Plus-size clothing in India?

Hi! I'll be going to India in April to meet my fiance's family and plan to stay for 4 or 5 months. However, I'm a big girl (size 20/22) and I'm worried that I won't be able to find clothing in my size. Will I have any problems? Should I just bring a bunch of clothes from home? I Know it's possible to get clothing made but I prefer western styles, and then what able shoes, etc?

You won't find much in the way of clothing readymade in those sizes, but you can bring clothing from home and have it copied. And bring shoes; you won't find much if your feet are wide.

Hello, welcome to IM

Tayloring is not so much of a luxury in India as in Europe/US, clothes are regularly altered even if bought 'readymade'. It is cheap and quick. Some shops selling salwar sets will even give free stitching.

Thanks for your replies. I'll definately bring enough shoes (can a girl have enough shoes really?) and probably pack too much clothes anyway so I shouldn't worry too much. I never thought about having a tailor "copy" the clothes I bring from home.. good idea!

oops! and I just realized I should have posted my question in "packing tips" not expats! What can I say, I"m new here

Moved to packing tips

Gilli Gilli

Hi, i am about a size 14, and i could barely find a nice thing to fit me...Our luggage did not arrive with us when we recently arrived in Cochin, so i was quickly forced to go shopping for something to wear..I couldn't believe how small their sizes were..Even for just a nice blouse..XL..just barely fit...And some XL's were too small I am already beginning to diet before my next trip to India!!

cyberhippie - thanks!

TracyB - ooh my God! I didn't think it would be THAT much of a problem! Size 14 is tiny compared to me!

Well, i thought i was just average sized, a little chunky, but honestly, i really found it hard to buy clothes.... As a matter of fact, while in Cochin, i must have tried on 20 shirts, all XL and not 1 fit...I eventually gave up...at that store anyhow...I did end up buying a really nice blouse though in Thekkady, a little tight, but it fit!! I really find their sizes to be small..But oh well, i had a great time....Didn't buy alot of clothes, but i really didn't go there to buy clothes anyhow!! Good luck, and don't worry about it!! You'll have a great time and soon not care if you buy any clothes or not

In delhi there are two stores that cater to plus sizes and are called 'just my size' one of these is at the greater kaialash 1 market ( a popular south delhi market) and the other one is at the Metropolitan Mall in Gurgaon.They cater upto waist size 64.They also have stores in Chandigarh and Ludhiana in Punjab in northern India.The quality is pretty good and most clothing is very contemporary and faishonable.Dont know if such stores exist elsewhere in India.If you don't find your size, getting them tailored is a great ( and a very reasonable) alternative.

mav_e_rick - It's comforting to know there are plus-size stores SOMEWHERE in India, although I'll be in Hyderabad for the most part.

My boyfriend has assured me I'll be able to get clothes made however I like, but I'm not completely convinced, so it's reassuring to hear that it's possible to get clothes made, etc. I guess I could go to Delhi if i really had too.. hm.

This forum is awesome and I'm sure I'll be spending lots of time here as I prepare for my trip!

ren your bf is spot on..show the tailors what you want, give them the material and most of them will be able to replicate the design, so dont worry and enjoy your time in india

Mav e rick

Do you have the exact addresses for "just my size"

Thanks
Vespar

Vespar

'just my size' is at the MGF metropolitan mall in gurgaon, you can check at the store directory @ customer service desk, its in the mall, i have seen it.Anyone in delhi/gugaon will be able to tell you where the mall is as its a largish mall. As for the south delhi store, its in the greater kailash m block market but I wouldnt have the store address

Despite some of the replies that mention tailors, I think the point is still not sinking in. It's not just possible to get clothes made, it's the way to go. Some places have more tailors than stores. There are tailors everywhere !!!

*****
ESPECIALLY if you are of unusual build, whether tall, fat, skinny-hipped, long-legged, three-armed, or whatever...
GOING TO INDIA IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE CLOTHES MADE !!!
*****

It is MUCH cheaper to buy material and have it tailored than to get things off the rack in the US, much less Europe.

Tailors can work overnight if you are in a hurry.

Buy material, let them measure you, or have them copy something you bring.
I have a sleeve length of 37-38 inches (yes, I look like an orangutan), and had long-sleeve shirts made in Mysore and Coimbatore. Good cotton, not fake. Cost of each shirt, labor and material together: $5. It may be more now, but still a bargain, I'm sure. Ditto pants $10.

I know shopping is a great pleasure for some (not me!), but I bet you'll find going to the tailor a fun part of your travel experience. Don't be bashful !