The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

Plus-size fashion for women has long been criticized for its lack of
design and originality. In more recent years, however, this has started to
change; an increasing number of big brand names around the world now carry
plus-sized fashion lines that are both fashionable and affordable, a welcome relief
for many. Mix and Match is a clothing chain found across Cairo that is no
exception to the trend. With several branches throughout Cairo, including one
on the often-congested Hassan Sabry Street, Mix and Match – Mix Plus sells
women’s clothing, body wear, jewellery and accessories.

Perusing through the racks of clothing, you can find items in sizes up
to a European size 50. For the tinier, petite shopper, limited quantities of
clothing starting at European size 36 and size S are also available.

The shop is organised according to colour: darker shades can be found in
one section, and progressively lighten into greens, blues, reds and eventually
a ‘summer’ section, where long, billowy dresses with floral prints and a large selection
of light-coloured garments are available.

Mix and Match caters to a specific fashion sense; the shop’s maxi
dresses, skirts and trousers as well as long or short-sleeve shirts, etc, are
generally loose-fitting and conservative. The shop is devoid of any low-cut
shirts or short skirts, and offers garments that do more to hide a woman’s
figure than accentuate it. While the clothing’s overall style is laid-back,
various tops and bottoms can be found that are appropriate for work and ideal
for the woman who prefers a more casual look – most of the clothing is made of
cotton or linen.

A boxy cotton dress in red with blue sequin detailing on the hem and
neckline was one of the store’s nicer finds, selling at 345LE. A simpler
cotton dress costs only 248LE, while a thin, sleeveless shirt retails at 225LE.
Long-sleeved shirts can be found for just under 300LE, depending on the
stitching and detailing.

Surprisingly, Mix and Match carried a few little black dresses that
could be a staple in any woman’s closet. Made of heavyweight cotton with a
simple but chic cut, the LBD was a total steal at only 178LE. Office-appropriate blouses cost around 225LE, while the collection of body
wear (leggings, tops, body suits, etc, in a plethora of colours) is priced close
to either side of the 40LE mark.

Overall, Mix and Match – Mix Plus offers a range of quality clothing in
traditionally unavailable sizes at a reasonably affordable price.