Forget 'Fat Tax' - 11 curve collections to try this summer

‘Fat tax’ is the latest wave of critique to hit the plus size movement, thanks to New Look’s latest scandal. The retailer caused outrage amongst plus size customers after it was revealed that larger sized items can cost customers more than traditional sizes. Despite the obvious outrage, some called the move necessary for business, other more troll-like beings snarked that it is necessary to ‘encourage’ women to lose weight (seriously…?). Regardless of your stance on the subject, one thing is for sure: the plus size movement is an unstoppable force to be reckoned with. And if New Look can’t sort out their prices, then more fool them – there’s plenty of other places curve-loving women can get killer summer looks.

From sizzling swimwear to trend-lead holiday picks, these plus size collections are designed to celebrate your curves, not tax them. 

Sizzling swimwear - Simply Be

Curve-championing Manchester made brand Simply Be has long been celebrating the plus-size community with trend-lead threads. Whether you’re hitting the Bahamas or holidaying closer to home, visiting the swimwear shop is a must. The impressive collection has close to 400 swimwear styles in size 16, with collections going up to a size 34. Shop everything and anything from neon mix and match bikinis to embellished swimsuits. Bikini body? Damn right. 

Available in sizes 8 – 34  

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Relaxed printed basics - Monki

Although it’s not strictly plus size fashion, Monki’s signature style of oversized, floaty shapes means clothes can fit sizes up to a 24. Plus size blogger Danielle Vanier reported that the brands’ popular printed floaty dresses and shirts in size 14 more often than not can fit a 20/22. Whilst XL sizes are listed as fitting a size 22, many plus size influencers encourage trying on smaller sizes in garments listed as ‘oversized’ to make the most of the laidback scandi style.

Sizes 6 – 22
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Fast fashion favourites - Boohoo

When it comes to fast fashion, Boohoo is on the verge of world-dominating success. If you want something stylish, reasonably priced and within 24 hours, then Boohoo is the place to shop - regardless of size. While the retailer has come under fire for using size 12 models to front its curve campaigns, the brand do offer sizes up to 34. With floaty summer dresses for as little as £8 and shorts for just £10, it's easy to snap up your entire holiday wardrobe for under £100.

Available in sizes 8 – 34 Shop here

LA influence - La Tecia x In The Style 

Straight off the gram and into your wardrobe, Manchester-made In The Style is a go-to for influencer-lead collections and reality star lines. Whilst previous collections have focused on the likes of Made In Chelsea's Binky Felstead and Geordie Shore's Charlotte Crosby, this season sees the retailer partner with plus-size influencer La Tecia, an Ozzie beauty with over 850k Instagram followers. An advocate for owning your curves, the LA-based model and influencer previously made headlines for calling out brands for retouching her photos. So it should come as no surprise that the collection is unapologetically bold - think vibrant crop-tops, printed co-ords and glam holiday pieces. 

Available in sizes 14 - 28
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Chic summer dresses - ASOS Curve 

With over 800 dresses in sizes 16-30, ASOS Curve is an unmissable destination for pretty summer pieces. From form-fitting silhouettes to abstract prints, the online retailer boasts a wide selection of trend-lead items perfect for your holiday and beyond. 

Available in sizes 16 - 30 
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Designer brands – Navabi

Whether you need a stunning summer wedding outfit or killer piece to nail your next interview, Navabi is the place for curvy girls to shop popular premium brands. Top brands in the retailers 156-strong portfolio include pieces by Ralph Lauren and Ashley Graham alongside some of Navabi’s killer own-brand looks. Sartorial styles and catwalk-inspired pieces offer a much-needed dimension to the plus size girls wardrobe – who said curvy girls can’t shop designer?

Available in sizes 14 – 32
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Denim that delivers - Good American Jeans

If you're after that magic pair of jeans that will contour and cater to your curves then check out Good American jeans. The Kardashian-fronted brand is famed for their inclusive jeans that fit and flatter all shapes and sizes, from 00 to size 24. Choose your style of fit ranging from high-waisted to super skinny, pick a cut or shop collections designed to enhance your assets from 'good legs' to 'good waist'.    

Available in sizes 00 – 24
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For underwear that finally fits – Savage x Fenty by Rihanna 

Stuffy fitting rooms, unflattering mirrors and sizes that fluctuate from shop to shop – bra shopping can be a nightmare regardless of your cup size. Fortunately, Fenty’s latest offering promises to banish the blunders of bra shopping with a new lingerie collection. Building on the inclusivity of Fenty’s makeup collection, the luxe lingerie line is designed to cater to all shapes and sizes. Collections are inspired by themes; ‘On the Reg’ features everyday bras in every shade of nude, ‘U Cute’ offers a nod to flirty, feminine styles and ‘Damn’ ventures into the sexier end of the lingerie spectrum with garter belts and bodysuits. 

Available in sizes XS to 3XL and cup size 32A to 44DD
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Budget holiday basics - Missguided

From casting men to model womenswear to showcasing models with varying skin conditions, Missguided is on a mission to make fashion a more inclusive space. And the brands’ plus size offering is no different, with hot holiday looks designed to get your individuality noticed. Fringed jackets, bohemian prints and relaxed summer shapes guaranteed to look as good as they make you feel.

Available in sizes 6 to 24
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Revamped beach basics - River Island

Whilst high street power player River Island may be fairly new on the plus size scene, the trend-lead retailer is quickly making up for lost time with thoughtful collections. Last season saw the launch of plus size suits, triggering gleeful cries from big-busted women nationwide who had previously struggled to do up suit jackets. And this season is no different, with a carefully planned capsule collection of essential yet stylish holiday basics in up to size 28. Relaxed loungewear perfect for sticky summer days, boldly patterned playsuits and structured jackets promise to elevate your everyday holiday wardrobe, no matter where you’re jetting off to.

Available in sizes 18 – 28
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Bras for big busts - Elomi 

With back sizes ranging from a 32 – 48, cup sizes ranging from D – K and dress sizes from S to 4XL, Elomi takes the stress out of bra shopping for bigger busted women. Those who are familiar with the plain styles often served on the high street for larger busts will be pleased to know that Elomi’s supportive range doesn’t scrimp on style – lace, floral embroidery, silk and applique designs all feature in the feminine yet flirty collections.

Available in back sizes 32 – 48 and cup sizes D – K
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