Plus Size Shapewear: What Nanbin Offers and How Sizing Works

Our catalog runs from 3XS to 8XL, depending on the style. Plus size shapewear isn’t just a scaled-up version of the standard pattern: the US standard for apparel body measurements treats plus women’s sizes, 14W to 40W, as a figure type of its own, with its own measurement tables (ASTM D6960). Fabric elasticity, pattern fit and comfort all need to be re-evaluated.

Here’s what we can do, how sizing works, and when custom development is needed.

How Sizes Work Across Our Catalog

Each style has its own regular size run, set by the customer it’s designed for:

• Styles designed for slimmer customers typically run 2XS to 3XL, such as our V-Neck Body Shaper.
• Plus-focused styles are stocked up to 4XL, such as our Shapewear Bodysuit with Shorts.
• Waist cinchers go down to 3XS, for customers after an hourglass shape.

Standard sizes run XS to XL. XL and 1XL are the same size, so plus sizes start at 2XL.

Stock vs Custom

Custom orders: any size. You give us your size range, and we develop the pattern to match.

Stock: depends on current inventory. We keep small quantities of 5XL to 8XL in stock; when those sell out, we restock case by case. Contact us before placing an order to confirm what’s available.

Sizes outside a style’s regular run: available, but they go through the full sampling and bulk process instead of shipping from stock, so plan for extra time.

Nanbin’s Plus Size Product Range

Plus size covers the same product types as our standard line:

• Bodysuits
• Waist trainers
• Shorts
• Tops

Every product type in our standard line is also available in plus size. The only question is whether a style comes from stock or needs custom development.

Fabric considerations: Plus size garments need higher fabric stretch and recovery. Seamless knits stretch further, which suits extended sizes; cut-and-sew garments rely on pattern engineering for fit. For how fabric blends behave, see what fabrics are best for shapewear.

How Sizing Works for Plus Size Shapewear

Our sizing system works two ways:

Standard size grading: We grade from standard sizes into 2XL–3XL using proportional scaling. Suitable for most clients. No custom size chart needed.

Custom size chart: You provide your own measurements (bust, waist, hips, thigh, etc.), and we develop the pattern to match. Best for brands that have precise customer data.

Seamless vs cut-and-sew sizing: In our experience, seamless products have a wider fit tolerance, so one size covers a broader range. Cut-and-sew products fit more precisely but need accurate measurements.

Sampling and fit test: The sampling process is the same as for standard sizes: sample → fit test → adjust → bulk. Plus size sampling usually takes more rounds of fit testing, because pressure points differ across body types.

Key Considerations for Plus Size Shapewear

Higher fabric recovery requirements. Insufficient elasticity leads to rolling edges, poor fit and discomfort. In our experience, fabric choice affects the final product more than the size grading itself.

Compression level. Start at light to medium, with medium as the default for most ranges. Medium has the widest fit tolerance, which matters more in plus sizes, where body shapes vary most. Tighter is not better: fit and comfort decide repeat purchases. See our shapewear compression level guide for how each level sells.

Comfort vs results. The core demand from plus size customers is “effective but wearable.” Over-emphasizing compression can lead to customers not wearing the product at all. We prioritize comfort first, then achieve shaping within that constraint.

Custom Options for Plus Size Lines

All styles support OEM (your tech pack) and ODM (style development).

Dedicated plus size development: This is not simply scaling up a standard pattern. Different body types distribute pressure and volume differently, so plus size development needs new pattern design and engineering. Every plus size specialty line we’ve produced used dedicated patterns.

MOQ and lead time: Varies by style complexity and size span. See order quantities by customization level, and confirm details at inquiry.

FAQ

Are plus size prices the same as standard sizes?
It depends on the style and size span. A wider span needs more patterns, which affects unit pricing. Confirm at inquiry.

Do plus sizes require dedicated patterns?
Sizes within a style’s regular run come from its existing patterns. Sizes outside that run go through sampling and fit testing before bulk.

Can you make 6XL or above?
Yes. Custom orders can be made in any size. For stock, we keep small quantities of 5XL to 8XL and restock depending on demand.

Is the plus size sampling process different from standard?
The flow is the same: requirements → sample → fit test → adjust → bulk. Plus size sampling usually needs more fit test rounds, so expect extra time.

Looking for plus size shapewear? Contact us, tell us your target size range and style needs, and we’ll confirm stock or suggest a custom solution.