OP-ED
Plus size indie brands are changing the way we think about fashion, and for someone like me, a plus size woman who wears clothes (yes, wears clothes), that means everything. I know firsthand how hard it can be to find pieces that actually flatter your body. Not just fit you, but really see you. I’ve been shopping the usual suspects for years: Shein, Rainbow, Fashion Nova, Forever 21 (when it was available), and while they’ve had their moments, it often feels like I’m settling. Not styling. Just… making do.
Even now, when you walk into a Target or scroll through Walmart’s site, or even check out the racks at Lane Bryant or Torrid, it’s like—where’s the flavor? Lane Bryant? That’s for my aunties. Torrid? Feels like it’s stuck between Hot Topic and Forever 21’s edgy cousin. And look, that may work for some people, but not every plus size woman wants to live in florals and studs. We deserve more. We deserve variety. We deserve intentional fashion.
When I say intentional, I mean clothing that was built with us in mind. Clothing that thinks about how curves curve, how waistlines hit, what a good sleeve does for the arm, and how a neckline can change your whole mood. True inclusivity means designing clothes that honor the shape, the attitude, and the identity of plus size bodies—not just expanding the size chart.
Because here’s the thing: It shouldn’t be revolutionary to make clothing that fits all people, but unfortunately, it still is. And even when it is done, it’s not always done well. That’s the gap. That’s the part so many brands miss. And that’s why indie brands that do get it, that go beyond size charts and really dress us with care, are so important to spotlight.
So yes, I went looking for plus size indie brands that are actually doing the work, and not just by tacking a 1X onto the end of a collection. I mean brands that are creating fashion-forward, flattering, and thoughtfully designed pieces for plus bodies. Let me tell you, when you find them, it’s a whole new world.
Plus Size Indie Brands that are Changing the Game
This brand didn’t start in a boardroom—it started at a family dinner. Two cousins, Ashley and Charlotte, sat down and said what so many of us have thought: Why is it so hard to find plus size clothing made with care? With quality? With luxury?
That conversation turned into a calling. Armed with years of experience in luxury retail, they launched AMOUR781 to create what they couldn’t find—a curated collection of plus size fashion that doesn’t compromise beauty, fabric, or fit. Their sizes range from 14 to 4X, and everything they offer feels intentional, grown, and elevated. Not “good for plus”—just good, period.
But it doesn’t stop there. AMOUR781 is shaping the future of fashion behind the scenes, too. They actively partner with emerging designers like La Fuori and Nouvelle Silk, helping them understand what it really means to cut, drape, and design for curvier bodies. Ashley mentors them through the process, making sure this isn’t a trend—it’s a transformation.
D’IYANU (pronounced dee-ya-nu) means “miracle” or “something wonderful” in Yoruba—and that’s exactly what this brand has become for so many people looking to see themselves reflected in fashion.
Founded by Nigerian-American designer Addie Ajayi in 2014, D’IYANU started with just six bold, African-inspired pieces. That spark lit a fire. Today, it’s a full-blown fashion movement, offering over 400 pieces for men, women, and kids in sizes XS to 3X. From powerful prints to modern silhouettes, every piece is rooted in heritage and made to inspire confidence.
But what makes D’IYANU revolutionary isn’t just the vibrant fabrics or inclusive sizes—it’s the mission. They’re not just dressing people. They’re empowering them. They’ve expanded manufacturing to Africa, created deeper ties with Nigerian and wider African communities, and continue to prove that cultural pride and fashion can exist at the intersection of authenticity and accessibility.
In a world that often sidelines Black culture and plus bodies, D’IYANU stands firm: You are seen. You are celebrated. You are powerful.
The moment I landed on Nettle Studios’ “About” page, I knew they got it. They say they "believe you should be able to walk into a store and find something you love in your size." Simple, right? But when you live in a plus-size body, you know that kind of simplicity is rare.
Based in San Francisco, Nettle Studios creates slow fashion that’s designed to feel good on your skin and your soul. They work in natural fabrics like linen and cotton, all ethically made in-house. Their ready-to-wear line goes up to 6X, and they also offer custom sizing because they know bodies aren’t one-size-fits-most.
Even their “OS” (One Size) category isn’t a cop-out—it’s thoughtful. It’s cut to move, flow, and adjust with your body. That’s a big deal when you’re used to seeing “OS” mean “fits up to a size 12.”
What sets Nettle apart is the heart behind it all. Every stitch feels like it was made by someone who understands the emotional weight of shopping as a plus-size person. Their clothes don’t just fit—they care. And in this industry? That’s radical.
I’m not just highlighting these brands because they carry plus sizes. That’s the bare minimum. I’m highlighting them because they care about how the clothes fit. About how we feel in them. About making sure we don’t have to settle for shapeless, tired, throwaway options anymore.
This is what it looks like when people put thought into what they’re offering us. When they actually consider how a waist should hit, how fabric should move, and what kind of clothes make you feel like, yeah, this was made for me.
That’s what I mean when I say the revolution is styled. Not trendy. Not performative. Real. Intentional. And long overdue.
