Because beautiful clothes should be for every body
Fast fashion is one route for shopping plus-size, but it isn’t the only one. There are a number of premium New Zealand brands creating design-driven, thoughtful clothing for wāhine who wear sizes above a 16. If you’re looking for labels in this space, here are five local brands worth knowing.
Liam
Liam’s ready-made collection offers design-led pieces up to a size 24, with an emphasis on beautiful shapes, impeccable fits and pieces that enhance the female form rather than hide it. For those interested in the supply chain, information about where the fabric is sourced, produced and made is available with every garment. If you’re the creative type, Liam has patterns available to purchase so that you can make your own pieces, up to a size 28. And they do incredible lingerie up to a size 24 too. Liam’s sister brand Ruby also makes some pieces up to a size 20.
Lost and Led Astray
Lost and Led Astray is driven by both design and fit, with a size range from M to 4XL. Director Sarah-Jane Duff brings more than 15 years of experience to create bold, wearable pieces designed specifically for larger bodies out of her studio and boutique on Auckland’s Karangahape Road. The collections are made to mix, layer and re-style, with exclusive in-house colours and prints each season. The brand also puts emphasis on transparency and longevity, producing across Aotearoa, China and Bali in natural, eco-conscious fabrics, with a stated focus on fair, audited production.
Florence & Fortitude
Founded by sisters Anna and Elizabeth James, Florence & Fortitude offers both ready-to-wear and made-to-order pieces up to size 24. The in-stock garments are produced on a small batch run philosophy, while the made-to-order pieces are inspired by a family history of dressmaking in the 19th century, whereby only what is ordered is made. The lead time is 3-5 weeks and while the sizing range is 4-24, there are custom size and alteration options available.
LOCLAIRE
In October 2020, Loclaire founders Frances Lowe and Adi Komari launched a made-to-order model, with a focus on zero waste, transparent pricing, and a completely inclusive sizing offering. The standard size range on made-to-order pieces is 6-18, however if you fall out of this size range, pieces can be made to fit at no extra cost. The lead time on all orders is four weeks and there is also the option to customise details such as length on some pieces. The brand’s collections are small and considered with a focus on timeless pieces made with quality craftmanship, rather than driven by trends.
The Carpenter’s Daughter
Sustainability is at the forefront of business for The Carpenter’s Daughter, a brand that has been operating in New Zealand and supporting the local fashion industry for more than 30 years. Based in Auckland’s Point Chevalier, TCD produces garments up to a size 24 and offers in-house alterations including hemming and fit adjustments. All pieces are produced in New Zealand and every maker, cutter and supplier sits within a 6-30km radius of the office and flagship store. As the first plus-sized label to show at New Zealand Fashion Week back in 2009, the brand’s focus has always been on ensuring curvy women feel comfortable and confident in their clothing no matter their shape or size.
Other New Zealand plus-sized fashion brands worth considering are Friday Flamingo with a size range of 12-30, Goldwalk which goes up to a 5XL and Ellis, a predominantly made-to-order label with a size range of 6-24.
For further information on curve fashion, FashioNZ’s Curve series, written by Meagan Kerr exists as a snapshot of edits highlighting the best curve brands for activewear, wearing checks, linen trends, summer essentials and more.
