Plus Size Costumes

Throughout the year, there are many different reasons to shed boring normal clothes and push the boat out. Dressing up and revelling in the fantasy of being someone – or something – else entirely is one of the simpler pleasures in life and one that all should enjoy. Yet the more traditional female costumes available – such as a catsuit, or the infamous lingerie-with-animal-ears get up – do require an almost perfect figure, but that doesn’t mean plus size women can’t indulge in a little costume fun themselves.

Plus size costumes have become more and more popular in recent years, as fashion in general is more respective of a variety of female figures. When searching for a plus size lingerie costume, look for something specifically designed for the plus size market. Often, designers will simply take a standard size outfit and enlarge it, which doesn’t actually work. A good plus size manufacturer will understand this and will alter the cut of the clothes to allow a better fit – a specialist in plus size will always provide better clothes than a standard designer who’s just tacked on a plus size range as an afterthought. Just making something longer and wider doesn’t actually work, a complete redesign is needed if anyone wearing a plus size garment is to be truly comfortable.

Then we come on to choice. There is no reason why wearing a costume means you must look idiotic; in fact, use it as a chance to try something different but still maintain the same chic overall appearance you would aim for in your every day life.

The kind of look you want is dependant on the occasion you’re dressing up for, but the advice remains the same. Firstly, cut and shape is everything – ask yourself if you’d wear an outfit with the same fit as a plus size costume, if it wasn’t a costume. You need to be comfortable, so look for higher quality materials and do try and stay clear of anything with PVC in it. PVC is an unforgiving material at the best of times and will only serve to make a plus size costume look cheap and tacky while also feeling woefully uncomfortable.

When selecting a plus size costume, avoid anything that is too ‘busy’. Small adornments are fine, but don’t go all out. If, for example, you’ve chosen to dress as a witch – the old classic – then a good idea is to keep the dress simple and liven up the ensemble with accessories. This helps to divert the eye and will keep you comfortable. Be creative – a witch doesn’t always need a wand, what about a poison apple instead?

The best option, however, for plus size costumes is anything that is Princess or Renaissance style. The long, flowing dress and neat-cut neckline will flatter any figure and turn a costume into a riot of femininity. Applicable on any fancy dress occasion, the long sweeping gown can be kept simple – as recommended above – while still making it look like you made an effort.

With plus size costumes, remember that looking good and feeling good is king. After all, if an outfit doesn’t fit or is made from a cheap man-made fibre, no matter how good the party you’re never going to have as good a time.