One of the main reasons I became a plus size designer was because I didn’t see many Black plus size designers in fashion. I wasn’t able to shop anywhere without feeling excluded and unappreciated. There weren’t enough designers, models, or representation for a black woman.
There has been a major shift in the fashion industry. We are now seen on the cover of major magazines, tv shows, and we are creating our own seat at the tables. We are actually the TABLES!
You see, we must acknowledge and support these Black plus size designers in the fashion space. Because they are the ones who have challenged status quos, give us the fashion that had been lacking, and have redefined what plus size fashion really looks like.
On top of everything else?
We also have to acknowledge that the growth of plus size fashion has happened off the backs of Black women.
So, being that we are in Black History Month, we had to fashion our own list for you! Especially since innovation, creativity, and inspiration has historically come from the independent designers in the plus size space!
We have rounded up over 40+ indie Black plus size designers and inclusive designers (not retailers, brands, inclusive brands, or boutique owners, this is for another article) that we must support!
Indie Black Plus Size Designers & the Inclusive Lines that We Need to Give Our Dollars to and Support!
"Kenyatta believes in the power of branding and believes plus size women deserve to have their own mark in the fashion world. Bella Rene', which debuted its first high fashion collection in Spring 2006, created a contemporary signature line that debuted in September 2010. "My goal is to make Bella Rene' a lifestyle brand for plus size women. I'm a label shopper at times and I feel like plus size women should have high end labels just for them."
Available up through a 5XL.
"Christian Omeshun was created for the ambitious, curvy woman who stops the show with her charismatic sense of style. She has an appreciation for minimalist designs that can be taken with her from season to season. Our designs are sophisticated, chic and made to be a timeless staple in your wardrobe."
Available up through a 32.
These beautifully vibrant pink pants are a part of the SHEIN x Christian Omeshun collection and are still available, and are perfect for Lover's Day!
"Courtney Noelle Inc. was founded at the beginning of 2014 as a fashion brand driven to empower women of all shapes and sizes. It's playful color choices, daring prints, and glamorous silhouettes are leading a new standard in plus-size design. Made in New York, the signature collection features evening wear, cocktail attire, and every day fashion air."
Available up to a 28.
"Curvy Bombshells is an online clothing store for Plus Size Women. Made for the Bombshells who love to slay. Our mission is to create beautiful, vivid, quality swimwear that catches the eye. Our goal is to create apparel that not only supports your shape but also looks good on your body so that you can feel your absolute best every time you wear our clothing."
Available up through a size 28.
"CURVYKINI is re-defining the plus sized swimwear industry by offering high quality, uniquely designed pieces that adorn the plus-sized woman's curves beautifully. We use luxury fabrication engineered to smooth and float over your gorgeous curves. Formally trained at Parsons, in NYC, Creative Director Khaaliqa Squire Levy brings a sense of sexiness, glamour, self love & freedom to the curvy woman."
Available up through a size 24.
"An American Couture Brand that encourages others to find and pursue their God given purpose, without boundaries while being beautiful."
Available up through a size 24.
"DIARRABLU is a contemporary lifestyle brand born from Diarra Bousso's daydreams. The brand's mission is focused on weaving sustainability seamlessly into a unique design and manufacturing process focused on thoughtfully merging the worlds of artisans and algorithms with the goal to reduce waste.
Each piece is a work of art, with iconic prints that inspire awe, bold hues that capture the heart, and size-inclusive silhouettes ranging from XS-3X."
"The Diva Kurves Collection is designed for the full figured woman, who loves fashion, looking good and showing off her confidence. These women want to look, and feel great, no matter what the occasion is. When wearing a customized design from the Diva Kurves Collection, the goal is to walk into any room and OWN it!"
Available up through a size 28/30.
"Founded in 2013, Dearcurves is the go to brand for contemporary, minimalistic plus size women’s wear. Renowned for its quarterly creation of capsule range, Dearcurves wholly embodies quality, and continues to reinvent the plus size silhouette."
Available up to a size 28
"Dollbe is a one-woman team, from art design to sewing, you are truly getting something made with love and care."
Available up through a size 6X.
"In June 2015, Kierra Sheard spearheaded a soft launch of our Fall/ Winter Collection of Eleven60. Our designer has personally designed classic and refreshing looks for the professional curvy woman that is chic, sexy, bold and eclectic.Eleven60 honors the bold and classy nature of Kierra’s inspiration, her mother and Christian legend Karen Clark Sheard— Eleven60 is the month and year that Clark-Sheard was born."
Available up through a size 28.
"Elle believes inspiration may shift from season to season but she continually designing with your comfort in mind. She truly believe that if you feel great in what you're wearing you will exude confidence, and that confidence translates into a contagious energy that captivates everyone around you."
Available up through a size 5x.
"Feminine Funk® is a brand built to represent the confident and free-spirited women of the world. We celebrate women fueled by self-love, self-acceptance, and self-empowerment with delightfully bold designs and great quality items."
Available up through a size 4X/26.
"Hanifa is a contemporary Ready-to-Wear apparel line for Women Without Limits. Our collections in sizes 0-20 are feminine and chic. Featuring an array of colors and textures that cater to the natural curves of a woman's physique."
Available up through a size 3X.
"Jasmine Elder is an American fashion designer and the creator of the plus size contemporary women’s label, JIBRI. JIBRI is dedicated to creating garments for the fashion-conscious curvy woman (size 10-28)."
"The idea behind the brand/statement Jolie Noire, is that black is beautiful. Jolie Noire stands for Pretty Black in French. We are primed to think dark colors (specifically black) are negative and light colors are positive. In an effort to level the playing field, we're working to shape the minds of onlookers and change the meaning, emotions, and values associated with black. Color is something that doesn't come pre labeled, we label it... At Jolie Noire we choose to believe that black, like other colors, is beautiful!"
Available up to a 3X.
"Kay Dupree is a courageous space for women who are discovering how they want to represent themselves in a society where they are told to hide, coverup and be ashamed of their beautiful bodies. We provide, eduction, style, quality and comfortability with a cherished place to put your hands, “Pockets are everything”."
Available up through a size 24.
"NAKIMULI aims to go beyond the traditions of women's fashion and explore more of the imagination, creating fashion forward garments for forward thinking young women. Inspired by color, shapes, and prints, NAKIMULI has created their own fashion revolution: one that embraces a love of self at any size, inspires sisterhood, individuality, comfort, and lots of fierceness."
Available up through a size 24.
"Ndiritzy Bridal Couture is a luxury couture brand for plus size women who are definitely comfortable in their own skin and not afraid to show off their curves in our wedding dresses. At Ndiritzy Bridal Couture, our mission statement is to hug all your curves perfectly in all the right places."
Available up to size 8X.
"Nina Sharae is a boutique luxury swim and resort wear line dedicated to celebrating the beauty of curvy women across the world. Founded in 2015 by way of Chicago, IL; the Nina Sharae brand has been featured in your favorite fashion magazines from GQ to Vogue and even had designs featured internationally in the top fashion shows."
Available up through a size 6X.
"ÖFUURË is an award-winning African fashion brand featuring beautiful pieces with vibrant prints and bold patterns for the every day Queen. Originating from Nigeria, the Ishan word ofure means it is well."
Available up to a size 3X.
"Shawn Denise Designs was founded in 2014 after the creation of PaintbyShawnDenise on January 3, 2013. Founder/CEO, Shawn Denise, wanted to establish chic fashion for women, men, kids, and their home. "PaintbyShawnDenise means clothes that are custom made so way they appear painted on the body as if the body is a Kanvas. I wanted to create a brand that Curvy women could find a one of a kind piece for the perfect event, night on the town or even an everyday look."
Available up through a size 34.
"In 2016, the desire to take the brand to the next level, Purple Diva Designs became Rene' Tyler, and her son, Chase Tyler joined the company as the Creative Director. Rene' Tyler made history again as the first Plus Size Brand to show at the prestigious Art Heart's Fashion, at LA Fashion Week, in the Fall of 2016 and Spring 2018."
Available up through a size 30.
"I'm just like you. For most of my life I followed fashion. I read Vogue, Bazaar, all the fashion magazines dreaming of the day I'd have a real life item from Dior hanging in my closet. By the time I could afford those items, I couldn't fit them. I had a lifetime of shopping with girlfriends and NEVER being able to find anything in my size.
That's why I created Sante Grace.
Let's make a change in the fashion industry. Let's support making women feel good about themselves rather than crying in fitting rooms."
Up through a size 28.
"Shantress Sadá offers timeless and fashion-forward pieces, inspired by everyday beauty. My diverse line is represented by many collections, which have developed from ideas to realities throughout my career as a Fashion Designer. My goal is to create inclusive designs that each customer can adapt to freely express their own unique and wonderful style. "
Available up through a size 32.
"Opulent, Classic and Beautiful appropriately describe the Shavonne Dorsey design. Shavonne Dorsey garments are for the curvaceous, sophisticated, yet powerfully feminine woman. We only use the highest quality fabrics to beautifully drape and compliment the curvaceous woman from sizes 14 to 26. Shavonne Dorsey dresses are splendidly designed, unique, and ready-to-wear."
Available up through a size 24.
"Plus size women were once told to hide our curves as it wasn’t appeasing to the eye of society. We were always pushed to the back of stores in small sections filled with non-flattering clothing. This is what fueled the beginning of Sheeek By Bee. In September of 2014, Sheeek By Bee was created to consistently cultivate the fashion industry with trendy, fashion forward designs made for plus size women."
Available up through a size 28.
"At Sue Rock Originals we're committed for every plus size person to rock their style, personality and soul. We believe in more inclusive sizing. We also understand that is not fully inclusive and we are always willing to work with people outside our range. When we started this company, we made sure to study the plus size "industry standards" (i.e. the sizes you're commonly familiar with) and based our sizing on those benchmarks. Our size chart reflects your body measurements—not the clothing, as all styles are slightly different."
Up to a size 4x with custom options available.
"I am a fashion designer in Dallas Texas, but ship world-wide! I’d love to work with you! I’ve been in business over 13 years & offer standard & custom sizing options. I work with a wide-range of clients & have a full support staff to meet various needs."
Custom sizes up through a size 5X.
"The Tamela Mann Collection is an athleisure line for women sizes 12-32 designed with the comfortability of athletic wear in mind. The line is for the everyday woman, mother, sister or aunt. We have the apparel for you - fashionable, one-of-a-kind pieces for the gym, running errands, or even for lounging around all day. Each piece that is produced has women in mind - the fabric is breathable and firm in all the right places."
"Thunda Thighs are revolutionizing the hosiery industry with trendy thigh-high socks specifically made for the plus-sized legs."
For upper thighs that measure 24-35 inches.
"TRU DIVA DESIGNS by VERONICA L. is a plus- sized womenswear collection inspired by the beauty of "Real Curves". With a myriad of fashion for the plus sized woman, TRU DIVA is the-epitome of on trend sophistication, style, and confidence. Accentuating a woman’s contours, and creating flattering lines is only part of the designer’s recipe, her decidedly contemporary designs are characterized by an exquisite attention to detail, impeccable construction and use of rich luxurious fabrics."
Available up through a size 24.
"Zelie for She is an unapologetic expression of ones authenticity and individuality. Every collection is a different story , Stories of travel, friendship, women, and empowerment of ones self. Designed and Produced in Los Angeles by designer Elann Zelie All designs are made in a limited run, making these designs that much more special!"
Available up through a size 3X.
"Flaws of Couture is a size-inclusive clothing brand founded by Canadian designer Sasha Ruddock. The brand's designs are intended to be timeless and transcend trends."
Available up to size 4X.
"Founded with the vision of creating wardrobe essentials that flatter every body type, Naked Wardrobe is synonymous with sleek, figure-enhancing pieces made from luxurious, comfortable fabrics. The brand specializes in versatile, statement-making items such as curve-hugging dresses, tailored separates, and trendy athleisure, with a strong focus on neutral tones, smooth lines, and an emphasis on self-confidence."
Available up to 3X.
“G’wan!” It’s a unique call to action, isn’t it? The phrase is an amalgamation of two words, “GO ON” with a Caribbean twang. It’s purpose is simple: G’wan encourages women to love themselves exactly as they are. Empowerment is the ultimate goal of G’wan."
Available up to 4X.
"Brandon Kyle designs fashion forward big and tall clothing for the cosmopolitan man. Brandon Kyle fills a void in the fashion market that does not cater to big and tall men. We produce engineered clothing that fits true to size on the big and tall frame. We lead the big and tall market by pushing the body positive agenda with compelling designs and imagery showing this customer that he is worthy of being catered to."
Available up to size 5X.
"Founded by former MLB, MVP, and three-time MLB All-Star Mo Vaughn, MVP Collections was created to inspire and fulfill the demand in Big & Tall Clothing. Our mission aims to inspire individuality, and promote body positivity, and inclusivity because “Great Style Has No Size.”
Available up to size 5X.
"Big Man Culture (BMC) is a Lifestyle and Custom Consulting Company with a goal to help our clients find their self-wealth and purpose through the lifestyle and fashion. From custom clothing to image consulting or lifestyle to life balance, our goal is to transform each clients’ vision through one BIG Experience!"
Available up to size 3X.
How about this list of Black plus size designers?!
What makes this list even more impactful is how they consistently deliver on the list of things that show how a plus size brand can win with us. They give us options beyond a 3X. They showcase and boldly use visibly plus size models, and innovate, consistently.
In the past, we have shown the light on plus size boutique owners, brands, and retailers to know, even broken down a few options in loungewear, plus size lingerie, and swimwear.
Make sure to sign up for our newsletter below, so that you do not miss out on a thing!
Oh!
If you are looking for more Black businesses to support and shop, we got you! There are quite a few in-depth resources to play with! You can support Black-owned restaurants at EatBlackOwned.com.
PIN ME!
Want more variety? Why not shop from marketplaces like We Buy Black, Black-Owned Market, and BLK + GRN.
But do not stop there… You can dig a little deeper with online resources that help you search for a variety of companies with the help of Black Wall Street, Buy From A Black Woman, and SupportBlackOwned.com.
Which of these indie designers will you be supporting this year? Let us know in the comments!
