Usako's guide to Plus Sized shopping for Gothic Lolita Japanese Brands
Usako's guide to Plus Sized shopping for Gothic Lolita Japanese Brands
Not everyone in Japan is small. That is a known fact. I'm sick and tired of people who say that every japanese person who wears gothic lolita clothing is the size of a stick. WRONG. I've seen enough girls who are my size who wear gothic lolita and pull it off well. It's just knowing HOW to pull it off well. I'm going to be as honest, so if you find my comments and remarks rude or harsh, sorry but thats how it is.
First off... I catagorize myself as a plus sized girl. However, I do realize that there are many girls who are much more rubenesque compared to me. This is my attempt to provide girls with my own guide to plus sized shopping based on my own experiences, living here in Japan, and being able to try on Gothic Lolita clothing. I hope that i'll be able to give many of you insight and more confidence in buying gothic lolita clothing.
1. Know your body measurements. Know yourself. Love Yourself
If you're going to try and lose weight, great! Go for it... as of recently its too cold here in Japan to encourage me to go running. So instead I watch what I eat... and hope that I lose some weight. right. >_>; But measure yourself... that's most important. Also - good to know your measurements in centimeters (cm) as well because that's how all the Japanese clothing measures.
My measurements:
Bust: 100cm
Waist: 90cm (I can wear a corset and get it down to maybe 85cm, and if i'm on a full tummy after a mean i'm around 100cm~)
Hips: 100cm
Shoulder to Shoulder: 42cm
Arm length: 53cm
Overall height: 172cm (5'7")
You have to admit... that you're plus sized and love yourself. If you're going to keep in denial and say that Japanese Brands never make clothing for plus sized girls, then pack up and go home. The first thing to anything is the confidence in yourself. To love yourself and believe that you look best in what you wear. Once you have that confidence - that usually makes you look so much better! ^_^ Loving yourself also means getting to know yourself, knowing what fabrics you like, what types of skirts fit on you best, what colors suit your style, etc. this is probably a hard thing to do... but I think with determination you can always find things that will fit you! ^_^
2. Know your brands.
Everyone has their favorite brands. Personally I love Moi Meme Moitie. However, you have to know your brands. Moi Meme Moitie is probably one of the only brands that features the smallest sized clothing... next to Alice Auua. So, best to get to know your brands before you make a move in purchasing items.
Gothic Lolita Brands:
- Moi Meme Moitie- everything is small small small. Unless you plan on purchasing accessories, or a capelet, everything is small.
- Metamorphose- makes a lot more clothing that is probably targeted for slightly larger girls. At least for sure they consider it. They always come out with at least one jumper skirt, one dress, one skirt, and one blouse that features shirring of some sort that allows for larger wear.
- Baby the Stars Shine Bright- this line generally carries things that wouldn't fit the typical person. However, they usually always have one shirred jsk available. sometimes two types. If you're looking for a good quality jsk - this would be the brand to go with.
- Jane Marple - most things run pretty small.
- Innocent World - there are a few things occasionally that cater to larger sized girls. at the moment they have two blouses. which are definately beautiful and worth the money.
- Angelic Pretty - their sizes run a little small. Though at the moment they do have a shirred jsk.
- Heart - E - some of their items have shirring. A handfull of simple skirts are made with elastic and could fit up to a 110cm waist. Some of their things can be worn by plus sized girls.
- Victorian Maiden - they run small sizes. the end. T_T i wish i could own something from them but alas I can't fit into it.
- Bodyline - they have "Queen Sizes" available. the measurements are quite large and if you're looking for something simple they're a good brand to go with.
- Mam (maxicimam) - their skirts are elastic based.
- Chocochip Cookie -
(https://cart1.fc2.com/cart/chocochipcookie/)
they do have quite a bit of JSK's that have shirring and make room for a 90cm bust and 80cm waist. A lot of their skirts are also free sized. The only thing that doesn't seem to have anything for larger sized lolitas are blouses.
- Milky Ange -
(http://milky-ange.com)
a little bit of maid cosplay, but there are plus sized lolita clothing available for purchase. their sizing is pretty generous.
Other Brands:
- Deorart -
http://www.deorart.com/
a kera brand shop. they carry some "L" sized clothing that fit me. They're an interesting brand.
- H.naoto - Yes there is an "Anarchy for plus" line of clothing. I personally don't know if everything on that line is plus sized - but I do own a few pieces and they fit. Also - on the online website there is the "L Shop" which carries things that are for slightly larger girls.
- A+Lidel -
http://3.pro.tok2.com/~alidel/
some skirts are elastic based. I don't own any or have never tried any
- Putumayo -
http://www.putumayo-home.com/
i own one cut sew, they usually cater to larger sized girls occasionally. Some of their skirts are also elastic based. That's a good thing to know.
I can't think of any other brands right now... so ask and i'll see what information I can provide.
3. Knowing what looks best for you.
Two pieces. Two piece outfits. These will look best on you. One pieces usually sit funny, especially if you have a larger bust size. Shirred jsk's are okay, but if you remember to keep the dress from scrunching up and hanging beneath your breasts then you'll be fine. I find that wearing two piece outfits work best for me. Since it's winter I've been wearing knitted tops and elastic skirts. I'm not exactly sure what I'm going to do in the spring/summer/warm weather but i'll worry about that when the time comes. I think shirred jsk's without a blose are more acceptible for spring time. (I will most likely go casual with a casual top, and a skirt, with socks and stuff)
Avoid baby dol jsk's. They make you look pregnant. The end. I tried on a BtSSB babydoll jsk... and it fit but I looked like I was pregnant or something ~_~;;; Right. Two pieces are better to work with because you can alter the height of where your skirt sits... and it allows more coordination with other clothing - at least I think so. Though mots of my clothing is all black... so it makes it even more easier to coordinate.
Shirred blouses. I don't own any. I tried one on at baby and the wrist opening was too small. I'm waiting for Metamorphose to get more shirred blouses and hope for the best. Innocent world has a few shirred blouses. Many shirts if you pay attention have elastic around the waist... but if you're not slightly proportional (comparing your bust to your waist) you might want to avoid this because it makes the bouse look not so great. the blouse also might scrunch up and hang beneath your breasts. Companies occasionally will release a shirred shirt that will extend up to 120cm~ in the waist and bust - so keep an eye out for those.
I have found that - Baby's knits work best for me. They fit very well and look good with two pieces. I also own one Innocent World blouse, but I'm feeling half confident wearing that one out. Sometimes if I feel confident enough to wear it. Cut sews work also - if they fit to your measurements. They also allow a little bit of streching - so keep that in mind. I also own a h.naoto blood knit shirt and another t-shirt for other wear.
4. other things
If you're confident in sewing and still want brand name things... I hear that people take skirts from metamorphose, cut (from the inside of the skirt) the waist band and add in more elastic. If you think you're confident in doing so and don't mind doing so - than you can easily add more elastic to make things fit you. ^_^ I plan on doing this with an Innocent World skirt I purchase. I'm a few cm too large.
if not... one could always consider purchasing a nice waist cincher or a corset. that will help you reduce your size greatly. I own one corset and it fits well and will reduce my waist size to fit all sorts of things. when you put the money into these things... they're really worth it. at least I think so. I hope to improve on this guide - and I hope that this provides helpful insight for plus sized lolitas. I just want to say - there are plus sized girls in Japan who love the fashions too. :)
Not everyone in Japan is small. That is a known fact. I'm sick and tired of people who say that every japanese person who wears gothic lolita clothing is the size of a stick. WRONG. I've seen enough girls who are my size who wear gothic lolita and pull it off well. It's just knowing HOW to pull it off well. I'm going to be as honest, so if you find my comments and remarks rude or harsh, sorry but thats how it is.
First off... I catagorize myself as a plus sized girl. However, I do realize that there are many girls who are much more rubenesque compared to me. This is my attempt to provide girls with my own guide to plus sized shopping based on my own experiences, living here in Japan, and being able to try on Gothic Lolita clothing. I hope that i'll be able to give many of you insight and more confidence in buying gothic lolita clothing.
1. Know your body measurements. Know yourself. Love Yourself
If you're going to try and lose weight, great! Go for it... as of recently its too cold here in Japan to encourage me to go running. So instead I watch what I eat... and hope that I lose some weight. right. >_>; But measure yourself... that's most important. Also - good to know your measurements in centimeters (cm) as well because that's how all the Japanese clothing measures.
My measurements:
Bust: 100cm
Waist: 90cm (I can wear a corset and get it down to maybe 85cm, and if i'm on a full tummy after a mean i'm around 100cm~)
Hips: 100cm
Shoulder to Shoulder: 42cm
Arm length: 53cm
Overall height: 172cm (5'7")
You have to admit... that you're plus sized and love yourself. If you're going to keep in denial and say that Japanese Brands never make clothing for plus sized girls, then pack up and go home. The first thing to anything is the confidence in yourself. To love yourself and believe that you look best in what you wear. Once you have that confidence - that usually makes you look so much better! ^_^ Loving yourself also means getting to know yourself, knowing what fabrics you like, what types of skirts fit on you best, what colors suit your style, etc. this is probably a hard thing to do... but I think with determination you can always find things that will fit you! ^_^
2. Know your brands.
Everyone has their favorite brands. Personally I love Moi Meme Moitie. However, you have to know your brands. Moi Meme Moitie is probably one of the only brands that features the smallest sized clothing... next to Alice Auua. So, best to get to know your brands before you make a move in purchasing items.
Gothic Lolita Brands:
- Moi Meme Moitie- everything is small small small. Unless you plan on purchasing accessories, or a capelet, everything is small.
- Metamorphose- makes a lot more clothing that is probably targeted for slightly larger girls. At least for sure they consider it. They always come out with at least one jumper skirt, one dress, one skirt, and one blouse that features shirring of some sort that allows for larger wear.
- Baby the Stars Shine Bright- this line generally carries things that wouldn't fit the typical person. However, they usually always have one shirred jsk available. sometimes two types. If you're looking for a good quality jsk - this would be the brand to go with.
- Jane Marple - most things run pretty small.
- Innocent World - there are a few things occasionally that cater to larger sized girls. at the moment they have two blouses. which are definately beautiful and worth the money.
- Angelic Pretty - their sizes run a little small. Though at the moment they do have a shirred jsk.
- Heart - E - some of their items have shirring. A handfull of simple skirts are made with elastic and could fit up to a 110cm waist. Some of their things can be worn by plus sized girls.
- Victorian Maiden - they run small sizes. the end. T_T i wish i could own something from them but alas I can't fit into it.
- Bodyline - they have "Queen Sizes" available. the measurements are quite large and if you're looking for something simple they're a good brand to go with.
- Mam (maxicimam) - their skirts are elastic based.
- Chocochip Cookie -
(https://cart1.fc2.com/cart/chocochipcookie/)
they do have quite a bit of JSK's that have shirring and make room for a 90cm bust and 80cm waist. A lot of their skirts are also free sized. The only thing that doesn't seem to have anything for larger sized lolitas are blouses.
- Milky Ange -
(http://milky-ange.com)
a little bit of maid cosplay, but there are plus sized lolita clothing available for purchase. their sizing is pretty generous.
Other Brands:
- Deorart -
http://www.deorart.com/
a kera brand shop. they carry some "L" sized clothing that fit me. They're an interesting brand.
- H.naoto - Yes there is an "Anarchy for plus" line of clothing. I personally don't know if everything on that line is plus sized - but I do own a few pieces and they fit. Also - on the online website there is the "L Shop" which carries things that are for slightly larger girls.
- A+Lidel -
http://3.pro.tok2.com/~alidel/
some skirts are elastic based. I don't own any or have never tried any
- Putumayo -
http://www.putumayo-home.com/
i own one cut sew, they usually cater to larger sized girls occasionally. Some of their skirts are also elastic based. That's a good thing to know.
I can't think of any other brands right now... so ask and i'll see what information I can provide.
3. Knowing what looks best for you.
Two pieces. Two piece outfits. These will look best on you. One pieces usually sit funny, especially if you have a larger bust size. Shirred jsk's are okay, but if you remember to keep the dress from scrunching up and hanging beneath your breasts then you'll be fine. I find that wearing two piece outfits work best for me. Since it's winter I've been wearing knitted tops and elastic skirts. I'm not exactly sure what I'm going to do in the spring/summer/warm weather but i'll worry about that when the time comes. I think shirred jsk's without a blose are more acceptible for spring time. (I will most likely go casual with a casual top, and a skirt, with socks and stuff)
Avoid baby dol jsk's. They make you look pregnant. The end. I tried on a BtSSB babydoll jsk... and it fit but I looked like I was pregnant or something ~_~;;; Right. Two pieces are better to work with because you can alter the height of where your skirt sits... and it allows more coordination with other clothing - at least I think so. Though mots of my clothing is all black... so it makes it even more easier to coordinate.
Shirred blouses. I don't own any. I tried one on at baby and the wrist opening was too small. I'm waiting for Metamorphose to get more shirred blouses and hope for the best. Innocent world has a few shirred blouses. Many shirts if you pay attention have elastic around the waist... but if you're not slightly proportional (comparing your bust to your waist) you might want to avoid this because it makes the bouse look not so great. the blouse also might scrunch up and hang beneath your breasts. Companies occasionally will release a shirred shirt that will extend up to 120cm~ in the waist and bust - so keep an eye out for those.
I have found that - Baby's knits work best for me. They fit very well and look good with two pieces. I also own one Innocent World blouse, but I'm feeling half confident wearing that one out. Sometimes if I feel confident enough to wear it. Cut sews work also - if they fit to your measurements. They also allow a little bit of streching - so keep that in mind. I also own a h.naoto blood knit shirt and another t-shirt for other wear.
4. other things
If you're confident in sewing and still want brand name things... I hear that people take skirts from metamorphose, cut (from the inside of the skirt) the waist band and add in more elastic. If you think you're confident in doing so and don't mind doing so - than you can easily add more elastic to make things fit you. ^_^ I plan on doing this with an Innocent World skirt I purchase. I'm a few cm too large.
if not... one could always consider purchasing a nice waist cincher or a corset. that will help you reduce your size greatly. I own one corset and it fits well and will reduce my waist size to fit all sorts of things. when you put the money into these things... they're really worth it. at least I think so. I hope to improve on this guide - and I hope that this provides helpful insight for plus sized lolitas. I just want to say - there are plus sized girls in Japan who love the fashions too. :)