Plus Size Dresses

So where did the whole plus size designer industry that we know today come from? Everyone knows about the rise of MODE magazine and their tragic fall from success, and I dare say everyone has heard of the plus size modeling agencies of Ford 12+, Curves, and Wilhelmina 10/20, but that doesn’t really answer the question. In my mind, for there to be a plus size modeling industry there first had to be something to model. Without something to market to the market niche, like plus size clothes, plus size shoes, plus size jewelry, or plus size maternity wear, there’s really no need for plus size models. That’s where plus size designers come in, and that’s where we go back to the roots of the industry, to a name that we’re all familiar with, Lane Bryant.

Lane Bryant is the store that is widely credited with being the first large-scale producer of womens’ plus size clothing, the first to push for plus size designers, and the first to use plus size models in their advertising. But where did they come from? Obviously, they haven’t ‘always been around’ like some people think. It all started back in the early 1900’s with a woman by the name of Lena Himmelstein Bryant Malsin.

Lena actually didn’t start out in the plus size marketplace. Rather, she started her professional career sewing plus size maternity clothes in a small shop on 5^th Avenue in New York. From a shoestring cash infusion of $300 (about equivalent to $7500 in today’s dollars), Lena started sewing clothes and selling them to women from all walks of life. Due to an error on her application to open a bank account, she was listed as Lane instead of Lena, and the name stuck.

In 1909 Lena get married to Albert Malsin, and he became very involved in the business. He brought with him the methodical, process oriented eye of an engineer and accountant, and really helped to automate their clothing production. This kept prices down and allowed them to produce clothes from patterns at a high rate of speed. They were the original plus size designers. Unfortunately, pregnancy was somewhat of a taboo subject 100 years ago, and they had a hard time advertising their designer clothes to the masses. Eventually, they were able to get an advertisement run in a local newspaper, and they were soon up to the ears in customers. Lena soon made the realization that a large portion, if not the majority, of her customers were what she referred to as “stout-figured” women. She began to tailor her lines for that customer base, and it quickly became the main source of revenue for the company.

A little known fact is that Lena was one of the early pioneers of the mail order catalog as well. Due to the pressures from society that she faced, advertising was very difficult. She resolved to get her designer clothes in front of her customers somehow, and had a catalog printed that she would mail out. Soon, the plus size designer content in the catalog had overtaken the maternity content, and the course of the company was set.

So you just found out your a plus size mom-to-be and you need to find information on plus size designer maternity clothes? First, congratulations. You’re in for a wild ride that will likely be the highlight of your life, so take a deep breath, sit back, and relax for a minute. Wrap your head around the situation and savor every moment, because it’ll be over before you know it! Let’s take a look at some of your options for not only looking fabulous during your pregnancy, but staying fit and making the most of it.

Let’s clear the air right up front - plus size maternity clothes are out there and with a little shopping you’ll be in tip-top fashion shape in no time. Plus size designers are putting out great maternity lines every year, just like their regular lines.

JCPenny is a great place to start and get an idea of what the basic lines are out there. They have some great plus size designer clothes, and even a decent line of maternity clothes in sizes that will accommodate the plus size gal. Look for skirts that have a drawstring waist to allow for growth in the tummy area; lighter fabrics for summer and heavier fabrics for winter. Don’t be afraid to wear bright colors in the winter - all this dull, dreary winter clothing can really bring you down. There’s nothing like a fun, bright skirt to really brighten up a room when it’s gray and dull outside.

Surprisingly, Gap and Old Navy often offer a limited selection of plus size designer maternity wear in their stores. Be sure to look for shirts that bring your waistline up high with a pretty tie or bunched fabric, and have a flowing, loose lower section. While pregnant, you will really want to accentuate and draw attention to your belly, and these shirts are very comfortable and will fit you the entire time you’re carrying. There’s nothing worse than dressing in baggy, frumpy clothes so no one is quite sure if you’re wearing plus size maternity clothes or just old, ill fitting clothes that should have been disposed of years ago.

As a final note, find a care provider who is understanding of your size, but won’t treat you like some sort of statistical outlier. You’re going to be spending a lot of time at their office, so if you find yourself dreading your next appointment because of rude or indifferent treatment, find someone else! There’s no shortage of doctors out there, and with a little bit of social networking you’re sure to be able to find one that will treat you in a manner that you deserve, and make the experience as enjoyable as it should be. And, finally, make sure you have a wonderful time filled with good health and plenty of designer plus size maternity clothes.