Queensland and caters up to a size 30.

grump.online

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.

homie.com.au

Dyspnea

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Size range: XS to 4XL 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 come to a size 18 or can be crafted to any custom size.

dyspnea.com.au

Embody Women

 

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Size range: 8 to 22 and S to XXL

Embody Women is an Australian denim and fashion label whose mantra is that size doesn’t define style. Catering up to a size 22, all clothing is manufactured entirely in Australia and ensures that its use and disposal of chemical dyes are compliant with Australian rules and regulations.

embodywomen.com

Maggie Marilyn


Size range: 6 to 20, XS to 4XL and custom sizing options

With a brand philosophy built around transforming the fashion industry and creating a label that’s transparent, circular, regenerative and inclusive, New Zealand label Maggie Marilyn caters to the high-end side of sustainable fashion. Stocking up to a size 20 in its latest collection Somewhere Sport, it also has the option of a ‘bespoke request service’ if you have custom requests around sizing.

maggiemarilyn.com

Autark


Size range: XS to 2XL

Launched in 2016, Melbourne brand Autark was created to fulfil the needs of the modern, ethically-conscious, fashionable woman. A twist on the timeless, Autark’s investment pieces are crafted in a striking colour palette of powder blue, chocolate brown and lemon yellow.

autarklabel.com

Made590


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.

made590.com.au

Maker and Mineral

 

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Size range: S to L and 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.

makerandmineral.com

Outland Denim

 

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Size range: 22 to 38 and XXS to XXL

Founded as a means to help women out of sex trafficking in Cambodia, Outland Denim now supports and empowers individuals from varying backgrounds of vulnerability through employment. With a size offering ranging from four to 16, this B Corp employs a holistic approach to supporting its staff through opportunity, a living wage, and education.

outlanddenim.com.au

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.

varietyhourstudio.com

Squint Clothing

 

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Size range: XL to 4XL

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.

squintclothing.com

Sük Workwear

 

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Size range: 8 to 24

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.

sukworkwear.com.au

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.

obus.com.au

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.

kuwaii.com.au

Citizen Wolf

 

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Size range: Custom fit

Sydney’s Citizen Wolf is on a mission to revolutionise the way we think about staple clothing, to get us to invest in quality pieces that are literally made for us. The brand uses your magic fit – a fit made specifically based on your weight, height and date of birth – to cut your perfectly sized T-shirt out with laser technology. The tees are sewn together in Sydney and its manufacturing is certified by Ethical Clothing Australia. And if the fit isn’t spot on the first time, the label will tweak it for you. Once you have your fit sorted, you can invest in a few of your favourite colours, cuts and fabrics.

citizenwolf.com

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.

woolerina.com.au

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.

opia.com.au

Collective Closets


Size range: 6 to 20

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.

collectiveclosets.com.au

A.bch

 

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Size range: XS to XXL

Founded in 2017, A.bch is a circular fashion label offering a simple solution to a complex problem. Working to a circular economy standard, the brand sets the precedent by offering full disclosure as to how each of its pieces came to be. Sizes range from XS to XXL, with an option that allows you to customise the garments specifically for your needs – book a consultation or order size ‘C’ for more info.

abch.world

Vege Threads

 

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Size range: XS to 3XL

Melbourne-based label Vege Threads has embraced the shift towards slower living – and encourages its customers to do the same. Its ethically manufactured, organically-dyed pieces are made in soft, high-quality fabrics like modal, merino, hemp and organic cotton. Available up to size 3XL, Vege Threads has your wardrobe staples covered.

vegethreads.com

Emma Mulholland on Holiday


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.

holidaythelabel.com

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.

raqapparel.com

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.

campcoveswim.com

Hara the Label

 

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Size range: XS to 5XL

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.

harathelabel.com.au

Elle Evans Swim

 

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Size range: XS to 3XL

Elle Evans Swim was founded in 2013 by besties Ellie and Tanya Evans. Expanding recently to ethical activewear, the brand has become a favourite for its inclusive sizing, made-to-order quality and impeccable fit. For those struggling to find the perfect summer swimmers, this is for you.

elleevansswimwear.com.au

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.

activetruth.com.au

Dharma Bums

 

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Size range: XS to XXL

Dharma Bums is committed to creating sustainable and practical yoga gear. Bright and patterned activewear that empowers women is at the core of this brand, as well as a commitment to greener fabrics. The brand caters to sizes 6 to 18, leaving room for more body types.

dharmabums.com.au

Dk Active

 

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Size range: XS to 6XL

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.

dkactive.com

Amble Outdoors


Size range: XXS to XL

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.

ambleoutdoors.com.au

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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