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Madewell Added Plus Sizes – So How Do They Measure Up? Review

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Raise your hand if you’ve ever been personally victimized by a straight sized brand…

Yeah, I’ve been there too. You find a brand you’re obsessed with, admire every single item they ever come out with, go into the store with your friends and just stare at the handbags and scarves, and then keep shopping at the same old tried and true plus size stores you’ve always had to shop at. I have been there.

My sister and I have been following blog queen Kendie since our twenties. She’s been sporting some of the best Madewell looks for years. When my sister became an adult she bought the ever-coveted monogrammed bag while I took a political stand against buying from a store that didn’t carry my size. 7 years later and Madewell is finally giving me the chance to be cool like Kendie.

So are Madewell plus sizes everything I ever dreamed?

Well, yes and no. To start, the line only goes up to size 24 (or 3x). That’s usually where plus size lines cut off when their target market is straight sizes. I would like to start seeing size 32 (6x) be the new “normal” for companies expanding their size ranges. I know it’s a lot to ask but damn, we’re a big market – it’s worth it!

I am really happy with the plus size offerings, compared to the straight sized styles they carry. I think the extended sizes range has lots of their cute basics, jeans, as well as their more brand-identified pieces like the tomboyish shirt seen above. Which btw, I’m obsessed with. The reason I have always loved Madewell is for their kind of easy Americana look, and this shirt is doing it for me.

I generally wear a size 26/28 so this line may not have been made for me. When you’re above a size 24 lots of lines aren’t. So we make due, and figure out things that work for us and watch the measurements of pieces very carefully. The striped shirt is made to run a little big, so it worked. But had my arms been much bigger I definitely would have been sized out of that style.

The other piece that I got is a perfectly effortless mini dress. Or at least, it would be if my boobs were a little smaller. The model wearing the dress is so cute and appears to have the dress just sitting nicely over her bust. Ya’ll. I do not have large breasts. I mean, ok compared to some people sure they’re fairly large. But on a plus size person a DD seems “normal”, right?

[shopr_shopthepost collection=”madewell-striped-dress” size=”medium” title=”Shop The Look”]

I love this dress, I think it’s adorable and sweet and I’ve already worn it several times. But dang it the chest is just way too tight and doesn’t fit me like it’s intended at all. Good news? Reading the reviews it looks like this was a fit issue across the board and not something caused by ill-calculated plus sizes.

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There’s something special about getting to shop at the places you have always dreamed about. It always surprises me a little bit how much it means to me to be included in the fashion world. I know that these companies aren’t taking some political stand and trying to be inclusive and more ethical. I know it’s about money and how big the plus size market is. And still… my little heart feels so welcomed and warm. And that’s nice.

So – Madewell gets my little gold star. And my constant begging to expand their sizes even further, cause damn… these kinds of perfect tees and structurally sound garments are exactly what I want to have in my closet forever. I feel good about spending the money on these pieces and I want more!

[shopr_shopthepost collection=”madewell-striped-dress” size=”medium” title=”Shop The Look”]

What do you think? Are you rushing over to shop the plus size line from Madewell? Or are you hanging back till they expand their sizes further?

 

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Audrey Rockett-Collins

Saturday 29th of September 2018

Thanks so much for your review & feedback! I'm a personal stylist who works with women of all different shapes & sizes. It's really valuable to get your perspective!

fatgirlflow

Saturday 29th of September 2018

what a cool job!!!!!

Dona Gomez

Friday 28th of September 2018

Do you know if they are carrying the plus sizes in-store?

Faith

Wednesday 6th of September 2023

@fatgirlflow, no they do not. Even stores that say on the website they do don’t or only occasionally have the jeans

Call first and make them check! I’ve been thinking about getting a few things but like to try on in person so it’s been frustrating

fatgirlflow

Saturday 29th of September 2018

I actually don't know! I don't live anywhere NEAR a madewell store :(

Gigi Kiersten

Thursday 27th of September 2018

Corissa, I never heard about Madewell. So this is the first time I ever heard about it, but I have fell victim to straight stores. You go in and everything is beautiful but you will never in a million years be able to wear anything there. It's heartbreaking, there is this local boutique I pass by sometimes and I always get sad everytime I walk by it. As for the dress its cute, but hate when an item is way too tight in certain places. I'm also in love with those boots, which gives me 60's mod feels as well.

fatgirlflow

Saturday 29th of September 2018

YESSSS I was going for those 60's vibes. And we are TOGETHER in that straight sized store struggle!!!

Amber

Thursday 27th of September 2018

Madewell always has such cute things and I would LOVE to spend my money with them but I’m a solid 28 and I know this stuff isn’t going to work for me so it’s a disappointment. Their clothes are exactly the style I wish I could wear.

fatgirlflow

Saturday 29th of September 2018

I am super sad that they only carry up to size 24 in most things. I obviously have to BARELY squeeze into a lot of the things I want to wear from there. I am praying they up their size range!!!

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