Your Guide To Inclusive Women’s Fashion

Finding clothes that feel good, fit right, and align with your values should not be hard. If you’ve ever sized up only to find tight sleeves, or loved a print but found the fabric scratchy, this guide is for you. Let’s chat about inclusive sizing, fabric choices that suit Aussie heat, ethical production, and easy styling so you can shop with confidence and have a little fun along the way.

What inclusive sizing should look like

Inclusive sizing is more than adding larger tags. It’s smart grading from XS to 4XL where each size grows in the right places. Here’s what good grading usually means:

• Bust and shoulder increments that match real bodies, so armholes don’t cut in.
• Sleeve width and bicep ease scaled by size, not copied from a sample.
• Hip and tummy room that increases along with length, so hems don’t ride up.
• Thoughtful stretch or darts at key points for shaping without squeeze.
• Consistent size charts that map to body measurements, not guesswork.

If you shop plus size clothing and the fit still feels off, it’s often a grading issue, not you. Choose brands that design curves from the start, rather than simply upsizing straight styles. Adrift builds ranges across XS to 4XL, and signature styles like Bonnie, Mirabelle and Farrah are known for forgiving cuts with shape, not bulk.

What is plus size in Australia?

Sizing terms vary across labels. In Australia, plus size is often used from around AU 18 with some brands starting earlier. In practice, your measurements matter more than the label. Check bust, waist, and hip in centimetres against each garment’s details. If a product lists flat measurements, double them and compare to your body with a small allowance for ease.

Quick guide:

• AU 16 to 18 can be the crossover area where both straight and curve-focused grading may work, depending on the brand.
• Always read fit notes for stretch, cut, and intended silhouette.

When you’re browsing Australian options, start with a brand’s size chart and reviews, then try two sizes if returns are easy. With Adrift, all styles are designed with curve-friendly grading across XS to 4XL, so you’ll find consistent fits in breathable fabrics.

Fabric first, especially for Aussie heat

• Natural fibres help you stay cool and comfortable.
• Cotton breathes, absorbs moisture, and is easy care. Look for cotton voile or poplin for airy movement.
• Linen is temperature regulating and strong. It softens with wear and holds colour beautifully.
• Blends with natural content can add drape and stretch while staying breathable.

Hot day test:

• Scrunch a swatch in your hand. If it warms up quickly and feels clammy, skip.
• Hold fabric to the light. You want airflow without being see-through.

If you prefer classic shapes, a linen A-line dress gives structure without cling, and linen dresses with a gentle swing skim the body and catch the breeze.

Because we mill our own linen, we oversee every step — from fibre selection and weave density to finishing — so the fabric feels softer, hangs better, and lasts longer.

Ethical production matters

Clothes feel better when they’re made right. Ethical production looks like fair wages, safe workplaces, and transparent supply chains. It often goes hand in hand with better fabrics and careful finishing, because brands that respect makers usually respect customers. If you value sustainable fashion, look for natural fibres, small-batch prints, and brands with clear statements on accountability. Adrift’s commitment to inclusivity and ethics is core to our design and production approach.

Smart try-on tips for a great fit

Bring a tape measure and a plan. These quick checks save returns:

• Measurements: Take bust, waist, hip, bicep, and shoulder to hem. Compare to the garment chart. Aim for 2 to 6 cm ease at the bust and hip depending on silhouette.
• Stretch: Pinch the fabric. If it has give, you can choose closer to your exact measurements. If it’s rigid, allow more ease.
• Drape: Lift and let the fabric fall. Good drape means fewer clingy spots.
• Sleeve length: Short sleeves that finish mid bicep flatter most arms. Bracelet length is great for balance. If sleeves pull when you raise your arms, size up or choose a raglan or dropped shoulder.
• Hem length: For dresses, knee to midi hits are versatile. Maxi lengths should glide, not trip. Sit down in the garment to check how it moves.
• How to tell your body shape

Shapes are guides, not rules. Stand in front of a mirror and compare shoulder, bust, waist, and hip widths.

• Rectangle: Shoulders, waist, and hips are similar. Create curves with waist definition and soft volume at the skirt or sleeve.
• Triangle: Hips wider than shoulders. Balance with shoulder detail, V necklines, and A-line skirts.
• Inverted triangle: Shoulders wider than hips. Soften the top with V or scoop necks and add movement to the lower half.
• Hourglass: Bust and hips balanced with a defined waist. Highlight the waist with belts or wrap styles.
• Round/apple: Fuller through the tummy. Look for fluid fabrics, gentle structure at the shoulder, and hemlines that skim.

Remember, you can be a blend. Fit and fabric matter more than a strict category.

Styling moves that flatter curves

Dress the body you have today and focus on balance.

Define the waist gently. Try elasticated backs, soft ties, or a slim belt. Adrift’s womens belts can shape without digging.

Choose necklines that open the face. V, split V, and soft scoops lengthen the line.

Embrace A-line and fit-and-flare. These cuts skim the tummy and hip while giving movement.

Use print and colour placement. Darker panels at the side or a vertical motif elongate. All-over prints can also disguise lines for a smooth look.

Mind the fabric weight. Too thin can cling; too thick can add bulk. Aim for midweight natural fibres with flow.

Try sleeves with ease. 3/4 or flutter sleeves balance the upper arm beautifully.

What styles are most flattering for plus size?

There’s no single answer, but these are reliable:

• A-line and swing dresses with a gentle shoulder angle.
• Wrap and faux-wrap styles that anchor at the waist.
• Empire seams that start above the natural waist with soft gathering.
• Tiered skirts with restrained volume and smooth upper panels.
• Shirt dresses with structure through the shoulder and fluidity through the body.

Explore Adrift staples like breezy boho pieces, plus-size cotton dresses for warm days, and curve-focused silhouettes across Bonnie, Mirabelle and Farrah.

Everyday outfit ideas

• Warm workday: Lightweight cotton midi with a split V neckline, add a slim belt and sandals. If you love relaxed boho dresses, pick a print with a vertical flow to streamline.
• Weekend brunch: Linen shirt dress or a soft A-line cut with white sneakers. Add a crossbody and sunnies.
• Event ready: A Mirabelle style with subtle tiers, block heels, and statement earrings.

If you prefer to buy dresses online and compare at home, check return policies and order two sizes when unsure.

Where Adrift fits in

Adrift designs for real bodies with inclusive sizes XS to 4XL, breathable natural fibres, and ethical production. If you want options that skim rather than squeeze, explore:

• Cotton dresses in fresh prints, graded for curves across every size.
• Linen-rich cuts with movement.
• Feminine silhouettes that define the waist softly.

A few places to start: the boho by Adrift edits for relaxed prints, our curve-friendly plus size clothing, and classic cotton and linen ranges for trans-seasonal wear.

Quick answers to your top questions

• What is plus size in Australia, and at what size are you considered plus size? Often around AU 18, sometimes earlier depending on the brand. Use measurements for accuracy.
• How to dress well as an overweight woman? Prioritise fit, breathable fabrics, and balance. Define the waist gently, choose necklines that open the face, and pick silhouettes with movement.
• What is the most flattering style for plus size? A-line, wrap, and shirt dress shapes in natural fibres with good drape are dependable picks.
• How do you tell what body shape you are? Compare shoulder, bust, waist, and hip widths. Use shape as a guide, then test cuts that feel great on you.

Screenshot friendly shopping checklist

Save this before your next try-on:

• Take current measurements in cm, including bicep.
• Check fabric content; aim for cotton or linen in the heat.
• Look for drape and breathability.
• Confirm sleeve ease and hem length while moving and sitting.
• Choose necklines that open the chest and balance proportions.
• Prioritise proper grading across sizes, not just upsizing.
• Favour brands with ethical production and transparent sizing.

Ready to find your fit and feel amazing in the heat? Explore Adrift’s inclusive ranges and discover effortless silhouettes that work with your body, not against it.