Plus-Size Fashion Brands in Australia 2026

Shopping for plus size fashion Australia-wide used to mean settling for scaled-up afterthoughts — the same dress, graded bigger, with no thought to how it actually fits a curvier body. That’s changed dramatically.

In 2026, Australia has a genuinely strong line-up of dedicated curve labels that design for plus bodies from the first sketch, alongside department-store edits and budget chains that have lifted their game. Whether you’re building a work wardrobe, hunting for event dressing or just want jeans that fit properly, this guide covers the brands worth knowing, how their sizing works, and how to shop smarter.

A quick note on sizing: in Australia, plus size generally starts at size 16 (roughly equivalent to a US 12), though dedicated curve brands often start at 14. Sizing varies wildly between labels, so we’ll flag fit notes where they matter — and the golden rule throughout is to measure yourself and check each brand’s size chart rather than trusting the number on the tag.

What separates good plus-size design from scaled-up straight sizes

Here’s the technical bit that explains why some plus-size clothes fit beautifully and others feel wrong despite being “your size”. Proper curve design adjusts proportions, not just measurements: a higher waist-to-hip ratio, more room through the bust with darts or shaping placed correctly, armholes cut for fuller upper arms, and hemlines that account for how fabric drapes over curves. When a brand simply grades a size-10 pattern up to a size 20, you get gaping necklines, tight armholes, skirts that hike up at the front and trousers that fit the hips but swim at the waist.

The brands below that earn the highest marks — City Chic, Taking Shape, Commonry — all design from a curve block, meaning their base patterns are built for plus bodies from the start. That’s the single most important thing to look for, and it’s worth paying a bit more for. A dress engineered for your shape in a mid-range fabric will always look better than a premium fabric cut from the wrong block. If you’re curious about the broader history and definitions of the category, Wikipedia’s overview of plus-size clothing is a solid reference.

Plus size fashion Australia: the dedicated curve brands

City Chic — the curve specialist

City Chic is Australia’s best-known dedicated plus-size label, and the key fact is in the name: they design exclusively for curves, starting at size 14 and running through extended sizes. Because curves are the entire business — not a side range — the fit engineering is consistently the best on the high street: bodices shaped for fuller busts, waist definition that doesn’t rely on a belt doing all the work, and occasion wear that understands structure. Their range covers everything from work dresses and suiting separates to event and party dressing, which makes them a one-stop shop if you want a single brand whose sizing you can learn and trust. Price-wise they sit in the accessible mid-range, with frequent promotions making their pieces even better value.

Taking Shape — natural fibres and comfort

Ask Australian women where to find plus-size clothing that breathes, and Taking Shape comes up constantly. Their signature is natural fibres — bamboo, linen and organic cotton blends — cut in relaxed, wearable shapes. If you run hot, have a long commute, or just prefer clothes that feel good at 4pm as well as 9am, this is your brand. The aesthetic leans casual-smart rather than corporate, which makes Taking Shape brilliant for weekends, creative workplaces and travel, though you’ll want to look elsewhere for sharply tailored suiting. Their tops and tunics are particular standouts, designed with enough length and ease to actually cover and flatter.

Commonry — minimal luxury at honest prices

Commonry has built a devoted following fast, and it’s easy to see why: clean, minimal tailoring in a neutral palette, designed from the ground up for plus bodies, at prices that undercut most competitors. Think tailored trousers, polished blazers and structured dresses you can mix endlessly — it’s essentially a capsule wardrobe brand that happens to be curve-specific. Stocked at THE ICONIC, Myer and David Jones, which means easy try-ons and returns. If your style leans minimalist and you want workwear that looks expensive without the price tag, start here.

17 Sundays, Harlow and the independents

Beyond the big names, Australia has a thriving scene of independent curve labels worth discovering. 17 Sundays does trend-led curve fashion with personality — great if mainstream plus ranges feel too safe. Harlow is another local favourite for modern, wearable pieces. Sonsee deserves a special mention for curve-specific hosiery, solving the age-old problem of tights that actually fit and stay up. And the Curve Project collective brings together several labels under one roof, including Something 4 Olivia’s smart-casual suiting and occasion ranges. Shopping independents takes a little more effort, but the payoff is pieces that feel personal rather than mass-produced — and you’re supporting local design.

Department store edits: Myer, David Jones and THE ICONIC

Sometimes you want to try things on, compare brands side by side, or just get it all done in one trip. The department stores have quietly become some of the best places to shop plus size fashion in Australia.

Myer is arguably the strongest one-stop shop: Taking Shape, Commonry and Forever New Curve sit alongside Something 4 Olivia’s tailored workwear, Basque’s classic corporate staples and Autograph’s affordable basics. You can build an entire work wardrobe in a single Myer visit, which is no small thing. David Jones skews more polished, with a curated curve edit including Seed Heritage’s modern aesthetic, Forever New Curve’s feminine detailing, Commonry’s minimal tailoring and the Curve Project collective — better for polished pieces and occasion dressing. THE ICONIC wins on convenience: one of the strongest online plus-size edits in the country, with Atmos&Here Curvy, Commonry and a rotating cast of curve labels, plus fast delivery and famously easy returns that make online fit-guessing low-risk.

The department-store strategy that works: use them for discovery (try five brands in an afternoon), then buy direct from the labels you love for the best range and loyalty perks.

Plus size fashion Australia on a budget

Great style shouldn’t require a big budget, and the affordable end of the market has improved enormously. You & All is the standout for genuinely affordable curve fashion — easy staples like trousers, blouses and simple dresses designed for everyday wear at prices that make building a wardrobe feasible. Suzanne Grae is a quiet achiever for easy-care essentials: unfussy tops, pants and dresses in comfortable fabrics that wash and wear well. Autograph (formerly known as 1626) covers affordable basics through Target and Myer. And Kmart and Target’s own curve ranges handle the volume pieces — the extra tees, the backup trousers, the casual layers nobody sees the label on.

The budget rule: spend your limited dollars on the pieces people see most (your main trousers, your go-to dress, your outer layer) and save on the supporting cast. A $30 Kmart tee under a well-fitting Commonry blazer looks like a $200 outfit.

Plus-size workwear: the brands that get office dressing right

Office dressing is where fit engineering matters most — you’re sitting, moving and being looked at all day. City Chic remains the benchmark for dedicated plus workwear, with suiting separates and work dresses built on a curve block. Commonry’s tailored trousers and blazers are the minimalist’s choice for a polished 9-to-5. Something 4 Olivia does contemporary corporate pieces — tailored pants, shirts and blazers — with a smart-casual edge that suits modern offices. Fleur Collective is the small-label option for workwear with a more refined, less mainstream feel. Basque, available at Myer, covers classic corporate staples for traditional dress codes. And Forever New Curve softens the whole thing with feminine detailing — floral midi dresses, bow blouses and tailored coats for offices where strict suiting isn’t required. Between these seven, every dress code and every personal style is covered.

Plus-size swimwear and activewear in Australia

Two categories where fit matters enormously — and where the Australian market has improved out of sight. For swimwear, look for underwire support in tops, wide comfortable straps, and tummy-control panelling where you want it; swim dresses and tankinis remain popular for good reason, offering coverage without sacrificing style. Dedicated curve swim labels like Curvy Chic Sports sit alongside extended-size ranges from mainstream swim brands, and the golden rule is the same as ever: buy for your largest measurement and have faith in adjustable straps and ties. For activewear, the non-negotiables are high-waisted leggings that stay put through squats, a genuinely supportive sports bra (look for encapsulation rather than compression alone), and tops with enough length to keep you covered. The best curve activewear uses the same fit engineering as good curve fashion — gussets placed correctly, waistbands that don’t roll, and fabrics with real recovery so leggings don’t go sheer after ten washes. Given how much of Australian life happens outdoors, these two categories deserve as much of your budget as your work wardrobe.

Fit tips: making plus-size fashion work for you

Fit is everything, and a few principles make shopping dramatically less frustrating. Measure yourself properly — bust, waist, hips — and compare against each brand’s size chart every time, because a 20 at City Chic is not a 20 at Taking Shape. Learn your proportions: are you fuller in the bust, the hips, or evenly distributed? Brands cut differently, and knowing your shape tells you which labels will fit off the rack and which will need tweaks. Alterations are your friend: taking in a waist or hemming trousers costs $20–$50 and transforms how a garment looks — budget for it like the brands expect you to. Fabric matters more at plus sizes: look for structure where you want shape (blazers, trousers) and drape where you want ease (tops, dresses); stiff cheap synthetics are unflattering on everybody. And try the bend-and-sit test in the change room: sit down, reach up, walk around. If it rides, gaps or pulls, it’s not the one — no matter how good it looked standing still.

Shopping online: getting the fit right without trying on

So much curve shopping happens online now that it’s worth having a system. Read the reviews and filter for reviewers near your size — their fit notes are gold. Check the model’s measurements, not just the size she’s wearing; most Australian retailers now list them. Order two sizes when you’re unsure and return one — THE ICONIC’s free returns exist for exactly this. Pay attention to fabric composition: anything with 2–5% elastane will be more forgiving than rigid fabrics. And photograph yourself in new pieces rather than judging in the mirror — a photo shows you what everyone else sees, and it’s the fastest way to spot fit issues you’ll otherwise rationalise away.

More inclusive fashion coverage: several labels in this guide also appear in our best Australian fashion brands for women round-up, and our guide to fashion styles for women over 50 has more fit-first styling advice that applies at every size.

FAQs

What size is considered plus size in Australia?

In Australia, plus size generally starts at size 16 (roughly equivalent to a US size 12), though dedicated curve brands like City Chic often start at size 14. Sizing varies significantly between brands, so always check individual size charts rather than relying on the number.

Which Australian brand is best for plus-size workwear?

City Chic is the benchmark for dedicated plus-size workwear, designing exclusively for curves. Commonry is the best minimalist option for tailored trousers and blazers, while Something 4 Olivia and Basque cover contemporary and classic corporate styles respectively.

Where can I buy affordable plus-size clothing in Australia?

You & All, Suzanne Grae, Autograph and the Kmart and Target curve ranges offer the best value. Myer and THE ICONIC are the best one-stop shops for comparing mid-range brands like Taking Shape, Commonry and Forever New Curve in one place.

Does David Jones stock plus-size clothing?

Yes — David Jones has a dedicated curve edit including Seed Heritage, Forever New Curve, Commonry, Brave + True and the Curve Project collective, skewing toward polished, dressier pieces for work and occasions.

How do I get the best fit when shopping plus size online?

Measure your bust, waist and hips and compare against each brand’s size chart, read reviews from shoppers near your size, check the model’s measurements, and order two sizes when unsure. Fabrics with a little stretch (2–5% elastane) are more forgiving than rigid weaves.