The Midsize Style Guide
Excluded from straight sizes and often mistakenly clumped together with plus sizes, the life of a midsize girl can be tough. We’re here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be! Welcome to the Midsize Fashion Guide.
Read on to discover the best wardrobe staples that look great on midsize bodies, the most fashionable brands to shop for, and our fave midsize models and influencers for some needed style inspo.
What is "midsize"?
Let’s get the basics out of the way: what is “midsize”? Who classifies as midsize?
In layman’s terms, midsize is simply the size range that sits between the so-called “straight” sizes and plus sizes. But what does that mean practically? In terms of sizes, midsize is generally considered to be 10 to 14 in US sizing, 12 to 18 in UK sizing, and 40 to 46 in European sizing.
What often ends up happening on shop floors is that midsize is lumped in the plus size range–which is often not even displayed on the floor at all. Another issue that midsize shoppers run into is how sizing seems to change from label to label. I’m sure all of us are familiar with the frustration of being a size 10 in Brand A but, for no apparent reason, a 14 in Brand B.
In the midst of the doom and gloom of shopping while midsize, there are a few brands that do a great job of catering to bodies of all shapes and sizes. Our faves are Reformation (for basics), Good American (for denim), Tanya Taylor (for statement pieces), and Selkie (for occasionwear). Each of them focuses on size inclusivity, and some are even Certified B-Corps!
Reformation
Prescott dress - Blue
£250.00
FARFETCH
Reformation
Veda Dalia leather blazer - Black
£542.00
FARFETCH
Now that we’ve covered some midsize-friendly brands, you might be wondering what styles look the best on midsize bodies. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Ruches and wraparound styles are the midsize girl’s best friend: they eliminate the issue of clothing being either too tight or too baggy while allowing you to highlight your best features while also offering a personalised and made-to-measure fit. When shopping for jeans, the curvy section might be the best option for midsize bodies; in terms of styles, opt for straight or bootleg silhouettes with a mid-to-high waist.
-38%
Fat Face
FatFace Erin Blue Beachwear Wrap Dress
£40.00
£65.00
FatFace
-40%
AllSaints
Polyester Micaela Pleated Skirt, Size: UK 14/US 10 Black
£95.40
£159.00
AllSaints
-10%
Kocca
Blouses, female, Brown, XL, Sleek wrap around effect long sleeved blouse
£98.31
£108.75
Miinto
-46%
AllSaints
Viscose Diana Floral Wrap Dress, Size: 6 Brown
£139.50
£259.00
AllSaints
-40%
Sandro
Draped satin-effect dress Red
£179.40
£299.00
Sandro
-73%
AllSaints
Womens Viscose/Silk Laura Ines Silk Blend Printed Maxi Dress, Size: 6 White
£53.10
£199.00
AllSaints
-57%
OperaSPORT
TOPWEAR - Shirts on YOOX.COM White
£60.00
£140.00
Yoox.com
Midsize influencers, models, and creators
Another issue that midsize women face is the lack of representation, both in media and on the shop floors. So, like many, we turned to social media, where we found super-stylish midsize creators, models, and influencers for our Pinterest boards. Here are our faves.
Courtnee Ruth Crews, stylist, content creator, and founder of vegan nail polish brand Ruth Polish. We love her bright, Scandi-inspired style!
-40%
AllSaints
Cotton Ember Sparkle Embellished Jeans, Size: 25 Blue
£95.40
£159.00
AllSaints
-74%
Diesel
Stretch Denim Jeans SLANDY High Rise 11cm L.32 size 26
£41.17
£160.82
GLAMOOD
-74%
Diesel
RED TAG Jeans Bootcut SEL with 23cm Skirt Detail size 28
£100.14
£391.18
GLAMOOD
Jill Kortleve, model. In 2020, she became the first midsize model to walk for Chanel since 2010. She has walked for many more major brands and appeared on the cover of many national issues of Vogue.
-42%
Fat Face
FatFace Aurielle Black Mono Ditsy Maxi Skirt
£35.00
£60.00
FatFace
AllSaints
Polyester Loria Raw Edge Maxi Skirt, Size: UK 10/US 6 Black
£119.00
AllSaints
-42%
Fat Face
FatFace Paignton Graphite Grey Texture Floral Midi Skirt
£35.00
£60.00
FatFace
Sandro
Pointelle knit maxi skirt Brown
£219.00
Sandro
Michelle Bentzen, a Danish content creator with a feminine, clean style that we just love.
-40%
AllSaints
Womens Cow Leather Avril Knee High Leather Boots, Size: UK 4/ US 7/ EU 37 Black
£180.00
£299.00
AllSaints
Charles & Keith
Yvette Metallic-Accent Knee-High Boots Black
£109.00
Charles & Keith
Charles & Keith
Sasky Knee High Flat Boots Black
£105.00
Charles & Keith
Lizzi Lithiluxa, content creator. 50% sushi roll, 50% angel, and DIY manicurist, Lizzi’s Americana style is to die for.
-66%
Pinko
DENIM Blue
£81.00
£239.00
Yoox.com
-50%
Good American
Indigo Denim Cargo, XL Blue
£123.00
£246.00
Reiss
-71%
Washington Dee-Cee
JUMPSUITS & TRACKSUITS - Dungarees on YOOX.COM Blue
£87.00
£302.00
Yoox.com
Faithfull The Brand
Riatto checked cotton romper Red
£200.00
Mytheresa
We love Hamburg-based content creator Charlie for her use of pastel shades and cozy textures.
-55%
AllSaints
Polyester Aleida Lightweight Tri Blazer, Size: UK 16/US 12 Pink
£76.50
£169.00
AllSaints
-40%
Barbour
Costello Bomber Jacket Pink
£117.45
£195.75
Miinto
Autry
KNITTED TENNIS VISCOSE ZIP JACKET WOMAN Pink
£190.00
Autry
