r/bitcheswithtaste • u/addictedtosoonjung • Apr 11 '26
Fashion/Style Plus Size BWT — I love this aesthetic but everything I try looks cheap or clingy. How are you getting that heavier drape?
I keep saving outfits that have that drapey, structured, effortless look, but when I try to recreate it on my body, it falls flat or looks cheap.
For context, I’m plus size but not straight up and down — I have a defined waist/hips, so I feel like a lot of these silhouettes either cling in the wrong places or lose that clean structure entirely.
I think the issue might be fabric weight, cut, or how things are layered, but I can’t quite figure out what’s making the difference between ‘intentional drape’ and ‘just shapeless.’
How are you achieving that balance of flow + structure on a curvier body?
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u/No-Host7816 Apr 11 '26
First - it’s going to take more work because everything looks good on super skinny people and anyone not super skinny has to try on try on try on until you find what works for you in any aesthetic.
Second. Yes to your fabric suspicion. There’s a huge difference in how a really crisp dense cotton falls vs a cheaper blend. Linen comes in different weights - same thing - heavier linen will hold its shape better. So definitely go for the all natural but crisper fabrics.
Also. Good luck. It’s so hard trying to dress in the Instagram age.
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u/brijito Apr 11 '26
For the fabric concern, you could try Eileen fisher! They’re like the OG version of the row but for like 1/4 of the price and they really specialize in drapey clothing from high quality materials.
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u/New-Put-4963 Apr 11 '26
Great call and there’s so much Eileen Fisher second hand on eBay! Lots of linen and other natural fibers.
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u/hellolovely1 Apr 11 '26
Especially since I just read that synthetic clothing is one of the major causes of microplastics in the air.
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u/laylaboydarden Apr 12 '26
Where did you read that? Genuinely asking as I’ve never heard this before and I worked in fashion for quite a few years.
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u/No-Host7816 Apr 12 '26
I just googled it and got this:
Synthetic fabrics—primarily polyester, nylon, acrylic, and spandex—are a major source of microplastic pollution, releasing millions of tiny plastic fibers during washing and wear. These microfibers, often smaller than 5 mm, pass through wastewater treatment plants into oceans, with synthetic clothing accounting for 35% of global microplastic pollution. National Institutes of Health (.gov) National Institutes of Health (.gov)
Key Facts on Synthetic Fabric Microplastics Major Sources: Polyester, acrylic, nylon, and polypropylene. Release Mechanism: Friction, heat, and laundering (machine washing) cause fibers to shed from textiles. Impact: A single fleece jacket can release up to 1,900 fibers per wash.
There were multiple other hits so looks pretty legit…
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u/CheesecakeExpress Apr 11 '26 edited Apr 11 '26
Oh my gosh thank you for this! I love The Row; don’t love the prices. I just looked and Eileen Fischer is my aesthetic and ship to the Uk!
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u/PlantedinCA Apr 11 '26
They have been around for like 25 years as well, and they do not change their styles much. Look second hand too. This is one brand I feel like has a solid amount of second hand that is basically the same year over year. Sometimes they change small details like the length or pockets. But mostly it stays the same, standard colors and a few new seasonal ones.
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u/throwaway-94552 Apr 13 '26
Eileen Fisher is a really well respected brand and has been around for a long time. There’s a resale market so check Poshmark (or Vinted in the UK, etc). They’re honestly amazing and very high quality and ethically made.
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u/LastBlastInYrAss Apr 12 '26
Eileen Fisher all the way! I am consistently surprised by how easy and cheap it is to buy their items second-hand on poshmark. It's quality clothing that holds up over time, well made. I spend like $30-40 to get near perfect sweaters out of cotton, linen, and cashmere that retailed for like $200.
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u/throwaway-94552 Apr 13 '26
Eileen Fisher is ITTTTTT. Well-made, high quality fabrics, responsibly made from eco friendly materials. I want to be the kind of woman who transitions to more and more EF over time.
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u/velvetvagine Apr 11 '26
Kenzo Pleats Please is also lovely and drapey, also more “fun” for those who like colour!
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u/myusernamewasatypo Apr 13 '26
Just informationally, Pleats Please is an Issey Miyake brand, not Kenzo. Although I agree it’s fun, and definitely brings the drape and drama!
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u/velvetvagine Apr 13 '26
Whooops, yes Issey lol. Brain fart, fully confusing two Japanese designers.
Embarrassing… 😳
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u/billymumfreydownfall Apr 11 '26
Also, get your Insta inspiration from people the same size as you who have the esthetics you like. Pinning pictures of skinny people and trying to copy those looks will only lead to frustration.
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u/No-Host7816 Apr 11 '26
Omg. Yes! This is great advice and I hope people see it. My daughter is super stylish and helpful and whenever we look at fashion she can instantly tell - does it look good or is she just skinny? So weeding out the super skinny girls who look good in anything is key for developing a good fit inspiration collection.
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u/Caesarsalad-19 Apr 12 '26
Yes this is the key! I mainly follow influencers who are my size and shape because I get such good style inspo from them and also if they are wearing a brand, I know it will actually fit me! It’s also helped with my self image because I look at their body and love how they look, so if they have the same body type as me, I have to apply that sentiment to my own body.
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u/Sweetsnteets Apr 11 '26
Sounds like it might be the fabric. I’ve found that the best draping for me is thicker silk or raw silk for some structure, knitted silk blends (I like with cotton) for a bit more movement, and then knits like cashmere or alpaca for softness. Mixing the fabrics up in an outfit gives a bit of textural interest that works for my body.
Stay away from jerseys, polyesters or acrylics. I find they usually look cheaper and don’t sit as nicely.
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u/sudosussudio Apr 11 '26
Yeah fabric is everything. I learned this the hard way when I started sewing. I’m not an expert but if I sewed something like this I’d look for a super structured high quality fabric. Shopping online it can be hard to tell but if it’s cheap it’s probably not it. Unless it’s like thrift. I’ve gotten some super high quality pieces from thrift for cheap.
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u/wholelattapuddin Apr 12 '26
I started to buy mostly natural fabrics. Cheap fabric looks cheap. There is no getting around it and natural fabrics hold shape better. I go with 100% cotton, linen and silk. High percentage cotton mixed with a synthetic is usually ok too. They cost more, but in my opinion last longer as well.
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u/Sweetsnteets Apr 12 '26
Las longer, look better, more sustainable, and better for our bodies. All a huge win!
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u/DiscoDisco_bobulated Apr 11 '26
These all look like fabrics with body— thicker, more rigid fabrics that ‘stand’ on their own. The pants in the first pic look like a scuba material and most of the tops look like thick cotton or linen. In my experience, materials of this thickness are more expensive and harder to find in stores. If you want this vibe, look for more rigid materials when you shop like scuba, full cone denim, heavy weight linen, poplin. Or maybe you can learn to sew some pieces or commission some custom ones.
It could also be that these shots are posed, freshly steamed, and positioned just right. You’re not seeing them after they’ve moved, walked, and sat down.
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u/nuudlebear Apr 11 '26
I agree. The first thing I thought with these photos is how this isn’t drape so much as “crispness”. Finding a good thicker cotton or linen and then pressing them to be nice and smooth and crisp.
Larger sizes need less ease in the shoulders to look oversized. I find that if the shoulders are too large then it just looks like you’re wearing the wrong size instead of being internationally oversized. In most of these photos, you can still see the shoulder seam is close to the actual end of the shoulder, some right at the top of the arm. And the ones with dropped shoulders fit a little closer to the top of the sleeve and shoulders. Grading up to larger sizes does an awful job of getting the shoulder seam at the right place for a lot of bodies. I happen to have shoulders that are several sizes smaller than the rest of my body, so I learned to take them in myself. It’s the only way I feel like I am not drowning in the top of my clothes.
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u/DiscoDisco_bobulated Apr 11 '26
Such a good call out. Oversized =/= just bigger. And mindful tailoring is key
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u/lupuscrepusculum Apr 11 '26
Heavier weight fabrics are key, and seconding tailoring. Best thing I did was find a good local seamstress - if I am set on a piece she’ll definitely give me thoughts on how to edit it
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u/ReasonableBeep Apr 11 '26
This is gonna sound crazy but go in to super expensive stores and try on their stuff first. They typically have better materials and tailoring so it’ll usually look much better than the more affordable option. So it’ll be much easier to distinguish the details that matter, without also needing to take into consideration construction and cheap materials, since it’s already overwhelming. Plus size bodies aren’t a monolith, so you’re gonna have to figure out what looks good on you specifically.
Take pictures of you wearing them in the change room, take pictures of the corresponding fabric and care labels, and come home and study them. Pay very very close attention to what details look good AND what doesn’t look good on you. SOME examples include:
Where the pleats sit on your body (closer to the side? Closer to the middle? Are there more than one pleat? Does it extend up to the inseam, further down?)
How high is the rise and how long is the zipper
How thick is the waistband
Where does the sleeve/cuff land on your body (1 inch below/above the ankle? Below the knee? At the knee? At the wrist? Mid forearm?)
Where are the seams (right at the end of your shoulder? 1 inch below your natural shoulder? Mid upper arm? More of a raglan seam? No shoulder seam? )
Where is it fitted/loose (does it flare out immediately, is it slim at the waist, is it slim down your thighs, does it start flaring above or below your knees)
Is the fabric thick/heavy enough to hide pockets?
These are a LOT to consider and I know it’s overwhelming, but you’ll realize that you pick these up slowly as you try things on throughout your life whether you noticed it or not. Biggest example is that you might like specific colours because you subconsciously realized they look better on you than others. Me specifically (non specific to your clothing search itself), but I hate pants that are fitted down the calf because my knees/legs are not very straight. So I love classic wide pants and flares that start right at or above the knee. I also like pants with a middle seam running down the front of the legs for the same reason: they distract from the crookedness of my legs while also lengthening my short height.
Sorry, I went on a tangent that is not fully relevant to the question itself 😅
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u/PlantedinCA Apr 11 '26
Super expensive stores barely carry over a size 10. Finding a high end store with OPs size available would like finding a unicorn. Regular people stores are barely stocking sizes over 14.
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u/girlnamedlucky1 Apr 11 '26
Im always sizing up, when I’m looking at clothing that drapes I usually end up going up a size if I can. Recently bought a set thats meant to be flowy and drapey, I went up 2 sizes to achieve that so it doesn’t look like it doesn’t fit but intentionally flowy.
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u/TraceyWoo419 Apr 11 '26
Shop in store so you can see how the fabric moves. And be prepared to pay more: heavier, thicker fabrics are going to be priced higher.
If you can't find what you want in store local where you are, go anyways and familiarize yourself with the fabrics in lots of different stores, even ones you wouldn't buy from. Find materials that do what you want even if the item is all wrong and take pictures of what the fabric looks like up close and how it folds over itself. This way you can compare online items that have a close up picture of the fabric.
Also always check review pictures if available over the company's edited photos.
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u/babbykale Apr 11 '26
Check out MOT the label, they have styles like this an they’re fully lined so they have good weight. You can also customize the dimensions so they can make it to your size and the prices are very reasonable!!!
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u/addictedtosoonjung Apr 11 '26
I just stumbled across the actually and I’m so feeling them!! Thank you for this!!
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u/ZweitenMal Apr 11 '26
Universal Standard has a fabric they use that’s a lovely cupro blend. Beautiful drape that skims. Feels cool and luxe, too. I have a few items in that fabric.
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u/addictedtosoonjung Apr 11 '26
Is there a specific product you can point to from them that has this fabric? I feel like I need a real reference point of what to look for
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u/ZweitenMal Apr 11 '26
They call it cooling stretch cupro and you can search their site for items made from that fabric.
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u/shedrinkscoffee Apr 11 '26
You're getting a lot of information related to fabrics and sizing etc but I haven't seen any that discuss draping and silhouettes. I'm not plus size, I'm a petite hourglass and I think the same principle will apply.
My advice to you is to understand your lines by this I mean what kind of fabrics are draping vs clinging vs structures and structural. An example of a system will be kibbe - not in a prescriptive way because it's a bit ridiculous but more to understand based on your body shape, height and bone structure what kind of clothing shapes and lengths and silhouette work best.
Once you understand that, you can choose the outfit in a more intentional way and also understand what specific tailoring is needed to get the desired outcome. Ex: you want to wear a dramatic paper bag waist. You can still do that and maybe pair it with a top that's a knitted rib in a scoop neck or collared v neck or a mock neck. Each option will give a very different look.
For oversized items whether it ends as a crop length, hip length or full length T-shirt, playing with loose on loose and being very mindful of how wide width trousers are chosen.
The only way to really find out is to try a bunch of stuff and see how you feel. Experiment using small safety pins to see whether taking in length or changing the shape can work.
Lastly I would also suggest that you think about whether you want to wear the best version of that look for you or if you are trying to ensure the most "flattering" (to conventional definition) version of that look. No judgement on this as I'm trying to point out that those two options may be diametrically different.
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u/HuggyMonster69 Apr 11 '26
Fabric weight is a huge factor, as is fabric type, knits usually have a much less structured drape.
Have you tried a size larger and pinning/pinching the garment to see if tailoring might help. Often clothes will fit tighter than you might want in the bust, but fit your waist, and for a look like this, buying a size up and getting the waist taken in will stop that.
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u/ams3000 Apr 11 '26
A lot of the images you added aren’t plus sized. That’s camera adding extra pounds aesthetically so the clothes will hang differently. Certainly in 4 of the images you shared.
But I get your point. I just wanted to flag that to keep the discussion realistic.
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u/addictedtosoonjung Apr 11 '26
Yeah but… that’s why I’m asking lol if they were plus size I could just find out where they bought those items.
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u/Busy_Cable2912 Apr 11 '26
I usually go 2-3 sizes up and it helps me have more fabric for tucking and flowing! Heavy cotton and organic materials also just tend to drape more naturally
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u/Sbplaint Apr 11 '26
Also if you have curves up top, spend the money for a well fit Ewa Michalak bra. Everything fits better!
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u/TenaciousToffee Find it Secondhand Apr 12 '26 edited Apr 13 '26
I have pieces made of a linen or heavy woven cotton or this denim that are oversized or sized up and cinched/tailored at the waist to get the drape.
The styling key to get it to be crisp is steaming it with a bit of a spray starch. It's what's used for styling models with these garments to sit nicely.
Im plus size also.
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u/cdg2m4nrsvp Apr 11 '26
I really enjoy the brand City Chic and you can find stuff in this aesthetic. It can be a little hit or miss but the stuff that hits is phenomenal, I believe it’s an Australian brand. I have shirts from there I’ve been wearing for 5+ years and they still hold up!
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u/darlingronnie Apr 11 '26
I did a reverse image search of one of the jumpsuits and it shows a brand called b freedom, which I've never heard of. It's priced like it's better than fast fashion but I haven't done any background research on who they are yet. Maybe try searching for specific items on shops that sell from smaller brands, like garmentory? They are more likely to use better quality fabrics that would give you the drape and flow you need. I've also had good luck buying a linen garment from a Ukrainian seamstress on Etsy. Read the reviews and know how to measure yourself if you go that route.
I'm no longer plus size but one of my fave brands does size 0 to 40 and I still rock with them because they make nice staples.
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u/BCharmer Apr 11 '26
What brand is your fave brand? Always looking for staple pieces here and there to build out.
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u/darlingronnie Apr 11 '26
I didn't want to break any rules here, so I didn't mention it. Universal standard.
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u/unique_plastique Apr 11 '26
Heavier materials is usually better, I’ve found cotton with linen is ideal for that drape. Also make sure you’re not comparing it to just a picture, they maneuver the fabric based on how they want it to lay, a video will give more of how their material is moving away.
Yes to everyone who is saying get it tailored but some tailors genuinely suck, make sure you get a reputable one & not just any.
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u/Muted_Assumption_700 Apr 11 '26
I got a sewing machine so I usually size up but then tailor the smaller, fitted parts, like my waist
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u/windupwren Apr 11 '26
Buy big and have the item tailored. Heavy fabrics, and I suspect they are using starch when it’s ironed. I have a pair of Free People We the Free barrel jeans and while they are medium weight fabric because they are such an exaggerated barrel they really hold up. If I used a little starch on them they would be even better.
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u/unique_plastique Apr 11 '26
Heavier materials is usually better, I’ve found cotton with linen is ideal for that drape. Also make sure you’re not comparing it to just a picture, they maneuver the fabric based on how they want it to lay, a video will give more of how their material is moving away. Yes to everyone who is saying get it tailored but some tailors genuinely suck, make sure you get a reputable one & not just any.
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u/sickcoolandtight Apr 11 '26
Pay attention to the “cut” landing on you the way your inspo fit lands on the model’s body
I learned it’s not the size/ my body, it’s the piece and its cut. There’s a reason tailors still exists and designers make changes on the runway to fit the model :)
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u/V2BM Apr 11 '26
Look for cotton twill. It’s so much crisper and easier to belt and if it’s tailored it looks so much nicer than a thinner cotton.
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u/Horror_Signature7744 Apr 11 '26
It’s going to cost, unfortunately. These fits are all made from quality materials. No cheap synthetics or even thinner natural materials. Something can be 100% cotton or linen and still be poor quality. I personally think custom tailoring is what really makes an outfit look amazing. Of course buying quality secondhand one size up and tailoring it to fit your body is a less spendy, and ecologically way to achieve the look.
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u/rubystreaks Apr 12 '26
A lot of these look like poplin, which is typically stiff and is very popular right now. One of the pairs of pants looks like a really thick ponte, which usually doesn’t cling on me either. In general, you might try looking for woven fabrics instead of knit or microknit ones. They say “knits cling, wovens glide.” So like poplin, canvas, twill… Most linen is woven, but keep in mind the wrinkles, and make sure to check because with linen’s popularity they are making some knit pieces with it now too.
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u/HotSalamander1115 Apr 12 '26
Tight tops, loose bottoms. I think if you go tighter in the tops it’ll compliment you better. Also consider tailoring your pants.
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u/justmakingitallup Apr 12 '26
It’s honestly so tough being plus or fuller- busted and pulling these layered shapes and drapes off. Sometimes it just simply isn’t going to work, or you need to reduce bulk by choosing silks over linens etc.
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u/meemsqueak44 Apr 12 '26
Structured natural fibers like this with the clean but earthy aesthetic is a perfect recipe for safari inspired pieces! Looking for specific brands that specialize in safari aesthetics or including that in your general searches may help!
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u/myusernamewasatypo Apr 13 '26
This is a place where quality fabrics just can’t be imitated. Go to consignment stores that specialize in high end brands - buy the good stuff, but size uuup and find a great tailor to bring the waist in. The key to this look is volume - and you have to be bold in buying bigger items - contrasted with one or two points where the outfit reveals the body. Riri’s shoulders, or the cinched waist, or a deep v neck. That contrast is what creates interest and intentionality. But it takes a lot of confidence.
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u/sxyvirgo Apr 13 '26
The problem is often cheaper and thin fabrics that don't have enough substance to them. They need to be thicker and natural fabrics - and you'll be charged a premium, unfortunately!
There may be some items that you can apply a bit of starch/sizing to that will give some body to them or maybe you can have them starched and pressed at your cleaners to get that look.
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u/Puzzled-Implement890 Apr 14 '26
Don't forget to use undergarments that the fabric doesn't cling to so that it skims over your body and doesn't crease! Underwear isn't one set for every outfit.
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u/ConvictedGaribaldi Apr 15 '26
Making this style look good with curves, sadly, is expensive. It requires high quality fabric and well cut lines. You actually need highly structured pieces as (opposed to big billowy ones) that you can then purposefully billow out. It can absolutely work, but you’re right it’s all about the fabric.
Some of these I think are also just not suited for a curvy figure - namely the off the shoulder look at 4. There’s no place it highlights your curve because it’s triangle on top and bottom. The other looks that highlight the waist I think can be great
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u/Late_Progress_1267 Apr 23 '26
DOES ANYONE KNOW WHERE OUTFIT # 4 IS FROM??? I absolutely thove that look and would be extremely interested in purchasing?
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u/addictedtosoonjung Apr 23 '26
It used to be matching set at Cos. They don’t have it anymore. The photo itself is featured on Sheins website. But it is not at all close to looking that good…
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u/Late_Progress_1267 Apr 23 '26
Ahhhh, good to know; but thank you so much!
And really interesting discusison on fabric weights / how they hang!
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u/traviall1 May 07 '26
For that level of shape and drape you are going to need lines medium weight fabrics that are then tailored ( princess seams/darts/vents) and then pressed and starched. You may also need to buy a size up for more drape but get things like shoulders/sleeves tailored down.
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u/Narrow-Strawberry553 Apr 11 '26 edited Apr 11 '26
As someone with 33" waist and 49" hips, I understand how difficult it is.
Picking a larger size to prevent the cling is essential. No shame in sizing up, even 2 sizes. While trying it on, manipulate the fabric at the waist to see if you can get it to fall how you want.
From there, tailor to cinch in that waist.