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Article published in Devon Link Spring 2003

Size certainly matters, especially if you can't find anything to fit when shopping for clothes and shoes. The fashion industry has begun to realise that men and women are rarely 'average size'. This realisation may not be very evident on the High Street, although some towns are lucky enough to have an Ann Harvey, a Long Tall Sally, an Evans or a High and Mighty.

If you are looking for something a bit more unusual you need to look at the Mail order catalogues, as they can afford to aim their products at a narrower market.

It is difficult and maybe not advisable, for women with a fuller figure to buy bras by mail order, as it is always wise to be fitted for a bra by a trained corsetry fitter, but companies such as 'Bravisimo' and 'Shapely Figures' have a beautiful range of bras that go up to 56" with cup sizes of 'B' to 'J'. 'Shapely Figures' also sells pants and slinky nightwear from size 12 to 30.

At the other end of the scale, women with smaller breasts don't have to be limited to the teen bra selection, as 'Little Women' sells bras, pants and bikinis from 32 AA and even do a generously padded AAA.

As mentioned before, 'Long Tall Sally' is on some High Streets, but do a wider range through their mail order catalogue, selling sizes from 10 to 20 with inside leg measurement up to 36". Evans also does a mail order catalogue for women, and an on line shopping service.

'Fine Figures' are a mail order service that offers made to order garments for women sized from 16 to 36.You can choose from their selection of fabrics and the size as well as the hem and sleeve lengths will be made to your own measurements. The prices are very reasonable for a made to measure service, and the designs are timeless classics rather than high fashion.

For men there are also a few mail order companies that cater for Mr. non Average. 'Banks Big and Tall' does as its name suggests supplying clothes for men who are broader or taller than average, in a range of styles that are wearable by both the younger and the more mature customers. Their sizes go up to 72" chest, in short or long fittings, with trousers up to 60" waist with inside leg measurements from 29" to 37". The 'Big Man' catalogue has a similar range but also sells footwear up to size 15, including trainers, formal wear and work wear.

On the subject of footwear try Magnus for men's footwear and socks up to size 17, and women's styles up to size 11. 'Walk Tall' have a range that includes Reebok and Vans trainers up to size 15 that will even satisfy those style conscious teenagers.

Footwear is another item, which you should be fitted for, but if your size is non-standard some of the specialist mail order companies may offer what you are looking for. 'Nature Form' not only sells extra wide shoes, but also sell pairs of two different sizes to meet the needs of people who have odd sized feet. 'Padders' and 'Hotter' have Mail order catalogues with footwear for wider feet, and these are sometimes available through independent High Street shoe shops. 'Wide and Soft' make footwear for swollen feet, at a reasonable price, made to your own measurements. For those with narrow feet look at 'James Inglis' catalogue selling a selection of women's shoes from size 2A to size 9B.

If any of you readers have discovered other sources of clothing or footwear that stretch beyond the average, please let me know and I will add it to my list.

• The Independent Living Centre
• Clothing Advice and Information Service Tel - 01392 687276