Ladies, life’s too short for ill-fitting clothing! Whether you’re tall, willowy, petite or curvy, clothes shopping in Singapore is all about finding clothes that fit and make you feel confident. We’re always on the hunt for fashion brands that carry clothes sizes and styles to suit a range of body types. Here are a few boutiques that fit the brief, and a tailor too!
Meiko Tailor – get it made or altered to fit
Adele from Meiko Tailor, a family-run tailoring house for both menswear and womenswear, is passionate about making clothes that flatter, fit better and seamlessly cover the bits you want minimised!
Online clothes shopping has become more popular, but it can be disappointing when clothes bought online are ill fitting, says Adele. “Either the proportions don’t fit your body or the fabric is wrong. Or perhaps the cut isn’t quite what it looks like on the website. And, remember, Asian sizes can differ from UK or US sizing, and every brand has its own house cut.”
Adele suggests altering the clothes instead of paying to return them. “We have quite a few clients coming to us for adjustment of their online buys – jackets, dresses and even jeans. Most often, a simple nip and tuck, the removal of darts or a raised hemline can make it wearable. Alterations to suit jackets and evening dresses can be tricky, as extensive deconstruction and reconstruction work is needed. Adjustments are subjected to the available seam allowance; so it’s always advisable to go to a trusted tailor to get them fixed.”
So how do we find clothes that fit for our own particular body type – or is that a unicorn? Adele has a few tricks up her sleeve. “When you’re clothes shopping in Singapore or getting things made by a tailor, look at necklines, patterns and stripes that will flatter and hide. The length of a dress can also make a world of difference. It’s so easy to tweak at the tailors.”
Getting clothes altered, whether it’s a new purchase or even pieces that have been hanging around in your wardrobe, gives them a second chance. Chat with Adele and her team of seamstresses to explore options to salvage those pieces.
#02-01 Pan Pacific Singapore, 7 Raffles Boulevard
6334 6911 | WhatsApp 8180 6418 (for appointments)
meikotailor.com
White Ginger – flowy styles for every size
For careless cavorting in the sunshine, we love White Ginger’s range of easy-to-wear dresses. This is one of our go-to stores when clothes shopping in Singapore for casual daytime outfits and vacation-friendly basics.
In fact, White Ginger has won Gold for Best Women’s Independent Fashion Outlet in Expat Living’s Readers’ Choice Awards several times! In mood-boosting colours and lightweight fabrics, there are flattering styles to suit all shapes and sizes.
#03-103 Tanglin Mall & #02-06 i12 Katong
6235 0322 | white-ginger.com
Juliette C – clothes shopping for long legs!
This French fashion brand isn’t a plus-size label per se, but its smart and elegant ensembles are known to be figure flattering for women of various sizes. Plus, there’s a wide range of fashion pieces in a gorgeous selection of prints, colours and cuts. That means you’re bound to find something you like from the mix!
They cleverly designed their jumpsuits to suit both those blessed in the height department, and those with a shorter stature. Cut with either a high waist or fitted legs, the styles skim the female silhouette to give the impression of a slimmer physique and longer legs. The clothes store is based at lovely boutique shopping mall Cluny Court, near the Botanic Gardens.
Cluny Court, Level 2, 501 Bukit Timah Road
8333 8705 | juliettec.com
Talk of Town – simple to semiformal flattering finds
Talk of Town (TOT) is your one-stop destination when clothes shopping in Singapore. Think resort wear, casual and semi-formal ladies apparel wear, with clothes sizes ranging from XS to XL (North American size 2 to 16). Look out for Up! Pants from Montréal, Canada which are made from patented “thincredible” fit fabric. They’re designed to fit any silhouette with flattering results. Another great brand is Danish Y.A.S. which offers contemporary, sophisticated and beautifully crafted designs to the free-spirited woman. Also be sure to check out Sympli from Vancouver, Canada, when you’re in store. This brand offers fabulous fits that are “iron-free” in relaxed styles for everyday wear. Better yet, most of the styles come in a stretch jersey type fabric and in fun, bold colours.
#02-145 Tanglin Mall, 163 Tanglin Road
8186 0702 | talkoftownsg.com
Anna Rainn – clothes shopping in sensual styles for every size
Anna Rainn aims to revolutionise fashion for bold, fearless women, empowering them to embrace their curves and express confidence through garments that ground style, sexiness and size-inclusivity.
Now, the Singapore-based brand is inviting you to celebrate your individuality and self-expression by trying the CurveCouture range. This range comprises bold yet classy styles that highlight curves, from sleek separates to statement-making dresses, with sensuality infused in every piece.
Inclusivity is key here – because every woman deserves to feel beautiful and confident, regardless of size or shape. These are dresses that help women feel good about their bodies just as they are, not comparing themselves to a version from 5, 10 or 20 years ago. Join the CurveCouture movement, says the Anna Rainn team, and you can discover a world where style knows no size and confidence knows no limits. The wrap dress (pictured) is adjustable to most sizes, with no need to worry about variations over different times of the month. It works equally well when out and about in the city or when kicking back in holiday mode!
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This article first appeared in the April 2024 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy!
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