Review: Kiyonna’s fabulous 1940s lace dresses…in plus sizes!

Kiyonna Boudoir
Kiyonna Scalloped Boudoir Lace Dress. Cocktail hat from Pinup Girl Clothing.

I’ve shopped with Orange County, CA- based plus size clothing manufacturer Kiyonna since 2007. Their fashions are classy, made in the USA, and designed with curvy figures in mind. What’s more, a good portion of their dresses and separates are retro-inspired. Some of their best sellers include gorgeous 1940s-inspired lace cocktail dresses in sizes 10-32 US. That’s right; 0x-5x! Over the past six years, I’ve worn everything from Kiyonna size 0 to Kiyonna size 3, so I’m well-acquainted with their fit.

Kiyonna’s most iconic piece is the Scalloped Boudoir Lace Dress, a structured ’40s pencil style with softness and stretch. So much stretch, in fact, that you pull these on over your head – no fasteners! If your body normally defies manufacturer size charts because you have boobs, hips, or thighs that put you in two or even three different sizes, the stretch factor makes this one worth a try. I’m a busty pear with very wide hips – 42-32-48″, in fact – and the 0x fits me perfectly. If you have larger arms, you should keep in mind that the lace sleeves are stretchy, but fitted.

Kiyonna Boudoir
Kiyonna Scalloped Boudoir Lace Dress.
Kiyonna Boudoir
Kiyonna Scalloped Boudoir Lace Dress.

It comes in several different colors, some with contrasting lining fabric. There’s even a version in bridal ivory. Mine’s black lace with nude lining.

Kiyonna Retro Glam
Kiyonna Retro Glam Dress.

Another stretchy, top-selling Kiyonna lace concoction is the Retro Glam Lace Dress, an A-line piece with less fitted sleeves, a pretty satin sash, and vintage-style rhinestone brooch. Yes, it comes with the brooch! This one comes in black lace (with several jewel-tone lining options) as well as bridal ivory.

The Luna Lace Dress is a relative newcomer to the Kiyonna universe, but it’s got a 1950s illusion-bodice style that really appeals! I chose this one in a pretty taupe-gray lace. This one is a bit more fitted in the bodice and upper arms than the others, if you have beefier arms like i do!

Kiyonna Retro Glam
Kiyonna Retro Glam Dress.
Luna Lace
Kiyonna Luna Lace Dress.

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