The Ultimate Guide to Plus Size Dresses: Styles, Brands & Sizing (UK & USA)

Finding a plus size dress that fits well, flatters your shape, and aligns with your personal style shouldn't be a challenge—but for many, the fashion industry still underdelivers. Fortunately, the landscape is changing, with both high street and designer brands expanding their plus-size ranges and embracing inclusive sizing. Whether you’re in the UK or USA, this guide covers everything you need to know: from the best plus-size dress styles to shop by occasion, to the top high street and luxury brands, and how to find your correct size first time, every time—with Tellar.co.uk, the UK’s leading real-time sizing tool.

📏 What Counts as Plus Size?

In the UK, plus size generally refers to size 18 and above, while in the USA, it typically starts at size 16 (US). However, fit and sizing varies drastically between brands, making it difficult to rely on numbers alone. That’s why accurate measurement and size comparison tools like Tellar.co.uk are so crucial in the shopping process.

For a breakdown of international sizing conversions, explore UK vs USA vs European Clothing Sizes: The Ultimate Guide.

Best Dress Styles for Plus Size Figures

Every body shape deserves styling that enhances and celebrates. Here are the most flattering and functional plus-size dress silhouettes:

1. Wrap Dresses

Wrap dresses create an hourglass shape by highlighting the waist and accommodating fuller busts.

Best For: Workwear, events, date nights
Fabric Tip: Choose viscose or jersey blends with stretch
Top Brands: Diane von Furstenberg, Reformation Curve, Simply Be

2. A-Line & Fit-and-Flare

This shape hugs the top half and flares out gently from the waist—ideal for pear and hourglass body types.

Best For: Everyday wear, weddings, garden parties
Pair With: Belts or cropped jackets to define your shape

3. Empire Waist

The seam sits just under the bust, flowing over the stomach and hips. Great for apple shapes or maternity styling.

Occasion Use: Holiday dresses, casual wear, boho-inspired looks
Style Tip: Look for V-necklines to elongate your torso

4. Shirt Dresses

Structured, adjustable, and great for layering. Choose styles with drawstrings or belts for shape definition.

Brands to Try: H&M+ Conscious, Arket extended sizing, Eloquii

5. Bodycon with Support

Modern bodycon dresses are designed with compression panels or double lining for support—not restriction.

Use For: Night out, special occasions
Recommended Fabrics: Ponte, elastane blends, stretch cotton
Try: Skims, River Island Plus, Good American

For more technical tailoring insights, see The Ultimate Guide to Women’s Tuxedo Suits: Styles, Brands & Fit.

High Street Plus Size Brands (UK & USA)

🇬🇧 UK High Street

Brand	Size Range	Style Highlights
Simply Be	UK 12–32	On-trend and affordable
Yours Clothing	UK 14–40	Dresses for all occasions, petite/plus
River Island Plus	UK 18–28	Fashion-forward options
New Look Curve	UK 18–32	Casual everyday wear
Marks & Spencer	UK 6–24+	Classic and workwear options

🇺🇸 USA High Street

Brand	Size Range	Known For
Eloquii	US 14–32	Statement dresses, trend-led designs
Torrid	US 10–30	Everyday dresses with bust and hip space
Target (Ava & Viv)	US 14–30	Affordable fashion basics and casuals
Universal Standard	00–40	Luxe basics with fit-first engineering

💎 Designer Plus Size Brands Worth Knowing

The luxury world has been slower to adapt, but several standout designers now offer inclusive sizing:

Reformation Curve – Sustainable plus-size range, including bridal options
Ganni (XXL) – Scandinavian cool with boxy and oversized silhouettes
Mara Hoffman (US 14–20) – Eco-conscious brand with structured shapes
Good American (UK 6–26) – High-end denim, bodycon and formal dresses
Baacal (US 10–22) – Created by ex-Lane Bryant designer for curvy elegance

Tellar’s Ultimate Clothing Sizing Guide explores how designer fit differs from high street.

💡 Styling Tips for Plus Size Dresses

Use Tailoring: Even small adjustments like hem length or side seams can transform fit.
Layer Wisely: Blazers, gilets, or cropped jackets add structure and balance.
Print Placement Matters: Vertical stripes or centre panels elongate; bold prints should be proportional to your height.
Confidence in Colour: Don’t default to black. Jewel tones and pastels flatter curves beautifully.
Choose Supportive Fabrics: Look for stretch blends or heavy-weight jersey for smoother fits.

Explore more in The Ultimate Guide to Smart Casual Blazers for Women’s Body Types.

Finding the Perfect Fit — The Problem With Brand Sizing

Brand sizing is inconsistent. A UK 20 in one store might equal a 22 or even a 24 in another. That’s where Tellar.co.uk comes in.

🔍 Introducing Tellar.co.uk – The UK’s Leading Sizing Tool

Tellar.co.uk is a free online sizing tool that matches your unique body measurements—or your known size in one brand—to your exact size in over 1,500 brands.

Here’s how it works:

Input your bust, waist, and hip measurements, or choose a brand you already fit well.
Use the Store Size Lookup to see your correct size in each brand.
Shop with confidence—no returns, no trial and error, just accuracy.

✅ Works in-browser

✅ Always free

✅ No downloads or logins requiredInstruction on Posts

➡️ Create your free Tellar profile here

➡️ Get a printable measuring tape

➡️ Start with the Clothing Sizing Hub

🆓 Plus: Access the Free Tellar Fashion Hub

Tellar.co.uk isn't just about size matching. It’s also home to thousands of honest, unbiased style posts—covering body shape, best fabrics, tailoring tips, and more.

Explore:

Finding Your Clothes Size: Ultimate Guide
Flattering Jeans for Every Body Shape
Ultimate Guide to Petite Jeans
Best Materials to Buy in Clothes

📲 Follow Tellar for Daily Style Tips

Want more sizing advice, fit science, and styling inspiration?

Instagram: @Tellarsizing
Twitter/X: @TellarSizing
Facebook: Tellar Sizing
Pinterest: TellarSizing

In Summary

Plus size dresses deserve the same style variety, fit precision, and fashion-forward details as any other category. With an understanding of silhouettes, fabrics, and sizing inconsistencies, plus-size shoppers in the UK and USA can now confidently explore high street and designer brands alike.

And with Tellar.co.uk, you never have to guess your size again.

Find your size in 1,500+ brands real-time. It’s free & easy.

Start here: www.tellar.co.uk