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How Do I Choose the Best plus Size Skirts?

Patti Kate
Patti Kate

When you are shopping for plus size skirts or buying plus size clothing in general, it's best to shop at a retailer that specializes in plus size clothing. Buying your plus size skirts from a store that sells all sizes may not offer a great selection of larger sizes. You might find that shopping at an Internet store that specializes in plus size skirts will give you more options. One of the advantages is seeing photos of a plus size model wearing a skirt you are considering. Your collection of plus size skirts should include a few for casual wear, as well as formal wear.

When you're buying skirts, you should choose two or three plus size skirts that are appropriate for the office or your particular type of job. Be sure your plus size skirts match your sweaters and blouses and complement your wardrobe in general. Women who wear plus size skirts often find that dark colors such as black, navy, and brown are most flattering. A full-figured woman may find these colors to be slenderizing.

Twill is a good fabric choice for warm weather.
Twill is a good fabric choice for warm weather.

Finding the proper length in plus size skirt styles should be a top priority. You will need to take your own height into consideration. Not all plus size dresses and skirts are suitable for all heights. If you are short, your plus size skirt will need to be shorter or designed specifically for petite plus- size women. Conversely, if you are taller than average, look for a skirt to fit tall plus size women, as you may need the extra length.

Women who wear plus size clothing may find a greater selection online or through catalogs.
Women who wear plus size clothing may find a greater selection online or through catalogs.

Examine yourself in a full length mirror to determine which area of your legs are the slimmest. You'll want the hem of your skirt to fall just at the length for a most flattering look. This may mean finding a plus size skirt that falls mid thigh, below the knee, or at calf length if you prefer. Most full-figured women prefer skirts with a straight line, as these styles are flattering and slimming.

Pencil skirts can be very flattering on plus size people.
Pencil skirts can be very flattering on plus size people.

Your plus size skirts should not be too flared or heavily pleated. Skirts with several pleats tend to make a woman look heavier than she is. A-line and pencil skirts are a good choice in plus sized clothing. For fabric selection, cotton, crinkle cut, and twill are good choices for warm weather. Wool boot skirts worn with high boots are a good choice for winter weather, however, this may not be the best choice for petites.

Discussion Comments

Mor

@croydon - You don't have to wear shorts. Tights or pantyhose will work just as well, I find.

But you can also use anti-chafing powders and creams. These might be a better solution when you're going out in the summer and you really don't want to have to use shorts or anything else underneath a cotton dress or skirt.

If you find the right skirt (I particularly like vintage inspired skirts, think Mad Men style) you will look gorgeous so definitely don't limit yourself to only wearing pants.

croydon

@umbra21 - I've had very embarrassed friends admit to me that they are suffering from chafing, so it is a problem that a lot of plus sized women face. If you don't take care of it, you can end up roughening your inner thighs as well, which isn't pleasant either.

I think that shorts are one solution, or you can try to get skirts which incorporate shorts in them. I find that they often don't fit tight enough to prevent chafing though and neither do most boxer shorts.

I would also suggest using a pair that are made of thin cotton or another kind of natural fiber.

Skirts often look smashing on plus sized women and it would be a shame to let this problem spoil that look.

umbra21

One of the problems I've always had with skirts, being a larger woman is chafing. I know some of my friends suffer from this as well.

It seems to be something that's almost impossible to prevent if you walk for any period of time in a skirt. Of course, if you don't walk very much you can probably avoid it, but most people in an urban setting are going to walk at least a little bit.

It doesn't sound like much of a problem, but I've managed to draw blood by not addressing it.

So, now whenever I go to buy a skirt, I make sure I'm wearing the shorts that I always wear under the skirts to make sure that I don't chafe and that they aren't going to look like it has shorts underneath it.

The shorts are skin tight but not uncomfortable and go to about mid thigh. I actually find that they have less of a line than underwear, simply because they don't end around where the fabric is being pulled tight.

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    • Twill is a good fabric choice for warm weather.
      By: Louella Folsom
      Twill is a good fabric choice for warm weather.
    • Women who wear plus size clothing may find a greater selection online or through catalogs.
      By: Hugo Félix
      Women who wear plus size clothing may find a greater selection online or through catalogs.
    • Pencil skirts can be very flattering on plus size people.
      By: lalouetto
      Pencil skirts can be very flattering on plus size people.
    • A-line cut, free-flowing skirts may be ideal for plus size people.
      By: Maria LE
      A-line cut, free-flowing skirts may be ideal for plus size people.