I’ve spent a lot of time this year thinking about ethics. Fashion, as a whole, isn’t a particularly ethical industry. Many brands are polluters, abuse labor regulations and fight back against displaying any kind of diversity or body positive content. However, there is one segment of the fashion market that is actually trying to do better: indie clothing brands and their designers.
Indie designers have always been important to plus-size customers. For years they were the only thing available that wasn’t awful if you were plus-size. Now they’re leading the way to new frontiers, like sustainable production and higher labor standards. In addition, they’re also almost all run by women.
If you’re tired of buying the same clothes from the same places, then branch out with one of these fabulous indie clothing brands this summer. They’re all size-inclusive, thoughtfully designed and will actually make you and your closet happy.
Ori:
Great basics are always the hardest thing to find when you need them. Luckily, Ori is filling the gap with stylish and well-made basics to fit curvier figures. Ori started smartly; in this case, with a survey that involved 8000 participants. They asked them lots of questions about what they loved and hated about their current wardrobes.
Their recent offerings combine a sense of Japanese minimalism with bright colors and a few choice hand-embroidered details. Their t-shirts are luscious and fit beautifully. And their French Terry Wrap dress is right on-trend.
The Signature French Terry Dress Available in 3 Colors Sizes 0 (10-12) to 5 (30-32) via Ori The Super Soft Crop Tee Available in 3 Colors Sizes 0 (10-12) to 5 (30-32) via Ori The French Terry Sweatshirt Available in 3 Colors Sizes 0 (10-12) to 5 (30-32) via OriMarée Pour Toi:
This brand combines French chic with bright American style prints to produce pieces that are trendy on anybody, except they're all for plus-sizes! Many indie clothing brands for larger sizes focus exclusively on dresses. But Marée Toi has branched out with amazing pencil skirts, jumpsuits, and trendy outerwear options. If you’re looking for stunning workwear that is different from what everyone else is wearing, try this brand.
Metallic Faux Leather Skirt Available in Sizes 12 - 24 via Marée Pour Toi Beige Floral Wrap Dress Available in Sizes 12 - 24 via Marée Pour Toi Midnight Driving Jacket Available in Sizes 12 - 24 via Marée Pour ToiLoud Bodies:
If David Bowie were a plus-size clothing brand then it would be Loud Bodies. Their pieces combine over the top 80’s glam with 1950’s silhouettes and patterns. The clothing they produce is bold, loud, and completely unafraid of taking over a room and being the center of attention. If you want to stand out at your next event then Loud Bodies should be your first stop.
"Malala" Embroidered Shirt Dress Available in Sizes XXS - 5XL via Loud Bodies "Soraya" Dress Available in Sizes XXS - 5XL via Loud Bodies "Athena" Embellished Velvet Dress Available in 6 Colors Sizes XXS - 5XL via Loud BodiesWildfang:
Wildfang is a clothing brand on a mission to empower women everywhere - all while being sartorially at the top of their game. Their trendy gender neutral looks are both perfect and practical for women who live in the modern world but still want to look great. They also donate a huge amount of money to charities that support reproductive, immigrant and human rights groups.
Wild Feminist Crew Available in 2 Colors Sizes XS - 2X via Wildfang The Empower Navy Pique Tux Blazer Available in Sizes XS - 2X via Wildfang Handy Cat Shirt Available in Sizes S - XL via WildfangTamara Malas:
One of the biggest complaints many plus-size clothing customers have is how everything feels so cheap. Even the expensive stuff. Lots of us are looking to invest in quality pieces that stand the test of time and can become wardrobe staples. Luckily, Tamara Malas has heard our cries and fills the gap.
This label focuses on fun and fashionable pieces that are made with the best materials on the market. Which means you truly get what you pay for. Everything is designed and ethically made in New York City. And this does add to the cost. Which means pieces are not cheap, nor should they be, given the use of materials and labor. However, they are fabulous and worth the price.
Raneem Skirt Available in Sizes 10/12 - 30/32 via Tamara Malas Haze Jacket Available in Sizes 10/12 - 26/28 via Tamara Malas Tess Printed Dress Available in Sizes 14/16 - 30/32 via Tamara MalasTanya Taylor:
Tanya Taylor makes beautiful high-quality designer dresses in extended sizes. This is great news for those of us looking for the perfect investment piece. If you’re someone who is looking to buy fewer things but spend more per piece, then should check them out.
Iolanda Dress Available in Sizes 0X - 3X via Tanya Taylor Dita Dress Available in Sizes 14 - 22 via Tanya Taylor Neves Dress Available in Sizes 14 - 22 via Tanya TaylorRue 107:
Rue 107 is the rare plus-size label that is truly and unapologetically sexy. Their pieces are bright and feature daring cuts that entice you to step up to the challenge. I love their use of colors and prints as well as the way they use sheers and cutouts to create wearable pieces that challenge the notion of what plus size clothing has to look like.
Adrienne Dress - Sunflower Available in Sizes S (2-4) to 4X (26-28) via Rue 107 Ortiz Circle Skirt - Magenta Available in Sizes S (2-4) to 4X (26-28) via Rue 107Tuesday Bassen:
Tuesday Bassen is an illustrator who has created her own size-inclusive clothing line. It’s a combination of 90’s nostalgia and vintage silhouettes that work together to create something really fun yet wearable. Bassen’s illustrations have always featured the whimsical and the opinionated, so it’s not surprising that her clothing line has the same spirit. Even better, it goes up to a 5X!
Embellished Pinafore Dress Available in Sizes XXS - 5X via Tuesday Bassen Velvet Scout Skirt Available in 3 Colors Fits Sizes XXS - 5X via Tuesday Bassen Twill Sets (Top and Skirt) Available in 2 Patterns Sizes XXS - 5X via Tuesday Bassen
Do you shop from indie clothing brands? Which of these would you wear, and why?