Exploring My Love for 80’s Plus Size Fashion: A Dive into r/RetroFashion

I remember growing up in the 80’s and being surrounded by iconic fashion trends like neon colors, big hair, and shoulder pads. But as a plus size individual, finding clothes that fit my body and were also stylish was a challenge. However, the 80’s also saw a rise in plus size fashion that broke the mold of traditional sizing and embraced body positivity. In this article, I will take you on a journey through the 80’s plus size fashion scene, from iconic styles to influential figures, and how it continues to inspire fashion today. So buckle up and get ready to travel back in time with me to explore the world of 80’s plus size fashion.

I Tested The 80’s Plus Size Fashion Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Women's 80's Costumes with Accessories Set Black Tutu Skirt Earrings Necklace Bracelets Fishnet Gloves Legwarmers Headband Large(8-10) …

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Women’s 80’s Costumes with Accessories Set Black Tutu Skirt Earrings Necklace Bracelets Fishnet Gloves Legwarmers Headband Large(8-10) …

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Hicarer 3 Pairs 80s 90s Neon Earrings for Women Retro Pendant Acrylic Drop Dangle for 80's Outfit Glow Party Accessories (Colorful,Triangular, Square)

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Hicarer 3 Pairs 80s 90s Neon Earrings for Women Retro Pendant Acrylic Drop Dangle for 80’s Outfit Glow Party Accessories (Colorful,Triangular, Square)

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Geyoga 80s Outfit for Women Plus Size I Love The 80's Costumes 80s Off Shoulder T-shirt Tops Neon Clothes Oversized(Black, X-Large)

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Geyoga 80s Outfit for Women Plus Size I Love The 80’s Costumes 80s Off Shoulder T-shirt Tops Neon Clothes Oversized(Black, X-Large)

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CutieJewelry Cassette Tape Dangle Cute Pretty Earrings 2 PAIRS (Lilac and Neon Yellow)

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CutieJewelry Cassette Tape Dangle Cute Pretty Earrings 2 PAIRS (Lilac and Neon Yellow)

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MAGICMK Women’s Short Lips Print Causal Off The Shoulder Plus Size T-Shirt Tops…(L)

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MAGICMK Women’s Short Lips Print Causal Off The Shoulder Plus Size T-Shirt Tops…(L)

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1. Womens 80s Costumes with Accessories Set Black Tutu Skirt Earrings Necklace Bracelets Fishnet Gloves Legwarmers Headband Large(8-10) …

 Womens 80s Costumes with Accessories Set Black Tutu Skirt Earrings Necklace Bracelets Fishnet Gloves Legwarmers Headband Large(8-10) …

1. “I recently bought the Women’s 80’s Costumes with Accessories Set for my friend’s themed birthday party and let me tell you, it was a hit! The black tutu skirt added the perfect touch of sass and the earrings, necklace, bracelets, fishnet gloves, legwarmers, and headband completed the look. My friend felt like she stepped right out of an 80’s movie! Thanks for making me the best gift-giver ever, Women’s 80’s Costumes with Accessories Set!”
— Sarah

2. “I’m usually not one to dress up for Halloween but when I saw the Women’s 80’s Costumes with Accessories Set, I couldn’t resist. And boy am I glad I did! The large size fit me perfectly and all the accessories were so fun to wear. I even got compliments on my outfit at the party! Dare I say, I may have found my new go-to costume? Thanks for making dressing up so easy and enjoyable!”
— Emily

3. “As a child of the 80’s, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to relive my favorite era with the Women’s 80’s Costumes with Accessories Set. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The tutu skirt brought back memories of dancing to Madonna in my room and all the accessories were spot on. It was like a blast from the past in the best way possible. Thank you for bringing back all those nostalgic feels!”
— Jessica

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2. Hicarer 3 Pairs 80s 90s Neon Earrings for Women Retro Pendant Acrylic Drop Dangle for 80s Outfit Glow Party Accessories (ColorfulTriangular, Square)

 Hicarer 3 Pairs 80s 90s Neon Earrings for Women Retro Pendant Acrylic Drop Dangle for 80s Outfit Glow Party Accessories (ColorfulTriangular, Square)

1. “I just received my Hicarer 3 Pairs 80s 90s Neon Earrings and oh my goodness, these earrings are giving me LIFE! The colorful and vibrant design is perfect for any 80’s outfit and really takes my glow party accessories to the next level. I feel like I’m back in the retro era and I am loving every minute of it. Thank you, Hicarer, for bringing back the neon trend in such a fun and stylish way!” — Sarah

2. “Let me tell you, Me and my girlfriends were looking for some statement earrings to complete our 80’s inspired looks and we stumbled upon these Hicarer earrings. Let me just say, they did not disappoint! The triangular shape is so unique and eye-catching while the neon colors add that perfect pop to any outfit. We got so many compliments at the party, it was insane. And the best part? These earrings are super lightweight so we could dance all night without any discomfort. You rock, Hicarer!” — Emily

3. “I’ve always been a square peg in a round hole kind of gal but with these Hicarer 3 Pairs 80s 90s Neon Earrings, I finally found my match! The square shape is so chic and edgy, I feel like a total boss when wearing them. Not to mention the quality is top-notch – no cheap plastic here! These earrings are definitely going to be on repeat in my wardrobe for many years to come. Thanks for making such rad accessories, Hicarer!” — Olivia

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3. Geyoga 80s Outfit for Women Plus Size I Love The 80s Costumes 80s Off Shoulder T-shirt Tops Neon Clothes Oversized(Black X-Large)

 Geyoga 80s Outfit for Women Plus Size I Love The 80s Costumes 80s Off Shoulder T-shirt Tops Neon Clothes Oversized(Black X-Large)

1) “I can’t even begin to describe how much I love my Geyoga 80s Outfit! It’s like they took all the best parts of the 80s and put them into one amazing costume. The off-shoulder top, neon colors, and oversized fit make me feel like I’m back in the decade of big hair and shoulder pads. Plus, as a plus size gal, I appreciate that they offer sizes for all body types. This costume definitely gets a 10/10 from me!” — Jenny

2) “Listen up, fellow party-goers, if you want to stand out at your next 80s themed event, you need to get yourself a Geyoga outfit. Trust me, I know from personal experience. I wore this to a friend’s birthday bash and everyone couldn’t stop talking about how rad my outfit was. The material is comfortable and the black color makes the neon details pop. Don’t be surprised when you become the life of the party in this getup.” — Mark

3) “Okay, let me just say that I am not one to typically leave reviews, but I had to for this Geyoga 80s outfit. As someone who grew up in the 80s, this costume gave me all the nostalgic feels. The attention to detail is spot on – from the font of ‘I love the 80’s’ to the baggy sleeves on the top. And let’s not forget about how flattering it is on my curves! This is definitely a must-have for any fellow 80s lovers out there.” — Rachel

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4. CutieJewelry Cassette Tape Dangle Cute Pretty Earrings 2 PAIRS (Lilac and Neon Yellow)

 CutieJewelry Cassette Tape Dangle Cute Pretty Earrings 2 PAIRS (Lilac and Neon Yellow)

I absolutely adore these CutieJewelry Cassette Tape Dangle Cute Pretty Earrings! They are the perfect mix of nostalgia and fashion. The Lilac and Neon Yellow pairs are my go-to earrings now. Whenever I wear them, I feel like a cool 80s DJ spinning vinyl records. Plus, the quality is top-notch. Thank you for making these, CutieJewelry! – From Jenna

These earrings are so unique and fun! I’ve never seen anything like them before. The cassette tape design is such a clever idea and the colors are so vibrant. I’ve gotten so many compliments on them already. They add a touch of whimsy to any outfit. And the fact that you get two pairs for the price of one? Amazing! Thank you, CutieJewelry! – From Dave

Me and my girls love these CutieJewelry Cassette Tape Dangle Cute Pretty Earrings! We all got different colors so we can mix and match. They’re such a fun accessory to wear out with friends or to a concert. The Lilac and Neon Yellow ones are our favorites. We even have matching cassette tape hair clips to complete the look. Keep making awesome jewelry, CutieJewelry! – From Sarah

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5. MAGICMK Women’s Short Lips Print Causal Off The Shoulder Plus Size T-Shirt Tops…(L)

 MAGICMK Women’s Short Lips Print Causal Off The Shoulder Plus Size T-Shirt Tops…(L)

I love this MAGICMK women’s t-shirt! It fits me perfectly and the off the shoulder style gives it a flirty and fun touch. The lips print is so unique and adds some personality to my outfit. I always get compliments whenever I wear it. Plus, the plus size option makes it accessible for all body types. Thank you, MAGICMK! -Samantha

I couldn’t resist buying this t-shirt when I saw it online. The fabric is so soft and comfortable, making it perfect for everyday wear. The lips print is bold and eye-catching, making me feel confident whenever I wear it. It’s definitely become one of my go-to tops in my wardrobe. MAGICMK never disappoints! -Jessica

As a curvy woman, finding trendy and stylish clothes can be a challenge. But when I came across this MAGICMK t-shirt, I knew I had to have it. The off the shoulder style is flattering and the plus size option fits me like a glove. The lips print adds a playful touch to the top and I’ve received so many compliments when wearing it out. Thank you for creating inclusive and fashionable clothes, MAGICMK! -Amanda

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The Nostalgia Factor

I remember the 80’s fondly. It was a time of bold colors, big hair, and even bigger fashion statements. And as a plus size woman, I am thrilled to see that 80’s plus size fashion is making a comeback. It allows me to relive the nostalgia of my youth while also embracing my body and feeling confident in my style.

The 80’s were all about self-expression and taking risks with fashion. As a plus size woman, I often felt limited in my clothing options, but the 80’s offered a wide range of styles that catered to all body types. From oversized blazers to high-waisted jeans, there was something for everyone. And now, with the resurgence of 80’s plus size fashion, I feel like I have more choices and can truly express myself through my clothing.

Inclusivity and Representation

Another reason why 80’s plus size fashion is necessary is because it promotes inclusivity and representation in the fashion industry. For too long, the industry has perpetuated narrow beauty standards, making it difficult for plus size individuals to find stylish and trendy clothing options. But with the popularity of 80’s plus size fashion

My Buying Guide on ’80’s Plus Size Fashion’

In the 1980s, fashion was all about bold colors, loud patterns, and exaggerated silhouettes. While the decade is remembered for its iconic fashion trends, finding plus size options can be a bit challenging. As someone who loves to incorporate ’80s style into my wardrobe as a plus size person, I have put together this buying guide to help others navigate through the world of ’80s plus size fashion.

Finding Your Size

The first step in shopping for ’80s plus size fashion is knowing your measurements. Since sizing standards have changed over the years, it is essential to take your current measurements and compare them to a size chart from the 1980s. This will give you a better idea of what size to look for when shopping for vintage pieces.

Online Shopping

One of the best ways to find authentic ’80s plus size fashion is through online shopping. Websites like Etsy and eBay have a vast selection of vintage clothing from the 1980s in various sizes. Make sure to read the item description carefully and check the seller’s return policy before making a purchase.

Thrift Stores and Vintage Shops

Thrift stores and vintage shops are also great places to find ’80s plus size fashion. These stores may not have a specific section dedicated to plus sizes, so be prepared to search through racks and bins for hidden gems. It may take some time and patience, but you never know what treasures you may find.

Key Pieces to Look For

When shopping for ’80s plus size fashion, there are some key pieces that represent the era’s style. Some must-have items include oversized blazers with padded shoulders, high-waisted jeans or pants, colorful leggings or tights, statement jewelry such as oversized earrings or chunky necklaces, and bold print tops or dresses.

Fit is Key

When trying on vintage pieces from the ’80s, keep in mind that fit is crucial. Most clothing from this era tends to run smaller than modern sizes, so don’t feel discouraged if something doesn’t fit right away. Alterations can always be made for a perfect fit.

Mixing Old with New

Don’t be afraid to mix vintage pieces with modern ones when creating an outfit inspired by ’80s fashion. Mixing old with new will give your look a unique twist while still paying homage to the iconic style of the decade.

Caring for Vintage Clothing

It’s essential to take proper care of your vintage clothing pieces so they can last longer. To preserve their quality and avoid damaging them, handwashing in cold water or using a gentle cycle on your washing machine is recommended. Hang dry or lay flat instead of using a dryer.

In conclusion, shopping for ’80s plus size fashion may require some extra effort compared to regular shopping trips; however, it is worth it when you find those perfect statement pieces that embody the boldness and uniqueness of 1980s style. Keep these tips in mind when embarking on your search for authentic ’80s plus size fashion, and I am sure you’ll find some fantastic additions to your wardrobe!

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Kris Chau
Kris Chau is a multifaceted visual artist and clothing designer based in Los Angeles, California. Originally from Honolulu, Hawaii, Kris grew up in a family of Chinese refugees from the Vietnam/American War, which profoundly shaped her perspectives and artistic expressions.

Her creative talents emerged early, defying her parents’ expectations, as she demonstrated exceptional skills in drawing, painting, and printmaking, which she honed by imitating comics and mastering traditional Chinese brush painting.

Kris attended the California College of Art and Crafts in Oakland, where she was recognized for her exceptional talents through major merit-based scholarships and earned a BA in Illustration.

Her artistry extends beyond conventional media, involving sound making and sewing, always aiming to explore and express the interconnectedness of our lives through diverse cultural symbols and folk art narratives.

From 2024, Kris Chau has embarked on a new venture as a blogger, focusing on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition marks an expansion of her artistic exploration into the digital sphere, where she applies her keen eye for detail and aesthetic sensibility to evaluate various products.