Why Isn’t My Outerwear Flattering?

Plus Snow X Shapely

In January of 2021 a group of amazing plus size men and women took to the slopes to enjoy a weekend of all things fun and living out loud. Knowing that finding flattering plus size outerwear can be a challenge, Jasmine, Toya and myself were outfitted in Plus Snow outerwear.

Why Isn’t My Outwear Flattering? Does this sound familiar? If so, then this article is for you. I’ve spent a big chunk of money, around $800 or so, trying to find outerwear for my ski trips that would flatter my size and my figure. I typically travel in a group and year after year my vacation partners constantly ask me:

Why is the good stuff so expensive?
How do I find outerwear that not only fits, but flatters?
If it does fit and flatter, is it practical?

After trotting through the eastern coast of America, hitting one bunny slope after the next, I’ve tested and tried a variety of brands. I made sure to check for bulk, shape, practicality and warmth. I would often find that the cute stuff isn’t very practical and at times it isn’t even made in my size.

People of size are deserving of the good stuff too! That’s where Plus Snow comes in. Plus Snow was founded by Mon Balon. Though Balon is not a person of size herself, she has become an advocate in the plus size industry using the hashtag #curvystoke to highlight people of size living out loud. She is pushing for companies to expand their sizes because that is the right thing to do.

Mon’s mother owned a second-hand ski shop in Melbourne, Australia when she was a girl. The ski shop was later closed as big box retailers started selling more affordable gear. As Mon went in to online retail, she quickly found a hole in the market, there was very little in the way of plus size ski gear. “It was all about making the sport accessible to everyone.” This is the philosophy that drives the brand Plus Snow which provides outdoor gear for people of size.

Mon has spent years working with manufacturers to create ski gear in a large variety of plus sizes. One of my favorite features is the “Shop Your Shape” feature on her site PlusSnow.com. If you have ever wanted a virtual stylist that comes with a lesson in functionality, the Shop your Shape feature is for you. Check out our review of Plus Snow which is inclusive of a full body try on.

Let’s Drop Some Knowledge

Now let’s answer the questions above.

Why is the good stuff so expensive? Ski gear which is 'cheap' and low quality is often not flattering because the cheapest type of insulation is bulky for the same level of warmth. High quality insulations have a low-loft which means, you don't need as much to keep you just as warm or warmer. Nobody wants to look bigger in their snow gear than they already feel. A nicer quality jacket will make you feel warm and snuggly. A low quality jacket will feel like a sack.
Also different outer fabrics sit differently on your body. So a cheap fabric will not have the same softness or flexibility in the fabric so it won't hug your curves as well.
How do I find outerwear that not only fits, but flatters? How jackets and pants are 'cut' will determine whether something is flattering. A cheaper pair of pants with less sew lines for shape, will result in a much more unflattering pair of pants for example. Like anything and more so in technical clothing, you often get what you pay for. The trick is to find something which gives you what you want and need (for example having a high waterproof and breathability rating in your gear) without having to pay for features which you don't necessarily want or need (for example having a name brand). For that you can visit PlusSnow.com
If it does fit and flatter, is it practical? Ski gear should not be considered as fast fashion. You buy it once and if it's good quality, you'll get lots of wear out of it. It should last for many years.

Like what you see? We did too. Check out some pictures of our outerwear in action.