Curvy girl looking for clothes

I'm a curvy gal and I'm kinda doubtful I can find suitable clothing (beyond t-shirts). I've read online and it says that larger sizes are now available in Japan but I'd like to know if this is true or not.

Do I have to go to a specialty store to get like a large or XL? I am in Canada, so our sizing is probably alot different than asia. I know that most sizing tends to be smaller in Japan.

I'm going Nov 19 - the beginning of Dec. I don't know how to dress, should I bring a heavy jacket or a light jacket and other things. In the event it gets really cold and I wanna buy something, will it come in my size?

First, where in Japan are you going to be? If you go to Okinawa, you don't need a coat, but you will need it if you go to Hokkaido.

Second, what do you mean by curvy. Shops like uniqlo, H&M etc have a bigger size range than average Japanese brand, that can have clothes in one size only (or free size). The Japanese size clothes are more or less one size smaller than in Europe, so if I wear S/M in Europe, I have M/L or even sometimes LL in Japan.

As himcia posted, Uniqlo, H&M, Zara, Gap, Next

all stock a variety of sizes intended for Curvy or XL, up to size 16 in most cases. Even some of the Japanese department stores have a limited range of 3L size clothing.

Ok fair enough the north american stores sell larger sizes. but what if I wanted some Japanese fashions made by locals? Like a kimono top...?

Traditional Japanese clothing is pretty free size, if you're looking for kimono (not sure what you mean by 'kimono top,' like a regular shirt using traditional Japanese fabrics? Many brands do make 'wa-gara' japanese print clothing). Most japanese brands run fairly small- I'm an S in the US and an M/L here. I think Japanese L would be about a US 8-10? Some stores have bigger sizes though, you'll just have to hunt more.

Kimono tops I am talking about are kimono-inspired. The sleeves are like a kimono but the middle is somewhat cinched at the waist.

Other than the American brands, I would also recommend Shimamura. They carry clothing for curvy gals from size LL to 4L. They're not made by "locals" but they do reflect the "local" style, like what you see in trendy fashion magazines in Japan for a cheaper price than department stores.

I also remember being in an Aeon mall in Osaka that carried bigger sizing clothes, but prices ranged from 1800-2500 yen for a top. Not sure if other Aeon malls carry the same line.

I think what you are looking for is called a haori. They are basically jackets worn over kimonos. They can be found in kimono shops, department stores or boutiques depending on your size.

I like is sousou, but there is also a one-size-fits-all depending on clothes.
Here is the site of the American version.
http://www.sousouus.com/product/kisaragi-poncho-kisaragi-poncho-mohair...
kyoto
http://www.timeout.jp/en/kyoto/venue/1063/Sou-Sou
tokyo
http://www.tokyocraftguide.com/sou-sou/
Shop here seems to be selling a little one-size-fits-all and LL size.
http://www.pagong.jp/en/
http://pagong.jp/
http://pagong.jp/sizeformat2014ss

http://www.michiganbusiness.us/images/kimono.jpg
http://assets.burdastyle.com/project_images/assets/000/087/292/Kimono_...

OP, are you looking for something like this? I haven't seen much of those in Japan tbh.

Too much cleavage for Japanese tastes (despite the fact that you could wear a top underneath)

Yes Asanana, that is the top I am looking for!

Is Shimura a large sized store entirely? I wear a size 12/14. I don't go to plus size stores because they are too big for me. I'm in between :(

Shimamura carries regular size clothes in addition to the larger sizes. I am the same size as you are and I've been able to find clothes there that fit.