Marks & Spencer has launched its first-ever dedicated plus-size range following a growing demand from shoppers.
The new Curve collection, which starts at a size 18 and goes up to a size 32 (US size 14 to 28), represents a first for the high street giant whose womenswear range normally goes up to a 22.
The new line, which was announced this week, comprises 100 pieces designed to ‘fit and flatter’ curvy women and is available online, hitting stores later this month.
It was created following a huge demand from shoppers wanting pieces specifically tailored for plus-size bodies, according to the store, with the average UK woman now wearing a size 16.
And the news was welcomed by shoppers on social media, with one Facebook user commenting: ‘It’s about time!’
A leather jacket from the collection. The Curve range comprises 100 pieces designed to ‘fit and flatter’ curvy women and is available online, hitting stores later this month
Starting at £7.50, it includes a mix of everyday and occasion wear pieces for larger women, from knitwear and coats to blouses with intricate sleeve detailing, evening dresses and jumpsuits.
According to M&S’ team of designers, fabrics were carefully chosen to compliment fuller figures with the aid of non-cling and stretch finishes, while each garment was ‘specifically tailored with an awareness of shapes and proportions’.
In a press release, the high street giant said: ‘Marks & Spencer is committed to offering a breadth of sizing across all ranges; the Curve collection complements and enhances the existing offering, for exceptional fit without compromising on style.’
And despite a somewhat mixed reaction from shoppers on social media, the collection has been hailed as a success by style experts.
A formal dress and longline jacket from the new range. Starting at £7.50, it includes a mix of everyday and occasion wear pieces for larger women, from knitwear and coats to blouses with intricate sleeve detailing, evening dresses and jumpsuits
Celebrity stylist and fashion designer Lucas Armitage (The-Timeless.com) told MailOnline FEMAIL: ‘Finally, high street retailers are realising that plus-size women are not just on the lookout for shapeless, boring black sacks.
‘While the M&S Curve collection is fairly capsule right now, it offers some great directional pieces that will really be a breath of fresh air for bored plus-size shoppers.
‘My favourite piece is the half-sleeve mesh midi dress. Mesh is a plus-size girl’s best friend and it gives you the look of being sexy and revealing whilst shaping problem areas such as the upper arm.’
A pleated front wrap jumpsuit from the collection, £65 and a standout piece according to fashion expert Naomi Isted, editor of ultimatelifestylist.com
A knitted V-neck (left) and embroidered white shirt (right). According to M&S’ team of designers, fabrics were carefully chosen to compliment fuller figures
Lucas added: ‘I also love the longline checked shirt, it will be the work-horse of your daytime wardrobe. The length of all the pieces in the range are cut just right and this shirt skims over the bum and hips to finish on the thigh – a more flattering length for many plus-size girls than a standard for shirt.
‘I would have liked to see more colour in the collection as I feel the abundance of black is a bit predictable, but M&S have made a great start here and I’m excited to see how the range develops.’
M&S is just the latest retailer to jump on the plus-size bandwagon, following the likes of New Look, River Island and ASOS who already offer dedicated ranges for larger women.
The stores are catering to a lucrative industry now worth an estimated £5.4 billion in the UK (based on sales of clothing over a size 16), a figure that could rise to £6.4 billion by 2019, according to retail research agency Conlumino.
The fashion stylist’s verdict
Fashion expert and stylist Naomi Isted is the editor of ultimatelifestylist.com
‘Over the years I’ve been deeply disappointed by the lack of trend styles, prints and colours available within plus size ranges,’ says Naomi Isted, stylist and editor of ultimatelifestylist.com.
I love the grey biker jacket and the cool midi with mesh sleeves. The jumpsuit could be accessorised to dress it up or down – teamed with red heels and chunky jewellery and faux fur for night, or trainers and a fedora for daytime.
‘However I do still feel the range is targeted at an older market, as a younger women will be looking for cooler styles and more fabrics and colour options.
‘Key trend colours like pinks and reds instead of just black, and some structured pieces to emphasise curves, would have been brilliant.’