Plus-size fashion: women's clothing that celebrates all body shapes

Fashion should never be a matter of size. What matters is how a garment complements a look, reveals a personality, and supports a silhouette. At leo & ugo, we start from a simple principle: plus size pieces must be as creative, feminine, and modern as all the others. Our collections dress women from 36 to 50 (and up to the equivalent of 3XL on some models), with the same demand for style, comfort, and quality for every silhouette.

In this article, we take stock of the plus size world, its challenges, but also all the possibilities to compose chic outfits that celebrate your look, whatever it may be.

The plus size fashion market: a nuanced evolution

The plus size fashion market has been booming for several years. Globally, plus size clothing already represents several hundred billion dollars in revenue, with an estimated annual growth of around 5 to 6% until 2034. The demand is there: more body diversity, more sizes, more style.

Yet, in everyday reality, many curvy women still struggle to find clothes that are both modern, well-cut, and offered at fair prices.

Size inclusive: a path still full of pitfalls

The persistent obstacles to inclusion in fashion

There is a lot of talk about body positivity, inclusive fashion, clothes for curvy women with a belly or pronounced hips… but in practice, obstacles remain numerous:

• Some brands stop at 42 or 44,
• The "size plus" collections are sometimes less refined or less trendy,
• Finding a chic garment for an occasion (wedding, party, professional event) can take a lot of time… and trials.

For customers, this creates the feeling of being "set apart," whereas fashion should be a space for pleasure and self-expression.

Why France is behind in the "plus size" world

France, the country of haute couture, remains marked by a very strong culture of thinness. Plus size models are still rarely seen on runways: the share of plus size figures during French Fashion Weeks has even declined in recent years, dropping to less than 1% of the figures shown, according to some media.

This gap between inclusive discourse and reality pushes many people to turn to foreign brands to find a modern, stylish, well-cut outfit for a curvy woman; which should actually be the norm.

Plus size fashion without compromise

At leo & ugo, we reject the idea that the plus size category is a "sub-category." Our knit pieces, printed dresses, jackets, our jeans and trousers are designed to fit different body shapes, from 36 to 50, without compromise on:

• style: modern cuts, exclusive prints, worked jacquards, collar details, buttons, finishes,
• comfort: pleasant fabrics (cotton, viscose, stretch knit, carefully finished linings),
• quality: pieces made to last, season after season.

The idea is not to "hide" curves, but to accompany, structure, and highlight them with modern women's clothing, designed down to the smallest detail.

Plus size clothing: feeling good in your skin

The challenges of comfort and well-being in clothing choices

A garment for a curvy woman must first be pleasant to wear. Jeans that are too tight at the Size, a dress that rides up with every step, or a blouse that pulls at the chest can ruin a day.

For a curvy woman, comfort is not about being "loose" or "sloppy": it is the ally of a confident build. So we prioritize:

• slightly elasticated waistbands,
• breathable fabrics (cotton, viscose, soft knit),
• top lengths long enough to cover the belly if desired,
• finishes that do not compress (soft ribbing, well-cut armholes).

Adapting fashion for all body shapes

Plus size fashion does not rhyme with a single body shape. Among curvy women, there are silhouettes:

• in A (hips wider than shoulders),
• in V (broad shoulders, narrower hips),
• in O (round belly, volume evenly distributed),
• in H (aligned shoulders and hips).

To go further, discover our article dedicated to body shapes.

Clothing contouring for round faces

“Clothing contouring” is not just about appearance: the choice of collars and accessories can also influence the perception of the face:

• V-necks, open shirt collars, wrap necklines: they visually elongate the neck and slim the lower face;
• elongated earrings rather than very round ones;
• scarves tied lengthwise, not tight around the neck;
• avoid necklines that are too high and very stiff if you want to soften a very round face.

A simple V-neck sweater, a structured jacket, and a pretty long necklace can be enough to transform the overall look.

Essentials to adopt

In a plus size wardrobe, the flowing dress is a precious ally for everyday wear. With long or short sleeves, it glides over curves without compressing them and accompanies every movement with lightness. Whether you are tall, curvy, slender, between sizes, or a curvy woman with a generous silhouette, this type of dress adapts to you, not the other way around.

Another essential to slip into your wardrobe: the jacket. Whether it takes the form of a blazer, a denim jacket, or a more casual bomber, it immediately shapes the silhouette. Worn open over a dress or jeans, it creates beautiful vertical lines that elongate the torso and add elegance.

On the knitwear side, the sweater remains a must-have for curvy women as well as for more slender bodies. In cotton, wool, or cashmere, our sweaters are designed to gently hug the body without emphasizing the areas you prefer to soften. V-neck to highlight the neckline, turtleneck to frame the face, jacquard or printed knit to add rhythm to the outfit… Each model has been imagined to offer warmth, comfort, and style to curvy women, in plus size as well as in more classic sizes.

Finally, the cardigan establishes itself as the ultimate versatile piece. Long, short, or belted, it layers easily over a dress, blouse, or simple top to create an elegant layering effect. A soft knit, a few jewel buttons, a tweed effect or a bright jacquard: just one well-cut cardigan is enough to transform a simple outfit into a chic look.

The importance of good cuts

The cut is undoubtedly the most important point in the plus Size world. A well-cut garment in a 48 will always be more flattering than a poorly designed garment in a 40.

For a plus size garment to fit well, it must:

• considering the placement of darts (waist, bust, back);
• paying attention to lengths (waist height, sleeve length, leg length, skirt length);
• adjusting the neckline depth according to the bust;
• allowing enough ease to move, sit, raise arms without discomfort.

That’s why plus size collections cannot be mere enlargements of "standard" patterns: each Size must be designed for the body shape it dresses.

Pioneering designers: plus Size fashion on the international stage

Internationally, more and more designers are including real plus size models in their shows, developing "extended sizing" lines, or adapting their signature pieces. This momentum is still fragile, but it shows one thing: plus Size fashion is no longer a niche segment, it’s a field of innovation.

For curvy women, this means more choices, more visibility, more positive representations. And, for brands like leo & ugo, a responsibility: to continue evolving cuts, Sizes, and styles, season after season.

Elegance accessible to all

We believe that price should never be a barrier to elegance. That’s why our clothes are offered at a fair price, without compromising on quality. Our materials, such as cotton, viscose, and natural blends, are selected for their softness and durability. Every sweater, every jacket, every piece in the collection is there to accompany everyday life as well as special moments.

Because true plus Size fashion is the one that allows you to look in the mirror and simply say to yourself: "I feel good, and I feel beautiful," whatever the Size.