On the Blog
Why You’ll Always Find All Sizes on Our Racks – Not Just Online
At Proud Poppy Clothing, we’re proud to stock sizes 6 to 30 in store - because everyone deserves the same amazing shopping experience, no matter their size. Why We Don’t Believe in “Online Only” Sizing - And Never Will When I first launched Proud Poppy, I didn’t just dream of creating a clothing label - I dreamed of creating a space that brought people together. A space where every woman, no matter her size, could walk into a store, feel amazing, and leave with something that made her heart happy. And not just online. In person. In real life. On the shop floor. With a friend. With confidence. Because what good is inclusive sizing if it’s hidden in the back or only available from behind a screen? Size 6 or Size 26 - You Deserve the Same Experience Proud Poppy isn’t just about fashion. It’s about community. It’s about that magical moment when two besties - one who wears a size 6 and one who wears a size 26 - walk into one of our stores and try on the same dress, smile at the same mirror, and feel the same joy. And guess what? That’s not a fluke. That’s intentional. It’s why we do everything we can to make sure that when we have a garment on display in store, we have all available sizes- right there on the rack, ready to try on. What We’ll Never Do (Like, Ever) Here’s my ick: retailers who offer extended sizing online, but don’t stock it in store. Why? Because to me, that says, “We’ll take your money quietly, but we don’t want you in our physical store.” Ugh. Gross. To ask someone to come into a store and then intentionally only have their size hidden out in a back room - or worse, tell them they can only shop online - that is just not it. Everyone deserves to be seen. To be styled. To be celebrated. Not separated. But Here’s the Honest Truth… Each Proud Poppy piece can come in up to 13 sizes. And while we’d love to carry every single style from our online store in all 13 sizes at every location, the reality is… logistics are a beast. The overheads of running stores with enough floor space to be able to do that and still be able to give that magical instore experience to every person that walks through the doors - we just simply couldn’t afford it. So instead, we focus on curating a range of styles in every size - from flowy maxis to figure-hugging staples - so no matter your shape or size, you can find something to fall in love with, in store. And if you fall for a style or print that’s not physically in stock at that moment? Our amazing retail team is ready to help you order it online - right then and there. Because inclusivity doesn’t end with a size tag. It lives in how you’re treated. We’re Not Just a Store. We’re a Movement. From the beginning, Proud Poppy was meant to be more than a fashion brand. It’s a place where women come together, where size doesn’t divide but empowers, and where trying things on is fun, not frustrating. So when you walk into a Proud Poppy store, know this: We see you. We celebrate you. And we will always make sure you’re included on the rack - not just the website. Because fashion should fit your body and your experience. Fashion shouldn’t be feared. It should be fun. Ready to shop our inclusive size range in-store or online? ✨ Find your nearest Proud Poppy store or browse online now - sizes 6 to 30 always welcome.
Why We’ve Partnered with Treet: Giving Proud Poppy Pieces a Second Life
Discover how Proud Poppy’s resale site powered by Treet helps you shop and sell secondhand styles sustainably. Inclusive, circular fashion from sizes 6–30. Proud Poppy x Treet: Sustainable Style That Comes Full Circle At Proud Poppy, we’re all about fashion that makes you feel fabulous - at every size, stage, and season of life. But we also believe in creating a brand that does good, not just looks good. That’s why we’ve partnered with Treet, a resale platform that helps give your pre-loved Proud Poppy pieces a new home. Because what’s better than finding a new fave dress? Helping someone else fall in love with the one you already wore and adored. 💕 So, What Is Treet / Proud Poppy Pre-Loved? Treet is our official resale marketplace - a place where our Proud Poppy community can buy and sell gently-worn, pre loved Proud Poppy pieces. It's like a fashion second-chance love story. Whether your wardrobe needs a spring clean or you missed a drop and want to find that one sold-out piece, Proud Poppy Pre Loved is where it happens. Why We Created Proud Poppy Pre Loved We launched our resale platform to: ✅ Extend the life of your favourite pieces ✅ Reduce waste and landfill impact ✅ Support more size-inclusive, affordable shopping ✅ Create a circular fashion loop that gives back to the community Sustainable fashion doesn’t have to be boring or beige - it can be bright, bold, floral, and fabulous (sound familiar? 😉). The Benefits for YOU 💰 Sell Your Worn Pieces, Earn Cash List your pre-loved Proud Poppy items in just a few clicks. Once they sell, you get paid-it’s that easy. 🔍 Shop Rare & Sold-Out Styles Proud Poppy Pre Loved is often the only place to find limited-edition drops, exclusive prints, or sold out styles from the archives. Think of it as your secret fashion treasure chest. 🌏 Feel Good While Looking Fab Every item bought secondhand means one less piece going to landfill. Together, we're making fashion more sustainable and inclusive. 👭 Support Other Poppies Every purchase helps another woman clean out her closet, make a bit of extra money or credit for a new piece she has been eying off, and share the Proud Poppy love. How It Works List Your Item: Upload a few pics, choose your price, and boom - you’re in business. Buy with Confidence: Every item is verified as Proud Poppy and sold by real members of our community. Ship, Sell, Smile: Once sold, ship your item and get paid. You just made fashion magic. Ready to shop or sell? 👉 Explore the Proud Poppy Pre Loved Resale Shop on Treet Because when we shop together, sell together, and support each other - everyone wins.
Why I Created the Proud Poppy Scrubs Range
Why I Created the Proud Poppy Scrubs Range: Comfort, Colour & Confidence for Every Body As a former emergency nurse turned fashion founder, creating a range of comfortable, colourful, and size-inclusive nursing scrubs was never a matter of if , it was always a matter of when. After years working long shifts in stiff, sweaty uniforms that never quite fit right (or had enough pockets!), I knew firsthand that healthcare heroes and all other scrub wearing legends deserved better. Better fabrics. Better fits. Better colours. And most importantly - scrubs that feel as good as they look. So, we created them. 👩⚕️ Function Meets Feel-Good Fashion The Proud Poppy Scrubs Range was designed with one goal in mind: to help you feel confident, supported, and totally unbothered by bad uniforms - no matter what you do or how long your shift is. Here’s what makes our scrubs stand out in a sea of navy and black: ✅ Comfort-first stretch fabric that moves with your body ✅ Quick-dry technology so you’re not stuck in sweaty scrubs all shift ✅ Multiple pockets (because hands-free is non-negotiable) ✅ Vibrant colours to brighten up even the toughest workday ✅ Sizes 6 to 30 because every body deserves great workwear 🎯 Built by a Nurse. Backed by Our Community. This isn’t just another uniform. These scrubs were born from years of real experience, tested by our incredible Proud Poppy community, and tailored to suit the actual needs of nurses, midwives, carers, health care workers and more across Australia and the world! They’re not boxy. They’re not boring. And they’re definitely not one-size-fits-most. >Our founder Tara, in her nursing days 💬 “Why Do You Need Fashionable Scrubs?” Because confidence is a form of self-care. And just like your patients deserve compassion, you deserve a uniform that works as hard as you do - and makes you feel like you. 🚨 Want to Try Them For Yourself? We’ve just dropped our latest scrubs collection online - available now in sizes 6–30 and ready to ship Australia-wide and internationally. 👉 Shop the Proud Poppy Scrubs Range Now
From Dream to Reality: Proud Poppy Opens in Doncaster Westfield
Better late than never! I haven't had a spare minute since we started the "operation Proud Poppy Doncaster" last week. Now that I'm finally home, on the couch, with a glass of red and watching Survivor I can finally take a minute to take it all in. And wowee what an incredible few days it has been! The long days, 5 million phone calls, clothes hanging, sore feet were all so worth it. Opening day is a bit of a blur. 9-9 we were open & I don't think we had a single minute where one of your smiling faces wasn't in store. So bloody good! I know I've said this before but whenever we open something new you have no idea the relief & to be honest, pure comfort for my anxious internal self, to see so many of you dressed in your best Proud Poppy smiling, waving & waiting outside to be one of the first ones in. It's honestly so nice and reassuring - so for all those early birds, thank you. Doncaster used to be my local shopping centre when I wanted to go for "a good shop". Affectionately known as "The Don" or "Donny" to me, Chaddy was always a bit too bougie & a bit too far, so Donny was my go to.... Until I was a size 18. I loved shopping there, but suddenly my shopping trips turned from cute outfits to bags and shoes and makeup - because they were the only things that now fit. While the fashion industry has come a long way in the last few years, by no means is it truly inclusive. There are so many gorgeous options out there but I find myself googling their size range before I risk stepping in. I am so proud that we are providing the people of Doncaster and surrounds a beautiful store, with gorgeous fashion options that cater to so many different shapes and sizes. Size 18 me 5 years ago would have been rapt. If only she knew where all those disappointing shopping trips and tears in the changerooms would lead her to just a few years later. It led me right here. Here's a few happy snaps from the weekend. But did you even set up a store if you didn't end the day sitting in a box, hiding in the back room?? If you are in the area - pop in and say hi Tara xx
Meet the Clothing Crusader Behind Proud Poppy!
Tara built a community by dressing women of all sizes. When Tara McKeon was on maternity leave in 2019 from her job as an emergency nurse, she didn’t know what to wear.She’d gone from being a size 16 to a size 24, and was struggling to find nice clothes in her new size.“I’d always loved fashion but I couldn’t find anything that made me feel good,” she tells Woman’s Day. “I didn’t want to go out in clothes I didn’t like, so I’d stay at home which made me feel worse. It was a vicious cycle.” Tara, now 38, recalls sitting in a restaurant with her husband watching women go into a clothing store and come out with shopping bags, wishing she could shop there.“I was really happy, but it made me think, but it made me think, ‘Why is this so hard?'” she says.“I wanted to help other women who were feeling the same way as me.”Tara took to the streets of Melbourne, walking into wholesalers, trying to buy packs of clothes in a range of sizes.“I knew I wanted to sell clothes from size 6 to a size 30,” she says."I hated the thought of clothes causing a divide between ‘plus-sized’ and ‘straight-sized’ women.”She called her business Proud Poppy as take on Tall Poppy Syndrome, after being told by many people it wouldn’t work. After Tara posted photos of herself in the dresses on Facebook, women couldn’t get enough. “We started to really build a community,” she says. Five years later, Proud Poppy Clothing has three stores, an in-house design team, 50 staff and a big Facebook community. Tara never returned to her job as a nurse, and her husband Paul, 40, quit his job to work for the company. As well as a wide range of clothes in sizes 6 to 30, they’ve just launched a swimwear range, and a scrubs range for healthcare workers. “I’ve had women say to me that I might not be a nurse anymore but I’ve saved their life,” says Tara. “My aim is to help women celebrate their bodies.” Full article by Woman's Day
NEVER Miss Another Summer
Why I Created This Collection. “I didn’t create a swim collection to sell swimwear. I created it to sell the confidence to wear it. Without that, we end up missing out on creating fun summer memories at the beach with our families and friends and that’s just not good enough.I want women to flick a switch in their minds and get to a place where they don’t give a sh*t what people think and instead they get out there with their families and friends, and live their best lives and just enjoy themselves. I want women who are self-conscious in swimwear to say goodbye to missing out on those family photos at the beach. To stop being the one behind the camera, filling up family photo albums with pictures they aren’t in. This summer, we’re stepping in front of the camera, embracing every moment, and making unforgettable memories in our swimwear.” - Tara, Proud Poppy Founder Our Swimwear Walk Down Cavill Ave. Before our collection dropped, we put the word out to our Proud Poppy community for volunteers who wanted to come strut their stuff with us down busy Cavill Ave on the Gold Coast, in our swimmers. The response was amazing. The idea behind our walk was to put that ‘flick the switch’ idea into action. Together, we put on our Proud Poppy Swim, grabbed a floatie, pressed play on our pink stereo, and sang our way down Cavill Avenue to the beach front. No F**ks Given. Walking into the water, then walking back to our umbrellas: the part so many of us dread when we’re at the beach. Not anymore. Once we reached the beach after our walk down Cavill Avenue, we turned the discomfort we often feel when at the beach on its HEAD. Together we lined up, held hands with the person next to us, and we walked into the ocean together. We wanted to rewire our brains to focus on having fun and living our lives, not worrying about how we look when we’re doing it. For once, this part isn’t about the journey, it’s about the destination. Just get in the ocean! No f**ks given. Feel the water, laugh the laughs, be part of the memories. Just have FUN! Shoutout to our amazing community who made the day so special for us. Thank you for taking time out of your lives to walk with us WHAT A DAY and WHAT A COLLECTION! Tara & the Proud Poppy team xx
Teacher Style 101: Dressing Up the Classroom in Comfort and Style - No Matter Your Size
As educators, do teachers adhere to a dress code? How do they navigate the line between professional attire and personal expression? Let's dive into the world of teacher fashion and discover how dressing like a teacher can be both fun and fashionable, regardless of size. Tara - Proud Poppy Founder & Director wears the Tammin Shirt in Happy Place by Kasey Rainbow in a size 16 How Do Teachers Dress? So how do teachers dress? Teachers master the art of balancing comfort and style in their daily attire. With long hours spent in the classroom, comfort is key. Yet, they also strive to inspire their students through their fashion choices. From flowy pants in fun prints, to chic dresses, teachers embrace versatility in their wardrobe selections. At Proud Poppy, we celebrate teachers of all sizes with our diverse range of teacher dresses. Designed with comfort and style in mind, our collection features playful prints by Kasey Rainbow that add a pop of colour to the classroom. Whether you're a size 6 or 30 or anything in between, our dresses are tailored to empower every woman who wears them no matter what body type you are. Discover the Joy of Kasey Rainbow Prints Unleash your inner creativity with our Kasey Rainbow teacher dresses. From whimsical patterns to bold designs, these dresses exude charm and personality. Stand out in the staff room with eye-catching prints that spark conversation and inspire imagination. Comfort is Key Comfort is Key! Long days in the classroom call for attire that prioritizes comfort without compromising style. Our Tammin shirts boast mid-length sleeves, a hi-low hemline, and a flowy silhouette, perfect for all-day wear. Pair them with our Larsa pants, featuring a wide-leg design and elastic waistband for ultimate comfort. Or perhaps dresses is more your thing - step into the spotlight with our Bonnie maxi dresses, available in a plethora of fun prints. Embrace the maxi style with confidence while enjoying the convenience of pockets for storing classroom essentials. Elevate your teacher wardrobe with these versatile and effortlessly chic dresses. Teacher Style and Fashion Teacher fashion is a delightful blend of comfort, professionalism, and personal flair. At Proud Poppy, we empower educators to express themselves through fashion, offering a curated selection of teacher dresses that combine style and functionality. Embrace the joy of dressing like a teacher and make a statement in the classroom and beyond. Teacher Dresses Online Australia For our Australian teachers, finding stylish and comfortable teacher dresses online in Australia has never been easier. Proud Poppy offers a wide range of teacher dresses that cater to all sizes and styles, ensuring that every teacher can find the perfect outfit for their classroom needs. Emily wears the Maddy Linen Blend Midi Dress in Lilac in a size 16 Global Reach and Community From the Aussie classroom to the US classroom and beyond, Proud Poppy extends its reach worldwide, catering to teachers everywhere. Our commitment to inclusivity and diversity transcends borders, as educators from various cultures and backgrounds embrace our brand. Through our global shipping services, teachers from across the globe can access our curated collection of stylish and comfortable attire designed specifically for the classroom environment. Join the Proud Poppy Community Join our amazing Proud Poppy community and showcase your teacher style on our social media platforms. We love seeing educators express their unique personalities through fashion! Tag us @proudpoppyclothing on Instagram for a chance to be featured on our feed and inspire fellow teachers worldwide. Or join our Proud Poppy VIP private Facebook group where our gorgeous community of women are sharing their thoughts and love for their favourite Proud Poppy pieces. Shop our Proud Poppy Teacher Outfit's Collection Need some inspiration? Whether you are a size 6, or size 30, or any size in between, we honestly have you covered here at Proud Poppy. Shop our Teacher's Outfits Collection or if dresses are more your thing, Shop our Teacher's Dresses Collection