I tried shopping in stores as a plus size woman, here's the PROBLEMS I faced…

I tried to shop in a mall as a size 20 Aus woman so you don't have to waste your time. I visited many stores and am sharing the brands that do and don't stock plus sizes. #plussize #plussizefashion #shopwithme
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PROJECT KATIE FRANCES: / @katiefrancescreative
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WEBSITE: www.katiefrances.com.au
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ABOUT ME:
I am a 29 year old female, also known as a shopaholic, living in Brisbane Australia. I am a size 20AU, 2-3XL. Size 9 shoe, height 167cm.
Last known measurements: bust 125cm, waist 105cm, hips 127cm.
DISCLAIMERS: I do not own this music, music by Epidemic Sound. (No copyright intended.) This video was not sponsored, all opinions are my own. There may be affiliate links used.

[@abbeyperkins2137]

I actually work at best & less, we’ve recently combined the two size ranges (8-16 & 18-26) so they now are in the one section together rather than two seperate departments next to each other. Basically every item now comes in size 8-26. We just haven’t got updated signage in stores yet that’s why the old ones are a bit confusing 😊

[@KatieFrances]

Ahhh that makes sense! I’m so impressed with this update

[@purple_scorp146]

@@KatieFrances it’s so progressive, I wish other stores would follow their lead.

[@jayleetreacy7223]

Go Best and Less! Hopefully they have lead the right direction for the rest of retail 👏

[@johannechampagne7332]

Brilliant. A person who is a size 4 is wildly different from a size 12 yet nobody forces a segregation there. Who decided what is “plus size” and needed to be named something special and segregated away with their own store or their own department or minimum a special tag that pointed out in large lettering PLUS SIZE? Can’t clothing just continue on up?

[@00hellyeah]

I’m only a few minutes in on the video and just wanted to thank you for bringing awareness. I’m a size 10 and I’ve never even considered what it would be like to walk into a store knowing that there would be no clothes that fit me. Thank you so much for sharing this. I will be so much more aware of where I shop. Thank you!

[@bblee7344]

I feel this on such a deep level! I literally only go into sneaker stores when I hit the mall. It’s just exhausting looking at all things you can’t buy.

[@lemonlimsa]

So true! I feel certain happiness to see even xl put front in clothing store. It's so rare to see. 😅 Mostly i see xs, s and m. I recently stopped shopping in my home city, because i couldn't find anything in affordable price to fit me. If something fit, it was usually worse quality, horrible colour or then too form fitting/tight. I went to another city in a mall last week and damn it was good. Good quality, sales and my sizes both on upper and lower body! I could walk into stores and find clothes for myself. I was so happy after the day. 🥲

[@dibailey540]

As a straight size ally, this always boggles my mind... in Australia, there is a significant portion of the population who are plus size. I simply cannot understand the mentality of there not being a market for plus size clothing. Where on earth are they doing their research? My understanding is that it's very difficult for larger brands to make a large size range due to patterns not scaling appropriately. So for cheap stores like kmart and big w etc it may not be feasible (although as your video shows, best & less have managed to do it... I wonder if you tried anything on Katie? What was the fit like?). There needs to be a shift in the industry... to stop basing their patterns off size 0 sizes and make their patterns more inclusive. I don't know how to do that though! There are lots of small businesses popping up doing this which is great to see. But unfortunately it's not financially accessible to everyone.

[@ambermamo8617]

It is very deflating being in plus size and not finding anything. It changes your mood so much going shopping. Thank you for showing this as it is an issue!!

[@KatieFrances]

Right?? It’s exhausting and leaves us feeling like crap.

[@ambermamo8617]

@@KatieFrances exactly!!

[@rachelbruce3284]

My daughter is a beautiful plus size girl and I find shopping for clothing for her so frustrating. I end up ordering online which costs more for shipping and you never know if it will fit. There needs to be more clothing shops that stock plus size clothing. I will definitely be reaching out to the stores that don’t. Thank you for doing this video.💗

[@KatieFrances]

Absolutely! Thanks Rachel x

[@jayleetreacy7223]

Thankyou for making this video! This resonates with me so much! It's funny how Cotton on say they don't have room when they could just extend the sizing in their current clothing in stores instead if having to make a whole new 'curve section' 🤷‍♀️

[@KatieFrances]

Precisely. They couldn’t possibly drop a rack or two of a style to accomodate more sizing ?

[@babygeerg]

And ummm they don't have room for half the population???? 3/5 or 60% of Australian woman are overweight or obese. So really fashion stores should have at least half of their stock in plus size.... pretty disappointing hey

[@Teresa-fi1ky]

Great video thanks Katie. I’m pretty sure Myer has a curve section you could check out next time 😊

[@Straightoutsteph]

Thank you for this video! As a fellow plus size consumer, I can fully appreciate the feelings of disappointment and frustration. I’m keen to check out my local Best and Less now though to check out their range!

[@KatieFrances]

Yay! Glad I could help xx

[@laurenvanhomrigh31]

Me too.

[@ingridvg891]

Hi. Im a woman in her early 60s. I find Target Curve is so drab. Even Kmart isn't much better however they have extended some of their regular size clothes to include a size 20. Yes Best and Less was my go to store this summer. SuzanneGrae also go to size 20 but limited stock. BigW is also hit and miss. City chic is out of my price range. Step up clothing industry.

[@KatieFrances]

That’s so interesting to know! Thanks for sharing xx

[@auzzygirl8175]

Size 26, age 62 here. I used to shop at Target for the quality but I don't like what they have on offer for several years now.

[@megandorrell533]

Fabulous video Katie! 100% accurate. Even as a midsize size 16, not all size 16's are made equal! The public wardrobe malfunctions are a legit fear when its not that easy to be able to just duck into Kmart to grab something to sort us out & also like you said last minute events. Definitely something that needs to be talked about & made aware in stores

[@KatieFrances]

Totally! Hopefully brands will see this and start to make changes

[@carolynrose9522]

I detest that larger size clothes prints and styles are awful. At what age are you meant to wear them. They aren't suitable for any age. Yes, hit and miss is the general shop experience. Best and Less was an interesting performer!

[@wendyp4135]

I am also 29 in a size 20 here in Australia, so completely understand the struggles. I usually find the Preview range at Target in the size 20 surprisingly often works, especially in tops and dresses. The Target curve range can be a disappointment. Even City Chic, amazing as it is, has so much fantastic stuff that is online exclusive. Would really love to be able to buy high quality design forward, classic pieces like what you can get in Country Road. Commonry is now a favourite for this reason!Thank you for doing this video!

[@purple_scorp146]

A few years ago I used to shop at Taking Shape but I don’t know who is styling for them lately, the fabrics are hideous and curtain-like. There is no shape to the majority of their clothing and it’s really overpriced. I did have success at City Chic last year buying jeans, a couple of work dresses and tops and the staff were super helpful bringing me all sorts of clothes to try.

[@kelly5822]

Haha omg I was just saying this to someone today, used to love Taking Shape but lately the designs have gone downhill and are hideous. Such a shame as they used to have some really cool clothes. Now it's so expensive and like wearing a bag.

[@purple_scorp146]

@@kelly5822 so you agree-a dramatic change? I did give them feedback the last time I shopped there. Obviously fell on deaf ears. I think too that all of their layering and asymmetrical hemlines can sometimes make you look bigger than you actually are.

[@zoemckechnie386]

I’m a size 20 (but have tags in my closet that range from a 12-22 sizing is a whole other issue ) I understand this video completely it sucks that brands don’t seem to think our $$$ are worth square footage in their stores but I have learnt that you can’t right off a store just because they don’t cary “your size” but you just have to try things on … country road , Camilla and aje I have so much stuff from them and they technically don’t carry my size

[@ditchthebun9453]

So frustrating sometimes. Something else to note is that with most shops - Kmart for example, yes the straight sizes go up to a 20 now, but if you try on a 20 from their straight sizes and a 20 from their plus range the sizing is often vastly different. I think I saw an Autograph shop when you were scrolling the stores as well, that is a plus size store. They are sometimes okay. I picked up a great denim jacket and maxi skirt there recently.

[@KC-nb3st]

I bought some clearance items in target at Capalaba today. The sizing is so wide ranging. I bought two skirts, one was a size 18 and the other was a size 8 and that actually fitted me. There’s no way I’m a size 8 but it fit beautifully. I got a top in a size 20 and a jumpsuit in a size 18. All four items fitted well. I just ignore the size on the labels now. If something fits me, then that’s great - forget what’s on the label.

[@LittleCherryHill]

I cannot stand Kmarts 'curve' section. I only ever buy from them in Winter time when there are some decent long cardigans. Target for me is a close second with their 'curve' section, they usually do decent long cardigans and sometimes jackets. Best and less (and sometimes Big W) is probably one of the better stores that offer plus sizes - but their sizing can be quite frustrating too. So I pretty much only buy clothes online and suck up the fact that I will be out of pocket for returning items half of the time. If I go to the malls, it's almost for anything else but clothes for me! Thanks for doing this video :)

[@KatieFrances]

Totally explained it, such a disappointment for our community!

[@jackiesandberg122]

Oh gosh I could write a book on this subject.I found nothing at Chermside last year. Targets plus size range is pretty bad and the sizes run small. I feel your frustration and understand when I was your age the choice we had was big W that was it and every t-shirt had "athlete" written on it. If I were an athlete I wouldn't be looking at plus size clothes. I was so happy when I discovered Autograph which dressed me for years boy has that company gone down hill, horrible range and don't order online it seriously takes ages and most likely won't get your order. David Jones (Maroochydore) has a reasonable plus size section I scored some awesome jeans from there they have a lot of assorted brands. I didn't know about Best and Less will have to check that out. My pet peeve is activewear I go to the gym and am unable to find decent tops. Im in my fifties and dont want to wear a crop top or a shirt that clings I have to get them from overseas although I haven't been able to for ages

[@pepsi33381]

I totally agree with your comments about Autograph. I use to get some nice pieces from them but their range is seriously drap now, I use to not mind paying a bit more for their items as the quality use to be good. It's like they had a change of direction about 5 years ago and have started to cut cost in design and the fabrics they use but still charge the same price. I only ever buy stuff on sale now and they rarely stock anything that catches my eye. Ordering on line is the worst experience, it's normal for things to not get shipped, I never get any updates on shipping and things take for ever to arrive. I've had to call their helpline several times and they just don't care.

[@jackieheaney8246]

As a big girl too 24, coming from UK, there is no where for me to shop in Adelaide. UK is fab for plus size.

[@laureliechapman1267]

You are fantastic, and I love this video highlighting the issue of stores that do not carry plus size, and if they do they rarely carry anything stylish in-store. As a member of the "older demographic" I, too, find the options to be frequently plain, without style, and most unflattering. I have seen estimates between 65% and 70% of the women in the US are size 16 or larger. Thre is NO excuse for the industry at all levels to not include us!, As for the in-store experience vs online - simple - "we" spoil their image so we are relegated to online shopping or the "special" section at the back of the store. The industry has come a long way since I was your age, but there is still a long way to go.

[@CourtneysChaos]

I get frustrated as a petite person (size 6-8) that usually my size is completely sold out in the more affordable stores. I couldn’t imagine if stores just flat out didn’t stock my size so it wasn’t even an option to ever shop there. I couldn’t imagine if because of my size, the range offered to me were just completely different styles and options. That’s crazy to me. I love this video! Nice work Katie.

[@KatieFrances]

I actually saw a whole petite section next to the curve in target! Maybe try them? X

[@angelajones4325]

Funnily enough my daughter (size 8, 29 years) and I (size 20, 54 years) and I were at Chermside today too. I guess I'm lucky I 'just' fit into the regular size section in a size 20. Myer have some good options and you also might be surprised that Country Road usually fits me. Above all though our favourite shop is Orange Sherbet (bit of a drive to Redcliffe though is not purchased online). We can both buy the same dress in size 8 and size 20 and both look good in the style. This is the only store that I've found that has managed to achieve this so your point is well taken.

[@helanalurie9962]

I go through the same struggle here in Pretoria South Africa. Because of this constant struggle and wasting precious time at malls trying to find wearable, beatiful and trending clothes, I mostly shop online. Did get info off a small business that care for larger sizes that I still need to contact, butI am at a stage that I cinsider making my own clothes. Even the prints they use are so ugly and do we plus size ladies definitely feel less valued as a customer. You are also right un pointing out that we actually nedd to email these companies and ask them why they don't have proper plus size departmants and why keep them apart from the rest? I agree that we should not even be put in this position to ask why they don't really cater for us. Thanks for pointing this out. I am sure a lot of us feels left out and alone. We appreciate you very much!

[@jessme2598]

I’ve been the biggest size a 26-28 and now a 14. I moved to Australia 22yrs ago and the options for plus size clothes were horrendous. Just embarrassing. I moved here from the US and we had several options, not the best but I could wear cool clothes as a teenager. All I could get in underwear was the bonds cottontails granny panties then. I didn’t even have the internet for online shopping because it wasn’t a thing then. I’m so happy to see some progress to More options but all stores should cater to every size. The business is there.

[@jennamclaren7176]

I'm a size 16 and I still struggle so heavily as a lot of the time the straight size doesn't fit because they haven't used a proper fit model that has curves and my closet shopping centre closed their only 2 curve stores which just makes you feel even less welcome. I don't know if you have one in qld (I'm from vic) but Elm have been opening stores. All clothes are offered in a 6-22 no separate sections. I know that a 22 isn't a full curve range, but it is nice to not be put in a separate category and have all sizes in their range offered in store. It is a higher price point and their clothes do tend to be quite generous in size

[@jackiesandberg122]

My mother worked in a clothing store in regional NSW and she was telling her boss about how frustrating it was for me to go shopping as a plus size she convinced him to get a range of plus size clothes in and they sold out in days. Her boss was amazed as he thought they wouldn't sell.

[@Aaliyahhh925]

I've noticed that when I'm in big W ,target, Kmart they don't really have the same cute clothes or the same clothes in the plus size as the smaller size section it's super frustrating everyone deserves to wear nice clothes

[@izzybackstrom9884]

Hi Katie, I'm an AUS size 20 and pretty much exclusively shop at Kmart or Dangerfield (Chermside). Kmart for everyday, Dangerfield for slightly funkier stuff and City Chic occasionally for a wedding etc. Dangerfield is slightly different vibe to your regular fashion but they do stock larger sizes in store not just online.

[@Bozana7171]

You missed Autograph which has plus sized clothing. And Myers will have plus sized clothing and at times will have Taking Shape within their stores.

[@thelilstuff]

Best and Less is my go-to! It can be a bit hit and miss, but I always end up finding a few things 😁 I used to like H&M and when I asked they said they were integrating the plus size into the straight sizes, but when I went back they had just completely removed them!

[@BusesTrainsandbubbletea]

A few brands are expanding to size 18 or sometimes 20 but it’s only a few items with most brands only stocking them online. And because they are straight size brands they aren’t accounting for bigger busts or back fat or bigger arms or thicker straps to cover our more supportive bras.

[@toyahsansum7265]

Thank you! I'd love to see you do this on a yearly basis, just to see if we are being heard.

[@kimberlyguzman1899]

This is such a great video!! Thank you for highlighting some of the issues we face and how frustrating/disheartening shopping can be for us!! 👏🏾

[@KatieFrances]

Anytime! We need to use our voices anyway we can to be heard and make chanhes

[@annikajonsson9871]

It's the same here in Sweden. Soo boring and depressing going to the mall without buying anything because of only small sizes offered.

[@lizdorrington2851]

Thank you so much for this video Katie and for being the voice for so many people who shove the frustration down and try to jazz up the plain options available for plus size. I mean seriously, plus size people have money burning a hole in their pocket too!! Yassss, girls let the fashion industry know that all members of the sisterhood deserve to look good and feel good regardless of size or age.

[@KatieFrances]

Totally!! Hopefully this video is seen by brands who can help make chanhe

[@ellasims2003]

there’s a store called You + All that has upto size 24-26 i think. Taking Shape is 16-24 too. im a size 20-22 & target at my local store is AMAZING ❤️ especially they’re winter line they’ve just brought out

[@victoriajoselin3526]

I love the idea you had for this video. It’s great that you’ve highlighted the lack of modern options. Thanks Katie

[@bryancourtney4981]

Men have the same issue. My son is plus size guy and says shopping for fashionable clothes is impossible. He says anything bigger than 1_2xl and it's all grandpa stuff😳 manufacturers are missing out on a large chunk of the market. BTW love your reality

[@KatieFrances]

Have you checked out johnnys? They’re in store and targeted to plus size men. Similar to connor

[@spoiltsassygirl2592]

Thank you so much for doing this! I’m new to your channel and so happy I’ve come across you. I didn’t see you try Forever New? I’ve found some nice summer dresses with them 😊 I is frustrating and embarrassing though that we are mostly limited to shop in cheap stores such as Best and Less and Kmart for casual clothing and one store City Chic that is so limited in style that half the store looks like it’s for women that more mature like my grandmother. It’s flat out discrimination! Also shopping on line is so hit and miss. It’s more effort then it’s worth. Plus size women need to be able try the clothing on, all brands fit differently. I love what you’re doing, keep creating awareness for your plus size sisters 🫶✊

[@carolinemoore8222]

I shop for clothes mainly at Best and Less and Kmart as they have the best choices.It’s a long time coming that other stores follow their lead.Forever hopeful.🙏🏽Another great vlog Katie!😊

[@babyc3372]

Because of this reason, struggling to find clothing I love in my size, is part of the reason why I'm on a weightloss journey just so I can feel good about what I'm wearing and can find stuff that accurately fits and looks nice.

[@tarawiseman8785]

I used to be a size 26 and it always used to baffle me how most plus size clothing was only available online. I was like if anybody needs to try on clothes before they buy them it's plus sized people. I've been every size and I can tell you as a size 12-16 I am pretty confident in just grabbing something I like without trying it on. But as plus size just because the tag says your size doesn't mean it will fit /suit your shape. The most soul crushing time I remember was when I was size 26 and I worked at kmart and they decided we would be scrapping uniforms and wearing the kmart clothes. I had like 4 choices and all of them were things my grandma would wear. I hated it. Crossroads used to sell stylish affordable plus sizes but it also went the way of higher priced clothes aimed at middle age women. Autograph sometimes has some more stylish bits but you have to mix them with other pieces. My mum used to scour the op shops looking for plus size clothes for me. It was rough.

[@yourforevergrasshopper]

Know what you mean re: Cotton On! It’s the same for H n M and not having curve in store anymore. Peter Alexander is quite good with plus pjs. Taking Shape is amazing and always true to my size. It’s the best! And yep plus size shopping sucks in person!!

[@bec5869]

My problem is with plus size clothes is they don’t have sleeves, I lost weight and my arms are super saggy and don’t want anyone seeing them, it’s so hard to find shirts that cover my arms to my elbow

[@KatieFrances]

Take a look at the salty crush Chloe tops x

[@carolynchorley2247]

I find Target curve range is very office/corporate style, city chic is very dress-up style and expensive. I'm 62 and wear a size 20 and I struggle to find things that aren't "mumsy" and sack-like...Best and Less has really stepped up their game in recent years so I highly recommend them. I used to shop at Autograph when it was over in the Browns Plains plaza and they had some great stuff (still a bit pricy though) but, they closed all their stores except for the one in Chermside and I think one in Robina (too far for me to travel for clothes). I did see Autograph on the guide list at the beginning so, it is still in Chermside but, you didn't get there. I would be interested to see if it is still the same as before...

[@vanessasay4071]

What I find deflating about the plus size range is that most of the items look like circus tents. Big, voluminous, hideous colours or huge floral patterns and no shape to them. Just because you’re bigger it doesn’t mean you don’t want your bust or waist to be defined.

[@SukiWendy]

I think I saw the name Autograph when you were scrolling. They are a plus size store. I have shopped there a lot. Try them out.

[@elsachicken7822]

I dont know why so many stores think plus size clothing is for middle aged women they need to realise what comes in a “straight size” should come in an plus size and should not cost more or less like seriously its not that hard

[@elizanugter]

Hey lovely! Firstly I wanted to say THANK YOU so much for this video and for actually doing the work. Like you say, it’s so discouraging as a plus sized person to try and shop in person so I appreciate that you did that for this video. One thing I will say, is because I’m a Brissy gal as well - is that Cotton On in Mt Gravatt (Westfield Garden City) have the Curve range!! It’s not all of the curve range, but there’s still a decent section considering. :)

[@alissahollis6177]

As a plus women im only 42 and even i get so disheartened i feel so old and frumpy with the range in shops its all black or horrible patterns i dont want a big ugly kaftan thing i dont want to hide and be boring i want to look great feel great i want to also be able to afford it why do i have to pay more

[@alangsford89]

I have noticed best and less have combined all the sizing together. It’s actually quite lovely

[@KatieFrances]

Isn’t it so nice!?

[@iriscooling8976]

I’m 52 and target clothes are for a demographic older than me - hearing u with regards to everything

[@lizlav4268]

Thank Ty for having the confidence to do this video. You have hit the nail on the head !

[@Pandora909]

Drab, boring clothing and high prices at shopping centres are why I now mainly shop at Shein.

[@meesc83]

I love your videos, although I am a straight size, I never used to be and know exactly what it is like. I used to shop at Myer and H&M a lot but I am now a decjuba junky and they do bigger sizes now in fact one of their stylists is a gorgeous curve girl xx 😘😀

[@meganroberts2937]

Decjuba does have plus size :) they just have different sizing and Portmans

[@aussiecandice]

The biggest range of cotton on curve I've found is down at Harbour Town if you're ever in the area. There's not a crazy amount but there is a defined section.

[@rosearthur5791]

I was in Best and Less this morning and they are transitioning to having all-inclusive sizing in their women's section.

[@earthmother8741]

I want good quality clothes as well. Kmart, target, city chic are not great quality. I find a few washes and they look crap. So disappointing and it’s humiliating

[@Hannah-uj2ij]

I feel the pain…. I also don’t have huge boobs but a big belly, and find the plus size clothes are made just like a sack of potatoes which then makes the top of clothes way too big but the belly perfect or too small.

[@KatieFrances]

That’s a great point, stretchy tops would be your bestie x

[@TheMissFancye]

I definitely feel you on this as a 30+ yo plus size woman. I really like Best and Less for pyjamas & clothes. I have those denim shorts you pointed out and lived in them this summer! They are great for basics and seasonal styles. Overall, disappointing about not being able to shop in store with ease. Online I love Adrift (& go in store), Leina & Fleur (corporate wear) & Ada & Lou.

[@missemilyjane]

I don’t think the Canberra best and less stores have the plus size range, every time I go there there’s only kids clothing 😭 I’m also struggling so much finding jeans in a size 24-26, I live in leggings and big w mens band tees (which come in large sizes but the actual tees are still a small fit) my partner can’t even find mens clothes in his size and has to stretch all his shirts to fit ugh

[@KatieFrances]

Ugh!! That’s so frustrating. Is it possible to return in store any online best and less order? Annoying still, but maybe an option? Also check out johnnys for plus size mens clothes x

[@anisharocks7776]

This is such a good video. I love your content. So glad u did this. Thank you for bringing this issue up. 100% agree with u. All these stores never have curve range sizes, make u leave feeling disappointed. Not everyone likes online shopping. They need to step it up

[@jeanmaddison2362]

Myer and David Jones chermside both have plus size ranges

[@cakey138]

I feel you girl! It’s ridiculous and I would even go as far as to say the reason they don’t carry it in store is maybe they don’t want plus size people seen shopping in their stores?

[@michelleback996]

Absolutely 100/ percent true Katie we need shops to cater for plus size in modern and New range clothing it wouldn’t take much to just extend clothing Bigger sizes as most plus size clothes r daggy I love Kmart &. Best & less clothing but just need to be made bigger 😊🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@KatieFrances]

Totally! Thanks Michelle x

[@natalie3680]

I can always find what I’m looking for online, but when I need something last minute and have to go into a physical store, it’s just depressing. Limited options, everything is black or floral print, and designed to cover up your figure, rather than show it off! have to settle for something I don’t even like just because it fits my body😞

[@kerrikelly3127]

I can't remember the last time I went to an actual clothes store but now at least I can check out Best and Less now. I find shopping so depressing when I have money to spend and can't get anything but a shapeless t-shirt and leggings.

[@juliewright621]

I hear you Katie! Shopping is not fun and so hard to shop. I hate online shopping too as nothing fits properly as I’m also short. Larger clothes seem to be made for tall people.

[@KatieFrances]

So true! Hard enough in one minority let alone two!

[@annemeltzer380]

Rockmans has BeMe which larger sizes. Autograph only carries larger sizes. I know it is frustrating, very.

[@jessicamcilwain3484]

Carindale Myer is pretty great for plus size (comparatively) and has a good range of Forever New curve. Garden City Myer is pretty ok but not as good as Carindale in my opinion. David Jones is ok at both too

[@traceymilne3171]

Great video and so true. I was disappointed with H&M, I couldn't even find the curve range in store, even though it says it has, no signs and no help from staff. I love trying clothes on in store and I miss that part.

[@courtneyheyworth4153]

Hey, size 10 from NZ- I am on opposite and find the plus size has amazing pieces that fit more mum comfy style. I just wish they would stock the same items in all sizes. Often "smaller sizes" dont work with my stretched mum body

[@flyezilla]

It looks like that mall had an Autograph too which is another option :)

[@MrAlly1997]

It’s really interesting, I often find myself accidentally in the plus size section, and I love some of the clothes. I find myself wishing they made smaller sizes. I get your frustration though 😔

[@KatieFrances]

I’d love to know which plus size sections!

[@MrAlly1997]

@@KatieFrances It’s usually Kmart!...they have the most gorgeous pyjamas and knitwear...😊😊

[@00hellyeah]

Ohhhh I would have to agree! I love the Kmart curve range! And the pieces in city chic are gorgeous 👌🏻 However, it’s simply not good enough that clothing for all sizes isn’t accessible for all. I’ve never even thought about not entering a store because I know they won’t have my size.

[@katiem4525]

Love this video, so glad your brining the awareness to our struggles with shopping in store! Would also love to see another Elliot picks your clothes review haul!!

[@KatieFrances]

Thanks for the suggestion xx

[@sarahsarahkk]

Forever new curve is my go to. But I feel like I buy most of my clothes online from iconic and asos curve ranges. Returning items is free, easy and stress free. H&M have just started doing a curve range inxstore as well as online

[@MissCourtneyJade3]

Great video Katie! Yes super frustrating shopping as a plus size gal. I find there’s so many cute things in smaller sizes and the plus size clothing tends to be bland and shapeless. Like us plus size gals like to show off our bodies too, don’t assume we want to wear baggy, lifeless clothes that make us look drab. I don’t even understand why there needs to be a “normal” size range and a plus size range.. why can’t they just make all the clothing size inclusive so everyone has the choice of the same clothing!!

[@KatieFrances]

Exactly like best and less did 👏🏻 brands wonder why their plus size or curve extensions fail and it’s because we aren’t given the same things

[@mcleodsgirls8903]

I’ve been able to fit into some of the target new size 20’s in the “normal” range. Even the Lilly love range which is the teen/early 20s range I can fit some of the 20s. It’s about trying them on, it’s frustrating when they don’t fit but surprisingly good when they do.

[@maggieWeir]

I love city chic but all their best stuff is online and it's so frustrating to go online and then wait for a week to get your order 🤞 it fits here in Adelaide it's is limited where we can shop as plus size not many places in Rundle mall to shop or Marion which is a half hour trip from home id love to into stores and try and buy clothes but they don't cater to us

[@aimeed4196]

Witchery now have I think up to 20 but it doesn’t mean it would fit

[@laurencooper3326]

I’m totally showing my privilege here, but I only worked out recently that the clothes in target and big w are grouped by size - I thought it was grouped by age range 🙈

[@nikolel4962]

Thankyou for making the video this stuff needs to be highlighted

[@jasmincleo]

This is so true! It is the same / if not harder for men. I was disheartened the other day when my partner sent a very close family member the new nena and Pasadena range of afl clothes. He was simply sharing some awesome jackets and long sleeves but I actually kind of cracked it with him. I had to explain to him that said family member is 4-5Xl and these items only go up to 2xl. He would not be able to purchase anything from there and it’s sad because he wrote back saying they have some cool things. I explained to my partner (in a snarky fashion) that he needed to think about that before sharing clothes next time. It’s not my partners fault tho! It’s 100% the brands fault and it pisses me off!

[@KatieFrances]

Absolutely! There is such little options which is awful. Have you heard of johnnys? It’s the sister company of Connor for plus size men

[@izzybackstrom9884]

Yeah, my partner has to pretty much exclusively shop from JBs because he's tall, and the occasional 4x you might find at Kmart or bigW isn't long line. It's crazy how much more expensive being plus size is when the cheaper stores don't carry decent clothes in your size.

[@sophiegray4583]

Really enjoyed this video. I’m a young mum. I’m 23 and size 22 and my options and style is super limited in store. I just constantly end up buying childrens clothes and never get a chance to enjoy the shopping experience myself 💗

[@KatieFrances]

It’s sad isn’t it. I used to enjoy shopping for clothes, not anymore x

[@adasollystyling]

I know that Forever New was doing a Curve range. Not sure what sizes they are carrying but you could have a look Katie. 😘❤️

[@KatieFrances]

Oh yes! I originally thought about them but forgot about them towards the end haha

[@hannahmulhane6906]

This video is so needed and so important to shed light on this topic as it is a daily struggle for so many including myself ❤ thank you so much for doing this and I hope that one day we can enjoy a day out shopping for ourselves and feel good doing it ❤ every size matters and every BODY is beautiful ❤

[@KatieFrances]

So true gf! We can only try and use this platform to show brands our experiences

[@Besssavage]

Thank you so much for this video!!!!! Everything you showed and pointed out is exactly what I think , feel and experience. That is before you even then hit shoes for larger feet ! I have been using best and less online during Covid as i found it was one store I could be confident with sizing and fit. City Chic has beautiful dresses/ clothes for special occassions for plus size and can make you feel magical Their lingerie is fantastic but yes it needs more everyday wear agreed.

[@preciousgem881]

Great video. I've been very impressed with best and less lately they are becoming my new go to. I've been equally disappointed with city chic, more their styles than anything

[@rowdygirl100]

curvaceous clothing online has a good variety for plus size

[@laurenvanhomrigh31]

I bought a nightie from best and Less in my size and when I try it on I couldn't even pull it over my head.

[@beverleydryland1146]

Loved that dress your wearing and your hair up you look wonderful x x love from Bunbury Plus size What ! So limited

[@KatieFrances]

It’s a top from salty crush 💗 thank you

[@kelly5822]

Do you have Rockman's there? They have Be Me which is a curve range. Might be worth checking out. Also we have Autograph in WA which is a store for curvy women. I find the worst thing is walking into a store and not even being acknowledged. Especially when "normal" sized women walk in right after me and are greeted. There are times I've come home from a shopping trip and felt so depressed, I've cried and felt almost suicidal. The way other people treat us as fat women just seems so wrong. It's like we are not even worth acknowledging and don't have value in this world, just because of our appearance. I've recently stopped even going to stores as it's just a big disappointment. It's not good for my mental or emotional health. I hope this gathers steam and makes brands realise they need to do better.

[@sarahgrantham140]

I wish all places went from an 8 to a 28 or something in the same garments. I have lost a ton of weight. Gone from a 26ish to a 12. And as a young bigger girl. I just wanted to wear the same. And now as a smaller size. I miss the a line dresses of a city chic dress. It’s really not that big of an ask. I don’t understand why they can all do it.

[@elyciacarde4950]

big w have nicer clothes in plus sizes range 16 + i just wish they made the same in all sizes, i did notice that in best n less at my local that they have started to have the same in both ranges.

[@gesinavanderweert7046]

Plus size here and when you finally find something that fits it doesn't sit nicely but you buy it cause you've been to Soo many stores and just need it cause you've put on weight or had another baby etc. I have teen girls and they aren't small . Finding teen style clothes for one of them is near impossible. I remember being her age and having to wear whatever fit but I hated it too. So I guess even though clothing industry is changing it hasn't changed that much.

[@KatieFrances]

So true, it’s so deflating and hits from such a young age. Check out you and all for them x

[@gesinavanderweert7046]

Thankyou. Will do. Shein have a couple of things we are going to try for one of them just don't know how it's going to fit

[@bronnyd7654]

I gave up on shopping in store years ago and became resigned to online shopping. It just became too frustrating, disheartening and humiliating to try and find attractive plus size clothes in store. It’s also sad to not be able to shop with friends that are ‘normal’ sized. I normally shop at City Chic predominately, occasionally Target and Kmart. City Chic has an amazing range online and fantastic sales, but sometimes the in store range is lacklustre. I will check out B&L in store however as it was impressive how inclusive they were.

[@KatieFrances]

And super affordable too! I was very impressed. Have a look at forever new curve in store as well xx

[@jackiesandberg122]

I discovered The Birdsnest (online) last year I think its fantastic and appeals to a wide range of ages.

[@mandypratley9723]

Didn't I see Autograph listed on the center's map? Why didn't you try them?

[@Rohani1993]

Can you try forever new? They apparently have a curve range but they are completely different clothes than the straight sizes.