Plus-size clothing in India?

hanareddy · Jan 22nd, 2006, 18:22

ren - I just returned from India and have a bit of experience shopping for women's clothes. You should have some clothes made and also take a few of your own. I was visiting my husband's family in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka and took my own clothes - knee-length skirts and t-shirts and blouses. My mother-in-law still thought I was wearing short skirts (conservative by American standards). She kept telling me to sit properly and would try and close my tops to the neck

So, I decided to give in and go shopping. Here's my suggestions:

Take a week or two worth of clothing you are comfortable wearing.

Early-on, go to a sari/salwar shop that your husband's family is familiar with. Don't even try and buy ready-made, just request to be fitted for something - you should probably buy a sari just because you'll be there so long and your future-in-laws will like it - a nice sari will only set you back about $20 to 30 USD (maybe less). Same for a salwar. Have fun with it.

Go to a mall. In Bangalore Centre, there was a plus-size shop with ready-made items. I don't recall the name though. This will give you an idea of what is considered western. Check out Fab India - they sell short tops and other Indian-style "western" clothes. Maybe this will be something you like and can convey to a tailor later on. As for finding a tailor - ask your husband's family for a good one.

Be prepared for a frustrating experience at first - not because of your size needs but because the shopping experience is so different from that in western countries.

Take shoes that easily slip on and off, as it is custom to remove shoes before entering homes. However, also take a pair of "house shoes" since everyone has marble or tile floors and this can be hard on the joints after awhile.

Be prepared for constant comments like "big-size." I am a size 6/8 and was told I need big-size for everything from clothes to bangles. My mother (size 14) felt irritated that she was being told this all the time, but she learned to let it go, so learn to ignore it.

Good luck and have a great trip!

GoanCanuck · Jan 23rd, 2006, 08:58

There is a store selling readymade plus size clothing in Mumbai.

Big and Beautiful,
Bombay Mutual Annex, Cawasjee Patel street, Fort Bombay.
Phones: 022-2612469, 2641681

Ingrid · Jan 30th, 2006, 20:48

Can anyone reccommend a tailor in Dehli (preferably), Jaipur, Jaisalmer or Varanasi that is good at sewing flattering clothing for plus-sized women's figures? Both Indian clothing and Western styles. There is a difference between sewing good-looking clothes for slim and fatter bodies, so if anyone has any good experiences, that would probably save me some trial and error.

Any input would be appreciated! If this has been answered elsewhere I apologize; I couldn't find anything when I searched for it.

snowcrab · Nov 8th, 2006, 05:19

When I just wanted a top and didn't want to go through the whole business with the tailors, I just bought men's tops, nice cool cotton, lots of colours, no problem with 40 inch chests there. I was a medium size in men's clothing, lots of barrel chested Indian men.

mommywizard · Nov 22nd, 2006, 14:44

Definitely get clothes made but have a thick skin about anything to do with shopping or fitting - you will get all kinds of comments. People think nothing of commenting on size, weight, etc. It's been the main negative aspect of living here, everything else I love, but the comments like "too big" or "you are very fat" if they don't have my size are depressing as all get out. Once I got a few things made that can be copied I was much happier and really enjoy my wardrobe but the first few months were hell!

pence · Dec 22nd, 2006, 19:23

Thank you so much for this thread. I was planing on travelling light and buying clothes in India,but I don't think I would find anything to fit me

.
THANKS AGAIN!

anjunaangel · Dec 22nd, 2006, 20:48

does anyone know a tailor in mapusa or anjuna in goa that can copy and make goood track suit bottoms and get hold of the right material cheers

praks · Dec 22nd, 2006, 21:21

There is a store called 'aLL' selling plus sized clothing in the Center One Mall in Vashi, New Mumbai. As it is owned by Pantaloons, a big brand in India, I am sure they will be having branches in other places in India.

http://www.retailyatra.com/PageDetai...2&Page_ID=2760

http://www.revolution.bz/

Nick-H · Dec 22nd, 2006, 23:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by pence

Thank you so much for this thread. I was planing on travelling light and buying clothes in India,but I don't think I would find anything to fit me

.
THANKS AGAIN!

Why, for goodness sake?

You think there are no big Indians?

pence · Dec 23rd, 2006, 05:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick-H

Why, for goodness sake?

You think there are no big Indians?

Yes I do Nick

(after reading all those posts)
Never been there,BUT going 25.12. so I'll see for myself who is right.

Hope you are,because I would love to buy some clothes.
Best wishes!

Nick-H · Dec 23rd, 2006, 11:03

Happy shopping

But, despite my off-the cuff remark, stuff here does tend to be either tailor-made or at least altered to a proper fit --- rather than available in a range of sizes.

Of course the sari is a boon to big Indian ladies... the same one fits a sylph and a ...umm, larger lady! Only the blouse needs renewing.

sbhikes · Dec 26th, 2006, 03:37

Maybe it was just the places I visited, but I found Indian women to be of all the same shapes and sizes of ordinary American women, with the exception that I never saw any super huge (like 300lbs or more) women.

In fact, when I went shopping, despite being on the flabby side of normal, I was able to wear a medium just like I do in the US. Large also fit but was just a little bit looser than what most women in India wear. They seem to like their clothes to have a close fit.

One little nit-pick about Indian clothing: the sleeves are kinda small and the sleeve holes were often way too small. And the sizes are often not accurate, so you really have to try things on if possible.

ren · Dec 29th, 2006, 20:08

Wow, I started this thread a year ago! Anyway, I've now been in India for 8 months and have not tried to buy ready-made clothes. I've had loads of Indian clothes (shalwar kameez) made, by my MIL's tailor. It's so simple. I just love Indian clothes now! In the US, I always wore plain, drab clothes. Black, browns, etc. When I first came to India, I refused to wear anything colorful, now my closet is full of oranges, bright green, pink, etc.

Indian clothes are so comfortable, and look much nicer than Western clothes, in my opinion, especially on bigger-sized women.

Now, the only problem I have is BRAS. I hate underwear shopping in America, but here.. well, I've only been to three stores but they did NOT have large sizes. They claimed that a bra was 38inches. Maybe it was, but the cup size was an A. lol ah, but as I'll be here another year, I better try again at buying some bras. (If anyone is in Hyderabad and can recommend a place, I'd be grateful)

Djinn · Jan 5th, 2007, 14:16

Regular stores wont have much of a selection. Try speciality lingerie stores and you'll find something your size. If there dont have any in the size/style/colour you are looking for, they'd be happy to order it for you.

I know a couple of such stores in Chennai & Bangalore but am not familiar with Hyderabad :-(

smittenkitten5 · Jan 9th, 2007, 12:36

I'm travelling to Bangalore from Melbourne with my husband for a month next week. I'm a size 12 on top, 14 hips and thought shopping would be a blast, a bit worried now! Does anyone have recommendations for tailors in bangalore?

Dec 22nd, 2006, 21:21	#38
praks Senile Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Mumbai Posts: 409	There is a store called 'aLL' selling plus sized clothing in the Center One Mall in Vashi, New Mumbai. As it is owned by Pantaloons, a big brand in India, I am sure they will be having branches in other places in India. http://www.retailyatra.com/PageDetai...2&Page_ID=2760 http://www.revolution.bz/ Last edited by praks : Dec 25th, 2006 at 15:42. Reason: added another link

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Jan 22nd, 2006, 18:22	#31
hanareddy anxious to get to India Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Arizona Posts: 17	ren - I just returned from India and have a bit of experience shopping for women's clothes. You should have some clothes made and also take a few of your own. I was visiting my husband's family in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka and took my own clothes - knee-length skirts and t-shirts and blouses. My mother-in-law still thought I was wearing short skirts (conservative by American standards). She kept telling me to sit properly and would try and close my tops to the neck So, I decided to give in and go shopping. Here's my suggestions: Take a week or two worth of clothing you are comfortable wearing. Early-on, go to a sari/salwar shop that your husband's family is familiar with. Don't even try and buy ready-made, just request to be fitted for something - you should probably buy a sari just because you'll be there so long and your future-in-laws will like it - a nice sari will only set you back about $20 to 30 USD (maybe less). Same for a salwar. Have fun with it. Go to a mall. In Bangalore Centre, there was a plus-size shop with ready-made items. I don't recall the name though. This will give you an idea of what is considered western. Check out Fab India - they sell short tops and other Indian-style "western" clothes. Maybe this will be something you like and can convey to a tailor later on. As for finding a tailor - ask your husband's family for a good one. Be prepared for a frustrating experience at first - not because of your size needs but because the shopping experience is so different from that in western countries. Take shoes that easily slip on and off, as it is custom to remove shoes before entering homes. However, also take a pair of "house shoes" since everyone has marble or tile floors and this can be hard on the joints after awhile. Be prepared for constant comments like "big-size." I am a size 6/8 and was told I need big-size for everything from clothes to bangles. My mother (size 14) felt irritated that she was being told this all the time, but she learned to let it go, so learn to ignore it. Good luck and have a great trip!

Jan 23rd, 2006, 08:58	#32
GoanCanuck Maha Guru Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Vancouver Posts: 3,398	There is a store selling readymade plus size clothing in Mumbai. Big and Beautiful, Bombay Mutual Annex, Cawasjee Patel street, Fort Bombay. Phones: 022-2612469, 2641681

Jan 30th, 2006, 20:48	#33
Ingrid Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Norway Posts: 11	Can anyone reccommend a tailor in Dehli (preferably), Jaipur, Jaisalmer or Varanasi that is good at sewing flattering clothing for plus-sized women's figures? Both Indian clothing and Western styles. There is a difference between sewing good-looking clothes for slim and fatter bodies, so if anyone has any good experiences, that would probably save me some trial and error. Any input would be appreciated! If this has been answered elsewhere I apologize; I couldn't find anything when I searched for it.

Nov 8th, 2006, 05:19	#34
snowcrab Maha Guru Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: BC Can Posts: 1,134	When I just wanted a top and didn't want to go through the whole business with the tailors, I just bought men's tops, nice cool cotton, lots of colours, no problem with 40 inch chests there. I was a medium size in men's clothing, lots of barrel chested Indian men.

Nov 22nd, 2006, 14:44	#35
mommywizard Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Rewalsar, H.P. Posts: 11	Definitely get clothes made but have a thick skin about anything to do with shopping or fitting - you will get all kinds of comments. People think nothing of commenting on size, weight, etc. It's been the main negative aspect of living here, everything else I love, but the comments like "too big" or "you are very fat" if they don't have my size are depressing as all get out. Once I got a few things made that can be copied I was much happier and really enjoy my wardrobe but the first few months were hell!

Dec 22nd, 2006, 19:23	#36
pence Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Australia Posts: 27	Thank you so much for this thread. I was planing on travelling light and buying clothes in India,but I don't think I would find anything to fit me . THANKS AGAIN!

Dec 22nd, 2006, 20:48	#37
anjunaangel Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: uk Posts: 217	does anyone know a tailor in mapusa or anjuna in goa that can copy and make goood track suit bottoms and get hold of the right material cheers

Dec 23rd, 2006, 11:03	#41
Nick-H This is just a cameo appearance Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 36,197	Happy shopping But, despite my off-the cuff remark, stuff here does tend to be either tailor-made or at least altered to a proper fit --- rather than available in a range of sizes. Of course the sari is a boon to big Indian ladies... the same one fits a sylph and a ...umm, larger lady! Only the blouse needs renewing.

Dec 26th, 2006, 03:37	#42
sbhikes Diane Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Santa Barbara, California Posts: 60	Maybe it was just the places I visited, but I found Indian women to be of all the same shapes and sizes of ordinary American women, with the exception that I never saw any super huge (like 300lbs or more) women. In fact, when I went shopping, despite being on the flabby side of normal, I was able to wear a medium just like I do in the US. Large also fit but was just a little bit looser than what most women in India wear. They seem to like their clothes to have a close fit. One little nit-pick about Indian clothing: the sleeves are kinda small and the sleeve holes were often way too small. And the sizes are often not accurate, so you really have to try things on if possible.

Dec 29th, 2006, 20:08	#43
ren Honorary Hyderabadi Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Oregon, USA Posts: 44	Wow, I started this thread a year ago! Anyway, I've now been in India for 8 months and have not tried to buy ready-made clothes. I've had loads of Indian clothes (shalwar kameez) made, by my MIL's tailor. It's so simple. I just love Indian clothes now! In the US, I always wore plain, drab clothes. Black, browns, etc. When I first came to India, I refused to wear anything colorful, now my closet is full of oranges, bright green, pink, etc. Indian clothes are so comfortable, and look much nicer than Western clothes, in my opinion, especially on bigger-sized women. Now, the only problem I have is BRAS. I hate underwear shopping in America, but here.. well, I've only been to three stores but they did NOT have large sizes. They claimed that a bra was 38inches. Maybe it was, but the cup size was an A. lol ah, but as I'll be here another year, I better try again at buying some bras. (If anyone is in Hyderabad and can recommend a place, I'd be grateful)

Jan 5th, 2007, 14:16	#44
Djinn Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Chennai Posts: 4	Regular stores wont have much of a selection. Try speciality lingerie stores and you'll find something your size. If there dont have any in the size/style/colour you are looking for, they'd be happy to order it for you. I know a couple of such stores in Chennai & Bangalore but am not familiar with Hyderabad :-(

Jan 9th, 2007, 12:36	#45
smittenkitten5 Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: melbourne, australia Posts: 7	I'm travelling to Bangalore from Melbourne with my husband for a month next week. I'm a size 12 on top, 14 hips and thought shopping would be a blast, a bit worried now! Does anyone have recommendations for tailors in bangalore?