Plus Size Indie Contemporary Designers w/ HOT Fashions | TCF
Remember the days of settling for boring, boxy clothes that barely counted as fashion? You know the ones—where everything came in black, brown, or beige (yawn), and actually finding something cute in your size felt like a miracle? Yeah… we left that energy way back in the archives.
These days, we’re living in a plus size fashion renaissance, and indie contemporary designers are leading the charge with bold, thoughtful, boundary-pushing looks. Fall is the perfect time to upgrade your wardrobe and experiment with rich textures, cozy layers, and deliciously dramatic silhouettes. And let’s be honest—nothing hits quite like a statement coat or a sweater dress that fits just right.
But here’s the kicker: shopping indie isn’t just about the clothes (though, let’s be real, they kill it on style). It’s about supporting the designers who are rewriting the rules, those impressive creatives building brands that center style, substance, and size inclusivity from the jump. They’re crafting pieces with love, intention, and a whole lot of personality. So when you shop these collections, you’re not just getting dressed… you’re making a statement.
Ready to fall back in love with fashion? Here are 10 plus size indie contemporary designers you need to know. And trust—this is just the beginning. We’ve got even more indie designer gems for you to explore over on The Curvy Fashionista, so don’t stop here.
Ready to dive in? Here are 10 of the coolest plus size indie contemporary designers and brands you should know about.
Your 10 New Favorite Plus Size Indie Contemporary Designers
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kaicollective.com
Kai Collective is a celebrated London-based contemporary brand known for its distinctive designs and a strong commitment to making women feel confident. As an indie designer, it focuses on creating luxurious, high-quality pieces emphasizing inclusivity and a unique aesthetic, such as the Mita knitted jersey.
Available up to size 3XL.
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www.byvinnik.com
byVINNIK, founded in May 2019 in Los Angeles by opera‑singer‑turned‑designer Suzanne Vinnik, offers limited-run, artisan-crafted apparel that merges theatrical glamour with ethical, slow-fashion principles. Each piece—from opulent kaftans and jackets to dresses, jumpsuits, and accessories—is hand-cut, fashioned using deadstock and vintage textiles, and produced in a clean, living-wage facility in downtown LA. What truly sets byVINNIK apart? Their signature inclusive approach: custom-developed patterns are available in both S–XL and 1X–3X+, ensuring that dramatic style meets thoughtful fit in every size
Wray NYC is an independent fashion brand founded by designer Wray Serna, known for its vibrant, contemporary designs and a commitment to ethical manufacturing. The brand is a true plus size indie contemporary designer, offering a full and inclusive size range and using diverse models to represent its collections.
Available up to size 6X.
Hanifa, founded by designer Anifa Mvuemba, is a contemporary brand that has made a name for itself with innovative and fashion-forward designs. This Tia Bubble Shirt Dress showcases Hanifa”s creative approach, with its unique bubble hem and elegant tie-front detail, embodying the brand’s place as a celebrated plus size indie contemporary designer.
Available in size 3XL.
Founded by plus-size model and body-positivity advocate Gia Sinatra, GIA/irl creates trendy, confidence-boosting styles designed to flatter fuller figures with a playful, sexy edge. With dresses, sets, wedding‑guest pieces, and more—all crafted mindfully for curves—the brand starts at about US 10 (size 00) and extends impressively to US 30 (5X) The detailed size chart spans up to 5X (US 32), thoughtfully calibrated across bust, waist, and hip measurements to ensure a sleek, supportive fit.
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selkiecollection.com
Selkie is an indie contemporary designer known for its whimsical and romantic aesthetic, often inspired by fairytales and vintage fashion. The Trip Waltz Gown is a prime example of their signature style, with its layers of billowing organdy and charming bows, showcasing the brand’s unique and artistic vision within the plus size fashion space.
Available up to 6X.
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lealealoveclothing.com
Lea Lea Love Clothing, a LA-based brand born from plus-size fit modeling, offers couture-inspired corset tops, structured bustier dresses, and chic bottoms—all designed to celebrate and support fuller figures, especially for those 5ʹ6″ and under. The line runs from L to 6X, with carefully crafted measurements across bust, waist, and hips in the Floral Femme Fatale collection and more, ensuring a confident and comfortable fit that’s as seductive as it is supportive.
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santegrace.com
Sante Grace is a Beverly Hills-based plus size brand that focuses on accessible luxury with high-end fabrics and sophisticated designs. The Light Sleeper Milan set, with its versatile design that works for both formal occasions and casual wear, highlights the brand’s mission to provide trendy, high-quality pieces for the fashion-conscious plus size customer.
Available up to size 5X.
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www.baacal.com
BAACAL, founded by former Vince designer Cynthia Vincent, is an independent brand that brings high-end, sustainable fashion to the plus size market. This Sheer Lace Mesh Dress perfectly exemplifies the brand’s sophisticated and edgy aesthetic, offering a versatile and stylish piece that can be layered to create a unique look.
Available up to size 5X.
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www.christianomeshun.com
Christian Omeshun is a plus size contemporary brand that offers unique, high-end, and custom-made pieces. The Zambia Printed Kaftan showcases the brand’s aesthetic with its elegant ruffles and versatile design, embodying the brand’s mission to create sophisticated and chic clothing for the curvy woman.
Available up to size 5X.
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tamaramalas.com
Tamara Malas is a plus size indie designer who crafts beautiful, whimsical, and fashion-forward pieces. The Lola Pant, with its elevated bloomer style and delicate lace detailing, exemplifies the brand’s unique aesthetic and commitment to creating playful yet sophisticated clothing for a wide range of sizes.
Available up to size 36.
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www.hilarymacmillan.com
Hilary MacMillan is a Canadian designer known for her modern, edgy aesthetic and a strong commitment to size inclusivity. The Twill Double Belted Boyfriend Blazer exemplifies the brand’s contemporary style, with its sharp tailoring and unique double-belt detail, offering a fashionable and versatile piece for a wide range of body types.
Available up to size 4X.
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cherricheeks.com
Dive into confidence with Cherri Cheeks, where every swimsuit is designed to play up fuller figures with flair. Their swimwear celebrates boldness and body positivity through playful prints, thoughtful cuts, and supportive designs that empower you to shine—whether you’re lounging poolside or strutting the runway. Based on the energy of plus-size runway vibes and curvy empowerment, Cherri Cheeks is more than swimwear, it’s a statement of self-love, style, and summer-ready sassiness.
Level Up Your Look: How to Shop Indie Like a Pro
Diving into the world of indie fashion can feel like stepping into a chic new dimension and we’re here for it. But it is a little different than shopping your usual go-to retailers, so here are some tips to make it smooth, stylish sailing:
1. Know thy measurements. Indie brands don’t always follow standard sizing (and thank goodness for that!). Grab a tape measure and note your bust, waist, and hips. Trust—it’ll save you from the heartbreak of ordering something gorge that doesn’t fit quite right.
2. Be bold, boo. This is not the time to play it safe. These designers are bringing the drama, the color, the texture. Try that oversized blazer. Rock that asymmetrical hemline. Fashion is supposed to be fun and fall is the season of reinvention.
3. Get touchy-feely… with fabrics. Indie brands often use luxe or sustainable materials like linen, silk, or ponte knits. Peek at the fabric descriptions to see how the piece might move on your body or layer into your wardrobe.
4. Ask questions. Got a sizing or fit Q? Reach out! Most indie brands are run by real humans (many of whom look like us) and are more than happy to help you find your perfect fit.
The Future of Fashion is Fat, Fly, and Fiercely Indie
Here’s the real tea: the future of fashion is being shaped right now by the very designers who are centering plus size bodies, not as an afterthought, but as the main character. They’re not waiting for permission. They’re creating clothing that celebrates, elevates, and actually fits us.
So when you support indie plus size brands, you’re doing more than upgrading your closet, you’re investing in an industry where inclusion isn’t a trend, it’s the foundation. It’s personal. It’s powerful. And it’s absolutely fabulous.
Now go forth, fall style icon. Explore, experiment, and show up in the kind of fashion that gets you. Start with the 10 designers we’ve spotlighted, then keep the discovery going on The Curvy Fashionista. Your next style obsession is just a click away.
Have you discovered any other excellent plus size indie contemporary designers that you can’t get enough of? Share your favorites in the comments below!
