JMS new clothing line is a win for plus size women.

I was very pleased to be invited to the unveiling of the new fashion line from JMS. You are undoubtedly familiar with the exclusively plus size manufacturer. I’ve liked this company for a long time, not just because they made quality bras for my size, but because they use plus size models in all their marketing. The clothing seen in the ads is “actual size” and I applaud the company for their use of larger size models.

Maybe you already wear their bras and panties, sportswear and bathing suits? I sure do. Good fabrics, well made, and they fit well because the fit models that they use are size 18/20, not size 4 and sized up. JMS is now sharing what they know about clothing that fits a full-figure with a new line of casual wear.

Admittedly, I was a little nervous. Sure they know sportswear, but there’s a big difference between sweatpants and a well fitting maxi dress that caresses your curves and floats like a summer day on a Caribbean island from shoulder to ankle. Turns out, they know how to do that too. I am honestly very pleased with this collection.

The show was at their corporate offices in midtown Manhattan. My good friend Terri Murray, a professional plus-size model and the President of the Association of Image Consultants International (New York Tri-State Chapter), came along for the event.

After the show I was given a private exclusive tour of the clothing with Janet Freedman, Director of Design for Hanes and JMS. Besides talking about our fabulous grandmothers who taught us how to build a wardrobe, we spent time examining the product. I can tell you that the clothes look good on walking models — meaning that the fabric drapes and moves well on a body in motion, and that the pieces are well made. Seams are strong, details like beading and trim are not going to come off in the first wash and best of all each piece ranges from $6 – $22. Grandma Rose, who spent her life working as a seamstress and expert milliner in NYC sweatshops always said, “it’s better to have 5 or 6 very well made pieces in your closet and build an outfit with other, simpler pieces. Don’t break the bank bubbeleh.” Grandma Rose would approve of this new collection.

JMS has signed an exclusive with Walmart and the line will be available through the JMS website and in Walmart stores around the country. There will be new items in stores monthly. At a time when we are seeing the complete removal of plus size sections from department store selling floors, Walmart has chosen to dramatically increase the plus size section on their selling floor. The line is available in sized 16-28 and some items to 5x.

Janet, a plus size woman herself, shared with me her passion for bringing affordable contemporary casual wear to the marketplace. “Look at your budget and buy the best pieces you can afford that will mix and match with what you already have. Clothing that is made well will look good whether you are running errands or going out to dinner. I can change the entire look of my outfit with a few accessories and the basic pieces cost a total of $64. Our new line is all about celebrating our curves!” Sounds good to me. I certainly plan on wearing these clothes. I think they are perfect additions to my wardrobe and will offer affordable flexibility in outfit planning.

Janet has graciously agreed to make herself available to A Celebration of Curves readers. Here is your opportunity to talk directly to the designer of an international clothing line. She has offered (quite amazingly I think) that if you comment here on things you want from a fashion line, things that are missing in your wardrobe, fit problems, and style needs, “please let me know so that I can make it for them.” I have rarely felt such a heartfelt and personal connection between a company and their customer. Now, let’s go shopping!