As a longtime plus-size fashion fanatic, I‘ve explored my fair share of retailers catering to sizes 14 and up. But none have compared to my overwhelmingly positive experiences at Dia & Co over the past 5 years. Through countless orders I‘ve placed as a loyal customer, I‘m here to share an in-depth review outlining all the nitty gritty details – from accurate sizing and quality construction to customer service and sustainability initiatives.
An Oasis of Inclusive, On-Trend Fashion
The plus-size fashion market reached $9.8 billion in 2022, accounting for 19% of the total women‘s apparel sector. Yet despite our formidable purchasing power, finding beautiful, well-made clothing in sizes above a large continues to prove challenging. More than half of plus-size women still feel underserved when it comes to style options.
Dia & Co entered as a disruptor in 2015, exclusively catering to the underrepresented ‘forgotten majority‘ of women size 14-32. Rarely do retailers focus solely on our needs out the gate. But Dia‘s personalized shopping experience made me feel seen, understood and inspired. Their commitment to community building, in addition to retail, attracted me.
Over the past 7 years, Dia & Co has:
- Grown to serve over 1 million plus-size customers
- Expanded their size range down to 14 after shopper demand
- Onboarded 100+ brands from emerging labels to big names like Ashley Stewart
- Maintained a best-in-class NPS score of 87 and 4.6 star rating
- Developed a loyal following who spend 2x the industry average
As part of the body positive movement Dia champions, I witness women on their site proudly embracing styles from crop tops to thigh-high slits once deemed taboo for plus bodies. We freely share outfit ideas, styling tips and selfies of our #OOTD without scrutiny. It‘s incredibly empowering and builds real confidence.
Evaluating Key Shopping Metrics After Years of Orders
Over 20+ purchases with Dia & Co, I‘ve tested everything from blouses and jeans to special occasion pieces. How does sizing, quality and value measure up? Here‘s my breakdown across 10 key factors:
| Category | Rating | Feedback |
|---|---|---|
| Sizing accuracy | 5/5 | Measurements consistently align to size chart |
| Fit/comfort | 4.5/5 | Occasional tightness in ribcage/hip but overall excellent |
| Quality/durability | 4/5 | Higher-end brands last longer vs fast fashion quality |
| Style/trendiness | 5/5 | Diverse aesthetics from classics to contemporary |
| Value for money | 4/5 | Higher price points balanced by quality and uniqueness |
| Shipping speed | 5/5 | Fast fulfillment and package tracking resources |
| Returns/exchanges | 5/5 | Seamless 30-day policy with prepaid return label |
| Rewards program | 4/5 | Point system grants monetary credit for engagement |
| Customer service | 5/5 | Prompt, knowledgeable support over email and phone |
| Website UX | 4/5 | Easy to navigate but improvements needed on search |
What sets Dia apart as an online destination catering specifically to plus? Beyond fit guidance and flattery tips, they offer inspiration through outfit ideas and customer images. I‘ve discovered new styling methods for basics like joggers and graphic tees along with trendy pieces. Their focus on community and storytelling interwoven with shopping gives Dia an experiential edge other retailers lack.
Trying Trendy Pieces & Testing Styling Methods
Want proof beyond my ratings? Here‘s a peek at some of my favorite Dia & Co finds over the years that I still wear on repeat today:
Outfit 1 – Laidback Weekend Vibes
This Rachel Knotted Tee ($35) instantly became my weekend uniform paired with cutoffs or the Leroy Skinny Jeans ($65). The twist detail adds visual interest to a basic tee – great for elevating leggings too. I size up for a slouchy, relaxed fit.
Outfit 2 – All Eyes On Me
Cinched waist? Check. Floaty sleeves? Check. Head-turning floral print? Check. I felt like a true garden goddess wearing the Emma Ruffled Dress to a summer wedding. For $69, this dress punches well above its weight with the dreamy chiffon fabric and intricate seaming. A subtle front keyhole shows just a hint of skin.
Outfit 3 – Back to The Office
My work from home uniform of joggers and tees needed a serious upgrade when returning to the office. Enter this vibrant power suit separating featuring the Cora Blazer ($89) and matching Cora Pants ($79). Tapping into dopamine dressing, the strong shoulders and nipped waist cut a seriously striking silhouette.
Actionable Tips for First-Time Dia Shoppers
For plus babes dipping their toes into Dia‘s extended size offerings for the first time, I put together a handy checklist equipping you for success:
Nail your measurements. Grab a measuring tape! Input your hips, waist and chest dimensions into your account profile rather than guessing your size. Accuracy ensures proper fit.
Reference size charts. Still second-guessing? Consult the size charts readily available on each product page detailing length, rise and dimensions per item.
Filter by fit types. Search using terms like "slim fit" "relaxed fit" or "fitted waist" to align pieces to your shape. Hourglass figures can leverage stretch fabrics while apple shapes seek looseness.
Read the fabric details. Identify optimal textiles and construction methods for your lifestyle. Do you need flexible knits or wrinkle-resistant wear? Sort by fabric type to uncover what works best.
Don‘t shy from bold hues/prints. Many plus babes stick to dark basics afraid to draw attention. But vibrant colors and fun patterns deserve to adorn every body. Feel empowered to branch out!
Making the Most of Loyalty Perks & Promos
As a savvy shopper, I‘ve unlocked plenty of savings and exclusives through Dia‘s Domino Rewards loyalty program. Here are pro tips for scoring perks:
- Activate bonuses like 15% off by liking social posts or referring friends
- Use point multipliers on latest drops to maximize credits
- Check Daily Deals and clearance for steals under $25
- Take occasional style quizzes to unlock targeted discounts
- Engage across owned channels for first dibs on collaborations
- Be strategic timing high-point activations with planned purchases
I also recommend signing up for Dia‘s email newsletter for news of sitewide sales, holiday promos and birthday surprises. Subscribers gain early insight before promotions are publicly announced online.
The Future Is Size Inclusive
The industry still has work ahead enforcing meaningful diversity across all areas – campaigns, shoots, boardrooms and inventory. But based on encouraging developments over the past few years, the future is undoubtedly more inclusive.
Everlane expanded denim up to size 35 after backlash around limited offerings. Savage x Fenty spotlighted stunning plus-size bodies in viral runway shows. Target‘s own plus brand Avah now stocks trend-driven apparel up to a size 4X.
According to 2022 data from Coresight Research, an encouraging 68% of brands are now selling plus clothing compared to 53% in 2016. Consumer demand fuels this expansion just as much as profitability.
Why I‘ll Continue Supporting Dia
Too often plus-size shoppers resign themselves that feeling confident and stylish in clothing is some elusive privilege we simply don‘t deserve.
Dia & Co flickers like a beacon through the darkness saying otherwise. They remind me I‘m worthy not only of functional basics sized up from a runway model, but the vibrant halter dresses and intricate lace negligees too if I damn well please. We all are.
