Dorothy Perkins

Founded in 1909 as Ladies Hosiery and Underwear Limited, the company adopted the name Dorothy Perkins in 1919 after the popular climbing rose. Originally specializing in lingerie and hosiery, the brand expanded into affordable women’s fashion and became one of the most recognizable names on the British high street. During the late twentieth century, Dorothy Perkins built a reputation for accessible everyday fashion, offering dresses, tailoring, knitwear, denim, footwear, occasionwear, and workwear at affordable prices. The retailer became especially known for its petite collections and collaborations with celebrities including Helena Christensen, Yasmin Le Bon, and later the Kardashian Kollection. In 2015, Dorothy Perkins expanded its commitment to size inclusivity by launching DP Curve, a dedicated plus-size collection available in UK sizes 18-28. Rather than offering only a handful of extended-size garments, DP Curve introduced complete seasonal collections designed specifically for fuller figures while maintaining the same trend-driven aesthetic as the main line. Following the collapse of Arcadia Group in 2020, all Dorothy Perkins stores closed. In 2021, the brand was acquired by Boohoo Group (now Debenhams Group) and transitioned to an online-only business. Today, Dorothy Perkins continues to offer affordable contemporary fashion through its digital storefront while maintaining its Curve, Petite, Tall, and Maternity collections.