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From: [email protected] (Stef Jones)
Newsgroups: soc.support.fat-acceptance,alt.support.big-folks,alt.answers,soc.answers,news.answers
Subject: Clothing for Big Folks: U.S. (FAQ)
Followup-To: soc.support.fat-acceptance
Date: 15 Sep 1997 00:23:54 GMT
Organization: The Cat & Dragon
Lines: 3694
Approved: [email protected]
Distribution: world
Expires: October 19, 1997
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Reply-To: [email protected] (Stef Jones)
NNTP-Posting-Host: baygate.bayarea.net
Summary: This posting contains a list of Frequently Asked Questions
       (and their answers) about clothing for fat people in the U.S.
       People interested in this information may find more useful
       information in soc.support.fat-acceptance and
       alt.support.big-folks.
Originator: [email protected]
Xref: senator-bedfellow.mit.edu soc.support.fat-acceptance:29376 alt.support.big-folks:36534 alt.answers:28983 soc.answers:8571 news.answers:112323

Posted-By: auto-faq 3.3 beta (Perl 5.003)
Archive-name: fat-acceptance-faq/clothing/us
Posting-Frequency: monthly to *.answers, bi-weekly to
       soc.support.fat-acceptance and alt.support.big-folks

   Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Clothing for Big Folks:
                               U.S.

This document contains information about clothing for fat people in the
U.S. If you don't find what you're looking for here, try one of the
related FAQs (see question B1 for a complete list).
Note: This FAQ is very long. To look for stores in a particular state,
try using your browser's or word-processor's search feature to search on
the state name.

============================================================

Recent changes
June 1997
Added Triumph Hosiery, Birkenstock Express, Sensual Adventures, Soho
Woman on the Park, Kaufman's Tall & Big, Oddessy Martial Arts and
Medieval Supply Center, web site with wedding dress measurements.
Updated Lane Bryant, JC Penney, Decent Exposures, Silhouettes, Big
Stitches (review), By Ro Designs (review), Big Day at the Beach (new
phone number), JW Ramage (new web site).
Removed Above & Beyond (out of business).
July 1997
Updated Laughing Sisters email address, Ashley Stuart; added web site
that sells collar expanders.
Changed URL for Ripley Custom Shirtmaker. Added Jump In. Small update to
Peggy Lutz. Review of J. Jill.

============================================================

Contents

SECTION A: FAQ about clothing for big folks in the U.S.
A1)     Where can I find clothing and shoes?
A2)     What manufacturers make clothes/shoes/spectacles for large folks?
A3)     Where can I find a wedding dress?
A4)     Where can I find sewing/knitting patterns?
A5)     How do I convert between sizes?

SECTION B: Information about this FAQ
B1)     Are there other related FAQs?
B2)     Posting information
B3)     Contributors

============================================================
============================================================

SECTION A: FAQ about clothing for big folks in the U.S.

A1) Where can I find clothing and shoes?

This question contains an alphabetized list of all the large-size
clothing/shoes retailers I know of. Each retailer is associated with
various keywords:

Type of store
[catalog]       Catalog store
[internet]      Web store
[chain]         Retail chain store
[single]        Retail single store. [state name] follows.
[consignment]   Sells some clothes on consignment
[overseas]      Will ship overseas
[misc]          Other lists of clothing resources

Whom they make clothing for
[women]
[men]
[unisex]
[children]
[maternity]     Maternity and/or nursing clothing and/or bras.

What sizes they make
       Note: All of the outlets make midsize clothing (1X-3X, women's
       sizes 16-28), except as noted in the listings. Not all outlets
       make clothing in all sizes in that range, however.
[supersize]     4X or 5X or bigger, women's size 30 and up
[petite]        Petite women's sizes
[tall]          Tall women's sizes
[custom]        Does custom work

Type of clothing
[accessories]   Jewelry, belts
[casual]        Slacks, nice shirts, blouses, skirts, dresses
[career]        Suits
[costumes]      Halloween and other holiday costumes
[evening]       Evening dresses, evening suits
[lingerie]      Lingerie, including bras, underwear, sleepwear
[outdoors]      Jackets, coats, other cold weather gear
[shoes]         Shoes and boots in large sizes and/or wide widths
[sportswear]    T-shirts, sweatshirts and sweatpants, shorts
[swimwear]      Bathing suits (men or women)
[uniforms]      Nurses' uniforms, etc.
[wedding]       Wedding and wedding-party dresses

14 Plus (formerly 16 Plus)
[chain][women][supersize][casual][career][lingerie][sportswear]
       Mall store.
       One store's number: (215) 365-0499
       Used to be owned by The Limited, which owns Sizes Unlimited
       and Lane Bryant stores, but is now a separate company. Casual
       to elegant clothing in sizes up to 32 and 4X. Fashionable,
       very little dowdy stuff. They sell large-size lingerie and proper
       denim jeans. They sell large-size underwear. They also sell
       large-size petites. Good sales.

1824
[catalog][women][custom][unisex][outdoors][sportswear][shoes]
       Arnott Mason Corporation
       PO Box 293
       Clifton, VA  22024
       Phone: (703) 503-2916
       Fax: (703) 425-1243
       Women's riding clothes in big sizes -- breeches, riding sweats,
       stretch jeans, Kentucky jods, t-shirts, sweatshirts; semi-custom
       boots; half chaps and full chaps. (checked 2/97)

A Jalon Full Figured Women's Fashion
[catalog][internet][overseas][women][supersize][outdoors][career][outdoors][casual][accessories]
       PO Box 751014
       Forest Hills Station, NY  11375
       Phone: (800) 316-2877
       Email: [email protected]
       Web site: http://www.jalon.com/
       Sportswear, suits, and leisure wear, accessories, and men's
       shirts. Coats in silk, leather, suede and fur-trimmed. Sizes
       from 14/1X to 30/5X, also 34W and 36W. They use large-size
       models.

A Personal Touch
[catalog][women][supersize]
       1411 Broadway
       New York, NY  10018
       Phone: (212) 398-0007
       Fax: (212) 398-1987
       Tops to size 60, skirts to size 46, tunics to size 5X.

Absolute Woman
[catalog][women][lingerie]
       15 NE 181st St
       Portland, OR  97230

Abundant Fashions
[catalog][single][New Jersey][women][supersize][lingerie]
       Belmar, NJ
       Phone: (908) 988-0550
       One of a kind fashions up to size 7X.

Added Dimensions
[chain][women]
       Mall store.

Adini En Plus
[single][Rhode Island][women][casual]
       725 Branch Ave
       Providence, RI 02904
       Phone: (800) 556-2443
       Casual wear, sizes 1X-3X

Alice's Undercover World
[single][California][women][lingerie][custom][supersize]
       Torrence, Calif.
       Phone: (310) 326-6775
       Bras and foundation garments. 28Ato 64Z and custom.

All Ashore
[single][Texas][women][swimwear]
       7959 Broadway St #404
       San Antonio, TX 78209
       Phone: (210) 829-7813
       Swimwear in sizes 16W-26W

All of Me
[single][Massachusetts][women][casual][sportswear]
       7 Old South Street
       Northampton, MA 01060
       Phone: (413) 584-3474
       Natural fiber and Danskin clothing.

All the Rage
[single][internet][women][lingerie]
       5711 Kennedy Boulevard
       North Bergen, 07047, NJ,
       Phone: 800-515-1229
       Web site: http://www.quikpage.com/A/alltherage
       Midsize lingerie: lace t-shirts and gowns

Amazon Designs
[catalog][women][custom][petites][supersize][tall][shoes][career][casual]
[uniforms]
       1473 Old Airport Rd.
       Paris, Arkansas  72855
       Phone: (800) 315-8332, (501) 963-6548
       Fax: (501) 963-6536
       Email: [email protected]
       Clothing for big and tall women. Special catalog of nurse's
       uniforms. Custom work ($20 pattern fee) and standard size chart,
       1-9, to 84" hip. Jeans to blazers, broomstick skirts,
       turtle-necks, custom rainwear and polar-fleece coats, denim
       western wear, "Munro shoes" and sandals to 14ww. Embroidered
       t-top, pant sets, sweatshirts. Custom embroidery. One person
       reports: "The jeans are wonderful!  Real denim (in blue or
       black), front pockets, zipper, belt loops ... just regular
       old-fashioned jeans. If they don't fit quite right when you get
       them, she'll fix them."

America's Shirt Catalog
[internet][overseas][men]
       Phone: (800) 259-SAVE
       Web site: http://www.cottonshirt.com/
       Button-down shirts up to neck size 22.

Ample Annie
[single][California][consignment][women]
       717 Pacific Ave.
       Santa Cruz, CA 95060
       Phone: (408) 425-3838
       Large-size consignment shop. Small store, but full of clothes at
       great prices, both consignment and new. You need to shop there
       often to get the great deals on consignment since good things
       move very fast.

Ample Boutique
[single][Colorado][women]
       Colorado Springs, CO

Ample Duds
[chain][unisex][women][men][supersize][sportswear]
       Jeans up to size 60, T-shirts to 10X. Women's clothing to size
       52 or 60.

Ana's Accoutremonts
[catalog][internet][men][women][custom][career][casual][costume]
[evening][accessories][wedding]
       834 Pine Tree St
       Slidell, LA 70458-4514
       http://www.slidell.com/ana/
       Custom-made period costumes, their design or yours, their fabric
       or yours. Also custom-sized patterns. Custom men's wear, bridal
       wear, and dresses.

Andee Unlimited
[catalog][women][wedding]
       New address (2/97):
       944 SE Sellwood Blvd.
       Portland, OR 97202-5919
       Phone: Reported not listed with phone company 03/97
       (503) 292-5176
       Sizes to 30.

Annette's Armoire
[single][Illinois][custom][women][evening][career][casual][outdoors]
       27 E. Delaware
       Chicago, IL  60611
       Phone: (312) 337-6706
       Sizes 14-26. Original clothing, custom work. Special occasion
       dresses, casual, and work clothes, coats, jean, jackets. Mostly
       natural fabrics. One person complained that she had difficulty
       returning an item and that another expensive item she bought was
       sewn poorly and they gave her trouble about repairing it.

Annette's Fine Fashions
[single][California][women]
       Southern California
       Phone: (707) 528-8281
       Sizes 14 and up

The Answer
[chain][women]
       Mall store.
       They carry clothes for significantly less (say, half the price)
       than you'd find in a department store.

Anthony Richards
[catalog][women][evening][casual][career][lingerie]
       6836 Engle Rd
       PO Box 94503
       Cleveland, OH 44101-4503
       Phone: (800) 359-5933, (216) 826-3008, (216) 826-1712

Anya
[catalog][women]
       70 James St
       Worcester, MA  01603
       Phone: (508) 791-8589
       Fax: (508) 754-9331
       Some clothes in larger sizes; the proprieter is open to carrying
       more large sizes.

Apples and Pears
[catalog][overseas][women][supersize][casual][sportswear]
       20488 SW Inglis Dr.
       Aloha, OR  97007
       Phone: Reported disconnected 03/97
       (800) 475-5166, (503) 649-4601 in Oregon and overseas
       Casual women's clothing -- tunics, coats, sweatshirts,
       cardigans, knit tops and shorts. Much of the clothing has
       embroidered designs. Sizes 1X-8X. Pricey, and they may charge
       more for clothing in sizes 6X-8X. [checked 4/7/95]

Arlene's
[single][Massachusetts][women][supersize][swimwear][wedding][evening]
[lingerie]
       100 Elm St
       Salisbury, Ma 01952
       Phone: (508) 462-6444
       Best selection of everything and they will order things for you.
       Hundreds of bathing suits, lots of wedding dresses you can try
       on, party dresses, Renata B clothing, bras, etc.

Armand's
[catalog][women][supersize][lingerie]
       219-A Elm
       Reading, PA 19606
       Queen-size panties, hips 48"-71", sizes 13-18.

Ashanti
[single][New York][women]
       New York City
       Clothes run the gamut of prices. Unique items (like
       hand-painting on fabric). Gorgeous fabrics. High quality.
       One-of-a-kind jewelry.

Ashley Stuart Woman
[chain][New York, Philadelphia][women][swimwear][lingerie][evening]
       Chain store with outlets in New York and Philadelphia (and
       possibly elsewhere). Clothing is a little more formal than Lane
       Bryant's. Good service.

Astarte Woman by Design
[single][California][women][supersize][lingerie][casual][evening]
       24582 Hawthorne Blvd.
       Torrance, CA 90505
       Phone: (310) 373-0638
       Web site: http://www.astartewoman.com/
       Family owned, clothing designed in-house. Expensive, but good
       quality and good service! Sizes up to 32-34W. All kinds of
       stuff, from casual wear to lingerie and holiday party dresses.
       They have a mailing list and a great quarterly newsletter. They
       also have a video catalog available for purchase, with a
       discount coupon worth more than the purchase price of the video.

Attitudes and Lace
[catalog][internet][women][lingerie]
       Phone: (800) 519-5568
       Web site: http://shops.net/shops/SHOWCASE/
       Catalog: $4.95, refundable from first purchase.
       Lingerie in regular sizes and sizes 1X-4X. Large models on web site.

Auction Web Classifieds
       http://www.ebay.com/aw/
       Sometimes offers large-size clothing for auction.

August Max
[chain][women][petite][career][casual][lingerie]
       Mall store.
       Career and casual, small but dependable selection of
       nightgowns/lingerie, some petites. Prices from moderate to
       expensive. Excellent quality and service. Sizes 14-26.

The Avenue
[chain][women][casual][lingerie][sportswear]
       Mall store.
       Casual clothes, pantyhose (Gloria Vanderbilt in sizes up to 3 or
       4X). Funky fashions and basic shorts/jeans/sweats. People seem
       to disagree about what sizes they carry: some say to 24, some
       say to 32. It may vary from store to store. Review 2/97: "Very
       reasonably priced, silky little nightie things to size 32. The
       Avenue/Sizes Unlimited (same store, just one is a mall name and
       one is a strip mall name) used to be Lerner Woman, and used to
       be part of The Limited group. (Lane Bryant is also owned by this
       group.) They carry up to 30/32, unlike Lane Bryant. Also, they
       have certain outfits that I find "younger" than LB. I like their
       lines of underwear lots better than LB, too. [...] I've gotten
       some of my best clothes there over the years." One woman likes
       their pants selection better than Lane Bryant or Sizes Unlimited
       because it is "height-proportional."

B.A. Mason
[catalog][women][men][shoes]
       1251 First Ave.
       Chippewa Falls, WI  54729-9981
       Phone: (800) 457-9325, M-F 7-5 Central Time
       Men's shoes up to 13EEE, women's shoes up to 12EE.

Baby Becoming
[catalog][women][maternity][supersize]
       PO Box 7238
       or
       10 Nate Whipple Hwy
       Michigan Bldg., 2d Flr. #5
       Cumberland, RI  02864
       Phone: 401-658-0688
       Fax: 401-658-3008
       Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
       Web site: http://www.babybecoming.com/
       Good customer service, friendly and inspirational owner --
       Charlotte Bradley. Nice shirts, pants to size 8X. Some nice
       nursing attire. Sizes 16-48, bras 30AA-60M. Baby slings.

Back to Basics II for plus sizes
[catalog][women][lingerie][sportswear]
       1107 West Main St., #201
       Durham, NC  27701
       Phone: (919) 477-5669
       Fax: (919) 477-6476
       Small catalog of simple cotton and cotton-blend clothes and
       underwear. Bike shorts, leggings, T-shirts, tights, socks,
       underwear. Reasonable prices. Sizes 1X-4X.

Barbara Stone Designs
[single][California][women]
       1800 Shasta St., Suite B
       Redding, CA  96001
       Phone: (916) 246-1927

Barb's Large & Lovely
[single][Missouri][internet][catalog][women][supersize][lingerie]
       4928 Woodhaven, Jefferson City, MO 65109
       Phone: (573) 761-5311, (888) 761-5311
       Email: [email protected]
       Web site: http://www.bll.com
       Catalog $5
       Plus and supersize lingerie to 8X. They use large and supersize
       models, unlike a lot of the lingerie catalogs who use models who
       are barely plus size.

Barely Nothings
[catalog][women][supersize][lingerie][sportswear]
       1514 Grand Ave.
       Grover Beach, CA  93433-2209
       Phone orders: (800) 4-BARELY (800-422-7359)
       Customer service: (805) 489-5591
       Fax: (805) 489-5987
       Email: [email protected]
       Web page: http://www.barelynothings.com
       Catalog $3.
       Regular size and mid-size lingerie -- stretch lace bustiers and
       teddies, garter belts and stockings, baby doll nighties and long
       silky gowns, faux leather bustiers and thongs, bare bosom
       bustiers, French maid costumes, split crotch panties, fishnet
       stockings. and a few other items (T-shirts, Danskin Bodywear,
       etc.). Sizes up to 6X in some items, 4X in others. (Note: web
       page seems to show only mid-size items.) They also sell bra
       extenders, bustier extenders, and torso extenders (which
       elongate the crotch section so as to better fit long
       waisted/round bellied folks). (These items are also not
       available on the web page.) Clothing is high quality and
       telephone operators are helpful. Web page uses large models.
       [checked 12/96]

Beautiful Skier
[catalog][sportswear][outdoors]
       Phone: 800-638-3334
       Ski wear in sizes 16-30.

Bedford Fair Lifestyles
[catalog][women][casual][career]
       421 Landmark Dr
       Wilmington NC 28410
       Phone (800) 964-1000
       Inexpensive casual and career clothes. About 1/3 of the styles
       are available in women's sizes up to 28.

Beloff's Women's World
[catalog][women]
       192 West Main St.
       Meriden, CT 06450

Betsy & Co.
[catalog][women][maternity]
       PO Box 1911
       Philadelphia, PA  19105-1911
       Catalog $2.
       Sizes 1X-3X.

Big & Tall Outlet Store
[single][California][men][supersize][evening][casual][career]
       1240 W. 7th St.
       Upland, CA
       Phone: (909) 946-7234
       Warehouse-type place with racks of clothes at incredible prices.
       Dress shirts up to size 21, sports shirts to 6X, pants to size
       60 and higher.

Big Ass Sportswear (AKA Butson Company)
       Out of business 4/97

Big Black Boots
[catalog][unisex][men][custom][shoes]
       Phone: (619) 298-1973
       Custom and stock leather boots for women and men. Sizes 2A to
       16EEE, heights from 11" to 38" and custom-fitted leg and foot.
       I think they specialize in "mannish" styles: engineer boots,
       western-style boots, logging boots, etc.

Big Clothes For Big Men
[catalog][men]
       Freda Rosenberg, Freda's Secrets
       PO Box 2765
       Philadelphia PA  19118
       Directory of big men's catalogs.

Big Day at the Beach
[catalog][women][supersize][swimwear]
       Phone: (909) 798-5228
       Custom sizing. Good prices.

Big Guys
[single][New Jersey][catalog][men][supersize][evening][casual][career]
[sportswear][outdoors]
       Locust Grove Plaza
       1692 Clements Bridge Rd.
       Deptford, NJ  08096
       Phone: (800) 848-8255, (609) 848-8255
       and
       721 E. Landis Ave.
       Vinland, NJ  08360
       Phone: (609) 848-8255, (609) 696-0955
       Good selection of dress and casual men's clothes with dress suit
       sizes in stock up to 72, dress shirts up to 8x, jeans to 74, and
       dress and casual pants to 74. Also bathrobes, underwear,
       T-shirts, outerwear, etc. They will mail order within the U.S.

Big on Batik Sarongwear
[catalog][women][supersize][casual]
       2649 Vista Way #8207
       Oceanside, Ca 92054
       Web site: http://www.bigonbatik.com
       E-mail: [email protected]
       Email your mailing address for brochure.
       Owner Cathy Miller writes: "I make cocoon jackets and flowing
       tops out of washable rayon Indonesian batik sarongs. The jackets
       fit all sizes up to at least 50, and the tops through about size
       32 or so. Each piece is a one-of-a-kind garment."

Big Shots
[single][New York][women][supersize][casual][career][outdoors][swimwear]
[evening][lingerie][accessories]
       182A merrick rd.
       Lynbrook, NY 11563
       Phone: 516-593-2900
       Lingerie catalog: $6 to Large Encounters, PO Box 364, Island
       Park, NY 11558-0364
       Sizes to 60; all types of clothing, lingerie, accessories.

Big Stitches Swimwear
[catalog][custom][supersize][women][swimwear][sportswear]
       2423 Douglas St.
       San Pablo, CA 94806
       Phone: (510) 237-3978
       Send long self-addressed stamped envelope for catalog and
       swatches.
       Custom made large-size bathing suits. Basic suit is about $70.
       Special fabrics, extra features $20 more. They also make bicycle
       shorts and cover-ups to hip size 84 inches. Good service. One
       person complained the suits don't hold up well in chlorine, but
       that may depend on the fabric; they may also make suits out of
       fabric you send them.

The Big, the Bad & the Beautiful
[single][California][custom][catalog][women][supersize][lingerie]
[casual][sportswear]
       Main store:
       19225 Ventura Blvd,
       Tarzana, CA  91356
       Phone: (818) 345-3593, (800) 347-3593
       Fax: 818-345-1033
       Outlet (discount) store:
       29002 Roadside Drive
       Agoura Hills, CA
       Phone: 818-735-0706
       Catalog $2 (credited to first order)
       Sizes 14-32+. They also do custom work. Among other things, they
       sell bike shorts and lingerie. Inexpensive.

Birkenstock Authority
[internet][unisex][shoes]
       Phone: (800) 597-3338
       Web site: http://www.birks4u.com/
       Internet catalog of Birkenstock shoes. Free shipping. Many big
       folks claim that Birkenstocks are good for wide feet.

Birkenstock Express
[catalog][internet][overseas][unisex][custom][shoes]
       301 SW Madison St.
       Corvallis, OR 97333
       Phone: (800) 451-1459 U.S. and Canada; (541) 758-7631 Other Countries
       Fax: (541) 752-6313
       Web site: http://www.footwise.com
       Searchable "sale corner" for folks to find bargains in their
       size. Repairs on Birkenstock products and can custom fabricate
       footbeds for folks whose feet are wider than the "norm".

Blair Women's Wear
[catalog][women][petite][swimwear][casual][career][lingerie]
       220 Hickory St
       Warren, PA 16366
       Phone: (800) 458-2000 (orders), 800-458-6057 (customer service)
       Sporty, casual, and career stuff, very middle-of-the-road,
       mostly poly and/or cotton, to size 26 (51" bust, 45" waist, 54"
       hip). They use thin models.

Blue Victorian Big & Tall & Pinmania
[single][California][unisex][supersize][sportswear]
       1325 Columbus Ave. (near Fisherman's Wharf)
       San Francisco, CA 94133
       Phone: (415) 775-6909
       Fax: (415) 346-4623
       Two stores next to each other offer souvenir type printed and
       embroidered T-shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants, and shorts in
       extremely high quality cotton. Sizes up to 8X. T-shirt dresses
       up to 22. T-shirts $15-$22, sweatshirts $25-$45. Nice to see a
       funky tourist place catering to large folks.

Boutique Unique: Fashions for the Unique Woman, Sizes 18 to 8X
[single][Ohio][women][supersize]
       Colony Square Mall
       3575 Maple Avenue
       Zanesville, OH  43701
       Phone: (614) 453-1053, (614) 454-3886
       Located 50 to 55 miles east of Columbus, Ohio on Interstate 7.
       I understand it's the only large size store out in that area.

Bras Custom-Fit by Maxine
[single][Missouri][custom][women][lingerie][maternity][swimwear]
       11104 E. Sheley, Independence, MO 64052 (near 30th & Sterling)
       Phone: (816) 252-1899
       Bras 28A-64N & Custom (some Maternity, Prosthesis, and Strapless
       as well), Swimwear cup-sized. When calling, state that you found
       her listed on the fat-acceptance clothing list on the Internet.

BridesMart
[chain][internet][wedding]
       Web site: http://www.chron.com/ads/display/a/als/brides/bmpage.html
       BridesMart has 16 Texas locations.

Brownstone Woman
[catalog][women]
       685 Third Ave.
       New York NY  10017-4024
       Phone orders: (800) 221-2468
       Customer service: (800) 322-2991
       Sizes 14-28W. Somewhat expensive. They use thin models.
       One person complained their sizing is inaccurate (too small),
       some of their accessories are poor quality, and the colors in
       the catalog photos were way off.

Bullock's Woman
[chain][women]
       Nice clothes, designer labels, good quality.

Burlington Coat Factory
[chain][men][women][career][outdoors]
       Women's coats up to at least 30W. Inexpensive. Men's coats up to
       4X or so. Some locations also offer career/casual wear.

Bust Stop
[catalog][women][maternity][lingerie]
       8270 E. 71st St.
       Tulsa, OK  74122
       Phone: (800) 858-3887
       Catalog $2.
       Bras up to 60-OO (double-O), including sports, strapless, and
       maternity/nursing bras.

By Ro! Designs
[catalog][women][supersize][sportswear][casual][swimsuits]
       New address: 567 W 5th St #1 San Pedro, CA 90731
       Phone: (310) 221-0059
       Fax: (310) 221-0307
       Email: [email protected]
       For brochure send a long SASE with $.55 postage
       Active wear for plus- and supersize women to size 5X (36). Bike
       shorts, unitards, sports bras, swimsuits, lycra dresses. Several
       people reported extremely slow service (six to nine month
       delays, unreturned phone calls) on clothing promised much more
       quickly and paid for in advance.

COY
[catalog][women][accessories]
       24843 Del Prado, Ste 249
       Dana Point, CA  92629
       Phone: (714) 496-7042
       Catalog $1 (refundable with first order)
       Large size bangles -- 8, 9, or 10 inches around.

Cabela's
[catalog][unisex][tall][supersize][sportswear][outdoors]
       812 13th Ave.
       Sidney, NE  69160
       Phone: (800) 237-4444 (orders U.S. or Canada), (800) 742-4008
       (catalog request)
       Fax: 800-496-6329
       TDD: 800-695-5000
       Email: [email protected]
       Web site: http://www.cabelas.com/
       GoreTex parkas and pants up to at least 5XL. Many other items up
       to 3XL in both big and tall sizes. Reasonable prices.

California Rainbow Tie Dye
[internet][unisex][sportswear]
       John Holland
       Email: [email protected]
       Web site: http://www.catalog.com/giftshop/tiedye/td.htm
       Tie-dye shirts up to 3X.

Cameo Coutures, Inc.
[catalog][custom][women][lingerie][maternity]
       Dallas, TX  75247
       Phone: (214) 631-4860
       They custom-make large-size bras. They are expensive (about $50)
       but are very comfortable, well-made, and long-lasting, with no
       underwires, so they won't poke you or stick out in funny places.
       One woman (size 52DDD) reports that changing to Cameo bras
       completely alleviated shoulder pain she experienced due to large
       breasts and ill-fitting bras.

Carol Doda Boutique
[single][California][women][lingerie]
       Lingerie boutique in San Francisco.

Castles Direct
[catalog][unisex][supersize][sportswear]
       PO Box 690002
       Houston, TX  77269
       Phone: (618) 675-0121, (800) 424-1008
       T-shirts up to 4X (some have fat-positive designs). The sizes
       seem to run small.

Casual Male/Big & Tall
[chain][men][supersize][casual][career]
       Web site: http://www.thinkbig.com/
       Good customer service, nice stuff, reasonable prices. Sizes up
       to 6X.

Catherine's
[chain][women][supersize][lingerie][evening][outdoors]
       Mall store.
       Upscale sister store of PS (see below). Boutiquey, concentrated
       in the South and on the East Coast (they also have stores in the
       Chicago area). Styles and quality can vary from store to store.
       Moderately priced, good service. Nice, good quality lingerie,
       nice formal evening wear, among other things. Also leather
       bomber jackets. Sizes 14-26, and some up to 32 or 34, also up to
       4X. The sizes run large, including the pantyhose and tights.

Cathy O
       Mail returned 4/97

Cato Plus
[chain][women]
       Mall store.

Chadwick's of Boston
[catalog][women][petite][casual][outdoors]
       Phone: (800) 525-6650
       1 Chadwick Pl Box 1600
       Brockton, MA 02403-1600
       Midsize women's clothing. One reader reported they have great
       swing coats.

Charlene's Sportswear
[internet][unisex][supersize][casual][sportswear]
       BKI PO Box 782 - Charlene's
       Las Vegas NV 89125
       Phone: (702) 695-3889
       Fax: (702) 735-2309
       Email orders: [email protected]
       Web site: http://www.ultimate.org/2531/2531a.html
       Catalog $1
       Sweats and jersey slacks/shirts to 12x.

Cheyenne Outfitters
[catalog][men][casual]
       Cheyenne, WY
       Phone: (800) 234-0432
       All sizes of Levis 501s from tiny to huge. Many other "Western
       styles" in big sizes.

Chico's
[chain][women]
       There's one at Valley Fair Mall, Santa Clara, CA
       Good quality, natural fiber clothes up to size 20/22.

Collar Expander
       Web site: http://www.flash.net/~dollie/Collar_Extender.html
       "Wonder Button"  Collar Expander allows men to increase the neck
       size of their shirts by 1/2 inch.

Color Me Big
[catalog][custom][women][supersize]
       PO Box 9773
       San Bernadino, CA 92427
       Phone: (909) 887-8969
       Catalog $3.
       Sizes 16-60, custom work available.

The Company Store
[single][California][women]
       Fillmore St.
       San Francisco, CA.

Coole Designs (formerly Richman Cotton)
[catalog][men][women][casual][sportswear][costumes]
       2631 Piner Rd
       Santa Rosa, CA 95401
       Phone: (707) 575-8924, 800-992-8924
       Fax: 1-707-575-8924
       Email: [email protected]
       Web site: http://www.metro.net/bcoole/designs/index.html
       All-cotton, dyed-on-the-premises clothing in sizes from infant
       to 3X. Shirts, skirts, dresses, long johns, cotton/lycra bike
       shorts, leggings, and Renaissance costumes. Reasonable prices.
       Can be slow to ship because they make some things to order and
       dye in batches.

Coward Shoes
[catalog][shoes]
       Phone: (800) 362-8410

Creative Woman
[single][California][custom][women][lingerie][maternity][costumes]
       1530 S Myrtle
       Monrovia, CA
       Phone: (818) 358-6216
       Nursing bras in sizes up to 46H, with extenders for larger band
       sizes. Large-size bras (including Goddess Bras) and lingerie
       (including g-strings). They carry costumes around the various
       holidays. They do custom fitting.

Dallis Fashion
[single][New York][supersize][career][casual]
       34 W 37th St
       NY, NY 10018
       Phone: 212-967-9744

Danskin Outlet
[catalog][chain][women][sportswear][lingerie]
       Phone: (800) 288-6749
       Bike shorts, leggings, sweatshirts, sweatpants, long and
       short-sleeved T-shirts, jackets, and sports bras in sizes to 4X.
       Clothes are well-made. They use large-size models. They don't
       have a retail catalog, but they'll photocopy the plus-size pages
       of their catalog for retailers and send them to you. (Danskin
       sportswear is also available in a number of other large women's
       clothing outlets, both retail and catalogs.) They pay shipping
       for orders of $50 or more.

Daphne
[single][New York][custom][women][supersize][lingerie]
       473 Amsterdam Ave.
       New York, NY  10024
       Phone: (212) 579-0479
       Sizes 1X-5X, and custom sizes over 32. Good fabrics, nice
       clothes, clothes run the gamut of prices.

David's Bridal
[chain][women][wedding]
       National chain that carries large-size wedding and bridal party
       dresses. One person had a very good experience with them.

Decent Exposures
[catalog][overseas][custom][supersize][women][maternity][lingerie]
       PO Box 27206
       2202 NE 115th
       Seattle, WA 98125-1606
       Phone: (800) 524-4949 (U.S./Canada), (206) 364-4540 (Seattle/overseas)
       Fax (206) 364-0488
       Email: [email protected]
       Web site: http://www.decentexposures.com/
       Maternity/nursing bras and leisure bras which "look like outerwear,
       have no hardware and are quite comfortable." Cup sizes AA to K
       and band sizes 30-58 or so, and custom sizes. Bras come in cotton,
       velour, and lycra and in a number of colors (they will send
       swatches). Elastic is covered. Follow their special sizing
       instructions. The sizes run large. Some women think the bras
       aren't supportive enough; some love them. They also sell underwear
       up to size 12 in several styles, cotton or lycra leggings and
       T-shirts to 4X, and cotton nightshirts to size 67 hip. If you
       don't like how something fits, they will adjust it for free.
       Excellent service.

Dehner Company, Inc.
[internet][catalog][unisex][shoes]
       3614 Martha St.
       Omaha, NE  68105
       Phone: (402) 342-7788
       Fax: (402) 342-5444
       Email: [email protected]
       Web site: http://www.dehner.com/
       Custom boots for riding, Trooper boots, Wellingtons, chukkas,
       laced or strap tank boots, and oxfords. Excellent quality. Boots
       are all custom and can be ordered to fit any size foot or leg.
       Also have a nice style of riding boot with buckles down the side
       instead of pulling straight on --- great if you have arthritic
       ankles that don't flex well. Everyone I've talked to who has
       custom Dehner boots says that they will last forever. They
       aren't cheap, but are well worth the price.

Desert Rain Mercantile Co.
[catalog][women][supersize][sportswear][casual]
       4705 N. Sanders Road
       Tucson, AZ 85743
       Phone: (800) 771-9771
       T-shirts and pants with glittery Native American and
       southwestern designs. T-shirts up to 5X, sweatshirts up to 4X.

Design by Batya
[internet][overseas][custom][women][supersize][tall][outdoors][casual]
[career][evening]
       1200 Santee St. 208
       Los Angeles, CA 90015
       Phone: (213) 746-7844
       Web page: http://www.batya.com
       Designs for "tall, large, big, and super" women in fabric and
       leather. Ships internationally. Accepts special, wholesale, and
       retail orders for coats, suits, blazers, skirts, pants and other
       fashion wear.

Designs by Phillippe
[catalog][women][supersize][evening][casual]
       Phone: (800-9-KAFTAN)
       Caftans, loungewear, and evening wear in plus and supersizes.

Deva Lifewear
[catalog][women][casual]
       Box SM4
       110 1st Ave., West
       Westhope, ND 58793-0266
       Phone: (800) 222-8024
       Casual, natural-fiber clothing for men and women in unique
       designs and attractive colors; many styles flatter larger
       figures and shapes. Reasonable prices and good quality. Order
       tops and bottoms that you want to match at the same time and
       indicate that you want cloth from the same dye lot. Sizing may
       be more generous than the size chart indicates; the woman's L is
       about an 18. Nearly all unisex items (and some women's items)
       come in XXL. Nearly all women's items come in XL.

Dion Jones
[single][Illinois][catalog][internet][women][petite][tall][supersize]
[outdoors][evening][career][casual]
       Email: [email protected]
       Web site: http://www.dion-jones.com/
       555 W Roosevelt #7
       Chicago, Il, 60607
       Phone: 312-243-4333
       Fax: 312-243-4592
       Sizes to 7X, petite, average and tall. Coats, dresses, jackets,
       pants, blouses. Web site uses large and older models. Moderate
       to expensive.

Draper's & Damon's
[catalog][single][California][career][evening][casual]
       17911 Mitchell Ave S
       Irvine, Ca 92614-6015
       Phone: 800-843-1174
       Fax: 714-440-2968

Dream Big International
[catalog][women][lingerie]
       4427 Wisconsin Ave. N.W.
       Washington, D.C. 20036
       Catalog $3 (credited to first order)
       Filmy night stuff.

Dream Dresser
[catalog][single][DC][California][men][women][lingerie]
       Stores:
       1042 Washington Avenue, N.W.
       Georgetown, Washington, DC 20007
       Phone: 202.625.0373
       and
       8444-50 Santa Monica Boulevard
       West Hollywood, CA 90069
       Phone: 213.848.3480
       Catalog:
       PO Box 16158
       Beverly Hills, CA  90209
       Phone: 800-96-DREAM
       Web site: http://www.dreamdresser.com/
       Catalog $10, refundable with first order.
       Lingerie and sexplay wear for men and women, including stuff
       made by Stormy Leather, in mostly regular sizes, but some items
       go up to women's size 22. Web site uses thin models.

Dress Barn Woman
[chain][women]
       Seconds/discount store -- the large size version of Dress Barn.
       Cheap to moderately priced.

Drysdales Western Wear
[catalog][internet][overseas][single][Oklahoma][men][women][casual][shoes]
       1555 N 107th East Ave.
       Tulsa, OK 74116
       Phone orders: (800) 444-6481, (617) 982-8681 (local/overseas)
       Customer service: (800) 608-9800
       Fax: (617) 982-8766
       Web site: http://www.drysdales.com
       Blue jeans, various styles and sizes, one style to 54-inch
       waist. T-shirts to 2X. Cowboy and work boots, some to men's size
       14-EE.

Eagleson's Outlet
[chain][men]
       Large men's clothing.

Eddie Bauer
[catalog][men][women][casual][sportswear][swimwear][outdoors]
       Phone: (800) 426-8020
       Web site: http://www.ebauer.com/
       Affiliated with Spiegel. Some women's clothing up to size 22W,
       similar to that sold by L.L. Bean and Land's End. Women's
       swimwear to 20 long and D cup. Some men's items up to 3X. They
       don't charge extra for large sizes.

Electric Earth Gemstone Jewelry
[catalog][accessories]
       1840 41st Ave., #102-149
       Capitola, CA  95010
       Y-necklaces of various lengths. Send SASE for brochure.

Elegance at Large
[single][California][custom][supersize]
       Jamie Fox
       San Diego
       Phone: 619-285-9265
       Designer who does custom work for plus and supersizes

Elegance Plus
[single][California][supersize][lingerie]
       Phone: (213) 292-6283
       Can order up to 6X or 8X.

Elianna
[catalog][women][supersize][tall][petite]
       7758 Via Rosa Maria
       Burbank, Ca 91504
       Phone: 213-622-8868
       Fax: 213-653-5585
       Supersize clothing, tall and petite.

Elliot-Brown Boutique
[internet][catalog][women][evening]
       PO Box 49338, LA, Ca 90049
       Fax: 310-858-4993
       Email: [email protected]
       Web site: http://pages.prodigy.com/elliot-brown
       Email your address for a catalog.
       "Special occasion fashions" to 3X. The web site has been under
       construction for months.

Elisabeth
[chain][women][petites][career][casual][evening]
       Mall store.
       Liz Claiborne's large sizes store. Sizes 14-22 (tell them you
       want larger sizes!), some petites. Clothes are well-made and
       somewhat expensive. Their service is attentive -- the saleswomen
       follow you around the store pointing things out that you might
       be interested in, holding clothes for you, helping you
       coordinate. Their pants seem very well-made -- the one with
       buttons at the waist all have two buttons so the waistband sits
       nicely. Most have some elastic in the waist too.

Enchanted Attic
[single][California][unisex][costumes]
       San Bernadino, CA
       Phone: (909) 862-1170
       Halloween costumes in sizes 1X-4X.

ER Moore Academic Apparel and Choir Robes
[supersize][uniforms]
       1810 West Grace St.
       Chicago, IL  60613
       Phone: (312) 477-7277
       Fax: (773) 549 4625
       E-mail [email protected]
       Web site: http://www.ermoore.com/
       A poster reports: "All they asked was my height and weight (5'6"
       and 450), and they provided me with a gown (size 509) that fits
       beautifully. I also needed a larger cap, and they provided that
       as well. The best part is that they didn't charge me any more
       for mine than they did anyone else. (It was less than $20.)"

E.T. Wright Executive Shoes
[internet][catalog][men][shoes]
       Phone: 800-934-1022
       Web site: http://www.etwright.com
       Men's shoes in sizes 6 to 16 and widths from AAA to EEEEE. Also
       refurbish old shoes.

Exceptional Shop
[single][Maryland][women][wedding][evening]
       529 N. Center St.
       Cumberland, MD  21502
       Phone: (301) 724-0624
       Bridal as well as dressy/elegant.

Exclusive Appeal
[catalog][women][lingerie][sportswear]
       4809 Avenue N, Ste 306
       Brooklyn, NY  11234
       Phone: (718) 604-9297
       Catalog $7 ($5 refunded with first order)
       Danskin Plus catalog (14-28), also lingerie.

Extra Emphasis
[catalog][women][supersize][lingerie][maternity]
       PO Box 1725
       Tahoe City, CA  96145
       Phone: (800) 539-0030, 1-916-581-0848
       Fax: (916) 581-5719
       Bras in sizes 32-56, cup sizes C-H. Some prenatal, maternity,
       and sports bras as well. Particularly recommended is the Leading
       Lady Nursing Bra, model LL491.

FFVW
[catalog][women][lingerie]
       PO Box 3374 R-4
       Beverley Hills, Ca  90212-0374
       Catalog $4.
       Lingerie in sizes 16-26.

Fairy Godmother at Large
[single][California][catalog][consignment][women][supersize][lingerie][casual]
[sportswear][maternity]
       153 E Fremont Ave
       Sunnyvale, CA 94087
       Phone: (408) 737-7684
       Catalog $1.
       New and used clothing in sizes 14-super. Women's jeans up to
       size 60. T-shirts up to 72" around; big shirts up to 78" around;
       panties up to size 16. Nylon pettipants up to 6X. They also sell
       maternity clothes. In the past, some folks had bad experiences
       giving them consignments. The proprieter, Marcia Shea, says she
       has responded to these problems by improving her consignment
       policies and hiring additional staff to handle consignments.

Fashion Bug Plus
[chain][women]
       Mall store.

Fashion Connection
[casual] [catalog] [women]
       N410 Thunderbird
       Genoa City, WI 53128
       Phone: (888) 251-4248

Fashionique
[internet][women][casual][evening]
       Web site: http://www.fashionique.com/
       Phone: 800-376-7180
       Email: [email protected]
       Custom designed decorated blouses and tuxedo shirts to 3X

Feminine Fancies Catalog Sales
[catalog][women][lingerie]
       PO Box 96
       Walterville OR  97489-0096
       Phone: (503) 484-4040
       Catalog $5 (credited to first order)
       Plus-size leather catalog. Be sure to ask for the Plus Size
       catalog, as they also have a small sizes catalog.

Femme Fancy
[single][California][women][supersize][wedding]
       217 S. Ellsworth
       San Mateo, CA  94401
       Phone: (415) 340-8392
       Plus and supersize wedding gowns.

Filene's and Filene's Basement
[chain][women]
       Web site: http://www.maycompany.com/Stores/fi_contact.html (lists phone numbers for stores)
       Department store with locations throughout the US East Coast.
       Jones New York Woman clothing, and others. Sizes up to 24.

Fine & Fancy Lingerie
[women][lingerie]
       (415) 861-4576
       Intimate apparel for sizes 1X-5X

Fit To Be Tried
[catalog][women][sportswear]
       4754 East Grant,
       Tuscon, AZ 85712
       Phone: 520-881-6449
       Catalog $2.
       Activewear up to 4X, including bicycle shorts.

Forgotten Woman
[chain][women][evening][lingerie]
       Mall store.
       Expensive, very dressy clothes, but good sales. Also beautiful
       clothes based on ethnic designs with beadwork, batik, etc. Silk
       nightwear.

Frank's Big & Tall
[chain][men][supersize][casual][career]
       One store's info:
       115 Franklin Turnpike
       Mahwah, NJ 07430
       Phone: (201) 529-5445

Frederick's of Hollywood
[catalog][overseas][chain][internet][women][lingerie][casual]
       6608 Hollywood Blvd.
       PO Box 229
       Hollywood, CA  90078-0229
       Phone: (800) 323-9525, (310) 637-7770 Customer Service
       Fax: (310) 764-2988
       Email: [email protected]
       Web site: http://www.fredericks.com/
       An increasing selection of their lingerie and "trashy street
       clothes" is available in sizes up to 3X (50-inch bust, 44-inch
       waist, 52-inch hips). Some folks think the tops are too small,
       some think the tops are too large. Good service. The clothing is
       not especially well-made. Most of their clothes are made for
       hourglass figures. They use thin models, even in the plus size
       section of their web site.

Full Bloom
[catalog][women][supersize][casual][sportswear][lingerie]
       185 South Pearl
       Denver, CO 80209
       Phone: (303) 733-6264
       Catalog $2 (credited to first order)
       Sizes 2x-12x T-shirts, sweatshirts, nightshirts, tank tops,
       "fanny wraps".

Full Figure Design Company
[catalog][women][supersize][career]
       490 S. Stone Mountain-Lithonia Rd., #59
       Stone Mountain, GA  30088
       Phone: (770) 413-9520

Glamour Puss
[catalog][women][supersize][swimwear]
       Phone: (818) 357-7277

Gotcha Covered
[catalog][women][unisex][supersize][casual][sportswear]
       PO Box 40443
       Downey, CA  90241
       Pants, T-shirts, etc. in sizes 1X-5X. Reasonably priced.

Great Changes
[single][California][women][supersize][sportswear][lingerie][casual]
[evening][swimsuits]
       12516 Riverside Dr,
       North Hollywood, CA 91607
       Phone: 818-769-4626
       "Wonderful Victorian style boutique with an equally wonderful
       selection of avant guard, vintage, elegant clothes plus fun
       stuff like leather vests, beautiful lingerie, great swimsuits
       and a good selection of Danskin exercise wear." Their own line
       of leather lingerie, as well as Stormy Leather lingerie. Sizes
       to 6x.

Great Impressions
[catalog][women]
       720 Anderson Rd.
       St. Cloud, MN  56340

Greater Salt Lake Clothing Company
[catalog][outdoors]
       Phone: 800-273-8700
       Ski clothes up to size 30.

Greater Woman
[catalog][custom][women][supersize][career][casual][evening][swimwear][lingerie][accessories][outdoors][wedding]
       10360 Ellison Cir.
       Omaha, NE  68134
       Phone: (800) 68-WOMAN
       Seasonal video catalogs. Update: "They appear to be out of
       business. I am a subscriber and have received no tapes for a
       year and they have quit advertising. Their phone is still
       active, but they appear to only be taking orders from old
       tapes." (Jan 97)

GynoCentric Catalog
[catalog][unisex][supersize][sportswear][accessories]
       PO Box 934
       Santa Cruz, CA 95061-0934
       Phone: (408) 457-4838
       Email: [email protected] (Dawn Atkins)
       T-shirts (two designs, sizes small-10X) and jewelry that promote
       body image diversity.

Gypsy Moon Enchantment Collection
[single][Massachusetts][internet][catalog][women][custom][evening]
[casual][lingerie][accessories]
       1780 Mass Ave.
       Cambridge, MA  02140
       Phone: (617) 876-7095 (store), (800) 955-GYPSY (mail order)
       Email: [email protected]
       Web site: http://www.gypsymoon.com/
       Catalog $3.
       Velvets and chiffons, faerie tale clothes. Definitely designed
       for the romantic dreamer in us, these fashions include a
       gorgeous floor length, hooded cape in silk velvet (the most
       expensive item in the selection at $285), flowing skirts,
       tunics, and shawls. My favorite skirt, described as looking "as
       if it could be made of cobwebs and stardust," is actually made
       of a more practical silk chiffon and costs right around $100. A
       bit pricey, but these are exciting, unusual, and very feminine
       and available in "bountiful" or custom sizes. Regarding large
       sizes, they write: "We have found, in the last year, that our
       Bountiful clientele is quite diverse. Rather than trying to make
       clothes that are not going to fit you, we suggest you inquire
       about the fashions you are interested in. We keep a very small
       inventory to begin with, so many of our orders are made up when
       we receive them. We only charge about $10 more on most Bountiful
       items and this is truly because we tend to receive fabrics that
       are not very wide and do in fact use more yardage for these
       items. It is not a fat tax! So, please call us and let's see
       what is possible."

Harper Greer
[single][California][women][casual][career][evening]
       580 4th St.
       San Francisco, CA  94107
       Phone: (415) 543-4066, (800) 578-4066
       San Francisco store. Expensive. Casual career to dressy. Clothes
       made in the store, so they will be unique!

Hartfield's Plus
[single][Hawaii][women]
       Maui, HI
       Clothing similar to what Lane Bryant sells. Fashionable and
       low-priced.

Heinz Gift Shop
[catalog][women][lingerie]
       PO Box 18714
       San Antonio, TX  78218
       Phone: (210) 657-9421
       Catalog $8 (refunded with first order)
       Lingerie 1X to 4X.

Henri's Full Figure Boutique
[catalog][single][Colorado][women][supersize][career][wedding][evening]
       1419 Krameria St
       Denver, Co 80220,
       Phone: 303-355-1811
       Email: [email protected]
       Web site: http://www.csn.net/~hadavis/henri2.htm
       Lacy bridal and evening wear, suits. Some items in supersizes.
       They use thin models.

High Places
[catalog][women][lingerie][accessories]
       PO Box 4406
       Highlands Ranch, CO  80126
       Phone: (303) 791-1819
       Corsets, jewelry, bustiers, lingerie, and bustiers. Sizes to
       24-26.

Hitchcock Wide Shoes for Men
[catalog][men][shoes]
       225 Beal St
       Hingham, MA 02043
       Phone: (617) 749-3571, (800) 992-WIDE
       Email: [email protected]
       Web site: http://www.hitchcockshoes.com/
       Men's shoes sizes 5-13, EEE through EEEEEE. Dress, casual,
       athletic, outdoor, and work shoes, boots, slippers, rubbers,
       sandals. Email address for free catalog.

H.L.S. Belts
[catalog][unisex][supersize][accessories]
       4757 W. Park #106-410
       Plano, TX 75093
       Catalog $2
       Belts in plus and super sizes.

Hot Off the Tour
[catalog][women][sportswear]
       Phone: (800) 878-8189
       They specialize in golf wear, but some of their stuff may also
       be applicable to tennis and other sports. They are pricey (polo
       shirt $68, twill shorts $56).

Hovis Jeans by Hoveland Mfg. Co.
[catalog][men][women][supersize][custom][casual][sportswear]
       Box 1717
       Cody, WY 82414
       Phone: (307) 587-5233
       Denim blue jeans (to 60" waist), vests, blazers, dusters, and
       jackets. 1X to 5X - up to 60" waist & custom sizing. Hovis is
       carried by a number of retail outlets, and catalogs, but if you
       can't find them, they will sell to you direct.

I.Y.M
[catalog][women][lingerie]
       PO Box 1482222
       Chicago, IL  60614-8222
       Catalog $3 (refunded with first order)
       Lingerie up to size 4X.

In Full Swing
[single][California][women]
       285 Sutter St., at Grant
       San Francisco, CA
       Phone: (415) 433-1564

Indulgence Lingerie
[catalog][women][lingerie]
       Phone: (617) 893-1986

Intimate Appeal
[catalog][women][lingerie]
       Arizona Mail Order Company, Inc.
       PO Box 27800
       Tuscon, AZ  85726
       Phone orders: (602) 747-5000
       Customer service: (602) 748-8600
       Connected with Regalia (see below) but better selection.
       Somewhat tacky nightgowns, pajamas, loungewear in sizes small to
       3X. Good selection of bras in bigger sizes, some styles up to
       48G. Reasonably priced.

Irene's Fashions at Large
[single][California][women][supersize][casual][career][evening][lingerie]
       2939 Arden Way
       Sacramento, CA  95825
       Phone: (916) 483-1065
       Pam Segalman is the owner. Irene's has been serving large women
       for over 25 years. Sizes are 36-60. They carry everything from
       career wear, evening wear, slacks, jeans, sweater, lingerie &
       bras. Pam will ship items to customers.

It's A Secret Plus
[catalog][women][supersize][lingerie]
       PO Box 5001
       Englewood, CO  80155-5001
       Phone: 800-390-3528
       Catalog $3.
       Sexy lingerie, also oils, lotions, books, etc. Sizes 1X-6X.
       Average prices.

The J
[catalog][women][wedding]
       Western Division
       507 E. 10th
       Spokane, WA 99202
       Phone: (509) 624-4795
       Bridal and bridal party gowns in sizes 2W-28W.

JC Penney's
[catalog][chain][women][men][kids][supersize][maternity][casual][career]
[outdoors][swimwear][lingerie][wedding]
       PO Box 2021
       Milwaukee, WI  53201-2021
       Phone: (800) 222-6161
       Web site: http://www.jcpenney.com
       Their regular catalog has some large-size clothing, in
       particular maternity clothing. They fill orders in a few days.
       They are good about returns. You can return catalog merchandise
       to their stores. Some folks have had problems ordering from JC
       Penney's large size and kids' catalogs (for example, one person
       complained that many items are sold out before the catalog even
       arrives). Others have had good experiences. Their outlet stores
       have good sales on women's and men's and maternity clothing and
       offer clothing in women's sizes 28-30 and up.
       CATALOGS OFFERED:
       Bridal catalog (their larger stores have bridal departments).
       Fashion Plus catalog
               Women's jeans, casual and career dresses and separates,
               suits, outerwear, swimsuits, leggings, and split slips.
               Sizes 14W-34W, and also women's talls and petites.
               Swimsuits up to size 26W. Several people say their sizes
               run small. Report: "I think their quality is pretty
               good. They have more what I would call dressey and
               career type clothing and their spring issue also has
               some ethnic prints. Their models, are a decent size,
               bigger than some other women's catalog's models....they
               also carry some of the Delta Burke Collection."
       JC Penney's Big & Extra Tall Catalog
               Basic men's clothes -- waists up to 60:, chests up to
               64", necks up to 21", sizes to 4X or 5X. Dress slacks
               with elastic or partially elastic waists.
       Big Kids Catalog
               Two catalogs a year (spring and fall), with girl's Plus
               and Extra Plus sizes and boy's husky and shorter husky
               sizes. Levi's Dockers, Union Bay, Bugle Boy, snow pants,
               wind suits, denim and flannel shirts, the works. Fairly
               thin models.
       Maternity Catalog
               Maternity outfits up to size 26, bras to 44DD,
               maternity panties and pantyhose. Good quality, sized
               well, somewhat limited selection, somewhat pricey.

J. Jill Ltd.
[catalog][women][casual][career]
       PO Box 3006
       Winterbrook Way
       Meredith, NH 03253-3006
       Phone: (800) 642-9989
       Style described as "New England Country." About 2/3 of
       merchandise is available in women's sizes to 28. Generous fit.
       Dresses cost around $80 and two-piece items cost around $200.
       Overnight shipping on in-stock items. Courteous service. One
       woman wrote that she has worn their clothing for years. Another
       wrote: "Sometimes they may not "upsize" their designs
       correctly--for example, a sweater will be made wider for the
       larger sizes, but not longer. Unfortunately, you never know when
       you are going to have this problem, since they never use
       plus-sized models in their catalogues." One woman wrote that the
       clothing in the catalogs looked high-quality and "What I
       especially liked was that most of the selections went from a
       size 2 to size 3-4X--not special (read: uglier) selections for
       larger sizes....They specialize in natural fibers and
       comfort--slightly funky--yet definitely appropriate for work."

J. Silver
[chain][women][casual][shoes][lingerie]
       Chain of clothing stores located in RI, MA, CT, NY and FL.
       Plus size department in every store. Clothing, lingerie, and
       shoes. Inexpensive, sexy clothes.

JW Ramage Catalog (formerly Nightlines Plus)
[catalog][women][supersize][lingerie][swimwear][casual][career]
[evening][shoes]
       1007 Oak Hill Road, Suite B,
       Lafayette, CA 94549-3805
       Phone: (800) 715-PLUS (7587), (510) 284-7528
       Email: [email protected]; [email protected]
       Web site: http://members.aol.com/jwramage
       Lingerie and clothing in plus and supersizes; Danskin Plus; some
       swimswuits. John Sun silks. Salon coat. Almost everything in the
       catalog goes up to 4X, some up to 6X and larger. Boots in custom
       calf sizes. Several folks commented on the pretty packaging and
       helpful sales staff.

Jacobsen's
[chain] [casual] [career] [women]
       PO Box 844
       Jackson, MI 49204
       Michigan department store with a plus size department. Pricey,
       good quality.

Janette
[catalog] [lingere] [supersize] [women]
       PO Box 26458
       Tucson, AZ 85726
       Phone: (520) 746-9474
       Bras to 76 and cups to Z

Jasco Uniform Co.
[catalog][men][women][unisex][supersize][uniforms]
       Phone: (800) 222-4445
       Fax: (708) 291-7928
       Uniforms in misses' sizes up to 20, women's sizes up to 32W/52,
       unisex sizes up to 3XL. Women's scrubs up to 5XL (54-56). Men's
       scrubs up to 5XL (chest 62-64, waist 56-58). They won't sell to
       people in FL and five other states. UPS won't deliver for them.

Jean Nicole Plus
[chain][women]
       Mall store.

J. Lumarel Corp.
[catalog][accessories]
       801 So. University Drive, Suite C-110
       Plantation, FL 33324
       Phone: (800) 606-1816
       Catalog $3 (refundable with order)
       Longer length Y-necklaces in gold and silver.

Johansen Bros. Shoes
[single][catalog][men][women][shoes]
       (800) 624-9079
       1915 W Main
       Corning, AR   72422
       Hard to find shoes 5-13, A-EE

John Sun Silks Design Center
[single][California][women][custom][supersize][career][casual]
[evening][lingerie]
       1600 E 29th Street, Signal Hill, CA
       Phone: (310) 989-1242
       Handpainted silk clothing, one-of-a-kind, designer originals,
       shirts, separates. Rather expensive. JW Ramage also offers some
       of his designs.

Judith Couturiere
[catalog][internet][custom][supersize][women][wedding][evening]
       S. 1314 Grand Se. 2-252; Spokane, Wa. 99202
       Phone: 800-483-5598, 509-624-4795
       Fax: 509-624-4795
       Email: [email protected]
       Web page http://www.wasuper.net/judith
       Two lines of bride and bridesmaid gowns, to size 28-30, priced
       from $100.

Jump In
[single][New York][women][supersize][lingerie]
       46 W 14th St
       New York, NY 10011
       Phone: (212) 352-1777
       Supersize as well as regular sized lingerie (wholesale to the
       public). Example: royal blue silk camisole with beaded lace
       applique in 5X is $5.99.

Junonia for Active Women
[catalog][women][supersize][outdoors][sportswear][swimwear][lingerie]
       The Minnesota Building, Suite 216
       46 East Fourth Street
       St. Paul, MN  55101
       Phone: (800) 671-0175
       Email: [email protected]
       Web site: http://www.Junonia.com/
       Sportswear from Danskin and other brands. Swimwear to 4X. Bike
       shorts, great sports bras, support panties, lots of T-shirts and
       leggings, tennis skirt, and ski wear. All clothes available in
       sizes 14-26; many items, and all of Junonia's own brand, to a
       roomy size 32. Sports bras 38-48 DD, 46 EE/F. They say they will
       be carrying sports bras to 50s. Good service (although one order
       was not delivered when promised) and good quality. Their web
       site offers discount specials.

Just Big Sportswear
[catalog][unisex][supersize][sportswear]
       4700 Rozzelles Ferry Rd.
       Charlotte, NC  28216
       T-shirts up to 10XL.  Also sweats, dorm shirts, and hooded
       shirts.

Just My Size
[internet][catalog][women][supersize][lingerie][sportswear][casual]
       PO Box 748
       Rural Hill, NC 27098-0748
       Phone orders: (800) 522-9567, (910) 635-3447
       Customer service: (800) 522-0889
       Email: [email protected]
       Web site: http://www.justmysize.com/
       They don't ship to Canada.
       Pantyhose up to super sizes. Some people have complained that
       their pantyhose aren't sized right for pear shaped bodies, feel
       rough against the skin, and tend to bag at the knees and ankles.
       Bras: Bali, Playtex, JMS and other brands, up to 50DDD or so.
       Panties to size 14. Inexpensive casual and sports clothes to 4X.
       Their sweatshirts are generously sized and comfortable. Lately
       the models seem to have been getting smaller, and haven't seen
       any disabled models in the last few catalogs.

Just Right
[catalog][women][swimwear] [midsize]
       30 Tozer Rd.
       PO Box 1020
       Beverly, MA  01915-0720
       Phone: (800) 767-6666
       Sizes to 26

Kaufman's Tall & Big Men's Shop
[chain][Colorado][Washington][internet][men][supersize][tall][career]
[casual][shoes][evening][outdoors]
       Two locations:
       3395 South Broadway
       Englewood, Colorado 80110
       Phone: (303) 761-6000; (888) 761-8255
       Fax: (303) 761-3395
       and
       10707 N. E. Fourth Street
       Bellevue, Washington 98004
       Phone: (425) 453-8255; (888) 761-8255
       Fax: (425) 453-8181
       Web site: http://www.kaufmans.com
       Email: [email protected]
       No printed catalog.
       Men's clothing to sizes 5LT and 5X (60-inch waist).

K Mart
[chain][men]
       Department store.
       Big men's clothes.

Kathleen's Full-Size Fashions
[single][Washington][women][supersize][casual][lingerie][accessories]
[sportswear][outdoors][evening][wedding]
       In Seattle's Ballard district, near Market street, across
       from the original Ballard Computer.
       Jeans, sportswear, separates, dresses, including wedding
       dresses. Sizes 14-32+. Many styles in limited size range: i.e.,
       1x-3x, 1x-4x, or 4x-6x. No shoes or business suits. Not much
       variety in bras or panties. Styles range from casual to
       fashionable to funky to elegant to sexy. One reader buys most of
       her clothes there.

Kay Largo Custom Sized Jewelry & Accessories
[internet][men][women][unisex][custom][supersize][outdoors][accessories]
[coats][costumes]
       PO Box 7088, Huntsville, AL 35807
       Phone: 205-518-9413
       Fax: 205-518-9415
       Email: [email protected]
       Web site: http://www.kaylargo.com
       Custom-sized jewelry (including eyeglass keepers, tummy chains,
       and jewelry for the feet) and leather jackets and chaps in large
       sizes (some to 70).

Key Industries
[men][supersize][sportswear]
       Phone: (800) 835-0365
       Bib overalls to about a 66" waist.

King Size
[catalog][men][supersize][casual][swimwear][outdoors][career]
       PO Box 8385
       Indianapolis, IN  46283-8385
       Phone orders: (800) 846-1600
       Fax: (800) 682-8109
       TDD: (800) 682-8095
       Tall and big men's clothing: T-shirts up to 9XL for $14.95. Cotton
       draw-string pants, turtlenecks, overalls, shorts, swimsuits.
       Inexpensive. Large-size unisex rain gear, extra-large umbrellas,
       ties, and fanny packs. Levis up to 60" waist.

LL Bean
[internet][catalog][overseas][men][women][casual][sportswear][outdoors][shoes]
       Freeport, ME 04033
       Phone: (800) 221-4221
       Web site: http://www.llbean.com/
       Women's sizes to 20.  Men's pants to 46 in some styles (inseam
       sometimes to 36), shirts and jackets to XXL Tall in some styles.
       Shoes in wider sizes. Great quality. Ships FedEx in continental
       US for no extra charge. Service varies. Some clothing runs
       small, especially pants/tops, not so much outerwear, which is
       cut for layering.

Lady Dare  -- "For the Distinctive Woman sizes 14-32"
[single][North Carolina][women][supersize][casual]
       MP14, Outer Banks Mall
       P.O. Box 441
       Nags Head, NC
       Phone: 919-441-7461
       This is a fairly small store, but they had some unusual clothes
       there, such as a batiked summer dress.  Good quality, kinda high
       prices. They don't have a catalog, but they have a mailing list
       and they will notify you if they get something in that you might
       be interested in.

Lady Grace Intimate Apparel
[chain][catalog][women][supersize][custom][lingerie][maternity]
       61 Exchange St.
       PO Box 128
       Malden, MA  02148
       Phone: (800) 922-0504
       Email: [email protected]
       Web site: http://www.ladygrace.com/
       Bras and maternity bras to 52-I, bustiers, panties to 9X,
       girdles. Stores are located on East Coast of US. Send email with
       name, mailing address, and daytime telephone number for free
       catalog.

Land's End
[catalog][internet][women][men][casual][swimwear][sportswear]
       1 Land's End Ln.
       Dodgeville, WI 53595
       Phone: (800) 356-4444
       Email: [email protected]
       Web site: http://www.landsend.com
       Some of the women's clothing goes up to 20W or 2XL (bathing
       suits go up to 18). Some men's clothing goes up to size 3X. Some
       shoes in wide widths. Quality is good, prices moderate. Phone
       service is good (service reps they have all the clothing
       measurements on screen). The web site has a special index of
       men's big and big/tall items.
       A while back, they ran a picture on the front cover of their
       catalog of a slender woman standing in a pair of shorts about
       ten sizes too big for her, which she has to hold up the
       waistband to keep from falling off her. Two other women stand at
       either side holding the legs of the shorts out to show how huge
       they are on her. They are all smiling as if at a joke. Some
       folks do not patronize them because they feel this picture was
       inappropriate and offensive to fat people.

Lane Bryant Catalog
[catalog][women][men][supersize][casual][career][sportswear][evening]
[swimwear][lingerie]
       PO Box 8301
       Indianapolis, IN 46283-8301
       Phone orders: (800) 477-7070
       Customer service: (800) 477-7030
       The catalog is not affiliated with the retail stores. Misses'
       sizes 14-20, women's sizes 36-60. They do have strapless bras
       and soft-cup bras that aren't underwires and don't give you a
       monobosom look. They have swimsuits. They use thin models.
       Clothing varies in quality (for example, buttons sometimes
       come off easily) and fashion consciousness. The general consensus
       seems to be that if you read the catalog carefully and avoid
       certain fabrics (such as rayon, which tends to shrink) you can
       find a few fashionable good quality things. Clothing sizes tend to
       be accurate. Some have praised their silk blouses and Hunter's
       Run denim leggings. Good sales. Good about taking things back.
       They may be offering some large and supersize men's clothing
       to 9X. "I know it's common to pooh-pooh the Lane Bryant and
       Roaman's catalogs, but the fact is that they *are* the most
       affordable clothing source for women up to the smaller end of
       supersize." Dresses and suits are less commonly offered in larger
       sizes.

Lane Bryant Stores
[chain][women][casual][career][evening][lingerie][outdoors]
       Web site: http://www.lanebryant.com/
       Mall store.
       Owned by the people who own the Limited; found in malls across
       the U.S. Trendy clothing, pricey if you don't buy on sale. Sizes
       to 28 or 32. Some people have (big) problems with the quality.
       Selections vary a lot by location. So far they haven't used
       large-size models in their advertising. Their web site,
       infuriatingly, prattles about "real women" and advertises a
       "search for real women contest" for women size 14 and over --
       while using thin models in the pictures! Not affiliated with the
       Lane Bryant catalog.

Large Lovely Lady
[catalog] [wedding] [supersize] [evening] [career]
       PO Box 4385
       Chatsworth, CA 91312-4385
       Phone: (818) 709-0950
       Catalog $2

Laughing Sisters
[catalog][custom][women][supersize][lingerie][maternity]
       4514 Manitou Way
       San Diego CA  92117
       Phone: (619) 272-1976
       Email: [email protected]
       Catalog $1.
       They make and sell unusually high quality nightgowns of their
       own design, old-fashioned, extremely full, and graciously
       gathered with set-in sleeves. Sizes to super and custom.
       Well-constructed and high-quality. They also make flannel or
       summerweight cotton nightgowns for nursing women, with two
       openings concealed in deep pleats in gathers at the yoke. "The
       owner is an amusing woman to speak with. She sells her gowns in
       two sizes, Small and Medium. Medium is for about 24-36+, which
       she said she named Medium because that's her size and it's her
       company. She also will custom-size as necessary."

Leather Lady
[internet][catalog][women][lingerie]
       248 Rt. 25A
       Setauket, NY 11733
       Phone: Toll free (888) LEA-LADY (532-5239)
       Fax: (516) 751-6761
       Email: [email protected]
       Web page: http://www.mindspring.com/~leatherlady/
       Catalog $5
       They have several catalogs. The one for large sizes is called
       "Twice as Sexy." High quality, nice-looking sexy lingerie in
       leather and PVC. Also choker and chain bra extenders, hosiery
       and bondage toys. The models are large size (18-20), the
       clothing offered is size 1X to 4X (51-inch bust, 42-inch waist,
       53-inch hip) in most cases.

Lebow Brothers Clothing for Men and Boys
[single][Massachusetts][catalog][internet][men][children]
       178 Linden Street
       Diehl's Plaza
       Wellesley, MA 02181
       Phone: (617) 431-7194, (800) 814-2229
       Web site: http://www.tiac.net/users/lebow/

Leggings Plus
[internet][women][unisex][sportswear]
       36 Pequot
       Ringwood, NJ 07456
       Phone: 201-962-4678
       Web site: http://www.nji.com/~leggings/
       Email: [email protected]
       Quite inexpensive leggings, bike shorts, T-shirts to 3X-4X

Lightstone's
[single][California][men][supersize]
       1696 Valencia
       San Francisco, CA
       Phone: (415) 282-1243
       Men's work clothing to 6X or so. Pricey, but very good quality.

Lillian Lavergne Designs
[catalog][women][supersize][lingerie]
       7401 Lunar Dr.
       Austin, TX  78745
       Phone: (800) 416-0063
       Slips and camisoles in sizes XS to 10X. Prices around $40.

Linda's Classic Woman
[single][Michigan][women]
       139 E. Chicago Blvd.
       Tecumseh, MI
       Phone: (517)423-7155
       Classic women's clothing

Lingerie at Large
[single][California][catalog][internet][women][lingerie][sportswear][swimwear]
       161 Carousel Mall
       San Bernadino Ca 92401
       Phone: 909-885-5611
       Fax: 909-624-2288
       Email: [email protected]
       Web site: http://lingerieatlarge.com/
       Catalog $5 (comes with $5 coupon)
       Sizes to 4X (a few items to 5X). Also sells Danskin Plus. The
       web site uses large models. Bras to 52DDD. Longline bras and
       bridal corselettes. Half-slips, camisoles, bra liners, teddy and
       bra extenders, and strapless bras, teddies, baby dolls,
       garterbelts, gowns, open bust and glow in the dark teddies.

Lingerie Net
[catalog][internet][women][lingerie]
       633 Post Street, Suite 200
       San Francisco, CA 94109
       Phone: 800-336-4945 (orders only)
       Fax: 800-336-4945 or 415-757-8485
       Web site: http://www.lingerienet.com/p&amp;p.htm
       Email: [email protected]
       Catalog: 5.95 (ask for the Plump and Pretty catalog)
       Midsize to 4X (bust 51 inches, waist 43 inches, hips 53 inches)

Lionwear Custom Clothing
[internet][custom][men's][career][evening]
       Email: [email protected]
       Web site: http://www.lionwear.com/lion/html/
       Made-to-measure men's dress shirts, using 10 measurements you
       take yourself (with their instructions). They also offer velcro
       fasteners (underneath cosmetic buttons) to make fastening
       easier. $2 of each order is contributed to United Cerebral
       Palsy. Prices $75-$110/shirt depending on fabric and size. US
       shipping is included.

Long Elegant Legs
[catalog][women][tall]
       PO Box 1290
       Somerville, NJ  08876
       Phone orders: (800) 344-2225
       Customer service: (800) 344-2235
       Fax: (908) 359-0691
       Clothes for tall women, up to size 22.

Lord & Taylor
[chain][women]
       Department store.
       Web site: http://www.maycompany.com/Stores/lt_contact.html (lists phone numbers of stores)
       Good plus-size department.

Loving Woman Lingerie and More
[single][California][catalog][supersize][lingerie]
       425 Broadway
       Millbrae, CA  94030
       Phone: (415) 652-7980

MTF Geriatrics
[catalog][women][casual]
       PO Box 320
       Ellis, KS  67637
       Phone: (913) 726-4807
       Dresses, slips/camisoles, skirts, blouses -- clothing for folks
       with disabilities.

Macy's
[chain][women][evening][career][lingerie]
       Web site: http://www.macys.com
       Department store. Plus-size clothes in Macy's Woman section.
       Pricey, evening/career focus. Recommended that you get a
       "Personal Shopper" who can help if you have problems. Sizes up
       to 24. Jockey For Her underwear to size 12 or 13.

Madame X Lingerie
[catalog][women][lingerie]
       3023 N. Clark St., Suite 271R
       Chicago, IL 60657
       Catalog $5
       Lingerie to 4X (24).

Magical Creations Boutique
[single][Oregon][supersize][casual][evening]
       4232 NE Sandy Blvd.
       Portland, OR
       Phone: (503) 288-5450
       Plus and supersize designer samples, wearable art, ethnic.

Making It Big
[single][California][internet][catalog][women][supersize][petite][tall][casual]
[career][evening][sportswear][lingerie]
       9595 Main Street
       Penngrove, CA
       Phone: (707) 795-6861 (store), (707) 795-1995 (catalog)
       Email: [email protected]
       Web site: http://www.bigwomen.com
       Dresses, pants, tops, career clothes, some underclothes,
       sportswear. Carefully tailored, natural fibers, dyed to order
       (so sometimes you have to wait a while), high quality. Good
       source of basics. Some pants, dresses, and shirts are available
       in petite and/or tall sizes. Some folks feel they aren't
       sufficiently responsive to supersize needs; other folks think
       they do a good job. They use large models. Pretty colors. They
       have their own size chart. Their clothes seem to be long enough
       for tall women. "Their leggings are the most comfortable
       garments I've ever worn, in a very soft cotton-lycra mix which
       does not seem to be available anywhere else. They are receptive
       to customer comments." One person said that the environmentally
       friendly dyes are not color-fast, but another had no problem
       with clothing fading quickly.

Marianne Plus
[chain][women][casual]
       Mall store.
       Funky clothes at reasonable prices. Cool urban fashion.

Marian's Full Figure Designs
[catalog][women][casual][sportswear]
       385 W. Marigold
       Altadena, CA  91001
       Phone: (213) 681-5845
       Catalog $2 (refunded with first order)
       Tops, shirts, stirrup pants.

Marilyn's
[catalog][women][lingerie]
       PO Box 1117
       Santa Maria, CA 93456
       Phone: (800) 462-4447
       Lingerie in sizes 1X-4X. A little pricey.

Marshall's
[chain][women][men]
       Discount store.
       Hit or miss, but sometimes they have good stuff.

Marshall Field's
[chain]
       Department store. Sizes to 24-28. Not bad in price if you hit a
       sale. Quality and selection varies by location.

Massey's
[catalog][women][shoes]
       601 Twelfth St.
       PO Box 10088
       Lynchburg, VA  24506-0088
       Phone: (800) 4-MASSEY
       Women's shoes up to size 14 in a variety of widths.

MaxMara
[single][California][women]
       San Francisco, CA
       Limited selection of larger clothes (sizes 12-22). If their
       style matches yours, you'll be in heaven.

McB's Shoes
[catalog][shoes]
       715 Market St.
       San Francisco, CA 94103
       Phone: (415) 546-9444, (415) 957-9988
       Sizes 6-13, AAAAA-EE.

Miss M.
[catalog][women][supersize][lingerie]
       4470-107 Sunset Blvd, Suite 131
       Hollywood, CA 90027
       "Slutwear" in sizes 1X-6X.  Possibly no longer in business
       (3/7/95).

Modern Woman
[chain][women][supersize][casual][career][evening][lingerie]
       Phone: (717) 396-9000 (corporate headquarters)
       Clothing store similar to Lane Bryant; mostly casual and career,
       some dressy stuff. Their lingerie selection is much better than
       LB's. Somewhat pricey, but great sales, excellent service. Call
       corporate headquarters for location near you.  Sizes 14-26
       mostly, some stuff to size 32.

More To Hug
[catalog][single][California][internet][women][lingerie][evening]
[casual][career]
       Phone: (800) 850-8525
       Web site: http://www.vcnet.com/moretohug/
       Stores in Thousand Oaks and Camarillo, CA.

More To Love, Too
[single][Kentucky][women][supersize][casual][career][evening]
       Breckenridge Lane South in the Hikes Point area
       Louisville, KY
       Sizes from 14 to 36 and can special order anything from a size 3
       up to 8x

Myles Ahead
[catalog][single][Florida][women][supersize][tall]
       6652 NW 57 St.
       Tamarac, FL 33321
       Phone: 888-MylesAhead, (305) 724-0500
       Fax: (305) 724-7177

NAAFA Feminist SIG
[catalog][unisex]
       Lynn Meletiche
       2065 First Ave. #19-D
       Dept. RM
       New York, NY  10029
       Phone: (212) 721-8259
       Large-size hospital gowns (allow 4-6 weeks for delivery).

Nakazawa's
[single][New York][women][casual][evening]
       132 Thompson St NY, NY 10012
       Phone: 212-505-7768

Nancy Lawrence
[single][Minnesota][women]
       Edina, Minnesota
       Phone: (612) 925-9305
       Pricey boutique, sizes 14-26.

Nancy's Choice
[catalog][shoes]
       Indianapolis, IN  46201
       Misses' sizes 10-20, women's sizes 36-46, also shoes.

National Wholesale Co.
[catalog][women][lingerie][casual]
       400 National Blvd.
       Lexington, NC  27294
       Phone: 910-249-0211 (orders only), 910-249-4202
       Fax: 910-249-9326
       Pantyhose by the dozen at reasonable prices. Several
       queen-size styles. Non-run pantyhose in large (up to 200 lbs).

Naturally Yours
[catalog][women][sportswear]
       PO Box 86481
       Portland, OR  97286
       3405 SE 63rd St.
       Portland, OR  97206
       Phone: (503) 777-1027
       Leggings in sizes 1X-4X.

New Attitude
[single][Hawaii][supersize]
       1289 Kilauea Ave.
       Hilo, HI
       Phone: (808) 935-6055
       Clothing "with an island attitude." Sizes 14-34. They ship.

New Look
[catalog][women][tall]
       Phone: (800) 998-1985
       Tall and BBW.

Newport News
[catalog][women][casual]
       Avon Lane
       Hampton, VA  23630-1244
       Phone: (800) 688-2830, (804) 827-9000 (customer service)
       Formerly Avon Fashions. Casual clothes. Some of their stuff goes
       up to size 16, 18, 20, 2X.

Nicole Summers
[catalog] [career] [casual] [evening]
       PO Box 3003
       Winterbrook Way
       Meridith, NH 03253-3003
       Phone: 800-642-6786
       Sizes to 26

Nordstrom
[catalog][chain][women][career][casual][shoes]
       Catalog info:
       PO Box 91018
       Seattle WA 98111-9118
       Phone: (800) 285-5800, (206) 215-7100 (outside US and Canada)
       Fax: (800) 285-7288, (208) 215-7288 (outside US and Canada)
       TDD: (800) 285-7344
       Email: [email protected]
       Web site: http://www.nordstrom-pta.com
       Department store is upscale, service oriented. Plus-size clothes
       in Encore department. This is a *great* place to find large
       shoes, especially for women. They will move heaven and earth to
       find a fit! They have a new plus-size catalog that uses large
       models.

Nothing in Moderation
[single][Illinois][women]
       801 Lake St.
       Oak Park, IL
       Phone: (708) 386-9750
       Fax: (708) 386-9767
       Wearable art, natural fabric, nice women, lots of styles.

Oddessy Martial Arts and Medieval Supply Center
[single][Missouri][internet][unisex][supersize][sportswear]
       Phone: 1-800-ODDESSY (1-800-633-3779)
       Email: [email protected]
       Web site: http://www.oddessy.com
       Large martial arts uniforms, including Karate gis up to size
       12 (equivalent to men's 5X). Also Japanese swords and knives,
       medieval swords, Karate, Kung Fu, and Tae Kwon Do training
       equipment, aids and safety gear, and numerous other martial
       arts and medieval related products and literature. Web site
       uses some large models. The supersize uniforms are quite
       expensive.

Oh! Susanna
[catalog][women][supersize][sportswear]
       206 Culver St
       Chatta, TN  37415
       Phone: (615) 874-0792
       Shorts, sweats, T-shirts in 5X to 8X.

Old Pueblo Traders
[catalog] [casual] [petite] [women] [lingerie] [shoes]
       Palo Verde at 34th St
       PO Box 27800
       Tucson, AZ 85726-7800
       Phone: (520) 747-5000
       Catalog $2

Orchard Corset Discount Center
[internet][single][New York][overseas][women][lingerie][costume]
       Orchard Corset Center
       157 Orchard Street
       New York, NY 10002
       Phone: (212) 674-0786
       Email: [email protected]
       Web site: http://www.bway.net/orchard_bras/
       Many kinds and brands of lingerie, sizes to 54-I. Also
       theatrical, costume and period items.

Original Jo's
[catalog][women][supersize][sportswear]
       8766 Wicklow Lane
       Dublin, CA 94568-1149
       Phone: (800) 352-9156
       T-shirts decorated with sayings or pictures, sizes 1X-8X.

PS Plus Sizes Plus Savings
[chain][women][supersize][casual][career][lingerie]
       Mall store.
       Business and casual wear. Very reasonable prices. Sizes up to
       30/32 routinely, and sometimes up to 34/36 and 5X. Sizes run
       large, including the pantyhose and tights.

Pango Pango Swimwear
[catalog][women][custom][swimwear]
       1905 E. Atlantic Boulevard
       Pompano Beach, FL  33060-6562
       Phone: (305) 786-0255
       Really skimpy, really sleazy swimsuits, mostly bikinis.
       Bottoms up to XXL (45"-47" hips). Tops have cup sizes AA to F,
       and they make the band to your measurements. They do special
       requests.

Parsinen Design
[catalog][women]
       1011 Boren Ave., Suite 178
       Seattle, WA  98104
       Phone: (206) 682-9814, (800) 422-5808
       Fax: (206) 329-0944

Peacock Clothes
[single][California][women][supersize]
       331 Town & Country Village
       Sunnyvale, CA 94086
       Phone: (408) 730-0941
       Carries XL-XXXL (28 can fit up to 500lbs or more). Reasonable
       prices. Some people think quality is good, a few disagree.

Peggy Lutz Plus Size Designer Outlet
[catalog][internet][single][California][custom][petite][tall]
[supersize][women][casual][career][evening][lingerie]
       6784 Depot St.
       Sebastopol, CA
       Phone: (707) 824-1634, (800) 498-3294
       Web page: http://www.peglutz.com
       Catalog $3.
       Carries We Be Bop. Offers "custom clothing" and "fantasy wear."
       Elegant designs and high-quality interesting fabrics. Good
       selection of sizes. Not cheap. Internet catalog uses plus size
       models and older models. "If you get put on Peggy's mailing
       list, you will receive all sorts of things in the mail--fabric
       samples, photos, printed brochures, flyers. Sometimes it is a
       little overwhelming...but the reason is a great one--there are
       no limitations: she will literally sew anything for you that you
       want in any fabric that she has. Peggy's designs get more
       beautiful and refined every year, and she has an intuitive sense
       of what looks good on plus-size bodies...She is very pleasant on
       the phone and will spend all the time you need...offering
       suggestions and taking notes about any modifications you want."
       Lutz is a featured designed in the Winter 1997 (Rosie O'Donnell
       issue) of Radiance.

Phoenix Big and Tall
[catalog][men][overseas][supersize][casual][career][sportswear]
       805 Branch Drive,
       Alpharetto, GA 30201
       Phone: (800) 251-8067
       They sell a range of men's wear. They have boxers and briefs in
       sizes 44-72, Levi's action slacks up to size 54. Their clothes
       are moderate to expensive, the quality is moderate to good. Will
       ship overseas.

Plus Woman (formerly FSA Plus Woman)
[catalog][custom][women][supersize][tall][petite][casual][career]
[sportswear]
       60 Laurel Haven
       Fairview, NC  28730
       Phone: 800-628-5525, 704-628-3562
       Email: [email protected]
       Web site: http://www.viphosting.com/~pluswoma/
       Each season they put out a catalog with a selection of fabrics
       and a selection of separates. You can get most separates in any
       fabric and specify inseam, length; sleeve length; neckline type,
       and so on. For my taste, the separates fabrics tend too much
       toward polyester and rayon and busy prints. One person writes:
       "I love their sizing--42" to 50" busts are small!" but complains
       they don't have much of a selection of petite sizes. They also
       carry shorts, stirrups, leggings, sweaters. Sizes 1X-8X. They do
       custom work with a one-time $10 pattern fee. Good quality. Good
       customer service and prompt delivery.

Poley's Big & Tall
[internet][catalog][men][supersize][casual][outdoors]
       Email: [email protected]
       Web site: http://shops.net/shops/Poleys_Big_and_Tall_Clothing/
       Men's clothes up to 4XT and 8X.

Prescription Sportswear
[internet][unisex][supersize][sportswear]
       Phone: (800) 557-4478
       Email: [email protected]
       Web site: http://www.gsn.com/sportswr.htm
       T-shirts with sportsfish designs up to 6X, 4XT.
       They have a picture of a skinny woman in a bikini (which they
       evidently don't sell) on their web page. Sigh.

Prairie Rose Lingerie
[catalog][women][lingerie]
       New addresses:
       Vendredi Enterprises
       1030 E. El Camino Real #314 Sunnyvale, CA 94087
       PO Box 70817 Sunnyvale, CA 94086
       Phone: 408-739-4192
       Fax: 408-739-4192
       Catalog $10 (refunded with $50 order)
       Lingerie in sizes 40-46, variety of colors, fabrics, and
       styles. Large-size models.

Pretty Plus Plus
[single][New York][women][consignment]
       Madison Ave, around 90th St.
       Manhattan, NY
       Phone: (212) 427-4724
       Consignment store with good large-size clothing.

Pretty Woman Plus
[single][Illinois][women]
       Peoria, IL
       Good quality, somewhat expensive.

Primadonna
[single][North Carolina][women][casual]
       Durham, NC
       Ethnic clothes up to size 24 or so.

QVC
[catalog][women][accessories]
       QVC (one of the home shopping television channels) offers
       high-quality clothing at (usually) good prices. The Forgotten
       Woman (see retail for women) hosts shows on QVC, as does August
       Max Woman. Other names sold include Le Chute, DVFurstenberg,
       etc. About 90% of the clothing lines they sell include plus
       sizes (3X == 26-28). They deliver within 5 working days and have
       a "no questions asked" 30-day money-back return. They also have
       large-size models working right alongside thin models. On the
       jewelry end of things, they usually offer rings up to size 10,
       and they occasionally have the longer bracelets.

Queen Size Boutique
[single][Washington][women][casual][lingerie][evening][swimwear][accessories]
       Near the main Microsoft campus
       Bellevue, Washington
       Some jeans, but much more stylish separates & dresses evening
       dresses. The type of sportswear one wears to work, not to work
       out. More upscale (hey, it's Bellevue) and more dressy than
       Kathleen's; also more in bras & non-wedding dressy & formal
       wear. Styles from casual to fashionable to elegant. Much
       clothing up to 26, but they do carry many styles in beyond that.
       If you wear super sizes, be sure to work the staff to find what
       you want in your size.

Queen of Hearts
[catalog][women]
       19 Merrick Ave.
       Merrick, NY 11566
       Phone: (516) 377-1357
       Catalogue $5
       Sizes 14-22/24

Rainy County Knit Wear
[catalog][custom][women][unisex][casual]
       PO Box 7852
       Everett, WA  98201-0852
       Phone: (206) 653-7189
       Custom-made sweaters.

Regalia
[catalog][women][lingerie]
       3740 East 34th St.
       Tuscon, AZ  85713-5305
       Phone orders: (800) 362-8420
       Customer service: (602) 748-8600
       Catalog $1
       Bras up to sizes F & G.  Connected with Intimate Appeal.

Repp Ltd. Big & Tall
[catalog][men][tall][supersize][career][casual][shoes][sportswear][swimwear]
       1492 Bluegrass Lakes Parkway
       Alpharetta, Georgia 30201
       Phone: 800-690-REPP
       Fax: 800-225-6072
       Brand name men's careerwear and sportswear. Most items to size
       4XT and 6X; some items to 8X. Some shoes to size 16 EEEE.
       On the expensive side. (5/97)

Right Touch
       Mail returned 4/97

Ripley Custom Shirtmaker
[catalog][single][Louisiana][internet][men][custom][casual][evening]
       222 City Park Avenue
       New Orleans, LA  70119
       Phone: (504) 488-2288
       Fax: (214) 941-3340
       Web site: http://www.swopnet.com/Ripley/index.htm
       Manufacturer of upscale men's custom shirts (dress and western
       style). You send them $5 and they send you a "Shirting Packet."
       It contains measuring instructions, a tape measure, 100+ fabric
       samples and a brochure illustrating different pocket designs,
       cuffs, collars, etc. The $5 can be credited to your first order.

Roaman's
[catalog][women][outdoors][swimwear][casual][career][sportswear][lingerie]
       PO Box 8360
       Indianapolis, IN 46283-8360
       Phone: (800) 274-7130 (24 hour ordering)
       Sister company of Lane Bryant catalog. Sizes run larger than
       in LB. Women's sizes 38-60. Some unattractive pieces. Some random
       sexy pieces. Cute casuals. Nice coats. Swimsuits. See the Lane
       Bryant entry for more information. There have been complaints
       that Roaman's is unresponsive to the need for larger women's
       sizes, but at the same time they have offered men's clothing
       that is larger than the women's clothing they offer.

Rochester's Big & Tall Clothing
[chain][men][career]
       There's a store in San Francisco, 1-415-982-6455.
       They sell, among other things, suits.

Rocky Mountain Clothing
[catalog][women][casual]
       Phone: (800) 688-4449
       Call to find a location in your area where they sell this
       company's jeans and blouses. Currently sizes up to 26, soon up
       to 30.

Roselyn
[single][California][catalog][women][supersize][career][evening][lingerie]
[sportswear][casual]
       347 14th St.
       Oakland, CA  94612
       Phone: (510) 444-7472
       Fax (510) 444-4754
       Dresses, suits, lingerie, girdles and bustiers, gowns, hosiery,
       Danskin. Plus and supersizes.

Ross
[chain][women]
       Discount store (Midwest and West Coast) with selection of large
       sizes, 14-28. Selection can be spotty.

Ross Unlimited
[single][Georgia][women][custom][supersize][lingerie][casual]
       366 Flat Shoals Ave., SE
       Atlanta, GA 30316
       Phone: (404) 522-4083
       If they don't have your size, they will custom-make clothing for
       you (such as jeans) if you purchase at least six of the item.
       Super-size underwear.

Royal Resources
       Vendredi Enterprises
       New address:
       1030 E. El Camino Real #314 Sunnyvale, CA 94087
       POBox 70817 Sunnyvale, CA 94086
       Phone: 408-739-4192
       Fax: 408-739-4192
       Information and source directory for large folks. Information
       on clothing, shoes, and much more. This is not a catalog, but
       a book -- cost is $29.95.

Royal Woman
[catalog][women][casual]
       14 East 38th St.
       14th floor
       New York NY  10016
       Catalog $2.
       Women's sizes 14-46 in natural silks and cotton. Capes, dresses,
       blouses, sweaters, sleepwear.

Ruthie's Big Galz Boutique
[single][California][women]
       1307 First St.
       Napa, CA  94559
       Phone: (707) 255-7737, (800) 655-7738
       Fax: (707) 255-8789

Saks Fifth Avenue "Salon Z"
[chain][women][lingerie]
       Beautiful silk and cotton nightwear.

Sally's Place
[single][California][catalog][women][lingerie][swimwear]
       PO Box 1397
       Sausalito, CA  94966
       Phone: (415) 898-5683, (800) UR-SALLY
       http://www.wco.com/~sallys/
       Catalog $3.
       Sexy lingerie, up to size 4X (24W-26W). Bustiers, panties,
       stockings, garters, catsuits, French maid's outfits. Torso and
       back extenders. Some leather and swimwear. Some reports say it
       is expensive and some of their stuff is tacky. Others say that
       the items they've gotten were good quality, attractive, and
       reasonably priced. They use large models. They also sell out of
       their stock store in Novato.

Sara's Shoes
[catalog][custom][unisex][shoes]
       5638 County Rd., #102
       Guffey, CO  80820
       Shoes, boots, and sandals made to your foot, ankle, and calf
       measurements. Very casual styles, Birkenstock-type foot shape.
       High-quality materials and work, very comfortable and durable.
       Prices run about $125-$250. May take several months to receive
       the finished shoes.

Sav-On Surplus
[single][California][men][supersize][outdoors][casual]
       Hawthorne St.
       Lawndale, CA
       Men's camping, outdoors, and regular clothes up to size 8X.
       Reasonable prices.

Says Who?
[single][California][catalog][women][consignment]
       Two locations:
       3903 Piedmont Ave.
       Oakland, CA 94611
       Phone: (510) 547-5181
       and
       539 Bryant St.
       Palo Alto, CA  94301
       Phone: (415) 324-3511
       Catalog $1.
       Web site: http://www.sayswho.com (under construction)
       Very nice clothes. Somewhat expensive. Mostly casual. Some
       tall/large sizes.

Scarlet Crane
[catalog][women]
       PO Box 1931-R
       Sausalito, CA  94966
       Natural fiber clothing.

Seams to Fit
[single][California][women][consignment]
       6527 Telegraph Ave.
       Oakland, CA 94609
       Phone: (510) 428-9463
       Big dressing rooms. Responsible and honest. Great clothes, both
       consignment and new. Affiliated with Says Who? (see above).

Sears
[catalog][chain][men][women][supersize][shoes]
       Phone: 800-948-8800 (catalog ordering)
       Web site: http://www.sears.com/
       Several free specialty catalogs. Regular catalog sizes to
       women's 24, plus catalog sizes to women's 56 or men's 8X. Big
       and wide shoes. Apparel in stores goes to women's size 24. Mails
       within US only (but there is also a Sears Canada -- phone
       800-267-3277 in Canada for more information).

Semi Q Fashions
[women][evening]
       Phone: (213) 623-9713

Sensual Adventures
[single][women][supersize][lingerie]
       8967 Taft Street
       Pembroke Pines, Fl 33024
       Phone: 954-704-4114
       Fax 954-704-4113
       Thigh-high stockings, cat suits in many colors to 4x, pantyhose to
       5-6x, one-piece garter belt and stockings. Owner Alma will respond to
       customer requests.

Serendipity
[single][Indiana][women]
       Indianapolis, IN

Sheer Mahogany
[catalog][women][lingerie]
       3870 Crenshaw Blvd, #781
       Los Angeles, CA  90008
       Catalog $6.
       Lingerie up to 5X.

Silhouettes
[catalog][women][petite][supersize][evening][casual][lingerie]
[accessories][shoes]
       340 Poplar St.
       Hanover, PA  17333-0069
       and
       5 Avery Row
       Roanoke, VA  24012-8567
       Phone: (800) 852-2822
       As of spring 97, Silhouettes offers some items in sizes up to
       34. Some petites. Pricey, but good variety of stylish, young
       clothes. They often have items on back order, and the back orders
       take from 3 weeks to 3 months to fill. Service is reported to
       be prompt other than that. If you're in a hurry, this is probably
       not a great place to order from. They use thin models. There
       have been several complaints about their use of poor quality
       fabrics and clothing arriving with tears, stains, etc.

Sister Sister Ladies Plus Size Fashion
[single][California][women]
       660 3rd St.
       San Francisco, CA  94107
       Phone: (415) 243-4392
       Outlet store, good prices, a little hit or miss.

Sizes Unlimited
[chain][women][supersize][petite][tall][outdoors][casual][career]
[evening][swimwear][lingerie][accessories][sportswear][shoes]
       Mall store.
       One store: 1-215-365-0499
       Also called The Avenue in some malls. Owned by The Limited,
       which also owns the Lane Bryant stores. Casual to elegant clothing
       in sizes up to 32 and 4X. One woman says: "I'm 6'1" and usually
       wear a 30/32, I find a lot of stuff I can wear to work [...]
       shorter skirts, short dresses, and they even have some styles
       of pants in three different lengths." Pantyhose runs smaller.
       Fashionable. Large-size lingerie, underwear, petites, and proper
       denim jeans. Wide shoes sizes 6W-12W -- good selection of leather
       flats, some mid-size heels. Reasonably priced. Good sales.
       Merchandise is different from store to store.

Sizes Woman
[single][Pennsylvania][women]
       Pittsburgh, PA.
       Bright, beautiful clothes, nice clerks, reasonable prices.

The Smart Saver
[catalog][women][lingerie]
       PO Box 105
       Wasco, IL  60183-0105
       Bras up to size 48DD.  Reasonably priced.

Smart Size
[single][Oregon][women]
       Salem, OR

SoHo Woman on the Park
[single][New York][women]
       32 West 40th Street
       New York, NY 10018
       Located in Manhattan. Carries sizes from 14 to 26. The clothes
       are reported to be "beautiful and unusual," "one-of-a-kind...
       non-restricting and in luscious fabrics that are especially
       designed and lot-dyed by the owner, Penny Healey."

Spiegel
[catalog][women][men][career][evening][casual][coats][lingerie]
       PO 182555
       Columbus, OH 43218-2555
       Automated order line: 800-448-7070 (must be current customer)
       New customer satisfaction: 800-474-5555
       Order questions: 800-706-7600
       Catalog requests: 800-345-4500
       Web site: http://www.spiegel.com
       They offer a line of midsize clothing for women called "For
       You." Their retail "For You" stores no longer exist. Some men's
       items to 2X. They use thin models.

Spencer's Gifts
[chain][unisex][costumes]
       Mall store.
       Halloween costumes in plus sizes.

Stage Clothes USA
[internet][women][lingerie]
       Web site: http://www.stageclothes.com/
       Lingerie and sex toys for regular and plus-size women to 4X.
       Torso extenders (they snap onto the crotch area of a teddy and
       add 4"-6" length), choker extenders, and chain bra extenders.
       They use large models in the large-size section of their web
       site.

Stan's King Size Men's Shop
[single][California][men][supersize]
       7428 University Ave.
       La Mesa, CA 91941
       Phone: (619) 469-0336
       Some very large sizes.

Stormy Leather
[single][California][men][women][lingerie]
       1158 Howard Street
       San Francisco, CA 94103
       Phone: (415) 626-1672
       Web site: http://www.stormyleather.com/
       Manufactures, wholesales, and retails fetish attire and sex
       toys. Leather, lingerie, and fetish wear in sizes to 6X (sizes
       run small -- 6x corresponds to 52-inch bust, 44-inch waist, and
       54-inch hips). Pricey and well made. A variety of other stores
       stock their merchandise; see their web site for more
       information.

Stout Men's Shop
[single][Massachusetts][catalog][overseas][men][supersize][casual]
[career][swimwear]
       59 Temple Pl.
       Boston, MA
       Phone: (617) 542-5397
       Slacks on the rack up to 92". Swimsuits. Great selection.
       Worldwide mail order. Suits that go up to size 70 (and higher
       per order).

Stuarts Plus
[chain][women]
       Mall store.
       Owned by the people who own Stuarts. Trendier and cheaper than
       Lane Bryant.

Strom's Big & Tall Clothiers
[single][California][women][men]
       5801 San Pablo Ave.
       Oakland, CA
       Phone: (510) 653-3198
       Women's clothing (sizes 12-26) and men's clothing.

Styleplus Catalogue
[catalog][women][lingerie]
       1201 North Dearborn Parkway
       Suite 134
       Chicago, IL 60610
       Phone: (800) 34-STILE
       Beautiful lingerie, photographed on large models.

Sue Brett
[catalog][women][sportswear][casual][lingerie][shoes]
       Dept. A
       Indianapolis, IN  46207
       Sportswear, dresses, lingerie, shoes, in misses' 10-24,
       women's 34-52, and half sizes.

Suits Me Swimwear
[catalog][women][swimwear]
       2377 Deltona Blvd.
       Spring Hill, FL  34606
       Phone: (904) 666-1485
       Bathing suits designed to fit all sizes of folks. Easy to put on
       and take off -- They are tie-on wraparound swimsuits that can be
       fastened either as a one-piece suit or as a bikini. Four sizes:
       up to 60 lbs, 60-120 lbs, 120-250 lbs, and 250+ lbs.

Sula and the Snapdragon
[single][Massachusetts][women]
       393 Commercial Street
       Provincetown, MA  02657
       Phone: (508) 487-7200
       Nice clothes up to 3X.

Suzanne Henri, Inc.
[catalog][women][lingerie]
       PO Box 2399
       Appomattox, VA  24522
       Phone: (800) 634-2590
       No-underwire bras in a wide range of sizes up to 60MM. They use
       their own sizing system. The bras are very comfortable to wear,
       and never ride up or cut into the shoulders.

Sweet Cheeks
[catalog][women][supersize]
       PO Box 7767
       Redlands, CA 92375
       Phone: (909) 792-7014
       Fax: (909) 792-5060
       Original fun fashions, sizes 1X-6X.

Sweet Dreams Intimates
[single][New York][women][supersize][lingerie][swimwear]
       81 Route 111
       Smithtown NY 11787
       Phone: (516) 462-9097
       Bras 34B to 60H. Swimwear to 26. Lingerie sizes 1X-6X.

Sweeter Measures
[catalog][women][custom][supersize][casual][uniforms][career]
       PO Box 340
       819 Front St
       Gibbon, NE 68840
       Phone: (308) 468-5156
       Catalog $2.
       Sizes up to 60 or 70. Some people find the quality good, some
       not so. May be a little pricey. They carry nurses' uniforms.
       They will custom-make clothing (for instance, a skirt to match a
       blouse or jacket they offer).

Sylvia's Swimwear
[single][Washington][women][supersize][swimwear]
       Stores in Bellevue and Seattle.

Target
[chain][men][casual][swimwear]
       Discount chain. Swimsuits up to about 24. Inexpensive.
       Reasonable selection of big and tall men's clothing (up to about
       XXXL and XXXLT).

Today's Proud Women
       Mail returned 4/97

Today's Woman
[chain][women][casual][evening][lingerie][sportswear][swimwear]
       Chain of stores in Florida (mostly). They carry Exquisite Form
       bras, midsize clothing, and some accessories. Somewhat pricey,
       but the discount rack has bargains. Clothing ranges from
       sportswear to semi-formal. Swimsuits and a limited selection of
       lingerie. They use larger size models in their store
       advertisements.

Triumph Hosiery Corporation
[internet][overseas][women][supersize][lingerie]
       2700 N. 29th Ave., Suite 105
       Hollywood, Florida 33020
       Phone: (954) 929-6021
       Fax: (954) 963-3344
       E-Mail: [email protected]
       Web site: http://www.triumph-hosiery.com/
       Largesse Hosiery for women size 160-450 lbs.

Two Sisters - Fashions for the Generous Figure
[internet][women][petite][supersize][outdoors][casual][career]
[evening][lingerie]
       Texas
       Phone: (800) 343-9559
       Fax: (800) 343-9559 or (915) 580-7909
       Email: [email protected]
       Web site: http://www.marshill.com/twosisters/
       Internet-only catalog. Clothing tends to be in polyester or poly
       blends and prints. Some clothing comes in petite sizes. Prices
       range from inexpensive to moderate. They use large-size models
       and give the model's height and the size she is wearing.

Ulla Popken
[internet][catalog][women][petite][career][casual]
       Towson Town Center, 4th floor
       825 Dulaney Valley Road
       Towson, MD  21204
       10610 Beaver Dam
       Hunt Valley, MD 21030
       Phone: (410) 494-8108, (800) 245-8552
       Fax: 410-329-1320
       Web site: http://www.ullapopken.com/
       Well-established German company trying to enter the American
       market. Sophisticated designs including career clothes, natural
       fibers (including Green Cotton, great for sensitive or allergic
       skin). Moderate to expensive. High quality. Some complaints
       about service and inaccurate sizing. "Many of their clothes have
       beautiful detailing that you can't see in the catalog pictures."
       They guarantee items of the same color will match. They make all
       their clothing themselves. Sizes to 28/30.

Uniquity Plus
       Out of business 4/97

Urban Basics
[single][Colorado][women][lingerie][casual][outdoors]
       The Seasons Mall
       Avon, CO
       Phone: (970) 845-7820
       Now carries sizes 14-26. Seems to specialize in denim items.

Valley Department Store
[single][California][men][women][supersize][accessories]
       245 N. Euclid Ave.
       Ontario, CA 91762
       Phone: (909) 984-8646
       Large selection, friendly staff, clothing and accessories.
       Women's clothing in 16-18 to 30-32W. Men's clothing to 10X
       shirts, pants up to about 64.

Vermont Country Store
[catalog][women][lingerie]
       PO Box 3000
       Manchester Center, VT 05255-3000
       Phone: (802) 362-2400
       Web site: http://vermontcountrystore.com/vcs/vcs.htm
       Slips, chafe shields, mumus, robes, float dresses. Sizes vary;
       some items to 28, most smaller. Good prices, good quality. They
       also sell 100% cotton mid-thigh panties which do a good job of
       preventing chafing and protecting stockings.

Village East at Gottschalks
[chain][women][casual][career][evening][lingerie]
       Most malls with Gottschalks have a Village East next door; it's
       their large women's department. Though the prices are a little
       steep, they have nice evening wear. Accessories but no shoes.
       Some undergarments (mostly slips) and granny nighties; no cute
       lingerie. Lots of separates.

Vivian Young
[catalog][women][lingerie]
       9291 Greenwich Dr
       Huntington Beach, CA 92615-8333
       Bras.

Votta's Wearable Art
[catalog][women][accessories]
       PO Box 243
       Wilmington, IL  60481
       Catalog $2 (refunded with first order)
       Large-size bangles and bracelets.

W & M's Fantasy Fashions
[catalog][single][Pennsylvania][women][lingerie][swimwear][casual]
       5664 Sandylake-Polk Rd
       Sandylake, PA  16145
       Phone: (412) 376-7057
       Fax: (412) 458-7631
       Email: [email protected]
       Catalog $3.
       Lingerie and clothing up to size 4X.

WalkUSA
[catalog][unisex][sportswear][outdoors]
       6310 Nancy Ridge Drive, #101
       San Diego, CA 92121
       Phone: (800) 445-2209
       Men's and women's walking shorts and activewear up to 2XL.
       Tell them you want larger sizes!

WalMart
[chain][women][men][casual][swimwear]
       Some large size clothing up to 24 or 26, including lines by
       Richard Simmons and Kathie Lee. Inexpensive men's pants (cotton
       and polyester slacks, jeans) up to size 50.  Swimwear to size
       25.

WaterWear
[catalog][single][New Hampshire][swimwear]
       Riverview Mill
       Wilton, NH  03086
       Phone: (800) 321-SUIT
       Aquatic fitness wear, chlorine resistant fabric, sizes to 28.

We Be Bop
[single][California][women]
       Two locations:
       1903 Fillmore St.
       San Francisco, CA  94115
       Phone: (415) 771-7294
       and
       1380 10th St., Berkeley
       Kicky hip loose clothes, beautiful prints, up to size 4X. JW
       Ramage also sells some of their items.

Wedding Place
[single][Indiana][women][wedding]
       Fort Wayne IN
       Boutique. One bride-to-be called them up to make an appointment
       and told them of her encounter with fatphobic salespeople at a
       local wedding chain. When she arrived for her appointment, a BBW
       saleswoman was waiting for her. She was very pleased with the
       service.

WearGuard
[catalog][internet][unisex][supersize][outdoors][casual]
       141 Longwater Drive
       Norwell, MA 02061
       Phone: (800) 388-3300
       Fax: 800-436-3132
       Web site: http://www.wearguard.com/
       Work clothes, outdoors clothes, some casual clothing. Some of
       their stuff is available up to 5X.

Westport Woman
[chain][women][career][casual]
       Chain in California, possibly elsewhere.
       One in Folsom and one in Vacaville.
       Very nice clothes, from good blue jeans through handmade
       sweaters and good suits. Reasonable prices.

Wide and Comfortable
[single][Oregon][internet][unisex][supersize][custom][casual][outdoors]
     Roseann and Joe Hall
       8021 SE Stark Street
       Portland, Oregon, 97215
       Phone: (503) 261-9222
       Email: [email protected]
       or [email protected]
       Web site: http://www.teleport.com/~widecomf/widecomf.html
       T-Shirts to 12X, Henley's three button tab shirts to 8X and 10X.
       Sweats to 8X right now, looking at a company that goes to 12X.
       Shorts to 10x. Tank tops to 8X, in both mens and womens styles.
       Jersey Pants & Baggy pants. Jeans & Stretch jeans to 66 inches.
       Twill work pants to 74 inch waist. Custom sewing.

Willow Ridge
[casual] [career] [catalog] [midsize]
       421 Landmark Dr
       Wilmington, NC 28410
       Phone: (800) 388-8555, (800) 388-2012 customer service

Winter Silks
[catalog][men][women][unisex][lingerie][casual]
       2700 Laura Ln.
       PO Box 620130
       Middleton, WI  53562
       Phone: (800) 648-7455
       Email: [email protected]
       Web site: http://www.wintersilks.com/
       Silk long johns, shorts, robes, and so on. Some styles up to
       unisex (men's) 2X. A few styles up to women's 3X. Call and ask
       for more large sizes.

Woman's World
[chain][women][petite][casual][career]
       Mall store.
       They carry women's petites and sizes up to 26.

WorkAbles for Women
[catalog][women][outdoors]
       Oak Valley
       Clinton, PA  15026-0214
       Phone: (800) 826-9317
       Cold weather wear up to size 20W or 22W. Call and ask for larger
       sizes. They sell, among other things, long underwear, polar
       pants, wind pants, and wool pants with access panels so that
       using the bathroom in the wilderness does not require baring
       all.

Vibrant Handknits USA
[catalog][custom][women][casual]
       Historic Savage Mill
       8600 Foundry St
       Savage, MD  20763
       Phone: (800) 765-KNIT
       High-quality art sweaters in sizes 16-28. Will do custom work.

XL Collection Plus
[catalog][women]
       Box 20511
       Rochester, NY  14602
       $12.95
       Fashion resource guide.

XTC Leather of NY Limited
[catalog][women][lingerie]
       120 Nancy St., Unit E
       West Babylon, NY 11704
       Phone: (516) 643-3030
       Fax: (516) 643-3510
       Leather lingerie in sizes up to 3X. They are a wholesale
       operation and will not sell to individuals. You might be able to
       call them to see if anyone near you carries their stuff.
       "Quality is mediocre- to pretty decent, BUT their large-size
       body template wears a B cup and so *all* of their plus stuff
       comes in 1X, 2X, 3X B. This (obviously) doesn't work well for
       those of us in 40Ds."

Yellow Creek Originals
       Out of business 3/97.

Yoko Honda
[catalog][women][supersize][casual]
       PO Box 35
       New York, NY 10018
       Phone: (212) 868-2050
       Washable A-line dress/caftans in four colors.

Zala Design
[catalog][women][supersize][sportswear]
       Box 80018
       Minneapolis, MN  55408
       Phone: (612) 871-4809
       Catalog $2
       Leotards up to size 7X.

============================================================

A2) What manufacturers make clothes/shoes/spectacles for large folks?

CLOTHING FOR WOMEN

You can find these clothing lines in various retail stores and catalogs.

Capistrano
       Complaint of cheap manufacture.

Carole Little II
       Carol Little's large-size collection. Beautiful fabric, flowing
       cuts, nice colors. A little pricey. Well-made, and the dresses
       are quite long.

Citiculture
       Fancy "garden party" dresses up to 4X (sizes run large).

Danskin
       Phone: (800) 87-DANSKIN
       Exercise clothing in sizes 1X-4X. Their clothes are well made
       and pretty and they use large-size models.

Elisabeth
       Liz Claiborne's plus sizes line. Expensive, but good quality.
       Sizes 14-22. Also has some petites.

Entree
       Jeans that fit wonderfully and consistently across many styles
       up to size 44.

Fruit of the Loom
       100% cotton panties up to size 12. Also bras with large band
       and cup sizes.

Gilda Marx
       Phone: (800) 825-BODY
       Exercise clothing in sizes 1X-3X.

Goddess Bras
       Phone: (213) 629-2905 or (617) 569-3000
       Well-made, large-size bras. They have cotton bras without
       underwires up to about size 52DD. Good push-up bras, comfortable
       merrywidows. They've been actively soliciting NAAFA to find out
       what large women want in bras. They also make nursing bras
       (particularly recommended is Model 510).

Hanes Her Way
       Large size sweatpants and sweatshirts.

Jerzees
       Good quality, heavy T-shirts up to size 6X.

Jockey for Her
       All-cotton underwear in three styles up to at least size 11.

Jones New York Woman
       Career wear.

Just My Size
       Underwear, socks, and pantyhose. Affiliated with L'Eggs. They
       also have their own catalog (see catalog section above).

Kathy Lee Plus
       Carried at WalMart.

Lee Jeans
       Tend to work well on figures with smaller waistlines, large
       hips. Sizes up to 28 or 30.

Marina Bridal
       Wedding dresses, priced reasonably ($350-$900 or so). Their
       headquarters is in NYC. You should be able to get a copy of
       their catalog (about 20 styles) by calling local bridal shops.

No Nonsense
       Women like their plus-size pantyhose, which goes up to 4X, feels
       soft against the skin, and doesn't bag because of lycra in the
       fabric blend. They are getting harder to find.

Richard Simmons
       Carried at WalMart.

Sharon Anthony

Two Potato


CLOTHING FOR MEN

You can find these clothing lines in various retail stores and catalogs.

Dolphin Swimwear

Levi's Jeans and Action Slacks
       Large-size button-fly 501s. The Action Slacks apparently wear
       like iron, wash well, and never need to be ironed.

SPECTACLES

Luxottica makes large-size frames for men. They make metal frames in XXL
sizes, and have 170mm custom temples. Also look for Zyloware frames.
Most companies do carry large-size frames; have the optical tech look in
the Frames book for listings of large frames.

COMFORTABLE AND/OR WIDE WOMEN'S SHOES

Bally
Clark's
Easy Spirit (reported very long lasting even for supersize people)
Ecco (made in Denmark)
Hush Puppies "Bounce"
Nordstrom's store brand
Rangoni
Selby
Soft Spots

COMFORTABLE AND/OR WIDE UNISEX SHOES

Avia
Birkenstock
Cuddler's (available at K-Mart)
New Balance
Puma
Red Wings
Rieker
Rockports
Romika
SAS (hiking boots)
Simple
Sorel's (winter boots -- proper mountaineering boots)
Wolverine (hiking boots)
Worishofer

============================================================

A3) Where can I find a wedding dress?

You can probably buy a wedding dress in a regular bridal store -- many
stores carry large sizes, and almost all stores can order them. They may
have only a limited selection of sizes in stock for you to try on, so
you may have to use your imagination to figure out how the dress would
look on you in particular. Sometimes just putting your arms through the
dress and holding it in front of you will give you an idea of what it
would be like.

Note that wedding dress designers do not size their dresses
consistently. Some call a dress with measurements of 46-36-36 a size 42;
yet another may say a size 42 has measurements of 50-40-50. Many
national bridal designer's "measurements to size" descriptions are at
this web site:
       http://www.lm.com/~modernbr/sizechartsa.html

It's also very common to have dresses tailored once they arrive. (This
is common even for women who wear smaller sizes -- often they can't try
on the dress in their particular size, so when it arrives it needs to be
taken in or let out.) If the dress turns out to be too small, they can
split the side seam of the bodice and sew in a few inches of extra
fabric. This is hardly noticeable, even when you are looking for it.
They may be able to get lace trim that matches the rest of the dress and
use that to make it even less obvious.

Also, nearly all bridesmaid's dresses go to at least size 24, and some
go larger. Many of these dresses are fairly formal and can be ordered in
white or off-white, so may work as a wedding dress.

You may want to look through some of the bridal magazines -- many of the
advertisers list what sizes they make.  Also look through bridal books.
*Bridal Bargains* by Denise and Alan Fields lists which sizes various
manufacturers make. They have a Web page where they make available
updates to their books:
       http://www.usa.net/~adfields
In December '96, they'll be putting another book out called *The Bridal
Gown Guide*, in which they'll print the size charts of major designers
along with style numbers and suggested retail prices.

Search for "[wedding]" in section A1, the big list of clothing stores,
to find stores and catalogs that carry wedding dresses.

Here are some manufacturers who make large-size wedding dresses:


Alfred Angelo
       Phone: (800) 528-3589 or (215) 659-8700
       Makes 18-20 and 38-44. Both cost extra but their gowns are
       relatively cheap.

Ange D' Amour
       Phone: (800) 288-3888.
       Through size 20.

Bianchi
       Phone: (800) 669-2346.
       Through size 20.

Bonny
       Phone: (714) 961-8884
       Email: [email protected]
       Makes a line called "Essence by Esther," gowns to size 44 (costs
       extra).

Bridal Originals
       Phone: (800) 876-GOWN or (312) 467-6140
       To size 30 (encourages stores to carry large size samples!)

Carmi Couture
       Phone: (212) 921-7658
       Through size 20 (extra charge).

Citiculture
       Large-size "garden-party" dresses that can double as wedding
       dresses.

Diamond Collection
       Phone: (212) 302-0210
       Through size 20 ($100 extra).

Designer at Heart, Inc.
       Megan Moser Rosenhart
       Phone: (800) 462-4889
       Custom-designs bridal gowns -- "traditional and non-traditional
       styles, from lace to leather, all sizes."

Eden
       Phone: (818) 441-8715
       Petites through 20-32 (extra charge). Bridal Bargains gave these
       guys 4 stars!

Eve of Milady
       Phone: (212) 302-0050
       Through size 20. $100 extra for 18-20.

Fink
       Phone: (212) 921-5683
       Through size 20.  Extra 10% for 18-20.

Galina
       Phone: (212) 564-1020
       Through 20, extra charge for 18-20.

Ginza Collection/Private Label by G
       Phone: (800) 654-7375
       Through 42 (extra charge of $100).

Ilissa
       Phone: (212) 967-5222
       Through 20, 18-20 are $60 extra.

Impression
       Phone: (800) BRIDAL-1
       Through size 30. 16-20 cost $30 extra. 22-30 are $70 extra.

Jasmine
       Phone: (708) 519-7778
       To size 44 (extra charge).

Jessica McClintock
       Phone: (800) 333-5301 or (415) 495-3030
       A few gowns through size 24.

Jim Hjelm
       Phone: (212) 764-6960
       Through size 20. 18-20 are $150 extra.

Lili
       Phone: (800) 258-7944 or (818) 282-4326
       Through 26. $70 extra for 22-26.

Marisa
       Through 20. $160 extra for 18-20.

Mary's
       Phone: (713) 933-9678
       Through size 30.

Mon Cherie
       Phone: (609) 530-1900
       Has sizes 18-20 and 38-44, $20 or $40 extra.

Moonlight
       Phone: (708) 884-7199
       Sizes through 44 (extra charge).

Mori Lee
       Phone: (212) 947-3490
       Some designs available through size 42 for extra charge.

San Martin
       Phone: (213) 257-5333
       Some styles available through 44.

St. Pucchi
       Phone: (214) 631-4039
       Through 20, 18-20 extra 20%.

Sweetheart
       Phone: (212) 868-7536
       Through 44 (and keeps all sizes in stock).

Wallentin Collection
       Phone: (800) 925-5954
       Email: [email protected]
       Silk wedding gowns. Can custom make any gown to fit any size
       woman. Ask for Catherine.


============================================================

A4) Where can I find sewing/knitting patterns?

Ana's Accoutremonts
       Custom fitted patterns of period costumes. See entry above.

Beautiful Babes
       6705 N. Seneca
       Portland, OR  97203
       Phone: (503) 286-1119
       Catalog $2.
       Easy-to-sew collection of patterns for dresses, blouses,
       blazers, pants, ponchos, jackets, swimwear, lingerie, and more.
       Sizes 38-72. A poster writes: "Laura, the owner, is real nice
       and we discussed fitting problems etc etc and the dress I made
       from her pattern is wonderful. They also have programs now where
       you can make your own patterns from an ibm compatible computer.
       They run $100-150." and "Laura's patterns are mostly casual."

Bellamy Manufacturing
       222 N. 11th St
       Clarksville, TN  37040
       Phone: (615) 645-8249
       Catalog $4.
       Patterns for nice careerwear with skirts or pants. Maternity
       patterns also available. Sizes 22-62 average and tall. Can
       special-order sizes 64-70.

*Big Knits*, *Great Big Knits*
       Big Knits ISBN: 0-7126-5097-0. Vermont: Trafalgar Square Publishing
       Two books by Dawn French and Sylvie Soudan containing knitting
       patterns for large-size women. Patterns go from very simple,
       classic designs, to very complex intarsias. Proper large-size
       models.

Bras
       The rec.crafts.textiles.sewing newsgroup has a fantastic FAQ
       about underwire and regular bras. If you're interested in
       making your own bras and lingerie, check it out:
               http://www.funhouse.com/babs/FAQ.html

The Busy Woman's Fitting Book
       Nancy Zieman and Robbie Fanning
       Nancy's Notions/Open Chain Publishing ISBN: 0-932086-10-1, $9.95
       Provides instructions on how to alter patterns to fit you.

Burda
       GLP International
       PO Box 9868
       Englewood, NJ  07631-1123
       Phone: (212) 736-7455 or (201) 871-1010
       Large size patterns. Their magazine, *Burda Fashions for the
       Fuller Figure* (or Burda Plus?), has patterns up to size 34W.
       One person reports: "Burda is very true to their sizing, and
       they make patterns for up to size Euro60. The have all sorts of
       interesting patterns, with unusual (nifty cool) detailing.  I
       find that I have to do mucho fewer adjustments to make these
       patterns fit my narrow chest, big boobs, sloping shoulders,
       bottom-heavy apple-pear shape." Another writes: "I had stayed
       away from them because of the added seam and hem allowances, but
       now they are adding them in for you. They have some really nice,
       classic styles."

Butterick
       Some patterns in sizes up to 32. Now carrying new Delta Burke
       line -- some pretty styles in larger than 22's.

Computer packages for sizing patterns
       A number of companies make programs that print out customized
       patterns. You pick the basic pattern and enter the measurements
       of the person the garment is intended for, and it spits out a
       pattern. Some of these are:
       LivingSoft (also known as Dress Shop)
               PO Box 970
               Janesville, CA 96114
               Phone: (800) 626-1262
               Available for IBM, in the works for Macintosh.
       Fittingly Sew
               Available for IBM

D'ates D'signs
       3430 Robin Lane, Suite B
       Cameron Park, CA  95682
       Great wearable art patterns for coats, dusters, and shirts.

Dressmaker's dummies
       Dressmaker's dummies are available in plus sizes. Your local
       fabric shop may carry them or should be able to order them.

Fairchild Books and Videos
       7 West 34th St
       New York, NY  10001
       Fashion designs for the plus size.

Fitting Finesse
       Nancy Zieman
       Book that explains how to alter patterns so that you can make
       clothes that fit you right from patterns made for small people.

Great Fit Patterns
       2229 NE Burnside, Suite 305
       Gresham, OR   97030
       Phone: (503) 665-3125
       Catalog $1
       Sewing patterns, career, casual, separates, sweats, exercise,
       uniforms and lingerie. Patterns in women's sizes 38-60. Nice
       patterns.

Hattie Chanon
       Design Center of Charlotte
       1235-E East Blvd, #222
       Charlotte, NC  28203

Large-size patterns
       Email: [email protected]
       List of commercially available sewing patterns for big men
       (chest size 48" to 52", 56" or 68").

McCalls
       Some of their patterns go up to size 50.

PAW Prints Pattern Company
Purrfection Artistic Wearables
       19618 Canyon Drive
       Granite Falls Washington 98252
       Phone: 800 691 4293
       Web site: http://www.purrfection.com
       11 patterns that go up to a 3XL (bust 54 hip 56) and there are 2
       new patterns that go up to a 5XL (bust 62 hip 64). Reports:
       "I've made a kimono type jacket from one of their patterns in a
       4X (I generally wear a size 30-32) and the only alteration I did
       was to lengthen it." "These patterns are more 'fun' than
       conventional but there are some fairly unique things that I've
       never found elsewhere."

Pijin-Hole Patterns
       804 Forest Park Blvd.
       Fort Worth, TX  76102-5805
       Phone: (817) 338-0025

Simplicity
       Web page: http://www.simplicitypatt.com/index.html
       Their patterns go up to size 32W in two lines -- BBW and HOAX.
       HOAX is meant to be for different body types. Their sizing guide
       may run too large. They also have a multi-sized (1X-6X) pattern
       for men for a shirt and a pair of pants. Clothes made from their
       patterns are attractive and come out beautifully. New Look is
       also part of Simplicity.

Stretch and Sew
       Web page: http://www.stretch-and-sew.com
       One person reports "Stretch and Sew is good for those who are
       not one size all over." They are featuring a new line of plus
       size patterns, one of which is called Rita's Wardrobe (see Rita
       Farrow's *Life Is Not a Dress Size* in the Publications FAQ).
       The patterns include sizes 1X-3X (46-56 bust, 48-58 hip) in each
       design. Besides the wardrobe, there are eight separate designs
       in the collection, including pants, dresses, and a jacket.

Style
       Some large-size patterns

Unique Patterns
       Phone: (800) 543-4739
       Over 130 personalized patterns, no size limits.

Vogue Woman
       Dowdy, boring, waistless patterns.

============================================================

A5) How do I convert between sizes?

Here are some conversions between European, U.K., and U.S. sizes:

Women's dresses and suits
       For U.S. size, subtract 2 from U.K. size.
       For U.S. size, subtract 30 from European size.
       (UK 28 = US 26 = Euro 56)

Women's shoes
       For U.S. size, add 1.5 to U.K. size.
       (UK 8 = US 9.5)

Men's suits and coats
       U.K. and U.S. sizes are the same.
       For U.S. size, subtract 10 from European size.
       (UK 56 = US 56 = Euro 66)

Men's shirts
       U.K. and U.S sizes are the same.

Men's socks
       U.K. and U.S. sizes are the same.

Men's shoes
       For U.S. size, add 1 to U.K. size.
       (UK 10.5 = US 11.5)

============================================================
============================================================

SECTION B: Information about this FAQ

B1)     Are there other related FAQs?

There is some overlap in the topics covered by the FAQs. If you don't
find what you're looking for here, try the other FAQs.

The following FAQs can be found at:
http://www.bayarea.net/~stef/Fatfaqs/

       soc.support.fat-acceptance newsgroup FAQ
       alt.support.big-folks newsgroup FAQ
       Size-acceptance
       Clothing for Big Folks in Canada
       Clothing for Big Folks in the U.S.
       Organizations for Big Folks
       Publications for Big Folks
       Resources for dealing with the Physical Aspects of Being Fat
       Other Resources for Big Folks

The following FAQs can be found at:
 http://www.comlab.ox.ac.uk/oucl/users/sharon.curtis/BF/SSFA/faqs.html

       Big Folks and Health
       Big Folks and Fitness
       Big Folks and Sports
       Research on Big Folks
       Clothing for Big Folks in the U.K. and Europe

The maternity FAQ can be found at:
http://www.vireday.com/~rvireday/plus/Plus_Size_Maternity_and_Nursing_FAQ.html

You can also find (sometimes slightly older versions of) the above FAQs
(except the maternity FAQ) at the following locations:

  ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet/news.answers/fat-acceptance-faq/
  http://www.cis.ohio-state.edu/hypertext/faq/usenet/fat-acceptance-faq/
  http://www.cs.ruu.nl/wais/html/na-dir/fat-acceptance-faq/

(Note: The big-folks FAQ is listed separately at these locations.)

You can also get FAQs from rtfm.mit.edu via anonymous FTP or via the mail
archive server. For information about the mail server, send email to
[email protected]
with the word "help" (without the quotes) in the body of the message.

============================================================

B2)     Posting information

This document is posted bi-weekly to alt.support.big-folks.

Stef Jones ([email protected]) maintains this FAQ.

============================================================

B3)     Contributors

These are the people who contributed significant chunks to the FAQ:
Sasha Wood              ([email protected])
Eleanor Brown           ([email protected])

Also, lots and lots of other people (too many to credit) contributed
information that appears herein, some via email and some on s.s.f-a
and a.s.b-f.  Thanks to them all.

Suggestions for additions/improvements are always welcome.
Send suggestions to Stef Jones ([email protected])

============================================================

Copyright 1995, 1996 by Stef Jones ([email protected])
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