For an expert opinion, we spoke to stylist Helen Richardson, who specialises in helping real women ... clothing to make it work for you... Editor's Note H&M's plus-size cream long-sleeve top ...

The retailer really shines in button-up shirts and work pants ... US is variously reported to be between size 14 to 18, which means more women wear plus sizes than straight sizes in the US.

And even certain brands that sell “plus-size” jeans cut corners by working from the same patterns used for their straight sizes, with (often thin) designers not designing for curves ...

there are now dozens of stores committed to making elevated plus-size clothing for women. Trailblazers like Marina Rinaldi and Christian Siriano, who have offered plus sizes for decades ...