According to Wikipedia, plus-size clothes are garments that are designed for women with bigger proportions. Beyond that, there is no clear definition - some publications include US Size 6, others over US Size 20 and in recent years, it's commonly used for everything in between

You'll find this guide useful if you are any of the sizes below:

Problem 2: Aside from getting the vertical proportions right, there is also your basic shape to consider. Just because you have Size 16 curves, doesn't mean that you have the same Size 16 curves as the fit model used in the garment design. You might be a Size 16 with big boobs and a relatively narrow back while the fit model is a Size 16 with smaller boobs and a broad back. These are not the same type of curves so they need different styles to create balance. The tell-tale sign of a style that's not made for you is fabric pull across your widest points. Many plus-size women think that going up in size will solve fabric pull issues — and it may — but unfortunately the garment will be too big for you elsewhere and this will make you feel self-conscious and frumpy. If you get stuck in this problem you may find yourself turning to shapeless styles as a way out but...

Problem 3: Choosing shapeless or A-line styles (aka large, loose floaty styles) may be comfortable — and they may hide your fat bits — but they also make you look frumpy and bigger than you are because they don't accentuate your slimmest points. You will see this illustrated in the case study below...

Problem 4: Curvy bodies and non-stretch fabrics are like oil and water — they just don't mix well. When you buy garments in non-stretch fabrics you are forced to buy the size that fits the widest part of you just so you can move easily and sit down. This wouldn't be a problem if going up in size only changed the dimensions of the garment where you need it. But unfortunately going up a size increases the proportions of the entire garment which will make you look frumpy, much older and bigger than you are!

Problem 5: The vast majority of women who have experienced problems 1-4 end up buying garments that that make them feel self-conscious for some reason or another. When this happens frequently over time, you end up finding fault with your body instead of your clothes. And because it's not easy to find style tips for plus size women it's easy to get stuck in a loop...

We understand these problems and the emotional havoc they cause because we work with plus size women every day. And because we are plus size clothing designers we know the key steps you need to follow to look good and feel confident... 

Meet some of our plus size customers so you get a feel for where we are heading...

Below are some plus size fashions tips and tricks that have helped our customers transform their look from fat and frumpy to stylish and confident

Step 1: Switch to plus-size clothes made from stretch fabrics. Stretch fabrics allow a garment to flow with the natural curve of your body, they are super comfy to wear and because they are stretchy you don't need to go up in size to fit the widest parts of you

Step 2: Choose colours that literally make your eyes 'pop'. These colours will draw the focus to your face. Colours that don't will draw attention to your bust, tummy, hips & thighs. Click here for the complete guide on how to choose 'eye popping colours'

Step 3: Choose styles that balance rather than hide your shape. What this means is that you should ALWAYS accentuate your slimmest points. If the style and proportions of the garment are ideal for your height, torso length and shape you will see the difference immediately. Check out the case study below so you can learn from a plus size example. Click here to see 2 essential tips that will make your tummy look smaller and your posture look better

Step 4: Buy from plus size fashion brands that offer customized clothing for women so you can buy clothes that fit your shape and torso length perfectly. It might be more expensive than a cheap high street store but the increase in your self-confidence will be worth it. Our plus customers say it's better to have 2 dresses that always make you look and feel fabulous than 20 that don't. If you're new to the concept, click here to find out what customized clothing for women means

Step 5: Wear a bra that keeps your girls focused centre front because bras that direct your girls to go east and west will always make you look broad and short in the upper body. You will see the difference illustrated in the case study below. Click here to learn the 5 Essentials you need to know before you buy bras

Step 6: Wear cotton-based smooth lines no/VPL knickers with the highest waist possible as a better alternative to compression-based underwear. This will reduce muffin tops and fat wodges and you'll resolve any thigh chafe issues you may have too. And because they're cotton, they keep you cool.  Click here to learn more about Passion Killer Knickers and why you need them

Step 7: Choose a shoe colour that doesn't compete with the colour of your eyes and hair. You can see this illustrated in the case study below but click here for the full guide