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by Daniel Dionne

Plus Size Teen Fashions – Finally a Choice in Style and Fit

For years, plus size teens and young adults had little in the way of choice for fashionable, youthful clothing. They were forced to shop at “fat” stores, and find the least conservative styles at the “plus size ladies or guys” store. Manufacturers and retail stores would call all their plus size clothing, “teen friendly” when in reality the large flower print smock type blouses didn’t even really appeal to old ladies! It took years for the s/m/l designer mindset to realize that the majority of women and men, let alone teens aren’t s/m/l.

Plus size pre-teens had it even worse. At that awkward growing stage, pre-teens had to buy jeans that were way too baggy, long and shapeless and even with alteration, they would grow out of them quickly. Swimming suits for pre-teens went to size 14 or 16 if they were lucky, and they were never sized properly or attractive. JC Penneys and Sears were about the only common brick and mortar stores with some choice for plus size pre-teen and plus size teen fashion. And of course, back then in the 80s and early 90s there wasn’t an internet and catalog companies didn’t cater to plus size teens either! Going back further, the fashion world all but ignored plus size people in general. There might be one large size store in town and the mumu house dress and the boxy navy suit were all they carried. Plus size teenage girls in the 50s and 60s had to resort to wearing men’s jeans and slacks and shirts in order not to look like a 60 year old grandmother. The 70s brought an appreciation and realization that one size did not fit all, and jean companies began to stretch their line to size 18 and 20 with some fashionable choices. Richard Simmons came on the fashion scene in the early 80s and brought a recognition that plus size women and men were people too and might want some style in the wardrobe. But it still took another 20 years for fashion to embrace a teenage, youthful plus size look.

Thank goodness times have changed! Finally the fashion world has recognized there is a market for young, hip, plus size clothing and the internet is the delivery vehicle. The internet has forced choice on the fashion manufacturers and they are slowly realizing the demand is there and profitable. Forward thinking companies like Alight, Always for Me, Torrid, b&lu, Lane Bryant and The Avenue are delivering plus size teen fashions, in many choices and styles. Plus size teens still can’t find many options at the mall but that will no doubt change as the popularity of the online plus size teen stores becomes evident. Television shows like Oprah, Tyra and The View are featuring plus size fashion shows as the norm and not the exception. The waif model is morphing into a more realistic body type and fashion designers are building their styles on “normal” women, rather than designing a size 0 and making it larger for their plus size customers.

This notion that plus size teens would rather hide because of their weight problem and then not need fashion is being replaced with the realization that with body acceptance comes a greater ability to deal with weight issues. Again, stars like Oprah, Tyra and plus size model Emme have consistently asked for change in the way society treats plus size teens and adults. Slowly our image of a beautiful woman or attractive man isn’t limited to skin and bones, but includes all shapes and sizes. This new, healthy way of looking at size and style will ultimately help plus size teens feel better about themselves both mentally and physically. Hopefully the fashion world will embrace these new body types and retail possibilities and continue to expand their lines with plus size clothing actually made just for plus size teens.

by ecstaticist

Special Tips to Get The Right Size Biker Leather Clothing

Get it right the first time you will surely be disappointed if your beautiful leathers arrive and they don’t fit correctly. Online is a great place to buy leathers but you want to be sure to get your size right. Making a mistake here may mean sending it back and that means extra costs.

Many biker leather sites have sizing charts and you will use these measurement procedures and the sizing chart to determine your final size.

First: how to measure for the correct size For women Measure around the fullest part of bust under arms with arms relaxed down at sides. For men Chest:Measure around chest just under arms across shoulder blades with arms relaxed down at sides.For Coat/Length: Measure from the highest point of the shoulder down.

Height: Measure from top of head down standing barefoot on a hard flat surface with normal posture.

Hips: Measure around fullest part of body at the top of legs with feet together.

Inseam: Measure from inside crotch seam to the hem of pants that fit you well.

Waist: Measure around natural waistline, which appears as crease when bending to one side.

Neck: Measure around fullest part of neck.

Sleeve: Measure from center back of neck, over point of shoulder, and down outside of arm past elbow to wrist with arm relaxed.

LEATHER JACKETS and VESTS Leather jackets have number sizes that correspond to chest inches. For example, a size 46 jackets would measure 46 inches. It is best to measure your chest while wearing a shirt and then to order the next size higher in a leather jacket or vest. For example, if your chest measures 45-46 inches, then order a Size 48.

To measure, use a standard tape measure and wrap the tape measure around your back, just under your armpits and then loosely across your chest. If your waist size exceeds your chest size, then use your waist measurement and go up one size. You can also supply us with your measurements at the time of the order.

You want to choose a jacket that is big enough for your actual chest measurement. And you want to make sure the size will be big enough for your belly (if you have one). The max belly for any size jacket is approximately 6″ less than the jacket size (example: max belly for a 46 is a 40″ belly).

Size charts for chaps are listed in most sizing charts. The most important measurement for chaps is the thigh. Using a standard tape measure, measure around the thickest part of your thigh while wearing jeans or pants. Do not order a pair of chaps that are less than your thigh measurement. Each pair of chaps can be adjusted down should your waist size be less than what is listed in the size chart.

If they are going to be worn for cold weather riding put on all of your under garments and then take your measurements.

Helmet size charts are listed with the description for each helmet. To measure your head, use a standard tape measure and wrap the tape measure around the back of your head, just above the ears and then across the forehead. If your head size is between two sizes, order the smaller size, as it is better if the helmet fits tighter than too loose.

Please take into account the clothing you will be wearing underneath your jacket or vest when selecting your size. Your shirt size will not necessarily be your jacket or vest size.

In order to provide maximum protection while riding, you should purchase leathers that are designed for your riding style and that fit comfortably and properly.

Please take into account the clothing you will be wearing underneath your vest when selecting your size. Your shirt size will not necessarily be your vest size.

If you have any doubts be sure and send an email describing any questions you may have.

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